Mono-, Di-, and Trimetallic Methacrylate-substituted Metal Oxide Clusters Derived from Hafnium Butoxide

Summary. The methacrylate-substituted clusters Hf₄O₂(OMc)₁₂, Hf₆O₄(OH)₄(OMc)₁₂(BuOH), Ti₄Hf₄O₆(OBu)₄(OMc)₁₆, and Ti₂Zr₅HfO₆(OMc)₂₀ (OMc=methacrylate) were prepared by reacting Hf(OBu)₄, or Hf(OBu)₄/Ti(OBu)₄ and Hf(OBu)₄/Zr(OBu)₄/Ti(OBu)₄ mixtures, respectively, with methacrylic acid. All clusters were characterized by X-ray structure analyses and are basically isostructural, although not in each case isomorphous, with the corresponding oxozirconium clusters. Low-temperature NMR studies revealed that the methacrylate ligands of Hf₄O₂(OMc)₁₂ are highly dynamic even at –80°C.Received February 17, 2003; accepted February 21, 2003 Published online June 2, 2003     

Mono-, Di-, and Trimetallic Methacrylate-substituted Metal Oxide Clusters Derived from Hafnium Butoxide

The methacrylate-substituted clusters Hf₄O₂(OMc)₁₂, Hf₆O₄(OH)₄(OMc)₁₂(BuOH), Ti₄Hf₄O₆(OBu)₄(OMc)₁₆, and Ti₂Zr₅HfO₆(OMc)₂₀ (OMc=methacrylate) were prepared by reacting Hf(OBu)₄, or Hf(OBu)₄/Ti(OBu)₄ and Hf(OBu)₄/Zr(OBu)₄/Ti(OBu)₄ mixtures, respectively, with methacrylic acid. All clusters were characterized by X-ray structure analyses and are basically isostructural, although not in each case isomorphous, with the corresponding oxozirconium clusters. Low-temperature NMR studies revealed that the methacrylate ligands of Hf₄O₂(OMc)₁₂ are highly dynamic even at –80°C.     

A New Type of Methacrylate-Substituted Oxozirconium Clusters: [Zr3O(OR)5(OMc)5]2 and [Zr3O(OR)3(OMc)7]2

Summary.  The new clusters Zr₆O₂(OBu)₁₀(OMc)₁₀ and Zr₆O₂(OMe)₄(OBu)₂(OMc)₁₄ were prepared from Zr(OBu)₄ and methacrylic acid. For the preparation of Zr₆O₂(OMe)₄(OBu)₂(OMc)₁₄, partial exchange of the butoxy groups is necessary. The clusters consist of two Zr₃ subunits that dimerize via alkoxide bridges. The structures are of the same type, except that four terminal butoxy ligands in Zr₆O₂(OBu)₁₀(OMc)₁₀ are exchanged for chelating methacrylate ligands in Zr₆O₂(OMe)₄(OBu)₂(OMc)₁₄. Received March 26, 2001. Accepted April 17, 2001     

Metal Oxoclusters as Molecular Building Blocks for the Development of Nanostructured Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Thin Films

Summary. Silica-based inorganic–organic hybrid thin films embedding the organically modified oxohafnium clusters (Hf₄O₂(OMc)₁₂, OMc=OC(O)–C(CH₃)=CH₂) were obtained by photo-activated free radical copolymerisation of the methacrylate groups of the cluster with those of the pre-hydrolysed (methacryloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (MAPTMS, (CH₂=C(CH₃)C(O)O)(CH₂)₃Si(OCH₃)₃). By this route, a covalent anchoring of the cluster to the forming silica network was achieved. Samples characterized by two different Si/Hf compositions (18:1, 5:1) were prepared. The surface and in-depth composition of the thin films were investigated through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS depth profiles performed on the thin layers evidenced a homogenous in depth distribution of the hafnium guest species within the whole silica films and sharp film-substrate interfaces. Broad band dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) measurements permitted to investigate the electric response of the obtained films in the frequency and temperature range of 40 Hz – 1 MHz and 0–160°C.     

