Synthesis and characterization of octa- and hexanuclear polyoxomolybdate wheels: role of the inorganic template and of the counterion

Eight new compounds based on [O3PCH2PO3]4- ligands and {MoV2O4} dimeric units have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Octanuclear wheels encapsulating various guests have been isolated with different counterions. With NH4+, a single wheel was obtained, as expected, with the planar CO32- guest, (NH4)12[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(CO3)2].24H2O (1a), while with the pyramidal SO32- guest, only the syn isomer (NH4)12[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(SO3)2].26H2O (2a) was characterized. The corresponding anti isomer was obtained with Na+ as counterions, Na12[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(SO3)2]39H2O (2b), and with mixed Na+ and NH4(+) counterions, Na+(NH4)11[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(SO3)2].13H2O (2d). With [O3PCH2PO3]4- extra ligands, the octanuclear wheel Li12(NH4)2[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(HO3PCH2PO3)2].31H2O (4a) was isolated with Li+ and NH4+ counterions and Li14[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(HO3PCH2PO3)2].34H2O (4c) as a pure Li+ salt. A new rectangular anion, formed by connecting two MoV dimers and two MoVI octahedra via methylenediphosphonato ligands with NH4+ as counterions, (NH4)10[(MoV2O4)2(MoVIO3)2(O3PCH2PO3)2(HO3PCH2PO3)2].15H2)O (3a), and Li9(NH4)2Cl[(MoV2O4)2(MoVIO3)2(O3PCH2PO3)2]. 22H2O (3d) as a mixed NH4+ and Li+ salt have also been synthesized. The structural characterization of the compounds, combined with a study of their behavior in solution, investigated by 31P NMR, has allowed a discussion on the influence of the counterions on the structure of the anions and their stability. Density functional theory calculations carried out on both isomers of the [(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(SO3)2]12- anion (2), either assumed isolated or embedded in a continuum solvent model, suggest that the anti form is favored by approximately 2 kcal mol(-1). Explicit insertion of two solvated counterions in the molecular cavity reverses this energy difference and reduces it to less than 1 kcal mol(-1), therefore accounting for the observed structural versatility.     

Synthesis, purification, and characterization of phosphine oxides and their hydrogen peroxide adducts

Reactions of the tertiary phosphines R(3)P (R = Me, Bu, Oct, Cy, Ph) with 35% aqueous H(2)O(2) gives the corresponding oxides as the H(2)O(2) adducts R(3)P=O·(H(2)O(2))(x) (x = 0.5-1.0). Air oxidation leads to a mixture of products due to the insertion of oxygen into one or more P-C bonds. (31)P NMR spectroscopy in solution and in the solid state, as well as IR spectroscopy reveal distinct features of the phosphine oxides as compared to their H(2)O(2) adducts. The single crystal X-ray analyses of Bu(3)P=O and [Cy(3)P=O·(H(2)O(2))](2) show a P=O stacking motif for the phosphine oxide and a cyclic structure, in which the six oxygen atoms exhibit a chair conformation for the dimeric H(2)O(2) adduct. Different methods for the decomposition of the bound H(2)O(2) and the removal of the ensuing strongly adsorbed H(2)O are evaluated. Treating R(3)P=O·(H(2)O(2))(x) with molecular sieves destroys the bound H(2)O(2) safely under mild conditions (room temperature, toluene) within one hour and quantitatively removes the adsorbed H(2)O from the hygroscopic phosphine oxides within four hours. At 60 °C the entire decomposition/drying process is complete within one hour.     

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of ferrous and ferric oxo/peroxo pivalate complexes in relation to Gif-type oxygenation of substrates

