Ca10(CrVO4)6(CrVIO4), a disordered mixed‐valence chromium compound exhibiting inversion twinning

The structure analysis of so‐called 9CaO·4CrO₃·Cr₂O₃ proved it to be the title compound, decacalcium hexakis[chromate(V)] chromate(VI), with the simultaneous presence of unusual chromium oxidation states. The structure determination was carried out on a crystal that had inversion twinning. The Cr^VIO₄ tetrahedron is situated on a threefold axis and is disordered over two possible orientations that share three O atoms, while the Cr^VO₄ tetrahedra are in general positions and are ordered. The charge is balanced by Ca²⁺ cations, one of which is located on a threefold axis. The Ca²⁺ ions are coordinated by six, seven or eight O atoms. The compound is a significant phase in the CaO–CrO_x system and its formation reduces the refractoriness of calcium‐rich compositions in an oxidizing atmosphere.     

Thermal Expansion in the Zr and 1-, 2-valent Complex Phosphates of NaZr2(PO4)3 (NZP) Structure

A_5–4xZr_xZr(PO₄)₃ (A=Na, K;0≤x≤1.25), Na_1-xCd_0.5xZr₂(PO₄)₃ (0≤x≤1), Na_5–xCd_0.5xZr(PO₄)₃ (0≤x≤4) compositions which belong to the NZP structural family were synthesized using the sol-gel method. The lattice thermal expansion of members of these rows were determined up to 600°C by high-temperature X-ray diffractometry. The axial thermal expansion coefficients change from -5.8·10^-6to 7.5·10^-6 °C^-1 (α_a) and from 2.6·10^–6 to 22·10^–6 °C^-1 (α_c). These results, in addition to those for other NZP compounds allow us to explain their low thermal expansion. The mechanism can be attributed to strongly bonded three-dimensional network structure, the existence of structural holes capable to damp some of the thermal vibrations and anisotropyin the thermal expansion of the lattice. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Crystal Structures of the Europium and Yttrium Hydroxychromates Eu(OH)(CrO4) and Y(OH)(CrO4); Structural Evolution as a Function of the Ln3+ Ionic Radius

The compounds Eu(OH)(CrO₄) and Y(OH)(CrO₄) were obtained under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. They are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/n (no. 14) with lattice parameters a = 8.278(1) Å, b = 11.400(2) Å, c = 8.393(1) Å, β = 93.76(2)°, V = 790.3(2) Å³, Z = 4, d = 4.79 g · cm^–3 for Eu(OH)(CrO₄) and a = 8.151(1) Å, b = 11.362(2) Å, c = 8.285(1) Å, β = 94.23(1)°, V = 765.2(2) Å³, Z = 4, d = 3.85 g · cm^–3 for Y(OH)(CrO₄). The [EuO₈] polyhedra form infinite double chains along the a direction, which are connected by common edges and corners. These double chains are related together in the two other directions by the [CrO₄]^2– tetrahedra to form a three‐dimensional network in which channels appear parallel to the [100] direction. We examine the structural evolution, as a function of the Ln³⁺ ionic radius, in the series Ln(OH)(CrO₄) compounds (with Ln = Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Er, Yb) and Y(OH)(CrO₄). To determine the best coordination number of each lanthanide and yttrium ions, different calculations of bond valence sum were realized.     

Formation of Cr(II) Species in the H2/CrO3 System. Parameter control

The thermal behaviour of CrO₃ on heating up to 600°C in dynamic atmospheres of air, N₂ and H₂ was examined by thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), IR spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results revealed three major thermal events, depending to different extents on the surrounding atmosphere: (i) melting of CrO₃ near 215°C (independent of the atmosphere), (ii) decomposition into Cr₂(CrO₄)₃ at 340–360°C (insignificantly dependent), and (iii) decomposition of the chromate into Cr₂O₃ at 415–490°C (significantly dependent). The decomposition CrO₃ → Cr₂(CrO₄)₃ is largely thermal and involves exothermic deoxygenation and polymerization reactions, whereas the decomposition Cr₂(CrO₄)₃ → Cr₂O₃ involves endothermic reductive deoxygenation reactions in air (or N₂) which are greatly accelerated and rendered exothermic in the presence of H₂. TG measurements as a function of heating rate (2–50°C min⁻¹) demonstrated the acceleratory role of H₂, which extended to the formation of Cr(II) species. This could sustain a mechanism whereby H₂ molecules are considered to chemisorb dissociatively, and then spillover to induce the reduction. DTA measurements as a function of the heating rate (2–50°C min⁻¹) helped in the derivation of non-isothermal kinetic parameters strongly supportive of the mechanism envisaged. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Interrupted super framework of the crystal structure of Cs[Be2(PO4)(PO4H)] cesium diberyllium phosphate hydrophosphate