Cross‐linking of poly(methyl methacrylate) by oxozirconate and oxotitanate clusters

Radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate with 0.5‐2 mol% of the (meth)acrylate‐substituted oxozirconium and oxotitanium clusters Zr₆(OH)₄O₄(OMc)₁₂ (OMc = methacrylate), Zr₄O₂(OMc)₁₂, Ti₆O₄(OEt)₈(OMc)₈ and Ti₄O₂(OPrⁱ)₆(OAcr)₆ (OAcr = acrylate) results in an efficient cross‐linking of the organic polymers. The obtained inorganic‐organic hybrid polymers exhibit a higher thermal stability due to inhibited depolymerization reactions. Contrary to undoped poly(methyl methacrylate), the cluster cross‐linked polymers are insoluble but swell in organic solvents. The solvent uptake upon swelling decreases with an increasing amount of polymerized cluster. The impedance spectra of PMMA doped with various proportions of Zr₄O₂(OMc)₁₂ show that the capacitance of the polymers decreases with an increasing proportion of the cluster. The polymer doped with 2 mol% of Zr₄O₂(OMc)₁₂ shows an increase in conductivity to 0.9·10⁻⁷ S·cm⁻¹ at 74°C.     

Metal Oxoclusters as Molecular Building Blocks for the Development of Nanostructured Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Thin Films

Silica-based inorganic–organic hybrid thin films embedding the organically modified oxohafnium clusters (Hf₄O₂(OMc)₁₂, OMc=OC(O)–C(CH₃)=CH₂) were obtained by photo-activated free radical copolymerisation of the methacrylate groups of the cluster with those of the pre-hydrolysed (methacryloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (MAPTMS, (CH₂=C(CH₃)C(O)O)(CH₂)₃Si(OCH₃)₃). By this route, a covalent anchoring of the cluster to the forming silica network was achieved. Samples characterized by two different Si/Hf compositions (18:1, 5:1) were prepared. The surface and in-depth composition of the thin films were investigated through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS depth profiles performed on the thin layers evidenced a homogenous in depth distribution of the hafnium guest species within the whole silica films and sharp film-substrate interfaces. Broad band dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) measurements permitted to investigate the electric response of the obtained films in the frequency and temperature range of 40 Hz – 1 MHz and 0–160°C.     

Synthesis and electrochemical performances of Li4Ti4.95Zr0.05O12/C as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Spinel Li₄Ti_5 − x Zr _x O₁₂/C (x = 0, 0.05) were prepared by a solution method. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical performances including charge–discharge (0–2.5 V and 1–2.5 V), cyclic voltammetry, and ac impedance were also investigated. The results revealed that the Li₄Ti_4.95Zr_0.05O₁₂/C had a relatively smaller particle size and more regular morphology than that of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂/C. Zr⁴⁺ doping enhanced the ability of lithium-ion diffusion in the electrode. It delivered a discharge capacity 289.03 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 cycles for the Zr⁴⁺-doped Li₄Ti₅O₁₂/C while it decreased to 264.03 mAh g⁻¹ for the Li₄Ti₅O₁₂/C at the 0.2C discharge to 0 V. Zr⁴⁺ doping did not change the electrochemical process, instead enhanced the electronic conductivity and ionic conductivity. The reversible capacity and cycling performance were effectively improved especially when it was discharged to 0 V.     

Synthesis and Reactivity of Stannyloligosilanes IV [1]: From Hydrido Substituted Stannasilanes Towards Stannasiloxanes

Summary.  Hydrido substituted stannasilanes of the type or (Z = H, Me, Ph; R, R′ = alkyl, Ph) are accessible by reaction of either alkali metal stannides (MSn(Z)R ₂; M = Li, Na) with halogen substituted silanes (; X = F, Cl) or chlorostannanes (R ₂SnCl₂, Ph₃SnCl) and fluorosilanes in the presence of magnesium. Stannasilanes with halogen substituents at the silicon as well as the tin atom are formed by treatment of the hydrido substituted stannasilanes with CHCl₃ or CCl₄. The hydrido substituted stannasilanes decompose in contact with air to distannanes and siloxanes or to the linear ( ^t Bu₂Sn(–O– ^t Bu₂Si–OH)₂) and cyclic ((– ^t Bu₂Sn–O– ⁱ Pr₂Si–O–)₂) stannasiloxanes. Received November 29, 2001. Accepted (revised) January 16, 2002     

Solvothermal Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Properties of New [Mn(<Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">dien</Emphasis>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Complexes

Summary.  The two new compounds Mn(dien)₂[MoS₄] (1) and Mn(dien)₂[Mo₂O₂S₆] (2) (dien = diethylenetriamine) were prepared under solvothermal conditions. Both compounds were obtained as phase-pure products. The structures consist of new [Mn(dien)₂]²⁺ cations and isolated tetrahedral [MoS₄]²⁻ (1) or [Mo₂O₂S₆]²⁻ (2) anions. Between the anions and the cations, hydrogen bonding is observed. Compound 1 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I (a = 10.219(2), c = 9.259(2) ?, Z = 2), whereas 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c (a = 8.703(2), b = 18.390(4), c = 14.603(3) ?, β = 103.18(3)°, Z = 4). The thermal behaviour of the thiomolybdates was investigated using difference thermoanalysis (DTA) and thermogravimetry (TG). Both compounds decompose under argon with a single endothermic signal in the DTA curve (peak maximum: 252 (1) and 242°C (2)). Received November 5, 2001. Accepted December 27, 2001     