This study examines structural features and aspects of reactivity of Gif-type reagents, which depend on O2/Zn to mediate oxidation of hydrocarbons. The reagents investigated derive from the use of iron complexes with the anion of the weak carboxylic acid Me3CCO2H (pivalic acid (PivH)) in pyridine/PivH. In these solutions, the known compound [Fe3O(O2CCMe3)6(py)3] is reduced by Zn to generate yellow-green [FeII(O2CCMe3)2(py)4], which readily reverts to [Fe3O(O2CCMe3)6(py)3], and eventually to [Fe3O(O2CCMe3)6(py)3]+, upon exposure to dioxygen. All three species are equally well suited to mediate Gif-like oxygenation of substrates supported by O2/Zn. [FeIII3O(O2CCMe3)6(L)3]+ (L = H2O, py) is converted by H2O2 to afford the hexairon(III) peroxo compounds [Fe6(O2)(O)2(O2CCMe3)12(L)2] (L = Me3CCO2H, py), which feature a [Fe6(eta 2-mu 4-O2)(mu 3-O)2] core previously documented in the closely related [Fe6(O2)(O)2(O2CPh)12(H2O)2]. A similar peroxo species, [Fe6(O2)(O)2(O2CCMe3)2(O2CCF3)10(H2O)2], is obtained upon replacing all pivalate ligands by trifluoroacetate groups with the exception of those pivalates that bridge between the two [Fe3O(O2CCF3)5(H2O)]2+ units. The structure of the [Fe6(O2)(O)2] core in these peroxo species is found to range from a recliner to a butterfly-type conformation. Reduction of [Fe6(O2)(O)2(O2CCMe3)12(HO2CCMe3)2] with NaBH4 generates [Na2Fe4(O)2(O2CCMe3)10(L)(L')] (L = CH3CN, L' = Me2CO; L = L' = Me3CCO2H), which feature a [Na2Fe4(O)2] core possessing a bent butterfly conformation of the [Fe4(O)2] unit. Oxidation of the same peroxo complex by CeIV or NOBF4 regenerates the oxo-bridged [Fe3O(O2CCMe3)6(solv)3]+ (solv = EtOH, H2O, thf). Employment of the sterically encumbered 2-Me-5-Etpyridine provides the tetrairon compound [Fe4(O)2(O2CCMe3)8(2-Me-5-Etpy)2], which can be readily transformed upon treatment with H2O2 to the asymmetric peroxo complex [Fe6(O2)(O)2(O2CCMe3)12(2-Me-5-Etpy)2]. The peroxo-containing complexes oxidize both cis-stilbene and adamantane in either benzene or py/PivH, but only under forceful conditions and at very low yields. The low reactivity and high selectivity (tert/sec = 8) obtained in the oxidation of adamantane suggests that the present type of peroxo species is not directly involved in catalytic Gif-type oxygenations of adamantane.     

Vibrational energy transfer and relaxation in O2 and H2O

Near-resonant vibrational energy exchange between oxygen and water molecules is an important process in the Earth's atmosphere, combustion chemistry, and the chemical oxygen iodine laser (COIL). The reactions in question are (1) O2(1) + O2(0) --> O2(0) + O2(0); (2) O2(1) + H2O(000) --> O2(0) + H2O(000); (3) O2(1) + H2O(000) <--> O2(0) + H2O(010); (4) H2O(010) + H2O(000) --> H2O(000) + H2O(000); and (5) H2O(010) + O2(0) --> H2O(000) + O2(0). Reanalysis of the data available in the chemical kinetics literature provides reliable values for rate coefficients for reactions 1 and 4 and strong evidence that reactions 2 and 5 are slow in comparison with reaction 3. Analytical solution of the chemical rate equations shows that previous attempts to measure the rate of reaction 3 are unreliable unless the water mole fraction is higher than 1%. Reanalysis of data from the only experiment satisfying this constraint provides a rate coefficient of (5.5 +/- 0.4) x 10(-13) cm3/s at room temperature, between the values favored by the atmospheric and laser modeling communities.     

High-pressure synthesis, crystal structure, and properties of BiPd2O4 with Pd2+ and Pd4+ ordering and PbPd2O4

