Novel method for the preparation of carbon supported nano-sized amorphous ruthenium oxides for supercapacitors

Nanostructured amorphous RuO₂ · xH₂O/C composite materials are prepared via a modified sol–gel process using glycolic acid. The glycolate anion, which dissociates from glycolic acid at pH 7, behaves as a stabilizer by adsorbing onto the RuO₂ · xH₂O surface, thus resulting in particles with a size of about 2 nm. As evidenced by zeta potential measurements, the surface charge of RuO₂ · xH₂O becomes more electronegative as the amount of glycolic acid increases. After heat treatment at 160 ^oC to remove the stabilizer, RuO₂ · xH₂O/C is found to exhibit an amorphous structure. The specific capacitance of RuO₂ · xH₂O/C particles (40 wt% Ru) prepared in the presence of glycolic acid (0.3 g L⁻¹) is 462 F g⁻¹, which is 30% higher than that of the material prepared in the absence of glycolic acid. Both the nanosized particles and the amorphous structure mainly contribute to this increase in the specific capacitance.     

Glass transition behaviour of the quaternary ammonium type ionic liquid, {[DEME][I] + H2O} mixtures

By a simple DTA system, the glass transition temperatures of the quaternary ammonium type ionic liquid, {N,N-diethyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl) ammonium iodide, [DEME][I] + H₂O} mixtures after quick pre-cooling were measured as a function of water concentration (x mol% H₂O). Results were compared with the previous results of {[DEME][BF₄] + H₂O} mixtures in which double glass transitions were observed in the water concentration region of (16.5 to 30.0) mol% H₂O. Remarkably, we observed the double glass transition phenomenon in {[DEME][I] + H₂O} mixtures too, but the two-T_gs regions lie towards the water-rich side of (77.5 to 85.0) mol% H₂O. These clearly reflect the difference in the anionic effect between ${\text{BF}}_4^{-}$ and I^? on the water structure. The end of the glass-formation region of {[DEME][I] + H₂O} mixtures is around x = 95.0 mol% H₂O, and this is comparable to that of {[DEME][BF₄] + H₂O} mixtures (x = 96.0 mol% H₂O).     

Synthesis,crystal structure and standard molar enthalpy of formation of bis(trans-bis(N,N-dimethyl-(1-(R)-phenyl-2-(S)-methyl-2-aminoethoxy-N,O))-copper(II)) heptahydrate

A novel complex, bis(trans-bis(N,N-dimethyl-(1-(R)-phenyl-2-(S)-methyl-2-aminoethoxy-N,O))-copper(II)) heptahydrate (abbreviated as Cu₂(C₁₁H₁₆NO)₄·7H₂O(cr)), was synthesized by the method of liquid phase reflux. The composition and structure of the complex were characterized by chemical analysis, elemental analysis, FTIR, and X-ray crystallography. A reasonable thermochemical cycle was designed based on the preparation reaction of the coordination compound, and standard molar enthalpies of dissolution of reactants and products were measured by an isoperibol solution-reaction calorimeter. Finally, the standard molar enthalpy of formation of the complex Cu₂(C₁₁H₁₆NO)₄·7H₂O(cr) was determined to be ?(4525.22 ± 13.71) kJ · mol^?1 in accordance with Hess’s law.     

Ammonium beryllium selenate dihydrate, (NH4)2Be(SeO4)2·2H2O: Preparation,X-ray powder diffraction,and vibrational spectra

The solubility in the three-component (NH₄)₂SeO₄–BeSeO₄–H₂O system is studied at 25 °C by the method of isothermal decrease of supersaturation. (NH₄)₂Be(SeO₄)₂·2H₂O crystallizes from solutions containing 31.35 mass% beryllium selenate and 30.66 mass% ammonium selenate up to solutions containing 26.84 mass% beryllium selenate and 46.84 mass% ammonium selenate. The X-ray powder diffraction data show that (NH₄)₂Be(SeO₄)₂·2H₂O is isostructural with the respective K₂Be(SeO₄)₂·2H₂O, K₂Be(SO₄)₂·2H₂O and Rb₂Be(SO₄)₂·2H₂O. (NH₄)₂Be(SeO₄)₂·2H₂O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c: a = 11.747(3) Å, b = 12.212(4) Å, c = 7.649(2) Å, β = 96.94(3)°, V = 1089.3(3) Å³, Z = 4. Vibrational spectra (infrared and Raman) of the title compound are presented and discussed with respect to the internal modes of both the ammonium and the selenate tetrahedra, hydrogen bond strengths and the lattice vibrations of the BeO₄ tetrahedra (skeleton vibrations).     

