A new series of pillared uranyl-vanadates based on uranophane-type sheets in the uranium-vanadium-linear alkyl diamine systems

A new family of three-dimensional (3D) uranyl vanadates (C₃N₂H₁₂){[(UO₂)(H₂O)][(UO₂)(VO₄)]₄}·1H₂O (C3UV), (C₄N₂H₁₄){[(UO₂)(H₂O)][(UO₂)(VO₄)]₄}·2H₂O (C4UV), (C₅N₂H₁₆) {[(UO₂)(H₂O)][(UO₂)(VO₄)]₄} (C5UV), (C₆N₂H₂₀) {[(UO₂)(H₂O)][(UO₂)(VO₄)]₄} (C6UV) and (C₇N₂H₂₂) {[(UO₂)(H₂O)][(UO₂)(VO₄)]₄} (C7UV) was prepared from mild-hydrothermal reactions using 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,4-diaminobutane, 1,5-diaminopentane, 1,6-diaminohexane and 1,7-diaminoheptane as structure directing agents. The five compounds are orthorhombic, space group Cmc2₁, with a≈15.6, b≈14.1, c≈13.6 Å. The structures were solved using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The compounds contain the same three-dimensional inorganic framework built from uranyl-vanadate layers of uranophane-type anion topology pillared by [UO₆(H₂O)] pentagonal bipyramids. The doubly protonated diamines reside in the cavities created by the inorganic framework and are linked to the inorganic framework through hydrogen bonds involving one nitrogen atom. The structure is compared with that of uranyl-phosphates and uranyl-arsenates containing alkaline metals. The use of alkaline metals for the synthesis of uranyl-vanadates leads to carnotite-type compounds.     

Structures and syntheses of framework triuranyl diarsenate hydrates

Two homeotypic hydrated uranyl arsenates, (UO₂)[(UO₂)(AsO₄)]₂(H₂O)₄, UAs4, and (UO₂)[(UO₂)(AsO₄)]₂(H₂O)₅, UAs5 were synthesized by hydrothermal methods. Intensity data were collected at room temperature using MoKα X-radiation and a CCD-based area detector. Their crystal structures were solved by direct methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares techniques on the basis of F² to agreement indices (UAs4, UAs5) wR₂=0.116, 0.060, for all data, and R₁=0.046, 0.033, calculated for 3176, 5306 unique observed reflections (|F_o|>4σ_F) respectively. UAs4 is monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, Z=4, a=11.238(1), b=7.152(1), c=21.941(2)Å, β=104.576(2)°, V=1706.8(1)ų, D_calc=4.51 g/cm³. UAs5 is orthorhombic, space group Pca2₁, Z=4, a=20.133(2), b=11.695(1), c=7.154(1)Å, V=1684.4(1)ų, D_calc=4.65 g/cm³. Both structures contain sheets of arsenate tetrahedra and uranyl pentagonal bipyramids, with composition [(UO₂)(AsO₄)]¹⁻ and the uranophane sheet anion-topology. The sheets are connected by a uranyl pentagonal bipyramid in the interlayer that shares corners with an arsenate tetrahedron on each of two adjacent sheets, resulting in open-frameworks with isolated H₂O groups in the larger cavities of the structures. The uranyl arsenate sheet in UAs4 is relatively planar, and is topologically identical with the uranyl phosphate sheet in (UO₂)[(UO₂)(PO₄)]₂(H₂O)₄. The uranyl arsenate sheet in UAs5 is the same geometrical isomer as in UAs4, but is highly corrugated, exhibiting approximately right angle bends of the sheet after every second uranyl arsenate chain repeat.     

Structures and synthesis of framework Rb and Cs uranyl arsenates and their relationships with their phosphate analogues