BiPd(2)O(4) and PbPd(2)O(4) were synthesized at high pressure of 6 GPa and 1500 K. Crystal structures of BiPd(2)O(4) and PbPd(2)O(4) were studied with synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. BiPd(2)O(4) is isostructural with PbPt(2)O(4) and crystallizes in a triclinic system (space group P1, a = 5.73632(4) ?, b = 6.02532(5) ?, c = 6.41100(5) ?, α = 114.371(1)°, β = 95.910(1)°, and γ = 111.540(1)° at 293 K). PbPd(2)O(4) is isostructural with LaPd(2)O(4) and BaAu(2)O(4) and crystallizes in a tetragonal system (space group I4(1)/a, a = 5.76232(1) ?, and c = 9.98347(2) ? at 293 K). BiPd(2)O(4) shows ordering of Pd(2+) and Pd(4+) ions, and it is the third example of compounds with ordered arrangements of Pd(2+) and Pd(4+) in addition to Ba(2)Hg(3)Pd(7)O(14) and KPd(2)O(3). In PbPd(2)O(4), the following charge distribution is realized Pb(4+)Pd(2+)(2)O(4). PbPd(2)O(4) shows a structural phase transition from I4(1)/a to I2/a at about 240 K keeping basically the same structural arrangements (space group I2/a, a = 5.77326(1) ?, b = 9.95633(2) ?, c = 5.73264(1) ?, β = 90.2185(2)° at 112 K). BiPd(2)O(4) is nonmagnetic while PbPd(2)O(4) exhibits a significant temperature-dependent paramagnetic moment of 0.46μ(B)/f.u. between 2 and 350 K. PbPd(2)O(4) shows metallic conductivity, and BiPd(2)O(4) is a semiconductor between 2 and 400 K.     

Hydrogen isotope effects and mechanism of aqueous ozone and peroxone decompositions

Hydrogen peroxide exalts the reactivity of aqueous ozone by reasons that remain obscure. Should H2O2 enhance free radical production, as it is generally believed, a chain mechanism propagated by (.OH/.O2-) species would account for O3 decomposition rates in neat H2O, HR-O3, and in peroxone (O3 + H2O2) solutions, HPR-O3. We found, however, that: (1) the radical mechanism correctly predicts HR-O3 but vastly overestimates HPR-O3, (2) solvent deuteration experiments preclude radical products from the (O3 + HO2-) reaction. The modest kinetic isotope effect (KIE) we measure in H2O/D2O: HR-O3/DR-O3 = 1.5 +/- 0.3, is compatible with a chain process driven by electron- and/or O-atom transfer processes. But the large KIE found in peroxone: HPR-O3/DPR-O3 = 19.6 +/- 4.0, is due to an elementary (O3 + HO2-) reaction involving H-O2- bond cleavage. Since the KIE for the hypothetical H-atom transfer: O3 + HO2- HO3. +.O2-, would emerge as a KIE1/2 factor in the rates of the ensuing radical chain, the magnitude of the observed KIE must be associated with the hydride transfer reaction that yields a diamagnetic species: O3 + HO2- HO3- + O2. HO3-/H2O3 may be the bactericidal trioxide recently identified in the antibody-catalyzed addition of O2(1Deltag) to H2O.     

Hydrogen and oxygen isotope values in hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) is a widely used oxidizer with many commercial applications; unfortunately, it also has terrorist-related uses. We analyzed 97 hydrogen peroxide solutions representing four grades purchased across the United States and in Mexico. As expected, the range of hydrogen (δ(2)H, 230‰) and oxygen (δ(18)O, 24‰) isotope values of the H(2)O(2) solutions was large, reflecting the broad isotopic range of dilution waters. This resulted in predictable linear relationships of δ(2)H and δ(18)O values of H(2)O(2) solutions that were near parallel to the Meteoric Water Line (MWL), offset by the concentration of H(2)O(2) in the solution. By grade, dilute (3 to 35%) H(2)O(2) solutions were not statistically different in slope. Although the δ(2)H values of manufactured H(2)O(2) could be different from those of water, rapid H(2)O(2)-H(2)O exchange of H atoms eliminated any distinct isotope signal. We developed a method to measure the δ(18)O value of H(2)O(2) independent of dilution water by directly measuring O(2) gas generated from a catalase-induced disproportionation reaction. We predicted that the δ(18)O values of H(2)O(2) would be similar to that of atmospheric oxygen (+23.5‰), the predominant source of oxygen in the most common H(2)O(2) manufacturing process (median disproportionated δ(18)O=23.8‰). The predictable H-O relationships in H(2)O(2) solutions make it possible to distinguish commercial dilutions from clandestine concentration practices. Future applications of this work include synthesis studies that investigate the chemical link between H(2)O(2) reagents and peroxide-based explosive products, which may assist law enforcement in criminal investigations.     

