Two-dimensional composition diagram of the Al(OH)3-dien-HFaq.-ethanol system: Evidence of a new tetrahedral (Al4F18) polyanion

Six domains appear in the 2D composition diagram of the Al(OH)₃-dien-HF_aq.-ethanol system at 190 °C and [Al³⁺] = 1 mol L⁻¹ under microwave heating. Four organic-inorganic fluorides crystallise: [H₃dien]·(AlF₆) (P2₁/c, Z = 4), [H₃dien]₂·(AlF₅(H₂O))₃·2H₂O (P2₁/n, Z = 4), [H₃dien]·(AlF₆)·2H₂O, which was previously known, and [H₃dien]₂·(Al₄F₁₈) (C2/c, Z = 4). A new (Al₄F₁₈)⁶⁻ polyanion, which results from the tetrahedral association of four AlF₆ octahedra linked by corners, is evidenced in [H₃dien]₂·(Al₄F₁₈).     

Conservation of [(C2H4NH3)3N]2·(ZrF7)2·H2O layers during the topotactic dehydration of [(C2H4NH3)3N]2·(ZrF7)2·9H2O

Tren amine cations [(C₂H₄NH₃)₃N]³⁺ and zirconate or tantalate anions adopt a ternary symmetry in two hydrates, [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·9H₂O and [H₃tren]₆·(ZrF₇)₂·(TaOF₆)₄·3H₂O, which crystallise in R32 space group with a_H = 8.871 (2) Å, c_H = 38.16 (1) Å and a_H = 8.758 (2) Å, c_H = 30.112 (9) Å, respectively. Similar [H₃tren]₂·(MX₇)₂·H₂O (M = Zr, Ta; X = F, O) sheets are found in both structures; they are separated by a water layer (O_w(2)-O_w(3)) in [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·9H₂O. Dehydration of [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·9H₂O starts at room temperature and ends at 90 °C to give [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·H₂O. [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·H₂O layers remain probably unchanged during this dehydration and the existence of one intermediate [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·3H₂O hydrate is assumed. O_w(1) molecules are tightly hydrogen bonded with -NH₃⁺ groups and decomposition of [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·H₂O occurs from 210 °C to 500 °C to give successively [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₆)·(Zr₂F₁₂) (285 °C), an intermediate unknown phase (320 °C) and ZrF₄.     

[H3tren] and [H4tren] fluoride zirconates or tantalates

Four new [H₃tren]³⁺ or [H₄tren]⁴⁺ fluoride zirconates and two new [H₃tren]³⁺ fluoride tantalates are evidenced in the (ZrF₄ or Ta₂O₅)-tren-HF_aq.-ethanol systems at 190 °C: the structurally related phases [H₄tren]·(Zr₂F₁₂)·H₂O and α-[H₄tren]·(Zr₂F₁₂) (P2₁2₁2₁), β-[H₄tren]·(Zr₂F₁₂) (P2₁/c), [H₃tren]₄·(ZrF₈)₃·4H₂O (I23), β-[H₃tren]₂·(Ta₃O₂F₁₆)·(F) (R32) and its monoclinic distortion α-[H₃tren]₂·(Ta₃O₂F₁₆)·(F) (C2/m). α and β-[H₄tren]·(Zr₂F₁₂) and [H₄tren]·(Zr₂F₁₂)·H₂O are built up from (Zr₂F₁₂) dimers of edge sharing ZrF₇ polyhedra while isolated ZrF₈ dodecahedra are found in [H₃tren]₄·(ZrF₈)₃·4H₂O. Linear (Ta₃O₂F₁₆) trimers build α and β-[H₃tren]₂·(Ta₃O₂F₁₆)·(F); they consist of two (TaOF₆) pentagonal bipyramids that are linked to two opposite oxygen atoms of one central (TaO₂F₄) octahedron. A disorder affects the equatorial fluorine atoms of the trimers and eventually carbon or nitrogen atoms of [H₃tren]³⁺ cations.     

Hydrogen bonded H3O, H2O, HF, F in fluoride metalates (Al, Cr, Fe, Zr, Ta) templated with tren (tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine)

The environment of H₃O⁺, H₂O, HF and F⁻ species (non-bonded to metals) is considered in fluoride metalates which crystallise from the (Al(OH)₃, Cr(OH)₃, FeF₃, ZrF₄, Ta₂O₅)-tren-HF_aq·-ethanol systems (microwave heating at 190 °C during 1 h). The presence of (H₃O)(H₂O)₆⁺ clusters or H₃O⁺ cations, of isolated or associated H₂O molecules, of (HF₂)⁻ and F⁻ anions is evidenced. The thermal stability of the solids depends strongly on the nature of the hydrogen-bonded species associated with the preceding cations or anions and on the formation of water ribbons or layers.     

