Synthesis of heteronuclear (MoRu2) clusters from 16-electron half-sandwich complexes (p-Cymene)Ru[E2C2(B10H10)] (E = S,Se)

The heterometallic cluster complexes {(p-Cymene)Ru[S₂C₂(B₁₀H₁₀)]}Mo(CO)₂{(CO)₃Ru[S₂C₂(B₁₀H₁₀)]} (2) and {(p-Cymene)Ru[Se₂C₂(B₁₀H₁₀)]}₂Mo(CO)₂ (3) (p-Cymene = η⁶-4-isopropyl-toluene) have been synthesized from the reactions of 16-electron half-sandwich ruthenium 1,2-dichalcogenolate carborane complexes (p-Cymene)Ru[E₂C₂(B₁₀H₁₀)] (E = S(1a), Se(1b)) with Mo(CO)₃(Py)₃ in the presence of BF₃ · Et₂O. The complexes of 2 and 3 were characterized by elemental analysis and IR, NMR spectra. The molecular structure of 2 has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 2 is unsymmetrical and the two Ru–Mo single bonds (2.7893(14), 2.8189(13) Å) are each supported by a symmetrically bridging o-carborane-1,2-dithiolato ligand.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and thermal behaviour of [La(hfa)3(Phen)2] (hfa = hexafluoroacetylacetonate,Phen = o-phenanthroline)

The mixed ligand complex [La(hfa)₃(Phen)₂] (I) was obtained by the interaction of La(hfa)₃ and Phen; its composition does not depend on the stoichiometry of the reagents. According to the X-ray single crystal analysis data, complex I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n, with a = 13.583(3) Å, b = 16.959(3) Å, c = 18.860(4) Å, β = 94.71(3)° and Z = 4. The structure of I consists of isolated mononuclear molecules, the coordination number of La being 10. Thermal behaviour and composition of the vapor phase have been studied for I by thermal analysis and mass-spectrometry using a Knudsen cell. The mixed ligand complex I was found to sublime congruently in the temperature range 370–460 K: [La(hfa)₃(Phen)₂]_(s) = [La(hfa)₃(Phen)]_(g) + Phen_(g), Δ_rH⁰(T) = 316.2 ± 1.8 kJ/mol.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria of ternary and quaternary systems containing n-hexane,toluene, m-xylene,propanol, sulfolane,and water at T = 303.15 K

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium data for ternary and quaternary systems containing n-hexane (C₆H₁₄), toluene (C₇H₈), m-xylene (C₈H₁₀), propanol (C₃H₈O), sulfolane (C₄H₈SO₂), and water (H₂O) were measured at T = 303.15 K. Phase diagrams of {w₁C₄H₈SO₂ + w₂C₇H₈ + (1 − w₁ − w₂)C₆H₁₄}, {w₁C₄H₈SO₂ + w₂C₈H₁₀ + (1 − w₁ − w₂)C₆H₁₄}, {w₁C₄H₈SO₂ + w₂C₃H₈O + w₃C₇H₈ + (1 − w₁ − w₂ − w₃)C₆H₁₄} and also systems containing water: {w₁C₄H₈SO₂ + w₂H₂O + w₃C₇H₈ + (1 − w₁ − w₂ − w₃)C₆H₁₄} and {w₁C₄H₈SO₂ + w₂H₂O + w₃C₈H₁₀ + (1 − w₁ − w₂ − w₃)C₆H₁₄} (w = mass fraction) were obtained at T = 303.15 K. The (liquid + liquid) equilibrium data of the systems were used to obtain interaction parameters in non-random two-liquid (NRTL) and universal quasi-chemical theory (UNIQUAC) activity coefficient models. These parameters can be used to predict equilibrium data of ternary and quaternary systems. The root mean square deviations (RMSDs) using these models were calculated and reported. The partition coefficients and the selectivity factors of solvents for extraction of toluene or m-xylene from n-hexane at T = 303.15 K are calculated and presented. The experimental selectivity factors of sulfolane for the system {w₁C₄H₈SO₂ + w₂C₇H₈ + (1 − w₁ − w₂)C₆H₁₄} at T = 298.15 K and T = 323.15 K were taken from the literature and the influence of temperature on the extraction of toluene was also investigated. The phase diagrams for the ternary and quaternary systems including both the experimental and correlated tie lines are presented. The tie-line data of the studied systems were also correlated using the Hand equation and the correlation parameters are calculated and reported.     