Structural and redox properties of VOx and Pd/VOx thin film model catalysts studied by TEM and SAED

The oxidation of pure V(2)O(3) and Pd/V(2)O(3) films was studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) in the temperature range 673-773 K. Thin films of V(2)O(3) were prepared by reactive deposition of V metal in 10(-2) Pa O(2) on NaCl(001) cleavage faces. Pd particles were epitaxially grown on NaCl(001) and subsequently embedded in V(2)O(3). Oxidation of both pure V(2)O(3) and Pd/V(2)O(3) at 673 K transforms V(2)O(3) into a platelet-like V(2)O(5) structure. At temperatures T>or= 773 K, a reconstruction of the platelet-like V(2)O(5) structure into an array of oblong and needle-type V(2)O(5) nanocrystals of different size occurs. Subsequent reduction of the so-prepared structures in 1 bar H(2) at 573-673 K results in the formation of the cubic VO phase, whereby the external shape of the original crystals is partially maintained. Upon oxidation at 723 K, Pd is transformed into PdO, but its formation is suppressed in comparison with Pd supported on Al(2)O(3) and occurs only at an about 100 K higher temperature than on Pd/Al(2)O(3). The Pd particles are stabilized against oxidation up to 673 K, PdO decomposes upon reduction in hydrogen between 573 and 673 K.     

Experimental and theoretical study of the reactions between vanadium oxide cluster cations and water

Vanadium oxide cluster cations V(x)O(y)(+) (x = 2-6) are prepared by laser ablation and are reacted with D(2)O in a fast flow reactor under room temperature conditions. A time-of-flight mass spectrometer is used to detect the cluster distribution before and after the reactions. Observation of the products (V(2)O(5))(1-3)D(+) indicates the deuterium atom abstraction reaction (V(2)O(5))(1-3)(+) + D(2)O → (V(2)O(5))(1-3)D(+) + OD. In addition, significant association products (V(2)O(5))(1-3)D(2)O(+) are also observed in the experiments. Density functional theory calculations are performed to study the reaction mechanisms of V(4)O(10)(+) with H(2)O. The calculated results are in agreement with the experimental observations and indicate that H(2)O is dissociatively rather than molecularly adsorbed in V(4)O(10)H(2)O(+) complex.     

Quantum yield and mechanism of singlet oxygen generation via UV photoexcitation of O2-O2 and N2-O2 encounter complexes

The mechanism and spectral dependence of the quantum yield of singlet oxygen O(2)(a (1)Δ(g)) photogenerated by UV radiation in gaseous oxygen at elevated pressure (32-130 bar) have been experimentally investigated within the 238-285 nm spectral region overlapping the range of the Wulf bands in the absorption spectrum of oxygen. The dominant channel of singlet oxygen generation with measured quantum yield up to about 2 is attributed to the one-quantum absorption by the encounter complexes O(2)-O(2). This absorption gives rise to oxygen in the Herzberg III state O(2)(A' (3)Δ(u)), which is assumed to be responsible for singlet oxygen production in the relaxation process O(2)(A' (3)Δ(u), υ) + O(2)(X (3)Σ(g)(-)) → O(2)({a (1)Δ(g)}, {b (1)Σ(g)(+)}) + O(2)({a (1)Δ(g), υ = 0}, {b (1)Σ(g)(+), υ = 0}) with further collisional relaxation of b to a state. This mechanism is deduced from the analysis of the avoiding crossing locations on the potential energy surface of colliding O(2)-O(2) pair. The observed drop of the O(2)(a (1)Δ(g)) yield near spectral threshold for O(2) dissociation is explained by the competition between above relaxation and reaction giving rise to O(3) + O (O + O + O(2)) supposed in literature. The quantum yield of O(2)(a (1)Δ(g)) formation from encounter complex N(2)-O(2) measured at λ = 266 nm was found to be the same as that for O(2)-O(2).     

