Thermotropic Liquid Crystals Based on Extended 2,5‐Disubstituted‐1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles: Structure–Property Relationships,Variable‐Temperature Powder X‐ray Diffraction,and Small‐Angle X‐ray Scattering Studies

A class of extended 2,5‐disubstituted‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles R¹‐C₆H₄‐{OC₂N₂}‐C₆H₄‐R² (R¹=R²=C₁₀H₂₁O 1 a , p‐C₁₀H₂₁O‐C₆H₄‐C?C 3 a , p‐CH₃O‐C₆H₄‐C?C 3 b ; R¹=C₁₀H₂₁O, R²=CH₃O 1 b , (CH₃)₂N 1 c ; F 1 d ; R¹=C₁₀H₂₁O‐C₆H₄‐C?C, R²=C₁₀H₂₁O 2 a , CH₃O 2 b , (CH₃)₂N 2 c , F 2 d ) were prepared, and their liquid‐crystalline properties were examined. In CH₂Cl₂ solution, these compounds displayed a room‐temperature emission with λ_max at 340–471 nm and quantum yields of 0.73–0.97. Compounds 1 d , 2 a – 2 d , and 3 a exhibited various thermotropic mesophases (monotropic, enantiotropic nematic/smectic), which were examined by polarized‐light optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Structure determination by a direct‐space approach using simulated annealing or parallel tempering of the powder X‐ray diffraction data revealed distinctive crystal‐packing arrangements for mesogenic molecules 2 b and 3 a , leading to different nematic mesophase behavior, with 2 b being monotropic and 3 a enantiotropic in the narrow temperature range of 200–210 °C. The structural transitions associated with these crystalline solids and their mesophases were studied by variable‐temperature X‐ray diffractometry. Nondestructive phase transitions (crystal‐to‐crystal, crystal‐to‐mesophase, mesophase‐to‐liquid) were observed in the diffractograms of 1 b, 1 d , 2 b, 2 d , and 3 a measured at 25–200 °C. Powder X‐ray diffraction and small‐angle X‐ray scattering data revealed that the structure of the annealed solid residue 2 b reverted to its original crystal/molecular packing when the isotropic liquid was cooled to room temperature. Structure–property relationships within these mesomorphic solids are discussed in the context of their molecular structures and intermolecular interactions.     

Characterization of trace embedded impurities in thin multilayer structures using synchrotron X‐ray standing waves

X‐ray standing wave (XSW) field generated under Bragg reflection condition in a periodic Mo/Si multilayer structure has been used to determine the concentration and location of various trace element contaminants embedded in different layers of that multilayer structure. We have used intense synchrotron X rays for XSW analysis. It is observed that various trace element impurities such as Cr, Fe, Ni and W get embedded unintentionally in the multilayer structure during the deposition process. Consequences of such impurity incorporation on the optical properties of the multilayer structure are discussed in hard and soft X‐ray regions. Present measurements are important in order to optimize the deposition methods on one hand and to better correlate the measured optical properties of a multilayer structure with theoretical models on the other. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Microsecond X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy Identification of CoI Intermediates in Cobaloxime‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Evolution

Rational development of efficient photocatalytic systems for hydrogen production requires understanding the catalytic mechanism and detailed information about the structure of intermediates in the catalytic cycle. We demonstrate how time‐resolved X‐ray absorption spectroscopy in the microsecond time range can be used to identify such intermediates and to determine their local geometric structure. This method was used to obtain the solution structure of the Co^I intermediate of cobaloxime, which is a non‐noble metal catalyst for solar hydrogen production from water. Distances between cobalt and the nearest ligands including two solvent molecules and displacement of the cobalt atom out of plane formed by the planar ligands have been determined. Combining in situ X‐ray absorption and UV/Vis data, we demonstrate how slight modification of the catalyst structure can lead to the formation of a catalytically inactive Co^I state under similar conditions. Possible deactivation mechanisms are discussed.     