Two hydrated uranyl arsenates, Cs₂(UO₂)[(UO₂)(AsO₄)]₄(H₂O)₂ (CsUAs) and Rb₂(UO₂)[(UO₂)(AsO₄)]₄(H₂O)_4.5 (RbUAs), were synthesized by hydrothermal methods. Intensity data were collected at room temperature using MoKα radiation and a CCD-based area detector. The crystal structure of RbUAs was solved by direct methods, whereas the structure model of the phosphate Cs₂(UO₂)[(UO₂)(PO₄)]₄(H₂O)₂ was used for CsUAs; both were refined by full-matrix least-squares techniques on the basis of F² to agreement indices (CsUAs, RbUAs) wR₂=0.061,0.041, for all data, and R₁=0.032,0.021, calculated for 5098, 4991 unique observed reflections (|F_o|>4σ_F), respectively. The compound CsUAs is orthorhombic, space group Cmc2₁, Z=4, a=15.157(2), b=14.079(2), c=13.439(2) Å, V=2867.9(1) Å³. RbUAs is monoclinic, space group C2/m, Z=4, a=13.4619(4), b=15.8463(5), c=14.0068(4) Å, β=92.311(1)°, V=2985.52(2) Å³. The structures consist of sheets of arsenate tetrahedra and uranyl pentagonal bipyramids, with composition [(UO₂)(AsO₄)]⁻, that are topologically identical to the uranyl silicate sheets in uranophane-beta. These sheets are connected by a uranyl pentagonal bipyramid in the interlayer that shares corners with two arsenate tetrahedra on each of two adjacent sheets and whose fifth equatorial vertex is an H₂O group, resulting in an open framework with alkali metal cations in the larger cavities of the structures. CsUAs is isostructural with its phosphate analogue, and has two Cs atoms and a H₂O group in its structural cavities. RbUAs is not isostructural with its phosphate analogue, although it has a homeotypic framework. Its structural cavities are occupied by three Rb atoms and four H₂O groups; one Rb position and three of the interstitial H₂O groups are half-occupied. The partial occupancies of these positions probably result from the accommodation of the larger As atoms (relative to P) in the framework and resultant larger cavities.     

Synthesis and structure of [C6H14N2][(UO2)4(HPO4)2(PO4)2(H2O)]·H2O: An expanded open-framework amine-bearing uranyl phosphate

A new open-framework compound, [C₆H₁₄N₂][(UO₂)₄(HPO₄)₂(PO₄)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O, (DUP-1) has been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. The resulting structure consists of diprotonated DABCOH₂²⁺ (C₆H₁₄N₂²⁺) cations and occluded water molecules occupying the channels of a complex uranyl phosphate three-dimensional framework. The anionic lattice contains uranophane-like sheets connected by hydrated pentagonal bipyramidal UO₇ units. [C₆H₁₄N₂][(UO₂)₄(HPO₄)₂(PO₄)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O possesses five crystallographically unique U centers. U(VI) is present here in both six- and seven-coordinate environments. The DABCOH₂²⁺ cations are held within the channels by hydrogen bonds to both two uranyl oxygen atoms and a μ₂-O atom. Crystallographic data (193 K, Mo Kα, λ=0.71073 Å): DUP-1, monoclinic, P2₁/n, a=7.017(1) Å, b=21.966(4) Å, c=17.619(3) Å, β=90.198(3)°, Z=4, R(F)=4.76% for 382 parameters with 6615 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

[Ni(H2O)4]3[U(OH,H2O)(UO2)8O12(OH)3], crystal structure and comparison with uranium minerals with U3O8-type sheets

The new U(VI) compound, [Ni(H₂O)₄]₃[U(OH,H₂O)(UO₂)₈O₁₂(OH)₃], was synthesized by mild hydrothermal reaction of uranyl and nickel nitrates. The crystal-structure was solved in the P-1 space group, a=8.627(2), b=10.566(2), c=12.091(4) Å and α=110.59(1), β=102.96(2), γ=105.50(1)°, R=0.0539 and wR=0.0464 from 3441 unique observed reflections and 151 parameters. The structure of the title compound is built from sheets of uranium polyhedra closely related to that in β-U₃O₈. Within the sheets [(UO₂)(OH)O₄] pentagonal bipyramids share equatorial edges to form chains, which are cross-linked by [(UO₂)O₄] and [UO₄(H₂O)(OH)] square bipyramids and through hydroxyl groups shared between [(UO₂)(OH)O₄] pentagonal bipyramids. The sheets are pillared by sharing the apical oxygen atoms of the [(UO₂)(OH)O₄] pentagonal bipyramids with the oxygen atoms of [NiO₂(H₂O)₄] octahedral units. That builds a three-dimensional framework with water molecules pointing towards the channels. On heating [Ni(H₂O)₄]₃[U(OH,H₂O)(UO₂)₈O₁₂(OH)₃] decomposes into NiU₃O₁₀.     