Sodium thiosulfonate salts: molecular and supramolecular structural features and solution radiolytic properties

Three sodium thiosulfonate salts, NaMeS(2)O(2)·H(2)O, NaPhS(2)O(2) and NaMeC(6)H(4)S(2)O(2) have been prepared by the direct reaction of the sodium sulfinate salts with elemental sulfur, a clean, benign route that produces no by-products. The structures of the phenyl (which crystallised as a hydrate, NaPhS(2)O(2)·1.5H(2)O) and p-tolyl compounds were determined by X-ray crystallography. For the p-tolyl derivative, NaMeC(6)H(4)S(2)O(2), the unexpected coordination of the pendant sulfur atom was found, a feature not reported previously for thiosulfonate salts, and observed only in two of the more common thiosulfate salts. Intermolecular CH/π interactions are postulated to contribute to the driving force of sulfur coordination, otherwise a different orientation of the aromatic rings would be expected. For NaPhS(2)O(2)·1.5H(2)O, the water ligands and thiosulfonate anions each contribute three oxygen atoms to form a NaO(6) coordination sphere. The thiosulfonate and water oxygens bridge to other sodium atoms forming a three-dimensional layer structure consisting of sheets of NaPhS(2)O(2)·1.5H(2)O with a hydrophilic interior layer, comprising the sodium ions, water ligands and -S(2)O(2)(-) groups, and a hydrophobic exterior formed by the phenyl substituent. The structure is further stabilised by an extensive H-bonding network between the ligated water and the non-coordinating thiosulfonate sulfur atom forming part of the hydrophilic layer and by weak intermolecular edge-to-face CH/π interactions between the sheets. Investigation of the radical chemistry of the three salts using pulse radiolysis indicated that oxidation of NaMeS(2)O(2)·H(2)O involves formation of a sulfur-centred radical rather than hydrogen abstraction from the methyl substituent, whereas oxidation of the aromatic ring is the preferred pathway for the phenyl and p-tolyl derivatives.     

Facile synthesis of zero-, one-, and two-dimensional vanadyl pyrophosphates

Crystallization of Na(2)VOP(2)O(7) from its aqueous solution results in formation of a one-dimensional inorganic polymer {Na(2)VO(H(2)O)P(2)O(7)·7H(2)O}(n) (1). When this polymer is dehydrated at elevated temperatures this polymer undergoes a phase transition to form the two-dimensional framework β-Na(2)VOP(2)O(7), which although previously reported had been difficult to access. Exchanging lithium for sodium via ion-exchange chromatography results in formation of a discrete, cyclic, tetramer species, Li(8)[VOP(2)O(7)(H(2)O)·4H(2)O](4) (2). Isolation of crystalline β-Li(2)VOP(2)O(7) using a dehydration procedure analogous to the one employed for the sodium derivative was unsuccessful. In contrast, we show that β-K(2)VOP(2)O(7) can be obtained from the amorphous phase K(2)VOP(2)O(7)·nH(2)O (n = 0-7) upon thermal dehydration.     

Synthesis and catalytic epoxidation activity with TBHP and H2O2 of dioxo-, oxoperoxo-, and oxodiperoxo molybdenum(VI) and tungsten(VI) compounds containing monodentate or bidentate phosphine oxide ligands: crystal structures of WCl2(O)2(OPMePh2)2, WCl2(O)(O2)(OPMePh2)2, MoCl2(O)2dppmO2.C4H10O, WCl2(O)2dppmO2, Mo(O)(O2)2dppmO2, and W(O)(O2)2dppmO2