Online wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction/small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements for the CO2‐laser‐heated drawing of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fiber

Fiber‐structure‐development in the poly(ethylene terephthalate) fiber drawing process was investigated with online measurements of wide‐angle and small‐angle X‐ray scattering with both a high‐luminance X‐ray source and a CO₂‐laser‐heated drawing system. The intensity profile of the transmitted X‐ray confirmed the location of the neck‐drawing point. The diffraction images had a time resolution of several milliseconds, and this still left much room for improvement. Crystal diffraction appeared in the wide‐angle X‐ray images almost instantaneously about 20 ms after necking, whereas a four‐point small‐angle X‐ray scattering pattern appeared immediately after necking. With the elapse of time after necking, the four‐point scattering pattern changed into a meridional two‐point shape. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1090–1099, 2005     

Design of a Full‐Profile‐Matching Solution for High‐Throughput Analysis of Multiphase Samples Through Powder X‐ray Diffraction

Finding a clear route to new structures : The design of an adaptable time warping (ATW) methodology (see figure) for automatically, quickly, and reliably deciphering X‐ray diffraction patterns is described.

     

X‐ray analysis of the bisphenol‐A‐type macrocyclic carbonate trimer

Collection of the single crystal X‐ray refraction data of the Bisphenol‐A‐type Macrocyclic oligocarbonate trimer (c‐3mer) at room temperature was carried out. The single crystal of the cyclic trimer that is recrystallized from ethyl acetate showed solvent molecule in the center of macro ring. Similarly, cyclic tetramer (c‐4mer) contained two p‐xylene molecules. Smaller dimer (c‐2mer) did not afford co‐crystal with solvent. Conformation of the carbonate in c‐3mer was s‐cis and s‐cis as in c‐4mer. A relationship between the conformation of carbonate and noncatalyst polymerization activity was not found. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of high‐aspect‐ratio periodic structures by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a powerful surface characterization technique often relied on for quantification of surface species and coverages. Investigation of silicon microrods, considered a model for high‐aspect‐ratio structures, at different angles with respect to substrate normal was determined to have a significant impact on the relative sensitivity of surface‐bound species on rods relative to the base substrate. Comparison between planar silicon and microrod arrays demonstrates that the angular dependence is complicated and that careful studies must optimize conditions to differentiate between surfaces. In addition, the use of reverse angle resolved XPS, where the substrate is turned away from the X‐ray source, is shown to assist in simplifying the spectrum by removing underlying signal from the substrate near the base. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mesoscale Characterization of Nanoparticles Distribution Using X‐ray Scattering

The properties of many functional materials depend critically on the spatial distribution of an active phase within a support. In the case of solid catalysts, controlling the spatial distribution of metal (oxide) nanoparticles at the mesoscopic scale offers new strategies to tune their performance and enhance their lifetimes. However, such advanced control requires suitable characterization methods, which are currently scarce. Here, we show how the background in small‐angle X‐ray scattering patterns can be analyzed to quantitatively access the mesoscale distribution of nanoparticles within supports displaying hierarchical porosity. This is illustrated for copper catalysts supported on meso‐ and microporous silica displaying distinctly different metal distributions. Results derived from X‐ray scattering are in excellent agreement with electron tomography. Our strategy opens unprecedented prospects for understanding the properties and to guide the synthesis of a wide array of functional nanomaterials.     

Efficiency of visual peak detection in X‐ray photoelectron spectra

We report initial results of a VAMAS/TWA2 project to evaluate procedures for automated peak detection in X‐ray photoelectron spectra. As a reference for investigations of the efficiency of automated peak‐detection software, we report the efficiency of visual peak detection in three test spectra. It was found that (i) characteristics of analysts are grouped into four categories using principal component analysis (PCA); the first participant group to detect large numbers of peaks for the three test spectra, the second one to detect small numbers of peaks for them, the third one to detect similar numbers of peaks, and the fourth one to detect a relatively large number of peaks for one of them and small numbers for two of them, (ii) scattering of detected peak numbers seems to depend on detection of medium‐intensity peaks because of participants' subjectivity or ambivalence for judgment of intensity, and (iii) the peaks that are detected by the analysts with a detectability more than 75% almost correspond to the peak signal‐to‐noise(S/N) ratio of more than 10 in logarithmic expression. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