Lanthanide-based hexanuclear complexes usable as molecular precursors for new hybrid materials

Lanthanide containing octahedral hexanuclear complexes with general chemical formula [Ln₆O(OH)₈(NO₃)₆(H₂O)_x].2NO₃.yH₂O where Ln = Ce–Lu (except Pm) or Y, x = 0, 6, 12, 14 or 16 and y = 0, 2, 4 or 5 constitute a great family of polymorphic compounds. The synthesis and the crystal structures of all these compounds are overviewed. The hydration/dehydration processes that allow the structural transitions from one compound to another are described. The crystal structure of compounds with general chemical formula [Ln₆O(OH)₈(NO₃)₆(H₂O)₆].2NO₃ where Ln = Ce–Lu (except Pm) or Y is described. It has been solved on the basis of a powder XRD diagram. The use of such hexanuclear complexes as molecular precursors for new materials is also discussed.     

The dimeric unit [La(H2O)4(m-PO3C6H4COOH)(m-PO2(OH)C6H4COOH)(m-PO(OH)2C6H4COOH)]2 as building block of layered hybrid material

A new hybrid organic–inorganic material with the structural formula unit [La(H₂O)₄(m-PO₃C₆H₄COOH)(m-PO₂(OH)C₆H₄COOH)(m-PO(OH)₂C₆H₄COOH)]₂ (or [La(H₂O)₄C₂₁H₁₈O₁₅P₃]₂) has been synthesized under hydrothermal condition from La(NO₃)₃·6H₂O and 3-phosphonobenzoic acid (m-PO(OH)₂–C₆H₄–COOH) which is a rigid organic precursor possessing two types of functional groups: phosphonic acid and carboxylic acid. The two units of the produced hybrid are linked together by hydrogen bonds leading to a layered framework composing of by a repetition of inorganic and organic slices. The organic layers consist of dimeric units made of two meta-phosphono-benzoic acid linked together by hydrogen bonds involving their COOH groups. Two kinds of dimeric units are observed: PO₃C₆H₄COOH?HOOCC₆H₄PO(OH)₂, present 2 times in the structure, and PO₂(OH)C6H4COOH?HOOCC₆H₄PO₂(OH). The material crystallises in a monoclinic cell (C2/c (15) space group) with the following parameters: a = 42.515(4) Å, b = 7.4378(6) Å, c = 20.307(2) Å, β = 118.031(6)°, V = 5668.2(9) Å³, Z = 4, density = 1.908 g/cm³.     

A simple synthesis and room temperature magnetic properties of new binary Mn0.5Fe0.5(H2PO4)2·xH2O obtained from a rapid co-precipitation at ambient temperature

A new binary Mn_0.5Fe_0.5(H₂PO₄)₂·xH₂O powder was synthesized by simple and cost-effective method using phosphoric acid, manganese and iron metals as starting chemicals. The synthesized solid shows the complex thermal transformations and the final decomposition product is a new binary manganese iron cyclo-tetraphosphate, MnFeP₄O₁₂. The X-ray diffraction and FTIR results indicate that the synthesized new binary Mn_0.5Fe_0.5(H₂PO₄)₂·xH₂O and the decomposition MnFeP₄O₁₂ powders are a pure monoclinic phase with space group P2₁/n (Z = 2) and C2/c (Z = 4), respectively. The particle morphologies of Mn_0.5Fe_0.5(H₂PO₄)₂·xH₂O and MnFeP₄O₁₂ powders appear as the rod-like tetragonal shape and show a high agglomeration of small particles, which are similar to the case of Mn(H₂PO₄)₂·2H₂O and Fe₂P₄O₁₂, respectively. Room temperature magnetization results show a ferromagnetic behavior of the Mn_0.5Fe_0.5(H₂PO₄)₂·xH₂O and MnFeP₄O₁₂ powders, having the hysteresis loops in the range of ?10,000 Oe < H < +10,000 Oe with the specific magnetization values of 25.63 and 13.14 emu/g at 10 kOe, respectively. The lower magnetizations of Mn_0.5Fe_0.5(H₂PO₄)₂·xH₂O and MnFeP₄O₁₂ than those of Fe(H₂PO₄)₂·2H₂O and Fe₂P₄O₁₂ powders indicate the presence of Mn ions in substitution position of Fe ions.     