Palladium Chemistry Related to Benzyl Bromide Carbonylation: Mechanistic Studies

Summary.  Palladium(II) complexes of the general formula PdCl₂ (PR₃)₂ with PR₃ = { P(OPh)₃}, P(O-4-MeC₆H₄)₃, P(O-2-MeC₆H₄)₃, and PPh₂(OBu) were reduced by NEt₃ in chloroform or benzene to Pd(0) complexes Pd(PR₃)₄ and Pd(PR₃)_x(NEt₃) _4−x . The same reaction performed in the presence of air gave CH₃CHO or CH₃CH₂CHO when NPr₃ was used instead of NEt₃. Pd(P(OPh)₃)₄ reacted with benzyl bromide affording the oxidative addition product cis-PdBr(CH₂Ph)(P(OPh)₃)₂. The reaction of PdCl₂(P(OPh)₃)₂ with benzyl bromide was observed only in the presence of NEt₃, and a dimeric complex of [PdBr(CH₂Ph)(P(OPh)₃)]₂ was identified as the reaction product. Both benzyl complexes reacted fast with CO (1 atm) to form acyl complexes exhibiting ν(CO) bands at 1709 and 1650 cm⁻¹.     

Two Novel Er-Cr Ion-Pair Complexeswith Hydrogen Bonding Network: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties

Summary.  Two novel Er-Cr ion-pair complexes ([Er(DMA)₃(H₂O)₄][Cr(CN)₆] and [Er(MPL)₄(H₂O)₃][Cr(CN)₆]·2H₂O; DMA = dimethylacetamide, MPL = 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone) have been synthesized. [Er(DMA)₃(H₂O)₄][Cr(CN)₆] crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P _c ) with a = 9.789(2), b = 11.263(2), c = 13.997(3)?, β = 105.66(3)°, V = 1485.9(5)?³, Z = 2; [Er(MPL)₄(H₂O)₃][Cr(CN)₆]·2H₂O crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P2₁) with a = 9.447(2), b = 13.881(3), c = 14.673(3)?, β = 101.85(3), V = 1883.1(7)?³, Z = 2. X-Ray crystal diffraction analyses reveal that the two complexes form a hydrogen bonding network structure through the CN group and H₂O molecules. Variable temperature susceptibilities for the two complexes indicate that weak antiferromagnetic interactions exist between cation and anion pairs through this hydrogen bonding network.     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of spinel Li4Ti5O12−x Cl x anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Li₄Ti₅O_12−x Cl _x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) compounds were synthesized successfully via high temperature solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize their structure and morphology. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and charge/discharge cycling performance tests were used to characterize their electrochemical properties. The results showed that the Li₄Ti₅O_12−x Cl _x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) compounds were well-crystallized pure spinel phase and that the grain sizes of the samples were about 3–8 μm. The Li₄Ti₅O_11.8Cl_0.2 sample presented the best discharge capacity among all the samples and showed better reversibility and higher cyclic stability compared with pristine Li₄Ti₅O₁₂. When the discharge rate was 0.5 C, the Li₄Ti₅O_11.8Cl_0.2 sample presented the superior discharge capacity of 148.7 mAh g⁻¹, while that of the pristine Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ was 129.8 mAh g⁻¹; when the discharge rate was 2 C, the Li₄Ti₅O_11.8Cl_0.2 sample presented the discharge capacity of 120.7 mAh g⁻¹, while that of the pristine Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ was only 89.8 mAh g⁻¹.     

tris-(Benzimidazol-2-yl-methyl)-amine as a Versatile Building Block in Ru(II) Polypyridyl Chemistry

Summary.  tris-(Benzimidazol-2-yl-methyl)-amine, H₃ ntb, was prepared and used in the synthesis of dinuclear Ru(II) polypyridyl and polynuclear Ru(II)–Co(III) complexes of the type [Ru₂(H₂ ntb) (bpy)₄]³⁺, [Ru₂(Hntb)(phen)₄]²⁺, [(Ru₂(H₂ ntb)(bpy)₄)₂Co(en)₂]⁹⁺, and [(Ru₂(Hntb)(phen)₄)₂ Co(en)₂]⁷⁺ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, en = 1,2-diaminoethane). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis as well as spectroscopic and redox data. The luminescent properties of the complexes were also studied. The complexes showed significant antitumour and anti-HIV activities. Received May 9, 2001. Accepted (revised) June 7, 2001     