X‐ray Crystallography in Open‐Framework Materials

Open‐framework materials, such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination polymers have been widely investigated for their gas adsorption and separation properties. However, recent studies have demonstrated that their highly crystalline structures can be used to periodically organize guest molecules and non‐structural metal compounds either within their pore voids or by anchoring to their framework architecture. Accordingly, the open framework can act as a matrix for isolating and elucidating the structures of these moieties by X‐ray diffraction. This concept has broad scope for development as an analytical tool where obtaining single crystals of a target molecule presents a significant challenge and it additionally offers potential for obtaining insights into chemically reactive species that can be stabilized within the pore network. However, the technique does have limitations and as yet a general experimental method has not been realized. Herein we focus on recent examples in which framework materials have been utilized as a scaffold for ordering molecules for analysis by diffraction methods and canvass areas for future exploration.     

Interlaboratory study comparing analyses of simulated angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy data

An interlaboratory study has been conducted to determine the following: (i) the similarities and differences of film thicknesses and composition profiles obtained from analyses of simulated angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) data by different analysts using different algorithms for data analysis, and (ii) the effects of two assumptions commonly made in data‐analysis algorithms for ARXPS on derived film thicknesses and composition profiles. The analyzed data were generated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology Database for the Simulation of Electron Spectra for Surface Analysis, (SESSA) which provides a simple way to study the influence of the aforementioned effects on compositional depth profile reconstruction. Sets of simulated ARXPS data were produced for thin films of SiO₂, SiON, HfO₂, and HfON of varying thicknesses on a Si substrate. For some HfON films, the N concentration varied with depth. Eleven groups participated in the round robin study. The majority (eight) employed a commercial ARXPS instrument in which the angular distribution is measured for a fixed sample geometry, in contrast to conventional ARXPS in which the sample is tilted for angular variation. The average deviations between the reported average depth, film thickness, and amount of material typically varied between 20% and 30% but were considerably larger, between 30% and 80%, for some cases. The average errors were generally larger for simulations that included elastic scattering and the finite analyzer‐acceptance angle (realistic conditions) than those for simulations that neglected elastic scattering and the finite analyzer‐acceptance angle (simplified conditions). The retrieved N depth profiles were quantitatively different from the true depth profiles and showed substantial variability among the group of members who used the same instrument and analysis software. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pore size distributions in low‐k dielectric thin films from X‐ray porosimetry

X‐ray reflectivity has been used to determine the mass uptake of probe molecules in porous thin films supported on thick silicon wafers. The adsorption occurs by capillary condensation when the films are exposed to probe vapor at controlled partial vapor pressures. The probe solvent partial pressure was varied by mixing saturated air and dry air at constant temperature or by changing sample temperature at a constant vapor concentration. Pore size distribution in the films can be calculated from the probe uptake with typical porosimetric approaches such as the application of the Kelvin equation to convert partial pressure into pore size. For illustration, the pore size distribution of three different nanoporous thin films, the primary candidate of ultra‐low‐k interlevel dielectrics in the next generation of integrated circuit chips, was determined with this technique. These samples represent different generations of low‐k dielectrics developed by industry. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 2170–2177, 2002     

Oxime functionalization strategy for iodinated poly(epsilon‐caprolactone) X‐ray opaque materials

Since two of the most common technologies for imaging the human body are X‐ray radiography and computed tomography (CT), researchers are focused on developing biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric molecules as an alternative to the traditional small molecule contrast agents. This report highlights the synthesis of novel biodegradable iodinated poly(ε‐caprolactone) copolymers by oxime “Click” ligation reactions. A series of ketone‐bearing materials are built by tin (II)‐mediated ring‐opening polymerization followed by a postpolymerization deprotection step. The intended X‐ray opacity is imparted through acid‐catalyzed oxime postpolymerization modification of the resultant polymers with an iodinated hydroxylamine. All small molecules and polymeric materials are characterized using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for purity, functional group stoichiometry, and number‐averaged molecular weight calculations. Additionally, the polymers are evaluated with gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to determine polymer sample polydispersity and general molecular weight distribution shapes and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal properties. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 2421–2430     