Effect of methylation on wavenumber shift of ring breathing mode of pyrimidine in the solution of H2O and D2O by employing Raman difference spectroscopic technique and DFT approach

The relative structural and dynamic properties of hydrogen-bonding between Pyrimidine (Pmd) + H₂O and Pmd + D₂O, and 4-Methylpyrimidine (Mpmd) + H₂O and Mpmd + D₂O are investigated experimentally by linear Raman spectroscopy using Raman difference spectroscopic (RDS) technique. The focus has been given to the ring breathing mode (ν₁). The effect of methylation on the Pmd ring has been studied in terms of wavenumber shift (Δν), peak-position and linewidth variation with mole fraction of the solvent. The wavenumber shift has been calculated by assuming the Voigt profile of the Raman band. In order to explain our experimental results, we have optimized single Pmd and 4Mpmd molecules and their various complexes with H₂O and D₂O in the stoichiometric ratio of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 by employing DFT/B3LYP functional with 6-311+G(d,p) basis set using Gaussian software. There is a good correspondence between experimental and theoretical results. Our result reveals that with RDS technique, Δν of a band up to 1/100th of the FWHM can be measured precisely.     

Preparation,crystal structure and infrared spectroscopy of the new compound rubidium beryllium sulfate dihydrate,Rb2Be(SO4)2·2H2O

The solubility in the three-component system Rb₂SO₄–BeSO₄–H₂O at 25 °C was studied by the method of isothermal decrease of supersaturation. A new compound, Rb₂Be(SO₄)₂·2H₂O, is formed in a wide concentration range (from solutions containing 27.49 mass% beryllium sulfate and 20.16 mass% rubidium sulfate up to solutions containing 15.08 mass% beryllium sulfate and 39.07 mass% rubidium sulfate).Rb₂Be(SO₄)₂·2H₂O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c (a = 11.371(2) Å, b = 11.858(2) Å, c = 7.431(1) Å, β = 96.33(1), V = 996.0 Å³, Z = 4, R1 = 0.039 for 2672F_o > 4σ(F_o) and 153 variables). The crystal structure is characterized by three-membered chain fragments, composed of a central BeO₂(H₂O)₂ polyhedron sharing corners with two SO₄ tetrahedra. These bent [Be(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁻ units are linked by rubidium ions and hydrogen bonds to double layers and further to a three-dimensional framework structure. Rb₂Be(SO₄)₂·2H₂O is isotypic to the respective potassium sulfate and selenate compounds.The strengths of the hydrogen bonds in the title compound as deduced from the infrared wavenumbers of the uncoupled OD stretches of matrix-isolated HDO molecules (isotopically dilute sample) are discussed in terms of the O_w⋯O hydrogen bond distances, the different hydrogen bond acceptor capabilities of the sulfate oxygen atoms and the strong BeOH₂ interactions (synergetic effect). The intramolecular OH bond lengths are derived from the ν_OD versus r_OH correlation curve [H.D. Lutz, C. Jung, J. Mol. Struct. 404 (1997) 63].     

Coordination polymers incorporating copper(II) and manganese(II) centers bridged by pyridinedicarboxylate ligands: Structure and magnetism

Two heterobimetallic coordination polymers, [Cu(2,4-pydc)₂Mn(H₂O)₄]_x (1) and [Cu(2,5-pydc)₂Mn(H₂O)₂]_x · 4xH₂O (2), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both compounds have extended 2-D sheet structures. In 1 the copper centers are linked in chains by double ligand bridges and these chains are cross-linked through the manganese coordination spheres and O–C–O bridges to form polymeric sheets. In 2 separate O–C–O bridged Cu and Mn chains are connected in an alternating array by additional ligand bridging to generate the overall 2-D structure. Analysis of magnetic data of 1 reveals that ferromagnetic exchange between the O–C–O bridged copper and manganese centers dominates the magnetic properties of this system. The magnetic data for 2 fit well to a model incorporating antiferromagnetic exchange in independent S = 1/2 and S = 5/2 linear chains with J(Cu) = −0.073 cm⁻¹ and J(Mn) = −0.32 cm⁻¹. Unlike the situation in 1, there is no evidence for heterometallic exchange. In both 1 and 2 the significant exchange occurs via O–C–O bridges. To study the effect of thermal dehydration on the magnetic properties of these systems, the compounds Cu(2,4-pydc)₂Mn · H₂O (1d) and Cu(2,5-pydc)₂Mn · H₂O (2d) were synthesized and studied.     