The Crystal Structure of Triuranyl Diphosphate Tetrahydrate

The hydrated neutral uranyl phosphate, (UO₂)₃(PO₄)₂(H₂O)₄, was synthesized by hydrothermal methods. Intensity data were collected using MoKα radiation and a CCD-based area detector. The crystal structure was solved by direct methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares techniques to agreement indices wR₂=0.116 for all data, and R1=0.040, calculated for the 2764 unique observed reflections (∣F_o∣≥4σ_F). The compound is orthorhombic, space group Pnma, Z=4, a=7.063(1) Å, b=17.022(3) Å, c=13.172(3) Å, V=1583.5(5) ų. The structure consists of sheets of phosphate tetrahedra and uranyl pentagonal bipyramids, with composition [(UO₂)(PO₄)]⁻ and the uranophane sheet anion topology. The sheets are connected by a uranyl pentagonal bipyramid in the interlayer that shares corners with a phosphate tetrahedron on each of two adjacent sheets, resulting in an open framework with isolated H₂O groups in the larger cavities of the structure.     

Structures and syntheses of layered and framework amine-bearing uranyl phosphate and uranyl arsenates

Two hydrated uranyl arsenates and a uranyl phosphate were synthesized by hydrothermal methods in the presence of amine structure-directing agents and their structures determined: (N₂C₆H₁₄)[(UO₂)(AsO₄)]₂(H₂O)₃, DabcoUAs, {NH(C₂H₅)₃}[(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)(AsO₃OH)], TriethUAs, and (N₂C₄H₁₂)(UO₂)[(UO₂)(PO₄)]₄(H₂O)₂, PiperUP. Intensity data were collected at room temperature using MoKα X-radiation and a CCD-based area detector. The crystal structures were refined by full-matrix least-squares techniques on the basis of F² to agreement indices (DabcoUAs, TriethUAs, PiperUP) wR₂=5.6%, 8.3%, 7.2% for all data, and R₁=2.9%, 3.3%, 4.0%, calculated for 1777, 5822, 9119 unique observed reflections (|F_o|?4σ_F), respectively. DabcoUAs is monoclinic, space group C2/m, Z=2, a=18.581(1), b=7.1897(4), c=7.1909(4) Å, β=102.886(1)°, V=936.43(9) Å³, D_calc=3.50 g/cm³. TriethUAs is monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, Z=4, a=9.6359(4), b=18.4678(7), c=10.0708(4) Å, β=92.282(1)°, V=1790.7(1) Å³, D_calc=3.41 g/cm³. PiperUP is monoclinic, space group Pn, Z=2, a=9.3278(4), b=15.5529(7), c=9.6474(5) Å, β=93.266(1)°, V=1397.3(1) Å³, D_calc=4.41 g/cm³. The structure of DabcoUAs contains the autunite-type sheet formed by the sharing of vertices between uranyl square bipyramids and arsenate tetrahedra. The triethylenediammonium cations are located in the interlayer along with two H₂O groups and are disordered. Both TriethUAs and PiperUP contain sheets formed of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and tetrahedra (arsenate and phosphate, respectively) with the uranophane sheet-anion topology. In TriethUAs, triethlyammonium cations are located in the interlayer. In PiperUP, the sheets are connected by a uranyl pentagonal bipyramid that shares corners with phosphate tetrahedra of adjacent sheets, resulting in a framework with piperazinium cations and H₂O groups in the cavities of the structure.     

New open-framework in the uranyl vanadates A3(UO2)7(VO4)5O (A=Li, Ag) with intergrowth structure between A(UO2)4(VO4)3 and A2(UO2)3(VO4)2O