Small‐angle X‐ray scattering and polymer melting: A model study

Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) gives information on lamellar stacks in semicrystalline polymers. SAXS experiments have been used to follow the melting transition that occurs over a temperature range of 10 °C or more. One common feature is the increase in the average period by 50–100% during the melting process, a change that is often attributed to sequential melting of crystals in the lamellar stack. A quantitative treatment shows that the scattering experiment indicates only the original period, not the average period that increases throughout sequential melting. With this model, I discuss the relation between structural parameters of the melting structure and quantities derived from the SAXS intensity, the correlation function, and the interface distribution function. Uncertainties persist in our understanding of polymer melting. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 2454–2460, 2001     

Synthesis and X‐ray Crystallography of Two Lead(II) Decahydro‐closo‐Decaborate Hydrates

The reaction of Pb[CO₃] with an aqueous solution of (H₃O)₂[B₁₀H₁₀] in an equimolar ratio leads to two lead(II) decahydro‐closo‐decaborate hydrates both as triclinic, pale yellow single crystals. The water‐rich compound with the formula [Pb(H₂O)₃]₂Pb[B₁₀H₁₀]₃ · 5.5H₂O crystallizes in the space group P1 (a = 711.72(4), b = 1243.14(8), c = 2064.83(12) pm, α = 81.806(3), β = 83.795(3), γ = 80.909(3)°) with Z = 2. The compound with the lower water content, [Pb(H₂O)₃]Pb[B₁₀H₁₀]₂ · 1.5H₂O, also crystallizes in P1 (a = 718.46(4), b = 1288.75(8), c = 1279.91(8) pm, α = 70.145(3), β = 75.976(3), γ = 80.324(3)°) with Z = 2. Both structures can be described as layered arrangements and contain one Pb²⁺ cation each, which is only coordinated by the hydridic hydrogen atoms of the hydroborate anions. All the others are primarily surrounded by three water molecules in a non‐planar fashion and additional hydrogen atoms of [B₁₀H₁₀]^2– anions. The non‐lead‐bonded crystal water molecules in both structures are all connected via hydrogen bonds to the water molecules, which coordinate the Pb²⁺ cations, as well as via non‐classical hydrogen bonds to the cluster anions and reside between the layers. The [B₁₀H₁₀]^2– anions show only slight distortions from their ideal shape as bicapped square antiprisms.     

Stable Anilinyl Radicals Coordinated to Nickel: X‐ray Crystal Structure and Characterization

Two anilinosalen and a mixed phenol‐anilinosalen ligands involving sterically hindered anilines moieties were synthesized. Their nickel(II) complexes 1 , 2 , and 3 were prepared and characterized. They could be readily one‐electron oxidized (E_1/2=?0.30, ?0.26 and 0.10 V vs. Fc⁺/Fc, respectively) into anilinyl radicals species [ 1]⁺ , [ 2]⁺ , and [ 3]⁺ , respectively. The radical complexes are extremely stable and were isolated as single crystals. X‐ray crystallographic structures reveal that the changes in bond length resulting from oxidation do not exceed 0.02 Å within the ligand framework in the symmetrical [ 1]⁺ and [ 2]⁺ . No quinoid bond pattern was present. In contrast, larger structural rearrangements were evidenced for the unsymmetrical [ 3]⁺ , with shortening of one C_ortho? C_meta bond. Radical species [ 1]⁺ and [ 2]⁺ exhibit a strong absorption band at around 6000 cm^?1 (class III mixed valence compounds). This band is significantly less intense than [ 3]⁺ , consistent with a rather localized anilinyl radical character, and thus a classification of this species as class II mixed‐valence compound. Magnetic and electronic properties, as well as structural parameters, have been computed by DFT methods.