Crystal structure of new hydroxide fluorides with isolated F anions: [H3N(CH2)6NH3]2M(F, OH)6(F,OH)·H2O (M = Al, In)

The synthesis and structural characterization of new hydroxo-fluorometallates [H₃N(CH₂)₆NH₃]₂M(F,OH)₇·H₂O (M=Al, In) are presented. Their preparation is achieved in solvothermal conditions by microwave or classical heating. The isotopic structures, determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, are triclinic with the space group P–1. The structural arrangement can be described from isolated MX₆ (X=F, OH) octahedra connected by diprotonated diaminohexane via a complex network of hydrogen bonds. X⁻ anions and water molecules are found between the organic chains. A study by ¹⁹F NMR of the Al compound confirms a statistical occupancy of fluorine sites by hydroxyl groups and the occurrence of isolated F⁻ anions.     

Ternary and tetrahedral symmetry in hybrid fluorides, fluoride carbonates and carbonates

Tren amine cations and carbonate anions adopt a ternary symmetry while tetra amine cations are tetrahedral. The symmetry of these constitutive ions influences strongly the nature of the solids which crystallise from solutions. Large fluorinated aluminate polyanions with tetrahedral symmetry appear in the presence of tren amine, while infinite chains of AlF₆ octahedra are observed with tetra amine and that noncentrosymmetric structures are frequently encountered in rare earth fluoride carbonates.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of layered vanadium phosphite: [HN(C2H4)3N][(VO)2(HPO3)2(OH)(H2O)]·H2O

A novel compound, [HN(C₂H₄)₃N][(VO)₂(HPO₃)₂(OH)(H₂O)]·H₂O, was hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system with the space group C2/c and cell parameters a=11.0753(3) Å, b=17.8265(6) Å, c=16.5229(5) Å, and β=92.362(2)°. The structure of the compound consists of vanadium phosphite layers which are built up from the infinite one-dimensional chains of [(VO)(H₂O)(HPO₃)₂]²⁻ of octahedral VO₅(H₂O) and pseudo pyramidal [HPO₃], and bridging binuclear fragments of [VO(OH)]₂. Thermogravimetric analysis and magnetic susceptibility data for this compound are given.     

Syntheses and structures of three new scandium selenites: Sc2(SeO3)3·H2O, Sc2 (SeO3)3·3H2O and CsSc3(SeO3)4 (HSeO3)2·2H2O

Three new hydrated scandium selenites have been hydrothermally synthesized as single crystals and structurally and physically characterized. Sc₂(SeO₃)₃·H₂O crystallizes as a new structure type containing novel ScO₇ pentagonal bipyramidal and ScO₆₊₁ capped octahedral coordination polyhedra. Sc₂(SeO₃)₃·3H₂O contains typical ScO₆ octahedra and is isostructural with its M₂(SeO₃)₃·3H₂O (M=Al, Cr, Fe, Ga) congeners. CsSc₃(SeO₃)₄(HSeO₃)₂·2H₂O contains near-regular ScO₆ octahedra and has essentially the same structure as its indium-containing analogue. All three phases contain the expected pyramidal [SeO₃]^2- selenite groups. Crystal data: Sc₂(SeO₃)₃·3H₂O, M_r=524.85, trigonal, R3c (No. 161), , , , Z=6, R(F)=0.018, wR(F²)=0.036; Sc₂(SeO₃)₃·H₂O, M_r=488.82, orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁ (No. 19), , , , , Z=4, R(F)=0.051, wR(F²)=0.086; CsSc₃(SeO₃)₄(HSeO₃)₂·2H₂O, M_r=1067.60, orthorhombic, Pnma (No. 62), , , , , Z=4, R(F)=0.035, wR(F²)=0.070.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of two new hydrated borates, Zn8[(BO3)3O2(OH)3] and Pb[B5O8(OH)]·1.5H2O

Two new hydrated borates, Zn₈[(BO₃)₃O₂(OH)₃] and Pb[B₅O₈(OH)]·1.5H₂O, have been prepared by hydrothermal reactions at 170 °C. Single-crystal X-ray structural analyses showed that Zn₈[(BO₃)₃O₂(OH)₃] crystallizes in a non-centrosymmetric space group R32 with a=8.006(2) Å, c=17.751(2) Å, Z=3 and Pb[B₅O₈(OH)]·1.5H₂O in a triclinic space group P1¯ with a=6.656(2) Å, b=6.714(2) Å, c=10.701(2) Å, α=99.07(2)°, β=93.67(2)°, γ=118.87(1)°, Z=2. Zn₈[(BO₃)₃O₂(OH)₃] represents a new structure type in which Zn-centered tetrahedra are connected via common vertices leading to helical ribbons _∞¹[Zn₈O₁₅(OH)₃]¹⁷⁻ that pack side by side and are further condensed through sharing oxygen atoms to form a three-dimensional _∞³[Zn₈O₁₁(OH)₃]⁹⁻ framework. The boron atoms are incorporated into the channels in the framework to complete the final structure. Pb[B₅O₈(OH)]·1.5H₂O is a layered compound containing double ring [B₅O₈(OH)]²⁻ building units that share exocyclic oxygen atoms to form a two-dimensional layer. Symmetry-center-related layers are stacked along the c-axis and held together by interlayer Pb²⁺ ions and water molecules via electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. The IR spectra further confirmed the existence of both triangular BO₃ and OH groups in Zn₈[(BO₃)₃O₂(OH)₃], and BO₃, BO₄, OH groups as well as guest water molecules in Pb[B₅O₈(OH)]·1.5H₂O.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of a new three-dimensional hybrid zinc phosphate [Zn2(HPO4)2(4,4′-bipy)]·3H2O with neutral porous framework