The dioxo tungsten(VI) and molybdenum(VI) complexes WCl2(O)2(OPMePh2)2, WCl2(O)2dppmO2, and MoCl2(O)2dppmO2, the oxoperoxo compounds WCl2(O)(O2)(OPMePh2)2, WCl2(O)(O2)dppmO2, and MoCl2(O)(O2)dppmO2, and the oxodiperoxo complexes, W(O)(O2)2dppmO2 and Mo(O)(O2)2dppmO2 have been prepared and characterized by IR spectroscopy, 31P NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. The structural and X-ray crystallographic data of compounds WCl2(O)2(OPMePh2)2, WCl2(O)(O2)(OPMePh2)2, MoCl2(O)2dppmO2.4H10O, WCl2(O)2dppmO2, Mo(O)(O2)2dppmO2, and W(O)(O2)2dppmO2 are also detailed. All complexes were studied as catalysts for cis-cyclooctene epoxidation in the presence of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) or H2O2 as an oxidant. The Mo-based catalysts showed a superior reactivity over W-based catalysts in the TBHP system. On the other hand, in the H2O2 system, the W-based catalysts (accomplishing nearly 100% epoxidation of cyclooctene in 6 h) are more reactive than the Mo catalysts (<45% under some conditions). Various solvent systems have been investigated, and ethanol is the most suitable solvent for the H2O2 system.     

Solid state coordination chemistry: construction of 2D networks and 3D frameworks from phosphomolybdate clusters and binuclear Cu(II) complexes. The syntheses and structures of [(Cu2(tpypyz)(H2O)2)(Mo5O15)(HOPO3)2].nH2O [n = 2, 3; tpypyz = tetra(2-pyridyl)pyrazine

The hydrothermal reaction of MoO3, Cu(C2H3O2)2.H2O, tpypyz, H3PO4 and H2O yields a 2D material, [(Cu2(tpypyz)(H2O)2)(Mo5O15)(HOPO3)2].2H2O (1.2H2O), constructed from (Mo5O15(HOPO3)2)4- clusters linked through (Cu2(tpypyz)(H2O)2)2+ components; in contrast, use of Cu2O in the synthesis in place of Cu(C2H3O2)2.H2O yields a 3D material [(Cu2(tpypyz)(H2O)2)(Mo5O15)(HOPO3)2].3H2O (2.3H2O), constructed from the same building blocks as 1.2H2O.     

Structure of the oxygen-rich cluster cation Al2O7+ and its reactivity toward methane and water

The oxygen-rich cluster Al(2)O(7)(+) is generated in the gas phase and investigated with respect to both its structure and its reactivity toward small, inert molecules using Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry and DFT-based calculations. Al(2)O(7)(+) reacts with CH(4) under ambient conditions via hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), and with H(2)O a ligand exchange occurs which gives rise to the evaporation of two O(2) molecules. The resulting product ion Al(2)O(4)H(2)(+) is also capable of abstracting a hydrogen atom from both H(2)O and CH(4). As indicated in the H(2)O/2O(2) ligand exchange and supported by collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments, two O(2) units constitute structural elements of Al(2)O(7)(+). Further insight is provided by DFT calculations, performed at the unrestricted B3LYP/TZVP level, and reaction mechanisms are suggested on the basis of both the experimental and theoretical results.     

Syntheses and X-ray crystal structures of zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) complexes containing monovacant wells-Dawson and Keggin polyoxotungstates

The syntheses and crystal structures of a series of zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) complexes with Dawson monovacant phosphotungstate [alpha2-P2W17O61](10-) and in situ-generated Keggin monovacant phosphotungstate [alpha-PW11O39](7-), which was obtained by a reaction of [alpha-PW12O40](3-) with Na2CO3, are described. K15H[Zr(alpha2-P2W17O61)2].25H2O (K-1), K16[Hf(alpha2-P2W17O61)2].19H2O (K-2), (Et2NH2)10[Zr(alpha-PW11O39)2].7H2O (Et2NH2-3), and (Et2NH2)10[Hf(alpha-PW11O39)2].2H2O (Et2NH2-4), being afforded by reactions in aqueous solutions of monolacunary Dawson and Keggin polyoxotungstates with ZrCl2O.8H2O and HfCl2O.8H2O followed by exchanging countercations, were obtained as analytically pure, homogeneous colorless crystals. Single-crystal X-ray structure analyses revealed that the Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) ions are in a square antiprismatic coordination environment with eight oxygen atoms, four of them being provided from each of the two monovacant polyanion ligands. Although the total molecular shapes and the 8-coordinate zirconium and hafnium centers of complexes 1-4 are identical, the bonding modes (bond lengths and bond angles) around the zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) centers were dependent on the monovacant structures of the polyanion ligands. Additionally, the characterization of complexes 1-4 was accomplished by elemental analysis, TG/DTA, FTIR, and solution (31P and 183W) NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of chiral and nonchiral transition-metal malates