The crystal structure of cesium diberyllium phosphate hydrophosphate Cs[Be₂(PO₄)(PO₄H)] obtained hydrothermally is analyzed. Unit cell parameters are: a = 4.8860(5) ?, b = 10.7330(11) ?, c = 13.0061(15) ?, α = 92.540(10)°, β = 92.451(9)°, γ = 90.948(9)°, space group P . In the structural motif consisting of PO₄ and BeO₄ tetrahedra, Be,P two-link chains and ribbons are distinguished, typical of a short a-translation of ≈4.9 ?. The presence of ternary and terminal O ligands along with bridging ones determines the term interrupted super framework. The group of two Be tetrahedra with a common edge is detected for beryllium phosphates for the first time. Original Russian Text Copyright ? 2009 by V. V. Bakakin, Yu. V. Seretkin, and S. P. Demin __________ Translated from Zhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 369–373, March–April, 2009.     

The First Sodium Uranyl Chromate,Na4[(UO2)(CrO4)3]: Synthesis and Crystal Structure Determination

The first sodium uranyl chromate, Na₄[(UO₂)(CrO₄)₃], has been obtained by high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. The structure (triclinic, P1¯, Z = 2, a = 7.1548(3), b = 8.4420(3), c = 11.5102(5)Å, α = 80.203(1)°, β = 79.310(1)°, γ = 70.415(1)° V = 639.24(4)ų ) has been solved by direct methods and refined on the basis of F² for all unique reflections to R1 = 0.024 [calculated on the basis of 4374 unique observed reflections (‖F_o‖ 4σF)]. The structure is based on chains of composition [(UO₂)(CrO₄)₃] that are parallel to [1¯01]. The chains contain UrO₅ pentagonal bipyramids (Ur = Uranyl) that share all equatorial corners with CrO₄ tetrahedra. Cr(1)O₄ and Cr(3)O₄ tetrahedra bridge between two adjacent UrO₅ bipyramids, whereas Cr(2)O₄ tetrahedra share one corner with one UrO₅ bipyramid each. The [(UO₂)(CrO₄)₃] chains are planar and oriented parallel to (313). The Na⁺ cations provide linkage of the chains in the structure.     

Isopropylammonium Layered Uranyl Chromates: Syntheses and Crystal Structures of [(CH3)2CHNH3]3[(UO2)3(CrO4)2O(OH)3] and[(CH3)2CHNH3]2[(UO2)2(CrO4)3(H2O)]

Two novel isopropylamine‐templated uranyl chromates, [(CH₃)₂CHNH₃]₃[(UO₂)₃(CrO₄)₂O(OH)₃] ( 1 ) and [(CH₃)₂CHNH₃]₂[(UO₂)₂(CrO₄)₃(H₂O)] ( 2 ) were prepared by hydrothermal method at 100 °C. The compounds were characterized by electron microprobe analysis and X‐ray diffraction crystal structure analysis [ 1 : trigonal, P31m, a = 9.646(4), c = 8.469(4) Å, V = 682.4(5) ų; 2 : monoclinic, P2₁/c, a = 11.309(3), b = 11.465(3), c = 17.055(5) Å, β = 99.150(6)°, V = 2183.2(11) ų]. The structure of 1 is based upon trimers of uranyl bipyramids interlinked by CrO₄ tetrahedra to form [(UO₂)₃(CrO₄)₂O(OH)₃]^3– layers, whereas, in the structure of 2 , UO₇ and UO₆(H₂O) pentagonal bipyramids are linked through CrO₄ tetrahedra into the [(UO₂)₂(CrO₄)₃(H₂O)]^2– layers. The structures show many similarities to related uranyl selenate compounds, thus providing additional data on similarities and differences between uranyl sulfates, chromates, selenates, and molybdates.     