Ab initio crystal structure of nickel(II) hydroxy-terephthalate by synchrotron powder diffraction and magnetic study

The structure of the new hybrid compound [Ni₃(OH)₂(tp)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (tp = C₈H₄O₄²⁻) has been determined ab initio from synchrotron powder diffraction data and refined with the Rietveld method: space group P-1, a = 10.2077(6) Å, b = 8.0135(5) Å, c = 6.3337(4) Å, α = 97.70 (1)°, β = 97.21(1)°, γ = 108.77(1)°, D_x = 2.124 g/cm³, Rp = 0.045, R_B = 0.095 (757 independent reflections). H atoms were placed geometrically and their position optimized by DFT calculation. The repeating structural unit is the chain [Ni(1)O₆]₂Ni(2)O₆, consisting of two edges sharing octahedrons related by the symmetry center and linked via μ3-OH to a vertex of Ni(2) octahedron. The Ni(1) coordination is ensured by two oxygen atoms from two water molecules, two OH and two oxygen atoms from carboxylate groups. The linkage of the chains by the tp anions forms infinite layers parallel to the (010) planes. Interchain hydrogen bonds between the water molecules coordinating the metal ensure the cohesion of the 2D structure. The structural and magnetic properties are compared with that of the 3D fumarate-based compound [Ni₃(OH)₂(fum)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (fum = C₄H₂O₄²⁻).     

Raman and DFT study of static,dynamic interactions and isotope effect in pyridazine + H2O/D2O systems

Polarized Raman and density functional theory (DFT) approach have been applied to study the static and dynamic properties of pyridazine (PRD) in H₂O(W) and D₂O(D) environment. The possible hydrogen bonded (HB) complexes of PRD with H₂O in gas phase and in the water solvation (using IEF-PCM and Onsager models) have been calculated using a B3LYP functional and 6-31+G(d,p)/6-311++G(d,p) basis sets. The static interaction in the PRD + H₂O complex leads to a blue shift in all the Raman modes of PRD and red shift in the O–H modes of water. The IEF-PCM solvation model gives the Raman wavenumbers closest to the experimental values. Raman spectra of ～962 and 1061 cm^?1 mode of PRD in the mixture of PRD + H₂O and PRD + D₂O at different mole fractions of PRD (x) have been measured. A difference in the wavenumber shift of the two modes of PRD is observed experimentally when PRD is diluted with H₂O and D₂O. The wavenumber shift at maximum dilution (x = 0.1), however, takes the same value in both H₂O and D₂O. In view of the similar chemical properties of H₂O and D₂O, the difference in the trend of the wavenumber shift is not trivial. It has been explained on the basis of relative values of dipole moments of H₂O, D₂O, and conjugated molecules of PRD with H₂O/D₂O calculated theoretically and the role of larger diffusive property of H₂O compared to D₂O. The dynamical process in the mixture of PRD+ H₂O/D₂O is discussed by studying the variation of the linewidth with concentration. A theoretical model, which is based on the fact that the concentration in microscopic volume fluctuates, fits the experimental results nicely.     

Magnetic properties of hybrid organo-inorganic copper(II) oxovanadate(V) phosphate and phosphonate bridged systems

The hybrid organo-inorganic compounds [Cu₄(bipy)₄V₄O₁₁(PO₄)₂]nH₂O (n ∼ 5) (1), [Cu₂(phen)₂(PO₄)(H₂PO₄)₂(VO₂) · 2H₂O] (2) and [Cu₂(phen)₂(O₃PCH₂PO₃)(V₂O₅) (H₂O)]H₂O (3) which present different bridging forms of the phosphate/phosphonate group, show different bulk magnetic properties. We herein analyze the magnetic behaviour of these compounds in terms of their structural parameters. We also report a theoretical study for compound (1) assuming four different magnetic exchange pathways between the copper centres present in the tetranuclear unit. For compound (1) the following J values were obtained J₁ = +3.29; J₂ = −0.63; J₃ = −2.23; J₄ = −46.14 cm⁻¹. Compound (2) presents a Curie–Weiss behaviour in the whole range of temperature (3–300 K), and compound (3) shows a maximum for the magnetic susceptibility at 64 K, typical for antiferromagnetic interactions. These data where fitted using a model previously reported in the literature, assuming two different magnetic exchange pathways between the four copper(II) centres, with J₁ = −30.0 and J₂ = −8.5 cm⁻¹.     