A Dehydrogenated Cycloadduct of N-Phenylmaleimide and the Azomethine Ylide Derived from Ninhydrine and Phenylalanine: Structure and Conformation

Summary.  The structure of the dehydrogenation product 1′,3a′-dihydro-3′-((1,3-dioxoindan-2-ylidene)-phenyl-methyl)-5′-phenyl-spiro-(indan-2,1′-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole)-1,3,4′,6′-(5′H, 6a′H)-tetrone derived from the cycloadducts (±)-(3a′S,6a′R)-1′,3a′-dihydro-3′-((R)-α-(1,3-dioxoindanyl)-benzyl)-5′-phenyl-spiro-(indan-2,1′-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole)-1,3,4′,6′(5H,6a′H)-tetrone and/or (±)-(3a′S,6a′R)-1′,3a′-dihydro-3′-((S)-α-(1,3-dioxoindanyl)-benzyl)-5′-phenyl-spiro-(indan-2,1′-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole)-1,3,4′,6′(5H,6a′H)-tetrone, which were synthesized by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of N-phenylmaleimide to 2-((2-(1,3-dioxoindan-2-yl)-2-phenyl-ethenyl)-imino)-indan-1,3-dione, was determined by X-ray analysis. Crystal data (CCD, 180 K): rhombohedral, R&3macr;;, a = 34.0871(7), c = 13.9358(5) ?, Z = 18; the structure was solved by direct methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares procedures to R(F, I ≥ 3σ(I)) = 0.053. The molecule contains a central folded ring system of two cis-fused 5-membered heterocyclic rings; each ring is nearly planar, and the angle between the rings amounts to 59.0°. Dynamic ¹H NMR spectroscopy of the product revealed an exchange process caused by restricted rotation of the double bonded 1,3-indandione moiety and the phenyl group about the C_sp2-C_sp2 single-bonds. Molecular modeling and complete lineshape analysis indicated a four site exchange process for which free energies of activation and free energies could be established. ΔG ^‡ values for the barriers of rotation are in the range of 57–59 kJ · mol^− 1 at 273 K, which is unusually high for an unsubstituted phenyl group. Received May 3, 2001. Accepted (revised) June 8, 2001     

Quantitative WDXS Microanalysis of Bismuth-Based BaBi4Ti4O15 Perovskites Doped with Nb and Fe

 Quantitative electron-probe microanalysis was used to determine the chemical composition of an Fe- and Nb-doped bismuth-based BaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅ perovskite compound. Elemental concentrations of Fe, Nb, Bi, Ba and Ti were accurately measured using wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy that was optimised for the analysis of a complex oxide matrix containing minor concentrations of dopants. Measurements were performed with a JEOL JXA 840A electron probe microanalyser at 20 and 26 kV, 50 nA beam current, 100 s maximum counting time and 0.3% preset counting deviation (σ_c) using both PET and LiF crystals. K-ratios were quantified by the ZAF and the φ(ρz) PAP matrix-correction procedures. The results showed that dopants incorporate into the BaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅ at Ti^4 + sites according to the Ba_1−4XBi_4 + 4XTi_4−4XFe_4XO₁₅ and Ba_1 + 4XBi_4−4XTi_4−4XNb_4XO₁₅ solid-solution formulae. The majority of the excess charge introduced by the substitution of Ti^4 + with Fe^3 + or Nb^5 + is compensated for the change in the Ba^2 +/Bi^3 + ratio.     

The Thermal Dehydration of Magnesium Aluminum Pentafluoride Dihydrate: Crystal Structures of MgAlF5(H2O)2 and MgAlF5

Summary.  Small plate-like single crystals of MgAlF₅(H₂O)₂ have been obtained during hydrothermal treatment (270°C) of microcrystalline material prepared by precipitation of stoichiometric solutions of Al₂(SO₄)₃ ·  18H₂O and Mg(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O with diluted hydrofluoric acid. The crystal structure of MgAlF₅(H₂O)₂ has been refined from single crystal data (Imma (# 74), Z = 4, a = 7.0637(7), b = 10.1308(10), c = 6.7745(7) ?, 398 structure factors, 33 parameters, R(F² > σ(F ²)) = 0.0245, wR(F² all) = 0.0525). Main features of the inverse weberite type structure are infinite chains of trans-bridged [AlF₆] octahedra which are connected via common fluorine atoms by isolated [MgF₄(H₂O)₂] octahedra. MgAlF₅(H₂O)₂ dehydrates at temperatures above 300°C to give MgAlF₅. XRPD analysis of this phase has revealed isotypism with FeAlF₅. The crystal structure of MgAlF₅ (Immm (# 71), Z = 2, a = 7.268(1), b = 6.123(2), c = 3.543(1) ?) is built of infinite chains of edge-sharing [MgF₆] octahedra and chains of corner-sharing [AlF₆] octahedra along [001]. Upon further heating to temperatures above 500°C, MgAlF₅ decomposes to MgF₂ and α − AlF₃. Received January 15, 2001. Accepted February 12, 2001     