NaIn(CrO4)2·2H2O,the first indium(III) member of the kröhnkite family

Sodium indium(III) chromate(VI) dihydrate, NaIn(CrO₄)₂·2H₂O, synthesized from an aqueous solution at room temperature, is the first indium(III) member of the large family of compounds with kröhnkite [Na₂Cu^II(S^VIO₄)₂·2H₂O]‐type chains. The crystal structure is based on infinite octa­hedral–tetra­hedral [In(CrO₄)₂(H₂O)₂]⁻ chains along [010], linked via charge‐balancing Na⁺ cations. The slightly distorted InO₄(H₂O)₂ octa­hedra are characterized by a mean In—O distance of 2.125 Å. The CrO₄ tetra­hedra are strongly distorted (mean Cr—O = 1.641 Å). The Na atom shows an octa­hedral coordination, unprecedented among compounds with kröhnkite‐type chains. The NaO₆ octa­hedra share opposite edges with the InO₄(H₂O)₂ octa­hedra to form infinite [001] chains. The hydrogen bonds are of medium strength. NaIn(CrO₄)₂·2H₂O belongs to the structural type F2 in the classification of Fleck, Kolitsch & Hertweck [Z. Kristallogr. (2002), 217 , 435–443], and is isotypic with KAl(CrO₄)₂·2H₂O and MFe(CrO₄)₂·2H₂O (M = K, Tl or NH₄). All atoms are in special positions except one O atom.     

Synthese und Kristallstruktur von K2(HSO4)(H2PO4), K4(HSO4)3(H2PO4) und Na(HSO4)(H3PO4)

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of K₂(HSO₄)(H₂PO₄), K₄(HSO₄)₃(H₂PO₄), and Na(HSO₄)(H₃PO₄) Mixed hydrogen sulfate phosphates K₂(HSO₄)(H₂PO₄), K₄(HSO₄)₃(H₂PO₄) and Na(HSO₄)(H₃PO₄) were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray single crystal analysis. In case of K₂(HSO₄)(H₂PO₄) neutron powder diffraction was used additionally. For this compound an unknown supercell was found. According to X‐ray crystal structure analysis, the compounds have the following crystal data: K₂(HSO₄)(H₂PO₄) (T = 298 K), monoclinic, space group P 2₁/c, a = 11.150(4) Å, b = 7.371(2) Å, c = 9.436(3) Å, β = 92.29(3)°, V = 774.9(4) ų, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.039; K₄(HSO₄)₃(H₂PO₄) (T = 298 K), triclinic, space group P 1, a = 7.217(8) Å, b = 7.521(9) Å, c = 7.574(8) Å, α = 71.52(1)°, β = 88.28(1)°, γ = 86.20(1)°, V = 389.1(8)ų, Z = 1, R₁ = 0.031; Na(HSO₄)(H₃PO₄) (T = 298 K), monoclinic, space group P 2₁, a = 5.449(1) Å, b = 6.832(1) Å, c = 8.718(2) Å, β = 95.88(3)°, V = 322.8(1) ų, Z = 2, R₁ = 0,032. The metal atoms are coordinated by 8 or 9 oxygen atoms. The structure of K₂(HSO₄)(H₂PO₄) is characterized by hydrogen bonded chains of mixed H_nS/PO₄^– tetrahedra. In the structure of K₄(HSO₄)₃(H₂PO₄), there are dimers of H_nS/PO₄^– tetrahedra, which are further connected to chains. Additional HSO₄^– tetrahedra are linked to these chains. In the structure of Na(HSO₄)(H₃PO₄) the HSO₄^– tetrahedra and H₃PO₄ molecules form layers by hydrogen bonds.     

K3Ga2(PO4)3 and Na3Ga(PO4)2

The structures of tripotassium digallium tris(phosphate), K₃Ga₂(PO₄)₃, and trisodium gallium bis(phosphate), Na₃Ga(PO₄)₂, have different irregular one‐dimensional alkali ion‐containing channels along the a axis of the orthorhombic and triclinic unit cells, respectively. The anionic subsystems consist of vortex‐linked PO₄ tetrahedra and GaO₄ tetrahedra or GaO₅ trigonal bipyramids in the first and second structure, respectively.     

Formation of Superoxochromium(III) by a Novel Mechanism

The reduction of chromate ion by l-cysteine in near-neutral aqueous solutions was studied by u.v.–vis spectroscopy. The rate constants for the formation, decomposition and redox degradation of a Cr^VI thioester intermediate (both in the absence and in the presence of dissolved O₂) were determined by the use of a nonlinear least-squares regression to fit the experimental data to a double-exponential integrated rate law. Superoxochromium(III), CrOO²⁺, could be observed as a long-lived intermediate by the use of u.v. difference spectroscopy (peaks at 238 and 292 nm). The effects of several reaction variables on the yield of the intermediate CrOO²⁺ were studied. A striking result was that the yield decreased as the concentration of dissolved O₂ increased. In the presence of phosphate buffer, the yield showed a maximum at pH 6.8. Formation of CrOO²⁺ was suppressed by the additives Mn²⁺, H₂O₂, d-ribose, 2-deoxy-d-ribose and a high concentration of Ce³⁺, whereas a low concentration of the latter enhanced its appearance. A novel mechanism for the formation of CrOO²⁺ from Cr^VI and l-cysteine (involving the intramolecular formation of an O–O bond) is proposed, and the possible routes for the decay of this intermediate are discussed. This novel mechanism might offer new insights into the redox chemistry of chromate ions.     