New uranyl vanadates A₃(UO₂)₇(VO₄)₅O (M=Li (1), Na (2), Ag (3)) have been synthesized by solid-state reaction and their structures determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data for 1 and 3. The tetragonal structure results of an alternation of two types of sheets denoted S for _∞²[UO₂(VO₄)₂]⁴⁻ and D for _∞²[(UO₂)₂(VO₄)₃]⁵⁻ built from UO₆ square bipyramids and connected through VO₄ tetrahedra to _∞¹[U(3)O₅-U(4)O₅]⁸⁻ infinite chains of edge-shared U(3)O₇ and U(4)O₇ pentagonal bipyramids alternatively parallel to a- and b-axis to construct a three-dimensional uranyl vanadate arrangement. It is noticeable that similar _∞[UO₅]⁴⁻ chains are connected only by S-type sheets in A₂(UO₂)₃(VO₄)₂O and by D-type sheets in A(UO₂)₄(VO₄)₃, thus A₃(UO₂)₇(VO₄)₅O appears as an intergrowth structure between the two previously reported series. The mobility of the monovalent ion in the mutually perpendicular channels created in the three-dimensional arrangement is correlated to the occupation rate of the sites and by the geometry of the different sites occupied by either Na, Ag or Li. Crystallographic data: 293 K, Bruker X8-APEX2 X-ray diffractometer equipped with a 4 K CCD detector, MoKα, λ=0.71073 Å, tetragonal symmetry, space group P4¯m2, Z=1, full-matrix least-squares refinement on the basis of F²; 1,a=7.2794(9) Å, c=14.514(4) Å, R1=0.021 and wR2=0.048 for 62 parameters with 782 independent reflections with I?2σ(I); 3, a=7.2373(3) Å, c=14.7973(15) Å, R1=0.041 and wR2=0.085 for 60 parameters with 1066 independent reflections with I?2σ(I).     

Syntheses, structures, characterizations and charge-density matching of novel amino-templated uranyl selenates

Five hybrid organic-inorganic uranyl selenates have been synthesized, characterized and their structures have been determined. The structure of (C₂H₈N)₂[(UO₂)₂(SeO₄)₃(H₂O)] (EthylAUSe) is monoclinic, P2₁, a=8.290(1), b=12.349(2), c=11.038(2) Å, β=104.439(4)°, V=1094.3(3) Å³, Z=2, R₁=0.0425. The structure of (C₇H₁₀N)₂[(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(H₂O)]H₂O (BenzylAUSe) is orthorhombic, Pna2₁, a=24.221(2), b=11.917(1), c=7.4528(7) Å, V=2151.1(3) Å³, Z=4, R₁=0.0307. The structure of (C₂H₁₀N₂)[(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(H₂O)](H₂O)₂ (EDAUSe) is monoclinic, P2₁/c, a=11.677(2), b=7.908(1), c=15.698(2) Å, β=98.813(3)°, V=1432.4(3) Å³, Z=4, R₁=0.0371. The structure of (C₆H₂₂N₄)[(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(H₂O)](H₂O) (TETAUSe) is monoclinic, P2₁/n, a=13.002(2), b=7.962(1), c=14.754(2) Å, β=114.077(2)°, V=1394.5(3) Å³, Z=4, R₁=0.0323. The structure of (C₆H₂₁N₄)[(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(HSeO₄)] (TAEAUSe) is monoclinic, P2₁/m, a=9.2218(6), b=12.2768(9), c=9.4464(7) Å, β=116.1650(10)°, V=959.88(12) Å³, Z=2, R₁=0.0322. The inorganic structural units in these compounds are composed of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and selenate tetrahedra. In each case, tetrahedra link bipyramids through vertex-sharing, resulting in chain or sheet topologies. The charge-density matching principle is discussed relative to the orientations of the organic molecules between the inorganic structural units.     