Coupling of terminal alkynes by RuHXL2 (X = Cl or N(SiMe3)2, L = PiPr3)

The compounds RuL₂HX, where L = PⁱPr₃ and X = Cl or N(SiMe₃)₂, are catalyst precursors for dimerization of terminal alkynes to enynes and also to cumulenes at 23 °C; selectivity among these products is X-dependent, but not high. Conversion of Ru species onto the catalytic cycle was undetectably small, so alternative approaches to understanding the catalytic mechanism were employed: stoichiometric reactions, independent synthesis of candidate intermediates, and trapping with CO. These show the intermediacy of vinylidenes and vinyl compounds, and reveal conversion of cumulenes to the thermodynamically more stable enynes.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium of (imidazolium ionic liquids + organic salts) aqueous two-phase systems at T = 298.15 K and the influence of salts and ionic liquids on the phase separation

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium for the {1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₂mim]BF₄)/1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₃mim]BF₄) + organic salt + H₂O} aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) have been experimentally ascertained at T = 298.15 K. Three empirical equations were used to correlate the binodal data. On the basis of the empirical equation of the binodal curve with the highest accuracy and lever rule, the (liquid + liquid) equilibrium data were calculated by MATLAB. The reliability of the tie line compositions was proved by the empirical correlation equations given by the Othmer–Tobias and Bancroft equations. The effective excluded volume (EEV) values obtained from the binodal model for these systems were determined. The EEV and the binodal curves plotted in molality both indicate that the salting-out abilities of the four salts follow the order: Na₃C₆H₅O₇ > (NH₄)₃C₆H₅O₇ > Na₂C₄H₄O₄ ≈ Na₂C₄H₄O₆, while the phase-separation abilities of the investigated ILs are in the order of [C₃mim]BF₄ > [C₂mim]BF₄. In the systems investigated, the effect of salts on the phase-forming capability was also evaluated in the shape of the salting-out coefficient obtained from fitting the tie-line data to a Setschenow-type equation. The phase-forming ability increases with the increase of salting-out coefficient.     

Reactions of trans-[RuCl2(CO)2(PEt3)2] with 1,1-dithiolates: Stepwise formation of cis-[Ru(CO)(PEt3)(S2X)] (X = CNMe2, CNEt2, COEt,P(OEt)2, PPh2)

Trans-[RuCl₂(CO)₂(PEt₃)₂] reacts with two equivalents of a series of 1,1-dithiolate ligands to form the bis(dithiolate) complexes, cis-[Ru(CO)(PEt₃)(S₂X)₂] (X = CNMe₂, CNEt₂, COEt, P(OEt)₂, PPh₂). Two intermediates have been isolated; trans-[Ru(PEt₃)₂Cl(CO){S₂P(OEt)₂}] and trans-[Ru(PEt₃)₂(CO)(η¹-S₂COEt)(η²-S₂COEt)], allowing a simple reaction scheme to be postulated involving three steps; (i) initial replacement of cis carbonyl and chloride ligands, (ii) substitution of the second chloride, (iii) loss of a phosphine. Thermolysis of cis-[Ru(CO)(PEt₃)(S₂CNMe₂)₂] with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ in xylene affords trinuclear [Ru₃(μ₃-S)₂(PEt₃)(CO)₈] as a result of dithiocarbamate degradation. Crystal structures of cis-[Ru(CO)(PEt₃)(S₂X)₂] (X = NMe₂, COEt), trans-[Ru(PEt₃)₂Cl(CO){S₂P(OEt)₂}], trans-[Ru(PEt₃)₂(CO)(η¹-S₂COEt)(η²-S₂COEt)] and [Ru₃(μ₃-S)₂(PEt₃)(CO)₈] are reported.     