Preparation and crystal structure of a new bismuth chromate: Bi8(CrO4)O11

Single crystals of a new bismuth chromate, Bi₈(CrO₄)O₁₁, were prepared by hydrothermal reaction of NaBiO₃·nH₂O in K₂CrO₄ solution. The bismuth chromate crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/m with a=9.657(3), b=11.934(3), c=13.868(2)Å and β=104.14(1)°, Z=4 and the final R factors are R=0.038 and R_w=0.041 for 3541 unique reflections. The crystal structure has a slab built up by (CrO₄)²⁻ tetrahedra and distorted bismuth polyhedra which are five-fold pyramids, six-fold trigonal prisms and octahedra. The distance of lone pair from nucleus for bismuth atoms ranges from 0.29 to 1.12 Å, depending on the coordination environment. Bi₈(CrO₄)O₁₁ decomposes to Bi₁₄CrO₂₄ and a small amount of an unknown phase at 796 °C.     

ASb2(SO4)2(PO4) (A = H3O+, K,Rb): Layered Structure Containing Ordered Sulfate and Phosphate Anions

Three compounds ASb₂(SO₄)₂(PO₄) (A = H₃O⁺, K, Rb) were obtained from the reactions of Sb₂O₃, A₂CO₃ (A = Li, Rb) or K₂SO₄ and NH₄H₂PO₄ in H₂SO₄ (98 %) at 220–250 °C. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. All compounds crystallize in the triclinic space group P$\bar{1}$ (no.2) and are isostructural. The crystal structures consist of two‐dimensional ²_∞[Sb₂(SO₄)₂(PO₄)]^– anionic layers and alkali cations, which are located between anionic layers. The anionic layers are composed of [SbO₄] ψ‐trigonal bipyramids, [SbO₅] ψ octahedra, [SO₄] tetrahedra, and [PO₄] tetrahedra. All compounds are characterized by solid state UV/Vis/NIR diffuse reflectance spectra, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy.     

A Mixed-Valent Molybdenotungsten Monophosphate with a Tunnel Structure: Nax(Mo, W)2O3(PO4)2

A mixed-valent molybdenotungstophosphate, Na_x(Mo, W)₂O₃(PO₄)₂ (x 0.75) has been isolated for the first time. It crystallizes in the space group P 2₁/m with a = 7.200(1) Å, b = 6.369(1) Å, c = 9.123(1) Å, and β = 106.29(1)°. Its structure consists of M₂PO₁₃ units built up of two M O₆ octahedra (M = Mo, W) and one PO₄ tetrahedron sharing their apices as already observed in several molybdenum phosphates. These units share their apices with PO₄ tetrahedra forming [M₂P₂O₁₅]_∞ chains running along . The host lattice [(Mo, W)₂P₂O₁₁]_∞ can be described by the assemblage of such chains or by the assemblage of [MPO₈]_∞ chains running along , in which one PO₄ tetrahedron alternates with one MO₆ octahedron. The tridimensional framework [Mo, WP₂O₁₁]_∞ delimits tunnels running along , occupied by sodium with two kinds of coordination, 6 and 5. The distribution of the different species, in the octahedral sites according to the formulation Na_0.75(Mo^VI_0.42W^VI_0.58)_M1 (Mo^V_0.75W^VI_0.25)₂O₃(PO₄)₂, is discussed.     

Thermodynamic Properties of the MZr2(PO4)3 (M=Na,K, Rb or Cs) Compounds

The enthalpies of the solution of MZr₂(PO₄)₃(M=Na, K, Rb or Cs) compounds have been measured by the help of a differential automatic isothermal Calvet calorimeter and the standard enthalpies of formation have been derived. The temperature dependencies of the standard heat capacity of the samples of crystalline NaZr₂(PO₄)₃ and CsZr₂(PO₄)₃ were studied between 7 and 340 K in an automatic adiabatic vacuum calorimeter. The main thermodynamic functions H ⁰(T)–H ⁰(0), S ⁰(T) andG ⁰(T)–H ⁰(0) have been determined. The Gibbs energies of formation of the NaZr₂(PO₄)₃and CsZr₂(PO₄)₃ at 298.15 K were calculated on the basis of these experimental data and the enthalpy of formation data. Qualitative explanations for the results observed were presented. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Crystal Structure and Characterisation of Mercury(II) Dichromate(VI)