Crystal Structures of Three Framework Alkali Metal Uranyl Phosphate Hydrates

Three homeotypic hydrated alkali metal uranyl phosphates, A₂(UO₂)[(UO₂)(PO₄)]₄(H₂O)₂, A=Cs (CsUP), Rb (RbUP), K (KUP), were synthesized by hydrothermal methods. Intensity data were collected at room temperature using MoKα radiation and a CCD-based area detector. Their crystal structures were solved by Patterson (CsUP) and direct (RbUP, KUP) methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares techniques to agreement indices (CsUP, RbUP, KUP) wR₂=0.048, 0.230, 0.072 for all data, and R1=0.023, 0.078, 0.038 calculated for 5338, 4738, 4514 unique observed reflections (∣F_o∣≥4σ_F), respectively. The compound CsUP is orthorhombic, space group Cmc2₁, Z=4, a=14.854(1), b=13.879(1), c=12.987(1) Å, V=2677.5(3) ų. Both RbUP and KUP are monoclinic, space group Cm, but are presented in the unconventional pseudo-orthorhombic space group Fm11 to facilitate comparison with CsUP and to allow a model for RbUP that includes the effects of pseudo-merohedral twinning. RbUP is monoclinic, space group Fm11, Z=4, a=15.72(2), b=13.84(1), c=13.05(1) Å, α=90.39°(2), V=2839(5) ų; KUP is monoclinic, space group Fm11, Z=4, a=15.257(1), b=13.831(1), c=13.007(1) Å, α=91.760°(1), V=2743.4(3) ų. The structures consist of sheets of phosphate tetrahedra and uranyl pentagonal bipyramids, with composition [(UO₂)(PO₄)]⁻, that are topologically identical to the uranyl silicate sheets in uranophane-beta. These sheets are connected by a uranyl pentagonal bipyramid in the interlayer that shares corners with two phosphate tetrahedra on each of two adjacent sheets and whose fifth equatorial vertex is an H₂O group, resulting in an open framework with alkali metal cations in the larger cavities of the structures. Where CsUP and RbUP have two alkali metal positions and a H₂O group in these cavities, KUP has four K atoms and two H₂O groups, all of which are partially occupied, in the interstitial sites.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, structure and thermal stability of diamine templated layered uranyl-vanadates

Six new layered uranyl vanadates (NH₄)₂[(UO₂)₂V₂O₈] (1), (H₂EN)[(UO₂)₂V₂O₈] (2), (H₂DAP)[(UO₂)₂V₂O₈] (3), (H₂PIP)[(UO₂)₂(VO₄)₂].0,8H₂O (4), (H₂DMPIP)[(UO₂)₂V₂O₈] (5), (H₂DABCO)[(UO₂)₂(VO₄)₂] (6) were prepared from mild-hydrothermal reactions using 1,2-ethylenediamine (EN); 1,3-diaminopropane (DAP); piperazine (PIP); 1-methylpiperazine (MPIP); 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane (DABCO). The structures of 1, 4, 5 and 6 were solved using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data while the structural models of 2 and 3 were established from powder X-ray diffraction data. In compounds 1, 2, 3 and 5, the uranyl-vanadate layers are built from dimers of edge-shared UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and dimers of edge-shared VO₅ square pyramids further connected through edge-sharing. In 1 and 3, the layers are identical to that occurring in the carnotite group of uranyl-vanadates. In 2 and 5, the V₂O₈ dimers differ in orientation leading to a new type of layer. The layers of compound 4 and 6 are built from chains of edge-shared UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids connected by VO₄ tetrahedra and are of uranophane-type anion topology. For the six compounds, the ammonium or organoammonium cation resides in the space between the inorganic layers. Crystallographic data: 1 monoclinic, space group P2₁/c with a=6.894(2), b=8.384(3), c=10.473(4) Å and β=106.066(5)°, 2 monoclinic, space group P2₁/a with a=13.9816(6), b=8.6165(3), c=10.4237(3) Å and γ=93.125(3)°, 3 orthorhombic, space group Pmcn with a=14.7363(8), b=8.6379(4) and c=10.4385(4) Å, 4 monoclinic, space group C2/m with a=15.619(2), b=7.1802(8), c=6.9157(8) Å and β=101.500(2)°, 5 monoclinic, space group P2₁/b with a=9.315(2), b=8.617(2), c=10.5246(2) Å and γ=114.776(2)°, 6 monoclinic, space group C2/m with a=17.440(2), b=7.1904(9), c=6.8990(8) Å and β=98.196(2)°.     

Combinatorial topology of uranyl molybdate sheets: syntheses and crystal structures of (C6H14N2)3[(UO2)5(MoO4)8](H2O)4 and (C2H10N2)[(UO2)(MoO4)2]