Formation of out of plane oxime metallacycles in [Cu2] and [Cu4] complexes

The reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O with dimethylglyoxime (H₂dmg) in a 1:1 mole ratio in aqueous methanol at room temperature affords the dinuclear complex [Cu₂(μ-Hdmg)₄] (1). Reaction of 1 with [Cu(bpy)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) in a 1:1 mole ratio in aqueous methanol at room temperature yields the tetranuclear complex [Cu₄(μ-Hdmg)₂(μ-dmg)₂(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2). The direct reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O with H₂dmg and bpy in a 2:2:1 mole ratio in aqueous methanol at room temperature also yields 2 quantitatively. The complexes 1 and 2 were structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Unlike the binding in Ni/Co-dmg, two different types of N?O bridging modes during the oxime based metallacycle formation and stacking of square planar units have been identified in these complexes. The neutral dinuclear complex 1 has CuN₄O coordination spheres and complex 2 consists of a dicationic [Cu₄(μ-Hdmg)₂(μ-dmg)₂(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺ unit and two uncoordinated ClO₄^? anions having CuN₄O and CuN₂O₃ coordination spheres. The two copper(II) ions are at a distance of 3.846(8) Å in 1 for the trans out of plane link and at 3.419(10) and 3.684(10) Å in 2 for the trans out of plane and cis in plane arrangements, respectively. The average Cu–N_oxime distances are 1.953 and 1.935 Å, respectively. The average basal and apical Cu?O_oxime distances are 1.945, 2.295 and 2.429 Å. The UV–Vis spectra of 2 is similar to the spectrum of the reaction mixture of 1 and [Cu(bpy)(H₂O)₂]²⁺. Variable temperature magnetic properties measurement shows that the interaction between the paramagnetic copper centers in complex 1 is antiferromagnetic in nature. The EPR spectra of frozen solution of the complexes at 77 K consist of axially symmetric fine-structure transitions (ΔM_S = 1) and half-field signals (ΔM_S = 2) at ca. 1600 G, suggesting the presence of appreciable Cu–Cu interactions.     

The new high-pressure borate Co7B24O42(OH)2·2 H2O—Formation of edge-sharing BO4 tetrahedra in a hydrated borate

The new borate hydrate Co₇B₂₄O₄₂(OH)₂·2 H₂O was synthesized under high-pressure/high-temperature conditions of 6 GPa and 880 °C in a Walker-type multianvil apparatus. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbam (Z=2) with the lattice parameters a=819.0(2), b=2016.9(4), c=769.9(2) pm, V=1.2717(4) nm³, R₁=0.0758, wR₂=0.0836 (all data). The new structure type of Co₇B₂₄O₄₂(OH)₂·2 H₂O is built up from corner-sharing BO₄ tetrahedra forming corrugated layers, that are interconnected among each other by two edge-sharing BO₄ tetrahedra (B₂O₆ units) forming Z-shaped channels. Interestingly, the here presented structure of Co₇B₂₄O₄₂(OH)₂·2 H₂O is closely related to the structures of M₆B₂₂O₃₉·H₂O (M=Fe, Co), which exhibit BO₄ tetrahedra in an intermediate state on the way to edge-sharing BO₄ tetrahedra.     

Ce(H2O)(PO4)3/2(H3O)1/2(H2O)1/2, a second entry in the structural chemistry of cerium(IV) phosphates

A cerium(IV) phosphate has been prepared using precipitation methods and its structure has been solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction (R₁ = 0.0292 for 3092 reflections with I>2σ(I) and wR₂ = 0.0540). Ce(H₂O)(PO₄)_3/2(H₃O)_1/2(H₂O)_1/2 crystallises in the monoclinic space group C2/c (a = 15.7058(17) Å, b = 9.6261(9) Å, c = 10.1632(4) Å, ß = 121.623(7)°, and V = 1308.4 (2) Å³). Its structure is based on a negatively charged 3D framework, made of cerium atoms connected by PO₄ tetrahedra. There are two types of PO₄ units; one shares only corners with the cerium coordination polyhedra while the other one shares edges and corners. This structure also includes hydronium cations, to balance the framework charge, and water molecules. One special feature of this 3D framework is the formation of interconnected tunnels which extend along the c axis and contain the hydronium cations and the water molecules. This open framework and the presence of cationic species in the tunnels are in perfect agreement with the previously reported ion exchange properties.     