Kinetic Determination of Iodide Based on its Effect on the Hydrogen Peroxide Oxidation of Triflupromazine

Summary.  A new selective, sensitive, and simple kinetic method is developed for the determination of trace amounts of iodide. The method is based on the catalytic effect of iodide on the reaction of triflupromazine (TFP) with H₂O₂. The reaction is followed spectrophotometrically by tracing the oxidation product at 498 nm within 1 min after addition of H₂O₂. The optimum reaction conditions are TFP (0.4 × 10⁻³ M), H₂SO₄ (1.0M), H₃PO₄ (2.0M), and H₂O₂ (1.6M) at 30°C. Following this procedure, iodide can be determined with a linear calibration graph up to 4.5 ng ċ cm⁻³ and a detection limit of 0.04 ng ċ cm⁻³, based on the 3 S_b criterion. The method can also be applied to the determination of iodate and periodate ions. Determination of as little as 0.2, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 ng ċ cm⁻³ of I⁻, IO₃ ^-, or IO₄ ^- in aqueous solutions gave an average recovery of 98% with relative standard deviations below 1.6% (n = 5). The method was applied to the determination of iodide in Nile river water and ground waters as well as in various food samples after alkaline ashing treatment. The method is compared with other catalytic spectrophotometric procedures for iodide determination. Received January 19, 2001. Accepted (revised) March 12, 2001     

Structural, Spectroscopic, and Thermal Behaviour of Bis-(thiosaccharinate)-aqua-cadmium(II)

Summary.  The crystal structure of the title complex, [Cd(tsac)₂(H₂O)], has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (a = 12.236(3), b = 8.919(3), c = 16.655(3) ?, β = 96.18(2)°, Z = 4). The molecular structure was solved from 1705 independent reflections with I > σ(I) and refined to R ₁ = 0.0489. Infrared and Raman spectra of the complex were recorded and are briefly discussed. Its thermal behaviour was investigated by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. Received December 18, 2000. Accepted February 19, 2001     

Preparation and characterization of multiresponsive polymer composite microspheres with core–shell structure

Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) [P(NIPAM-co-DMA)] multiresponsive composite microspheres with core–shell structure were synthesized by template precipitation polymerization. First, the magnetite nanoparticles were coated with silica and then modified with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyl methacrylate (MPS). Subsequently, the Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ particles grafted with MPS were used to seed the precipitation copolymerization of NIPAM and DMA. The composite microspheres with core–shell structure were superparamagnetic, pH-sensitive, and thermoresponsive. The swelling ratio (D_{25 °C, pH = 3}/D_{50 °C, pH = 9})³ coupling of pH and temperature increased up to 21.2, which was much higher than that without comonomer DMA.     

Raman scattering spectra and molecular conformations of bis(quaternaryammonium bromide)-water systems

The dimeric bis(quaternaryammonium bromide) surfactants, [Br⁻(CH₃)₂N⁺(C _m H_{2 m +1})—(CH₂) _s —(C _m H_{2 m +1})N⁺(CH₃)₂Br⁻, s = 2, 3 and m = 4, 6, 10 and 12, s = 6 and m = 8, 10, 12], have been synthesized and the phase maps of the sm6-8-water, sm6-10-water and sm6-12-water binary systems have been determined (sm6-8 implies s = 6, m = 8). In order to examine the molecular structures of these solid samples and of their dimeric surfactant-water binary systems, Raman spectra of the simple dimeric surfactants, sm2-4 and sm3-4, in which crystal structures of the trans- and cis-type conformations have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, have been investigated, and Raman bands characteristic of these skeletal structures were found in the skeletal deformation region. On the basis of these characteristic Raman bands for the two conformations, it has been concluded that the dimeric surfactants, sm6-8, sm6-10 and sm6-12 also take up a cis-type conformation in the crystalline state. Furthermore, it has been found that the Raman bands in the C—H stretching, skeletal stretching and CH₂ scissoring regions are sensitive to phase structure. Received: 21 July 1998 Accepted in revised form: 9 November 1998