Two new mixed organic-inorganic uranyl molybdates, (C₆H₁₄N₂)₃[(UO₂)₅(MoO₄)₈](H₂O)₄ (1) and (C₂H₁₀N₂)[(UO₂)(MoO₄)₂] (2), have been obtained by hydrothermal methods. The structure of 1 [triclinic, , Z=1, a=11.8557(9), b=11.8702(9), c=12.6746(9) Å, α=96.734(2)°, β=91.107(2)°, γ=110.193(2)°, V=1659.1(2) Å] has been solved by direct methods and refined on the basis of F² for all unique reflections to R1=0.058, which was calculated for the 5642 unique observed reflections (|F_o|?4σ_F). The structure contains topologically novel sheets of uranyl square bipyramids, uranyl pentagonal bipyramids, and MoO₄ tetrahedra, with composition [(UO₂)₅(MoO₄)₈]⁶⁻, that are parallel to (−101). H₂O groups and 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]-octane (DABCO) molecules are located in the interlayer, where they provide linkage of the sheets. The structure of 2 [triclinic, , Z=2, a=8.4004(4), b=11.2600(5), c=13.1239(6) Å, α=86.112(1)°, β=86.434(1)°, γ=76.544(1)°, V=1203.14(10) Å] has been solved by direct methods and refined on the basis of F² for all unique reflections to R1=0.043, which was calculated for 5491 unique observed reflections (|F_o|?4σ_F). The structure contains topologically novel sheets of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and MoO₄ tetrahedra, with composition [(UO₂)(MoO₄)₂]²⁻, that are parallel to (110). Ethylenediamine molecules are located in the interlayer, where they provide linkage of the sheets. All known topologies of uranyl molybdate sheets of corner-sharing U and Mo polyhedra can be described by their nodal representations (representations as graphs in which U and Mo polyhedra are given as black and white vertices, respectively). Each topology can be derived from a simple black-and-white graph of six-connected black vertices and three-connected white vertices by deleting some of its segments and white vertices.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and investigations on the dehydration reaction of the new coordination polymers poly[diaqua-(μ2-squarato-O,O′)-(μ2-4,4′-bipyridine-N,N′)Me(II)] hydrate (Me=Co, Ni, Fe)

The three new isostructural coordination polymers poly[diaqua-(μ₂-squarato-O,O′)-(μ₂-4,4′-bipyridine-N,N′)Me(II)] hydrate (Me=Fe, Co, Ni) were prepared by hydrothermal reaction. All compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with 4 formula units in the unit cell (a=18.893 (1) Å, b=11.450 (1) Å, c=8.0985 (4) Å, β=93.032 (5)°, V=1749.5 (2) ų, [Fe(C₄O₄)(C₁₀H₈)(H₂O)₂]·(H₂O)₃; a=18.937 (1) Å, b=11.342 (1) Å, c=8.0545 (5) Å, β=91.83 (1)°, V=1725.3 (2) ų, [Co(C₄O₄)(C₁₀H₈)(H₂O)₂] · (H₂O)₃; a=18.271 (1) Å, b=11.340 (1) Å, c=7.8946 (4) Å, β=90.69 (5)°, V=1633.1 (2) ų, [Ni(C₄O₄)(C₁₀H₈)(H₂O)₂](H₂O)_1.7). In the crystal structures the metal atoms are coordinated by two squarate dianions, two 4,4′-bipyridine ligands and two water molecules. The metal atoms are connected via the squarate dianions and the 4,4′-bipyridine ligands into layers, which interpenetrate forming a three-dimensional coordination network. This arrangement yields channels in which additional water molecules are embedded. Thermoanalytic investigations show that upon heating the channel water is removed in the first step and that the water coordinated to the metal atoms is emitted in the second step. Both steps are fully reversible with the former reaction proceeding via a topotactic reaction. The hydration and dehydration of the compounds are accompanied with a continuous change of the color of the materials. The de- and reintercalation processes were investigated using single crystal structure analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, temperature-dependent X-ray powder diffraction, simultaneous differential thermoanalysis and thermogravimetry coupled to mass spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and time-dependent UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results of the investigations are discussed and compared with those for the previously reported manganese compound.     