A calorimetric and thermodynamic investigation of A2[(UO2)2(MoO4)O2] compounds with A = K and Rb and calculated phase relations in the system (K2MoO4 + UO3 + H2O)

A calorimetric and thermodynamic investigation of two alkali-metal uranyl molybdates with general composition A₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂], where A = K and Rb, was performed. Both phases were synthesized by solid-state sintering of a mixture of potassium or rubidium nitrate, molybdenum (VI) oxide and gamma-uranium (VI) oxide at high temperatures. The synthetic products were characterised by X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray fluorescence methods. The enthalpy of formation of K₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂] was determined using HF-solution calorimetry giving Δ_fH° (T = 298 K, K₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂], cr) = −(4018 ± 8) kJ · mol⁻¹. The low-temperature heat capacity, С_р°, was measured using adiabatic calorimetry from T = (7 to 335) K for K₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂] and from T = (7 to 326) K for Rb₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂]. Using these С_р° values, the third law entropy at T = 298.15 K, S°, is calculated as (374 ± 1) J · K⁻¹ · mol⁻¹ for K₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂] and (390 ± 1) J · K⁻¹ · mol⁻¹ for Rb₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂]. These new experimental results, together with literature data, are used to calculate the Gibbs energy of formation, Δ_fG°, for both phases giving: Δ_fG° (T = 298 K, K₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂], cr) = (−3747 ± 8) kJ · mol⁻¹ and Δ_fG° (T = 298 K, Rb₂[(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)], cr) = −3736 ± 5 kJ · mol⁻¹. Smoothed С_р°(Т) values between 0 K and 320 K are presented, along with values for S° and the functions [H°(T) − H°(0)] and [G°(T) − H°(0)], for both phases. The stability behaviour of various solid phases and solution complexes in the (K₂MoO₄ + UO₃ + H₂O) system with and without CO₂ at T = 298 K was investigated by thermodynamic model calculations using the Gibbs energy minimisation approach.     

Activity coefficients of CaCl2 in (serine or proline + water) mixtures at T = 298.15 K

Activity coefficients for the (CaCl₂ + amino acid + water) system were determined at a temperature of 298.15 K using ion-selective electrodes. The range of molalities of CaCl₂ is (0.01 to 0.20) mol · kg^?1, and that of amino acids is (0.10 to 0.40) mol · kg^?1. The activity coefficients obtained from the Debye–Hückel extended equation and the Pitzer equation are in good agreement with each other. Results show that the interactions between CaCl₂ and amino acid are controlled mainly by the electrostatic interactions (attraction). Gibbs free energy interaction parameters (g_EA) and salting constants (k_S) are positive, indicating that these amino acids are salted out by CaCl₂. These results are discussed based on group additivity model.     

Relative permittivity of the mixtures (dimethyl or diethyl carbonate) + n-nonane from T=288.15 K to T=308.15 K

Relative permittivities of the binary liquid mixtures {(CH₃O)₂CO or C₅H₁₀O₃}+CH₃(CH₂)₇CH₃ at temperatures from 288.15 K to 308.15 K and atmospheric pressure, have been determined over the whole composition range. Values of relative permittivity were measured using a HP4284A precision LCR meter together with the measuring cell HP16452A at frequency 1 MHz. Relative permittivity increments were determined from experimental data and fitted to a variable-degree polynomial function. Their parameters and root mean square deviations were calculated. Different mixing rules were used for predicting the permittivity of these mixtures. The predictions are better when the volume change on mixing is considered.     