Dark-red single crystals of HgCr₂O₇ were grown by reacting HgO and CrO₃ in excess at 200°C for four days. The crystal structure (space group P3₂, Z = 3, a = 7.2389(10), c = 9.461(2) ?, 1363 structure factors, 57 parameters, R[F ²>2σ(F ²)] = 0.0369, wR(F ² all) = 0.0693) was determined from a crystal twinned by merohedry according to (110). It consists of nearly linear HgO₂ units ( [`(d)]{\bar {d}} (Hg–O) = 2.02 ?) and dichromate units that are linked into infinite chains ‘O₃Cr–O–CrO₃–Hg–O₃Cr–O–CrO₃’ running parallel to the c-axis. Six additional Hg–O contacts between 2.73 and 2.96 ? stabilise the structural arrangement. The dichromate anion exhibits a staggered conformation with a bent Cr–O–Cr bridging angle of 140.7(6)°. Upon heating above 300°C, HgCr₂O₇ decomposes in a two-step mechanism to Cr₂O₃. The title compound was additionally characterised by vibrational spectroscopy.     

(OLi2Ca4)3[ReN4]4, ein Nitridorhenat(VI)‐Oxid

(OLi₂Ca₄)₃[ReN₄]₄, a Nitridorhenate(VI) Oxide Black single crystals of (OLi₂Ca₄)₃[ReN₄]₄ were prepared from the elements (molar ratio Li : Ca : Re = 6 : 1 : 1) by reaction with molecular nitrogen at 900 °C; oxygen content results from a leak in the gas supply. The nitridorhenate(VI)‐oxide is an isotype of (OLi₂Ca₄)₃[MN₄]₄ (M = Mo^VI, W^VI). These compounds are obtained under similar reaction conditions in the presence of small amounts of oxygen containing impurities (Li‐/Ca‐hydroxides). The crystal structure of (OLi₂Ca₄)₃[ReN₄]₄ was determined by single crystal methods (cubic; I43d (# 220); a = 1315.88(9) pm; Z = 4) and can be derived from the Th₃P₄ type structure by hierarchical replacements: Th ≙ (OLi₂Ca₄)⁸⁺‐tetragonal bipyramids and P ≙ [Re^VIN₄]^6–‐tetrahedra.     

Formation of palladium nanoparticles in olefin oxidation with iron(III) aqua ions in the presence of the Pd/ZrO2/SO4 metallic catalyst

The reactions of the Pd/ZrO₂/SO₄-catalyzed oxidation of ethylene, propene, and but-1-ene in a 0.1–1.5 M solution of perchloric acid with iron(III) aqua ions to carbonyl compounds, viz., acetaldehyde, acetone, and methyl ethyl ketone, respectively, were studied. The formation of palladium nanoparticles (5 nm) in solution on contact of the initial heterogeneous Pd/ZrO₂/SO₄ catalyst with perchloric acid was proved by transmission electron microscopy. The palladium nanoparticles are assumed to play the key role in olefin oxidation with the iron(III) aqua ions. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 4, pp. 627–632, April, 2006.     

Crystal Structure and Characterisation of Mercury(II) Dichromate(VI)

Summary. Dark-red single crystals of HgCr₂O₇ were grown by reacting HgO and CrO₃ in excess at 200°C for four days. The crystal structure (space group P3₂, Z = 3, a = 7.2389(10), c = 9.461(2) ?, 1363 structure factors, 57 parameters, R[F ²>2σ(F ²)] = 0.0369, wR(F ² all) = 0.0693) was determined from a crystal twinned by merohedry according to (110). It consists of nearly linear HgO₂ units ( (Hg–O) = 2.02 ?) and dichromate units that are linked into infinite chains ‘O₃Cr–O–CrO₃–Hg–O₃Cr–O–CrO₃’ running parallel to the c-axis. Six additional Hg–O contacts between 2.73 and 2.96 ? stabilise the structural arrangement. The dichromate anion exhibits a staggered conformation with a bent Cr–O–Cr bridging angle of 140.7(6)°. Upon heating above 300°C, HgCr₂O₇ decomposes in a two-step mechanism to Cr₂O₃. The title compound was additionally characterised by vibrational spectroscopy.