Synthesis, structure determination, and infrared spectroscopy of (NpO2)2(SO4)(H2O)4: Prevalence of cation-cation interactions and cationic nets in neptunyl sulfate compounds

The compound (NpO₂)₂(SO₄)(H₂O)₄ was synthesized by evaporation of a Np⁵⁺ sulfate solution. The crystal structure was determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction and refined to an R₁=0.0310. (NpO₂)₂(SO₄)(H₂O)₄ crystallizes in triclinic space group P-1, a=8.1102(7) Å, b=8.7506(7) Å, c=16.234(1) Å, α=90.242(2)°, β=92.855(2)°, γ=113.067(2)°, V=1058.3(2) Å³, and Z=2. The structure contains neptunyl pentagonal bipyramids that share vertices through cation-cation interactions to form a sheet or cationic net. The sheet is decorated on each side by vertex sharing with sulfate tetrahedra, and adjacent sheets are linked together through hydrogen bonding. A graphical representation of (NpO₂)₂(SO₄)(H₂O)₄ was constructed to facilitate the structural comparison to similar Np⁵⁺ compounds. The prevalence of the cationic nets in neptunyl sulfate compounds related to the overall stability of the structure is also discussed.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of two layered indium oxalates with 12-membered apertures

Two layered indium oxalates, In(C₂O₄)_2.5(C₃N₂H₁₂)(H₂O)₃, I, and In(C₂O₄)_1.5(H₂O)₃, II, have been hydrothermally synthesized. In I, the linkage between indium and oxalate units gives rise to a sheet with a rectangular 12-membered aperture (six indium atoms and six oxalate units). Indium atom of II has an unusual pentagonal bipyramidal coordination arrangement. The connectivity between indium and oxalate units forms a neutral puckered layer with 12- (along a-axis) and eight-membered (along b-axis) apertures. Crystal data for these two indium oxalates are as follows: I, triclinic, space group: P-1 (No. 2), a=8.725(3) Å, b=9.170(3) Å, c=9.901(3) Å, α=98.101(4)°, β=97.068(4)°, γ=102.403(4)°, V=756.3(4) Å³, Z=2, M=463.0(5), ρ_calc=2.042 g/cm³, R₁=0.0377, wR₂=0.0834. II, monoclinic, space group: P2₁/c (No. 14), a=10.203(5) Å, b=6.638(1) Å, c=11.152(7) Å, β=95.649(4)°, V=751.7(4)ų, Z=4, M=300.9(0), ρ_calc=2.659 g/cm³, R₁=0.0229, wR₂=0.0488. TG analyses indicate the water molecules of I can be removed at 150°C. The dehydrated product retains structural integrity.     

Synthesis, structure, and properties of the first trimetallic phosphate [Ni(H2O)4]Cd(VO)(PO4)2 with neutral 3-D pillared-layer framework

Hydrothermal reactions of VOSO₄·3H₂O, CdAc₂·2H₂O, NiCl₂·6H₂O, H₃PO₄, and H₂O yield the first example of trimetallic phosphate materials, [Ni(H₂O)₄]Cd(VO)(PO₄)₂1. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows that its structure consists of Cd/V/O binary metal oxide lamellas decorated by PO₄ tetrahedra, which are further pillared by NiO₂(H₂O)₄ octahedra to generate a neutral 3-D framework containing two intercrossing 8-MR channels where the coordinated water molecules protrude into. Thermal and magnetic behaviors of this material were also measured. Crystal data: CdNiVP₂O₁₃H₈, orthorhombic Ibca (No.73), a=7.1307(2) Å, b=18.6248(3) Å, c=14.8046(2) Å, V=1966.17(7) Å³, Z=8.     

Novel Inorganic Coordination Polymers Based on Cadmium Oxalates

Three new cadmium oxalate coordination polymers, I-III, with extended layered structures have been synthesized in the presence of imidazole. While I was prepared by the reaction between imidazolium oxalate and Cd, II and III were synthesized from their constituents using hydrothermal methods. [Cd(C₂O₄)(C₃N₂H₄)]_∞ (I): monoclinic, space group P2₁/c (no. 14), a=8.7093(1) Å, b=9.9477(3) Å, c=8.4352 Å, β=93.796(1)°, Z=4; [Cd(C₂O₄)₂(C₃N₂H₄)₃(H₂O)]_∞ (II): monoclinic, space group P2₁/c (no. 14), a=7.8614(2) Å, b=14.9332(3) Å, c=15.9153(4) Å β=94.587(1)°, Z=4; [Cd(C₂O₄)₂(C₃N₂H₄)₃(H₂O)]_∞ (III): monoclinic, space group P2₁/c (no. 14), a=11.844(2) Å, b=9.066(1) Å, c=18.583(2) Å, β=103.84(2)°, Z=4. While the structure of I is made from CdO₅N distorted octahedra linked with oxalate, II and III are built-up from CdO₆N, CdO₅N₂ distorted pentagonal bi-pyramids connected to oxalate units. The framework formulas of II and III are identical and their structures closely related. In all the cases, the networking between the Cd-O/N polyhedra and oxalates give rise to layered architectures with the amine molecules pointing in a direction perpendicular to the layers (in the inter-lamellar region). The difference in the linkages between the oxalates and the Cd atoms in I-III, produces unusual Cd-O-Cd one-dimensional chains, which have been observed for the first time.     