Apparent molar heat capacities and apparent molar volumes ofY2(SO4)3(aq),La2(SO4)3(aq),Pr2(SO4)3(aq),Nd2(SO4)3(aq),Eu2(SO4)3(aq),Dy2(SO4)3(aq),Ho2(SO4)3(aq), andLu2(SO4)3(aq)atT = 298.15 K andp = 0.1 MPa

The apparent molar heat capacities C_{p, φ} ^∘ and apparent molar volumes V_φ ^∘ of Y₂(SO₄)₃(aq), La₂(SO₄)₃(aq), Pr₂(SO₄)₃(aq), Nd₂(SO₄)₃(aq), Eu₂(SO₄)₃(aq), Dy₂(SO₄)₃(aq), Ho₂(SO₄)₃(aq), and Lu₂(SO₄)₃(aq) were measured at T =  298.15 K and p =  0.1 MPa with a Sodev (Picker) flow microcalorimeter and a Sodev vibrating-tube densimeter, respectively. These measurements extend from lower molalities of m =  (0.005 to 0.018) mol ·kg ^− 1to m =  (0.025 to 0.434) mol ·kg ^− 1, where the upper molality limits are slightly below those of the saturated solutions. There are no previously published apparent molar heat capacities for these systems, and only limited apparent molar volume information. Considerable amounts of the R SO₄ ⁺ (aq) and R(SO₄)₂ ⁻ (aq) complexes are present, where R denotes a rare-earth, which complicates the interpretation of these thermodynamic quantities. Values of the ionic molar heat capacities and ionic molar volumes of these complexes at infinite dilution are derived from the experimental information, but the calculations are necessarily quite approximate because of the need to estimate ionic activity coefficients and other thermodynamic quantities. Nevertheless, the derived standard ionic molar properties for the various R SO₄ ⁺ (aq) and R(SO₄)₂ ⁻ (aq) complexes are probably realistic approximations to the actual values. Comparisons indicate that V_φ ^∘ {RSO₄ ⁺ , aq, 298.15K}  =  − (6  ±  4)cm³· mol ^− 1and V_φ ^∘ {R(SO₄)₂ ⁻ , aq, 298.15K}  =  (35  ±  3)cm³· mol ^− 1, with no significant variation with rare-earth. In contrast, values of C_{p, φ} ^∘ { RSO₄ ⁺ , aq, 298.15K } generally increase with the atomic number of the rare-earth, whereas C_{p, φ} ^∘ { R(SO₄)₂ ⁻ , aq, 298.15K } shows a less regular trend, although its values are always positive and tend to be larger for the heavier than for the light rare earths.     

Pressure response of the bimetallic chain compound MnNi(NO2)4(en)2; en = ethylenediamine

The compound MnNi(NO₂)₄(en)₂, en = ethylendiamine, is a rare example of a ferromagnetically coupled bimetallic chain (J_∥ chain ∼ 2–3 K). Further, for this material, a finite inter-chain coupling triggers an antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition below T_N = 2.3 K. Here, we present a susceptibility study of MnNi(NO₂)₄(en)₂ under pressure. From our data, we derive the pressure response of the antiferromagnetic transition temperature T_N. Even up to highest pressure of 8.2 kbar we find a very modest increase of T_N by only ∼0.1 K. Independently, from a pressure study of the lattice parameters of MnNi(NO₂)₄(en)₂, we calculate the bulk module of the material to ∼8.8 GPa. Combining the data T_N(p) with the bulk module yields an anomalously low Grüneisen parameter Γ_mag of only 0.5(5). We discuss possible scenarios accounting for such a low Grüneisen parameter.     