Carboxylate-bridged complexes of transition metals, M(II)=Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), were synthesised by reaction of M(II) salts with dl-malate and L-malate under hydrothermal conditions. These complexes form four series of compounds, which have been fully characterised structurally, thermally and magnetically. The crystal structures of the new chiral compounds, [Mn(L-mal)(H(2)O)] (1), [Fe(L-mal)(H(2)O)] (2), [Co(L-mal)(H(2)O)] (3) and [Zn(L-mal)(H(2)O)] (4) as well as those of the bimetallic analogues [Mn(0.63)Co(0.37)(L-mal)(H(2)O)] (5) and [Mn(0.79)Ni(0.21)(L-mal)(H(2)O)] (6) have been solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The six L-malate monohydrates crystallise in the chiral space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) and consist in a three-dimensional network of metal(II) centres in octahedral sites formed by oxygen atoms. These structures were compared to those of the chiral trihydrate compounds [Co(L-mal)(H(2)O)]2 H(2)O (7), [Ni(L-mal)(H(2)O)]2 H(2)O (8) and [Co(0.52)Ni(0.48)(L-mal)(H(2)O)]2 H(2)O (9), which exhibit helical chains of M(II) centres, and those of dl-malate dihydrates [Co(dl-mal)(H(2)O)]H(2)O (10) and [Ni(dl-mal)(H(2)O)H(2)O (11) and trihydrate [Mn(L-mal)(H(2)O)]2 H(2)O (12) highlighting the great flexibility of the coordination by the malate ligand. UV/Vis spectroscopic results are consistent with octahedral coordination geometry of high-spin transition-metal centres. Extensive magnetic characterisation of each homologous series indicates rather weak coupling interaction between paramagnetic centres linked through carboxylate bridges. Curie-like paramagnetic, antiferromagnetic, ferromagnetic or weak ferromagnetic behaviour is observed and discussed on the basis of the structural features. The bimetallic compounds 5 and 6 represent new examples of chiral magnets.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of a series of alkaline earth vanadium selenites and tellurites

Six new novel alkaline-earth metal vanadium(V) or vanadium(IV) selenites and tellurites, namely, Sr(2)(VO)(3)(SeO(3))(5), Sr(V(2)O(5))(TeO(3)), Sr(2)(V(2)O(5))(2)(TeO(3))(2)(H(2)O), Ba(3)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(4), Ba(2)(VO(3))Te(4)O(9)(OH), and Ba(2)V(2)O(5)(Te(2)O(6)), have been prepared and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. These compounds exhibit six different anionic structures ranging from zero-dimensional (0D) cluster to three-dimensional (3D) network. Sr(2)(VO)(3)(SeO(3))(5) features a 3D anionic framework composed of VO(6) octahedra that are bridged by SeO(3) polyhedra. The oxidation state of the vanadium cation is +4 because of the partial reduction of V(2)O(5) by SeO(2) at high temperature. Ba(3)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(4) features a 0D [(VO(2))(SeO(3))(2)](3-) anion. Sr(V(2)O(5))(TeO(3)) displays a unique 1D vanadium(V) tellurite chain composed of V(2)O(8) and V(2)O(7) units connected by tellurite groups, forming 4- and 10-MRs, whereas Sr(2)(V(2)O(5))(2)(TeO(3))(2)(H(2)O) exhibits a 2D layer consisting of [V(4)O(14)] tetramers interconnected by bridging TeO(3)(2-) anions with the Sr(2+) and water molecules located at the interlayer space. Ba(2)(VO(3))Te(4)O(9)(OH) exhibits a one-dimensional (1D) vanadium tellurite chain composed of a novel 1D [Te(4)O(9)(OH)](3-) chain further decorated by VO(4) tetrahedra. Ba(2)V(2)O(5)(Te(2)O(6)) also features a 1D vanadium(V) tellurites chain in which neighboring VO(4) tetrahedra are bridged by [Te(2)O(6)](4-) dimers. The existence of V(4+) ions in Sr(2)(VO)(3)(SeO(3))(5) is also confirmed by magnetic measurements. The results of optical diffuse-reflectance spectrum measurements and electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) methods indicate that all six compounds are wide-band gap semiconductors.     