Syntheses and structures of three f-element selenite/hydroselenite compounds

The selenite/hydroselenite compounds Ce(SeO₃)(HSeO₃), Tb(SeO₃)(HSeO₃)·2H₂O, and Cs[U(SeO₃)(HSeO₃)]·3H₂O were synthesized by hydrothermal means at 453 K from the reaction of CeO₂ or Tb₄O₇ or UO₂ with SeO₂ and CsCl (as a mineralizer). Ce(SeO₃)(HSeO₃) crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic space group Pca2₁. The structure comprises a two-dimensional network of interconnected CeO₁₀ bicapped distorted square antiprisms and SeO₃ trigonal pyramids. Tb(SeO₃)(HSeO₃)·2H₂O crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁. The structure features a two-dimensional layer of interconnected TbO₈ distorted square antiprisms and SeO₃ trigonal pyramids. Cs[U(SeO₃)(HSeO₃)]·3H₂O crystallizes in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P2₁/n. The structure consists of two-dimensional layers of interconnected UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and SeO₃ trigonal pyramids. The layers in all three structures are held together by hydrogen-bonding networks.     

A novel open-framework with non-crossing channels in the uranyl vanadates A(UO2)4(VO4)3 (A=Li, Na)

A new sodium uranyl vanadate Na(UO₂)₄(VO₄)₃ has been synthesized by solid-state reaction and its structure determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It crystallizes in the tetragonal symmetry with space group I4₁/amd and following cell parameters: a=7.2267(4) Å and c=34.079(4) Å, V=1779.8(2) Å³, Z=4 with ρ_mes=5.36(3) g/cm³ and ρ_cal=5.40(2) g/cm³. A full-matrix least-squares refinement on the basis of F² yielded R₁=0.028 and wR₂=0.056 for 52 parameters with 474 independent reflections with I?2σ(I) collected on a BRUKER AXS diffractometer with MoKα radiation and a CCD detector. The crystal structure is characterized by _∞²[(UO₂)₂(VO₄)] sheets parallel to (001) formed by corner-shared UO₆ distorted octahedra and V(2)O₄ tetrahedra, connected by V(1)O₄ tetrahedra to _∞¹[UO₅]⁴⁻ chains of edge-shared UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids alternately parallel to the a- and b-axis. The resulting three-dimensional framework creates mono-dimensional channels running down the a- and b-axis formed by face-shared oxygen octahedra half occupied by Na. The powder of Li analog compound Li(UO₂)₄(VO₄)₃ has been synthesized by solid-state reaction. The two compounds exhibit high mobility of the alkaline ions within the two-dimensional network of non-intersecting channels.     

Assembly of lanthanide coordination polymers with one dimensional channels

Three new Lanthanide 2-aminoterephthalate coordination polymers: [Pr₂(C₈H₅NO₄)₃·(H₂O)₅]·2H₂O 1, [Tb(C₈H₅NO₄)_1.5(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O 2 and [Eu(C₈H₅NO₄)_1.5(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O 3, were obtained by the hydrothermal synthesis. Crystal data: Complex 1. Triclinic, space group P-1, a=10.391(1), b=15.056(1), c=10.121(1) Å. α=101.363(4), β=101.115(3), γ=105.737(3)°, Complex 2. Triclinic, space group P-1, a=10.137(1), b=10.353(1), c=9.469(1) Å. α=95.443(3), β=110.649(4), γ=110.547(4)°. Complex 3. Triclinic, space group P-1, a=10.174(1), b=10.388(1), c=9.480(1) Å. α=95.443(6), β=110.732(3), γ=110.287(5)°. These carboxyl groups link Ln³⁺ via the chelating or bridging bond construct one-dimension channels in which pendant function groups can further connect with guest water molecules in channels through hydrogen bond.