Crystal structure and magnetic properties of the new cobalt tellurite halide Co5(TeO3)4X2 (X = Cl,Br)

Two new cobalt tellurite halides Co₅(TeO₃)₄Cl₂ and Co₅(TeO₃)₄Br₂ have been synthesized and found to be iso-structural with Ni₅(TeO₃)₄X₂ (X = Cl, Br). Co₅(TeO₃)₄X₂ crystallizes in the monoclinic system space group C2/c, and the Br-phase has the lattice parameters a = 20.440(1) Å, b = 5.2760(2) Å, c = 16.4710(7) Å, β = 124.790(5)°, and Z = 4. The crystal structures were solved from single-crystal X-ray data, R1 = 1.90 and 1.77, respectively, for the Cl- and Br-phases. The crystal structure is layered with only weak van der Waals' interactions in between the layers. The layers are built by large [Co₅O₁₆X₂] groups consisting of five edge- and face-sharing Co-octahedra. Each group is connected to adjacent groups via corner sharing through common oxygen atoms as well as through [TeO₃E] groups. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on oriented single crystals reveal pronounced anisotropy in a broad temperature range and clear signs of antiferromagnetic ordering at low temperatures. Anisotropic susceptibility of an iso-structural Ni-based compound was also studied and compared with the corresponding results of Co₅(TeO₃)₄X₂. Magnetic anisotropy is discussed in framework of single-ion anisotropy effects.     

New α,ω-dicarboxylate coordination polymers with 4,4′-bipyridine: Cu(bpy)(C5H6O4), Zn(bpy)(C5H6O4), Zn(bpy)(C6H8O4) and Mn(bpy)(C8H12O4) · H2O

Four 4,4′-bipyridine α,ω-dicarboxylate coordination polymers Cu(bpy)(C₅H₆O₄) (1), Zn(bpy)(C₅H₆O₄) (2), Zn(bpy)(C₆H₈O₄) (3) and Mn(bpy)(C₈H₁₂O₄) · H₂O (4) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods (bpy = 4,4-bipyridine, (C₅H₆O₄)²⁻ = glutarate anion, (C₆H₈O₄)²⁻ = adipate anion, (C₈H₁₂O₄)²⁻ = suberate anion). Their crystal structures are featured by dimeric metal units, which are co-bridged by 4,4′-bipyridine ligands and dicarboxylate anions such as glutarate, adipate and suberate anions to generate 2D layers with a (4,4) topology in 1, 2 and 4 as well as to form 3D frameworks in 3. Two 3D frameworks in 3 interpenetrate with each other to form a topology identical to the well-known Nb₆F₁₅ cluster compound. Over 5–300 K, the paramagnetic behavior of 4 follows the Curie–Weiss law χ_m(T − Θ) = 4.265(5) cm³ mol⁻¹ with the Weiss constant Θ = −6.3(2) K. Furthermore, the thermal behavior of 3 and 4 is also discussed.     

Quaternary (liquid + liquid) equilibria for (water + 2-propanol + 1,1-dimethylethyl methyl ether + diisopropyl ether) at the temperature 298.15 K

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium tie-lines were measured for one ternary system {x₁H₂O + x₂(CH₃)₂CHOH + (1 − x₁ − x₂)CH₃C(CH₃)₂OCH₃} and one quaternary system {x₁H₂O + x₂(CH₃)₂CHOH + x₃CH₃C(CH₃)₂OCH₃ + (1 − x₁ − x₂ − x₃)(CH₃)₂CHOCH(CH₃)₂} at T = 298.15 K and P^∘ = 101.3 kPa. The experimental (liquid + liquid) equilibrium results were satisfactorily correlated by modified and extended UNIQUAC models both with ternary and quaternary parameters in addition to binary ones.     

(Solid + solute) phase equilibria in aqueous solution. XIII. Thermodynamic properties of hydrozincite and predominance diagrams for (Zn2 + + H2O + CO2)