Synthesis,structure and NMR characterization of a new monomeric aluminophosphate [dl-Co(en)3]2[Al(HPO4)2(H1.5PO4)2(H2PO4)2](H3PO4)4 containing four different types of monophosphates

A new zero-dimensional (0D) aluminophosphate monomer [dl-Co(en)₃]₂[Al(HPO₄)₂(H_1.5PO₄)₂(H₂PO₄)₂](H₃PO₄)₄ (designated AlPO-CJ38) with Al/P ratio of 1/6 has been solvothermally prepared by using racemic cobalt complex dl-Co(en)₃Cl₃ as the template. The Al atom is octahedrally linked to six P atoms via bridging oxygen atoms, forming a unique [Al(HPO₄)₂(H_1.5PO₄)₂(H₂PO₄)₂]^6? monomer. Notably, there exists intramolecular symmetrical O?H?O bonds, which results in pseudo-4-rings stabilized by the strong H-bonding interactions. The structure is also featured by the existence of four different types of monophosphates that have been confirmed by ³¹P NMR and ¹H NMR spectra. The crystal data are as follows: AlPO-CJ38, [dl-Co(en)₃]₂[Al(HPO₄)₂(H_1.5PO₄)₂(H₂PO₄)₂](H₃PO₄)₄, M = 1476.33, monoclinic, C2/c (No. 15), a = 36.028(7) Å, b = 8.9877(18) Å, c = 16.006(3) Å, β = 100.68(3)°, U = 5093.2(18) Å³_, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0509 (I > 2σ(I)) and wR₂ = 0.1074 (all data). CCDC number 689491.     

A synthesis of 6-functionalized 4,7-dihydro[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines

6-Unsubstituted 7-R-4,7-dihydro-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines (R = H or Me) were synthesized via two pathways: (a) deacylation of the corresponding 5-acetyl Biginelli-like precursors in KOH/H₂O and (b) reduction of the corresponding 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines using LiAlH₄. The products could be easily formylated at position 6, which is promising for the further synthesis of functionalized 6-substituted derivatives of 4,7-dihydro-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines. In contrast, 6-acetyl-7-(4-(N,N-dimethylaminophenyl))-5-methyl-4,7-dihydro-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine undergoes a cascade process in KOH/H₂O, leading to the formation of a 4,5,8,9-tetrahydro[1,2,4]triazolo[5,1-b]quinazoline derivative.     

Glass transition behaviour of ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate–H2O mixed solutions

Here, we have measured the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate–H₂O mixed solutions as a function of H₂O concentration (x mol% H₂O). The glass-forming composition region was also determined. Contrary to the results of the quaternary ammonium type of ionic liquid, N,N-diethyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl) ammonium tetrafluoroborate–H₂O mixed solutions, we did not observed the multiple glass transition behaviour. We also measured the glassy Raman spectra of the solutions at T = 77 K. We find that the “nearly free” hydrogen bonded Raman band of water molecules in the aqueous [bmim][BF₄] solution exists up to around x = 60 mol% H₂O, even at T = 77 K.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of sodium copper tetrametaphosphimate heptahydrate Na2Cu(PO2NH)4·7H2O and sodium potassium copper tetrametaphosphimate heptahydrate KxNa2−xCu(PO2NH)4·7H2O

Na₂Cu(PO₂NH)₄·7H₂O and K_xNa_2−xCu(PO₂NH)₄·7H₂O (x ≈ 0.5) were synthesized by gel crystallization in sodium silicate gels. The crystal structures were solved by single-crystal X-ray methods and found to be isotypic (Pnma, Z = 4; Na₂Cu(PO₂NH)₄·7H₂O: a = 627.5(2) pm, b = 1456.0(3) pm, c = 1900.5(4) pm, R1 = 0.0352; K_0.47Na_1.53Cu(PO₂NH)₄·7H₂O: a = 632.2(2) pm, b = 1460.0(3) pm, c = 1936.4(4) pm, R1 = 0.0345). The P₄N₄ rings of the tetrametaphosphimate anion exhibit a distorted chair-2 conformation with admixtures of saddle and crown conformation. The M⁺ ions are six- and sevenfold coordinated by oxygen atoms, the Cu²⁺ ions are fivefold coordinated, respectively. The MO₇ and the CuO₅ units form pairs of face-sharing polyhedra, which are connected by common corners forming chains and are further interconnected by tetrametaphosphimate anions, forming a three-dimensional network structure with channels along [100] and [010]. The MO₆ units form chains of face-sharing polyhedra, which are situated in the channels along [100]. Extended hydrogen bonding reinforces the three-dimensional framework structure of the compounds. ²³Na-MAS NMR experiments were conducted to verify the K/Na distribution on the M sites derived from the X-ray crystal structure refinement.