Interconvertable modular framework and layered lanthanide(III)-etidronic acid coordination polymers

Isostructural modular microporous Na2[Y(hedp)(H2O)0.67] and Na4[Ln2(hedp)2(H2O)2].nH2O (Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Er) framework-type, and layered orthorhombic [Eu(H2hedp)(H2O)2].H2O and Na0.9[Nd0.9Ge0.10(Hhedp)(H2O)2], monoclinic [Ln(H2hedp)(H2O)].3H2O (Ln = Y, Tb), and triclinic [Yb(H2hedp)].H2O coordination polymers based on etidronic acid (H5hedp) have been prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and characterized structurally by (among others) single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR. The structure of the framework materials comprises eight-membered ring channels filled with Na+ and both free and lanthanide-coordinated water molecules, which are removed reversibly by calcination at 300 degrees C (structural integrity is preserved up to ca. 475 degrees C), denoting a clear zeolite-type behavior. Interesting photoluminescence properties, sensitive to the hydration degree, are reported for Na4[Eu2(hedp)2(H2O)2].H2O and its fully dehydrated form. The 3D framework and layered materials are, to a certain extent, interconvertable during the hydrothermal synthesis stage via the addition of HCl or NaCl: of the 3D framework Na4[Tb2(hedp)2(H2O)2].nH2O, affords layered [Tb(H2hedp) (H2O)].3H2O, whereas layered [Tb(H2hedp)(H2O)2].H2O reacts with sodium chloride yielding a material similar to Na4[Tb2(hedp)2(H2O)2].nH2O. In layered [Y(H2hedp)(H2O)].3H2O, noncoordinated water molecules are engaged in cooperative water-to-water hydrogen-bonding interactions, leading to the formation of a (H2O)13 cluster, which is the basis of an unprecedented two-dimensional water network present in the interlayer space.     

Polynuclear complexes of main group and transition metals with polyaminopolycarboxylate and polyoxometalate

Six supramolecular compounds constructed by main group and transition metals, polyoxotungstates (SiW(12)O(40)(4-)) and trans-N,N,N',N'-1,2-cyclohexanediaminotetraacetic acid (H(4)CyDTA), (NH(4))(3)[Ni(4)Na(H(2)O)(10)(CyDTA)(2)][SiW(12)O(40)]·10H(2)O (1) (NH(4))(2)[Cu(3)Na(2)(HCyDTA)(2)(H(2)O)(13)][SiW(12)O(40)]·5H(2)O (2), (NH(4))(2)[Zn(5)(CyDTA)(2)(H(2)O)(16)][SiW(12)O(40)]·8H(2)O (3), (NH(4))(4)[Cd(4)(CyDTA)(2)(H(2)O)(8)][SiW(12)O(40)]·6H(2)O (4), (NH(4))(4)[Sr(3)(HCyDTA)(2)(H(2)O)(14)][SiW(12)O(40)]·2H(2)O (5) and [Ca(4)(H(2)CyDTA)(2)(H(2)O)(22)][SiW(12)O(40)]·8H(2)O (6), were synthesized in aqueous solution and characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Single-crystal structure analyses indicate they are constructed by the complexes with different nuclearity and polyoxometalates. In the sequence of Ni, Cu, Zn the nuclearity of the homometallic complex units increases from 2 to 5. Cadmium ions gives a tetranuclear complex with a compact structure. In 5 and 6 the main group metal ions and CyDTA form polymeric chains. CyDTA exhibits rather different coordination patterns to main group metal ions and transition metal ions due to their ionic radii and electronic configuration. The complex units and polyoxometalates arrange in different patterns due to the different shapes of the complex units. The compounds exhibit different thermal decomposition processes and the formation of compounds 3 and 4 quenches ligand-centered emissions and gives a ligand-to-metal emission. The study on various temperature susceptibilities of 1 and 2 shows that there is an antiferromagnetic coupling in the two compounds but coupling patterns are different.