The thermodynamic properties ofZn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂ , hydrozincite, have been determined by performing solubility and d.s.c. measurements. The solubility constant in aqueous NaClO₄media has been measured at temperatures ranging from 288.15 K to 338.15 K at constant ionic strength (I =  1.00 mol · kg ^− 1). Additionally, the dependence of the solubility constant on the ionic strength has been investigated up to I =  3.00 mol · kg ^− 1NaClO₄at T =  298.15 K. The standard molar heat capacity C_{p, m}^ofunction fromT =  318.15 K to T =  418.15 K, as well as the heat of decomposition of hydrozincite, have been obtained from d.s.c. measurements. All experimental results have been simultaneously evaluated by means of the optimization routine of ChemSage yielding an internally consistent set of thermodynamic data (T =  298.15 K): solubility constant log ^* K_{ps 0}⁰ =  (9.0  ±  0.1), standard molar Gibbs energy of formationΔ_fG_m^o {Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂ }  =  ( − 3164.6  ±  3.0)kJ · mol ^− 1, standard molar enthalpy of formation Δ_fH_m^o{Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂ }  =  ( − 3584  ±  15)kJ · mol ^− 1, standard molar entropy S_m^o{Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂ }  =  (436  ±  50)J · mol ^− 1· K ^− 1and C_p,m^o / (J · mol ^− 1· K ^− 1)  =  (119  ±  11)  +  (0.834  ±  0.033)T / K. A three-dimensional predominance diagram is introduced which allows a comprehensive thermodynamic interpretation of phase relations in(Zn^2 +  +  H₂O  +  CO₂) . The axes of this phase diagram correspond to the potential quantities: temperature, partial pressure of carbon dioxide and pH of the aqueous solution. Moreover, it is shown how the stoichiometric composition{n(CO₃) / n(Zn)} of the solid compoundsZnCO₃ and Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂can be checked by thermodynamically analysing the measured solubility data.     

Measurement and correlation of (vapor + liquid) equilibria for the {2-propoxyethanol (C3E1) + n-hexane} and the {2-propoxyethanol (C3E1) + n-heptane} systems

2-Propoxyethanol (C₃E₁) is one of nonionic surfactants which are a particularly interesting class of substances due to both inter-molecular and intra-molecular association. Binary (vapor + liquid) equilibrium data were measured for {2-propoxyethanol (C₃E₁) + n-hexane} and {2-propoxyethanol (C₃E₁) + n-heptane} systems at temperatures ranging from (303.15 to 323.15) K. A static apparatus was used in this study. The experimental data were correlated well with a lattice fluid equation of state that combines the multi-fluid non-random lattice fluid model with Veytsman statistics for (intra + inter)-molecular association.     

Lithium Intercalation into ATi2(PS4)3 (A = Li,Na, Ag)

Comparison of the electrochemical insertion of lithium into ATi₂(PS₄)₃ with A = Li, Na, Ag and ATi₂(PO₄)₃ with Li, Ag is striking. Whereas only four lithium per formula unit (Li/f.u.) can be inserted reversibly into the phosphates, up to 7 and 10 Li/f.u. can be inserted reversibly in the thiophosphates with A = Li and Ag. Moreover, the Ag⁺ to Ag⁰ reduction in AgTi₂(PO₄)₃ is not reversible, but in AgTi₂(PS₄)₃ it is reversible. Strong hybridization of the Ag-5s and host antibonding bands stabilizes the formal valences Ag⁰, Ti⁺, and (PS₄)⁴⁻ in the discharged state of AgTi₂(PS₄)₃; but only the formal valence Ti²⁺ is accessible in LiTi₂(PS₄)₃. Unfortunately the large volume change associated with the lithium insertion renders the structure progressively more amorphous on cycling, which causes the capacity to fade quite dramatically on further cycling. The thiophosphates transform to the phosphates on heating in air.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of new vanadium(IV) oxyphosphates M(VO)2(PO4)2 with M = Co,Ni

We have extended our research interest on titanium oxyphosphates (M^II(TiO)₂(PO₄)₂, with M^II = Mg, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) to vanadium oxyphosphates M^II(V^IVO)₂(PO₄)₂ (M^II = Co, Ni). For each compound two phases, named α and β according to synthesis conditions, have been stabilized at room temperature, then characterized. The four crystal structures M(VO)₂(PO₄)₂ (α and β for M = Co, Ni) have been determined in monoclinic P2₁/c space group using X-ray single crystals diffraction data. Structure of the α phase is derived from the Li(TiO)(PO₄) (orthorhombic Pnma) and LiNi_0.50(TiO)₂(PO₄)₂ (monoclinic P2₁/c) types, with cell parameters: a = 6.310(1) Å, b = 7.273(1) Å, c = 7.432(1) Å, β = 90.43(1)° for M = Co, and a = 6.297(2) Å, b = 7.230(2) Å, c = 7.421(2) Å, β = 90.36(2)° for M = Ni. Structure of the β phase is derived from the Ni(TiO)₂(PO₄)₂-type (monoclinic P2₁/c) with cell parameters: a = 7.2742(2) Å, b = 7.2802(2) Å, c = 7.4550(2) Å, β = 120.171(2)° for M = Co, and a = 7.2691(2) Å, b = 7.2366(2) Å, c = 7.4453(2) Å, β = 120.231(2)° for M = Ni. All these structures consist of a three dimensional (3D) framework built up of infinite chains of tilted corner-sharing [VO₆] octahedra, cross-linked by corner-sharing [PO₄] tetrahedra. The M²⁺ ion (M = Co, Ni) is located in a triangular based antiprism which shares faces with two [VO₆] octahedra. Structural filiation is discussed based on a common structural unit, a sheet where divalent cations M²⁺ (M = Co, Ni) are inserted. A thermal study of the α ? β transition is also presented.     

Anomalous capacity and cycling stability of xLi2MnO3 · (1 − x)LiMO2 electrodes (M = Mn,Ni, Co) in lithium batteries at 50 °C

Transition metal oxides with composite xLi₂MnO₃ ·  (1 − x)LiMO₂ rocksalt structures (M = Mn, Ni, Co) are of interest as a new generation of cathode materials for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. After electrochemical activation to 4.6 or 4.8 V (vs. Li⁰) at 50 °C, xLi₂MnO₃ · (1 − x)LiMn_0.33Ni_0.33Co_0.33O₂ (x = 0.5, 0.7) electrodes deliver initial discharge capacities (>300 mAh/g) at a low current rate (0.05 mA/cm²) that exceed the theoretical values for lithiation back to the rocksalt stoichiometry (240–260 mAh/g), at least during the early charge/discharge cycles of the cells. Attention is drawn to previous reports of similar, but unaccounted and unexplained anomalous behavior of these types of electrode materials. Possible reasons for this anomalous capacity are suggested. Indications are that electrodes in which M = Mn, Ni and Co do not cycle with the same stability at 50 °C as those without cobalt.     

A charge–charge flux–dipole flux decomposition of the dipole moment derivatives and infrared intensities of the AB3 (A = N,P; B = H,F) molecules

The quantum theory of atoms in molecules (AIM) has been used to decompose dipole moment derivatives and fundamental infrared intensities of the AB₃ (A = N,P; B = H,F) molecules into charge–charge flux–dipole flux (CCFDF) contributions. Calculations were carried out at the MP2(FC)/6-311++G(3d,3p) level. Infrared intensities calculated from the AIM atomic charges and atomic dipoles are within 13.8 km mol⁻¹ of the experimental values not considering the NH₃ and PH₃ stretching vibrations for which the experimental bands are severely overlapped. Group V atomic dipoles are very important in determining the molecular dipole moments of NF₃, PH₃ and PF₃ although the atomic charges account for almost all of the NH₃ molecular moment. Dipole fluxes on the Group V atom are important in determining the stretching band intensities of all molecules whereas they make small contributions to the bending mode intensities. Consideration of dipole flux contributions from the terminal atoms must also be made for accurately describing the intensities of all these molecules. As expected from a simple bond moment model, charge contributions dominate for most of the NH₃, NF₃, and PF₃ dipole moment derivatives and intensities. Charge flux and dipole flux contributions are very substantial for all the PH₃ vibrations, cancelling each other for the stretching modes and reinforcing one another for the bending modes.