Employing 4,4′-bipyridine as a bridged ligand, a new three-dimensional (3-D) hybrid zinc phosphate [Zn₂(HPO₄)₂(4,4′-bipy)]·3H₂O has been prepared under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with cell parameters, , , , β=90.21(3)°, and Z=4. The connectivity of the ZnO₃N and HPO₄ tetrahedra results in a 2-D neutral layer that with interesting 4,8² net along the bc plane. Furthermore, the 4,4′-bipyridine molecule links the 4,8² net into a 3-D structure. The water molecules sit in the middle of the channels and interact with the framework via hydrogen bonds. The compound exhibits intense photoluminescence at room temperature.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of cyclopentyltrisilanol (c-C5H9)7Si7O9(OH)3

Microwave-assisted synthesis of cyclopentyltrisilanol by the hydrolytic condensation of the cyclopentyltrichlorosilane in aqueous acetone has been successfully performed. The reaction under microwave irradiation is considerably shorter in time in comparison to the traditional procedure and may be utilized for preparation of Si-containing building blocks for nanocomposite materials.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and structure of one-dimensional Co(dien)2(VO3)3·(H2O) (dien=diethylenetriamine)

One-dimensional Co(dien)₂(VO₃)₃·(H₂O) was prepared from the hydrothermal reaction of NH₄VO₃, Co₂O₃, diethylenetriamine (dien) and H₂O at 130 °C. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c with a=16.1581(6) Å, b=8.7006(3) Å, c=13.9893(4) Å, β=103.1483(11)°, V=1915.13(11) Å³, Z=4, and R₁=0.0268 for 3060 observed reflections. Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that the structure is composed of infinite one-dimensional chains formed by corner-sharing VO₄ tetrahedra with Co(dien)³⁺ complex cations and crystallization water molecules occupying the interchain positions, which are held together to a three-dimensional network via extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions. The compound, with a new zig-zag conformation of metavanadate chains, is the first example of vanadium oxides incorporating trivalent transition metal coordination groups. Other characterizations by elemental analysis, IR and thermal analysis are also described.     

[NH3CH2CHCH3NH3]][B8O11(OH)4]·H2O: Synthesis and characterization of the first 1D borate templated by 1,2-diaminopropane

A new hydrated borate compound, [NH₃CH₂CHCH₃NH₃]][B₈O₁₁(OH)₄]·H₂O 1, has been synthesized in the presence of 1,2-diaminopropane acting as a structure-directing agent under mild conditions. Its structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and further characterized FTIR, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c (No. 14), a=10.0787(7) Å, b=8.8482(6) Å, c=19.3097(4) Å, β=91.352(6)°, V=1721.53(2) Å³, and Z=4. The structure consists of infinite open-branched borate chains constructed from [B₃O₆(OH)] units, onto which the [B₅O₇(OH)₃] groups are grafted. It represents the first example of one-dimensional borate templated by an organic amine. The adjacent borate chains are further linked together by extensive hydrogen bonds to form a 3D supramolecular network. The diprotonated organic amines and guest water molecules are filled in the free space of the hydrogen-bonded network and interact with the inorganic framework by extensive hydrogen bonds.     

New one-dimensional uranyl and neptunyl iodates: crystal structures of K3[(UO2)2(IO3)6](IO3)·H2O and K[NpO2(IO3)3]·1.5H2O

The uranyl and neptunyl(VI) iodates, K₃[(UO₂)₂(IO₃)₆](IO₃)·H₂O (1) and K[NpO₂(IO₃)₃]·1.5H₂O (2), have been prepared and crystallized under mild hydrothermal conditions. The structures of 1 and 2 both contain one-dimensional _∞¹[AnO₂(IO₃)₃]¹⁻(An=U,Np) ribbons that consist of approximately linear actinyl(VI) cations bound by iodate anions to yield AnO₇ pentagonal bipyramids. The AnO₇ units are linked by bridging iodate anions to yield chains that are in turn coupled by additional iodate anions to yield ribbons. The edges of the ribbons are terminated by monodentate iodate anions. For 1 and 2, K⁺ cations and water molecules separate the ribbons from one another. In addition, isolated iodate anions are also found between _∞¹[UO₂(IO₃)₃]¹⁻ ribbons in 1. In order to aid in the assignment of oxidation states in neptunyl containing compounds, a bond-valence sum parameter of 2.018 Å for Np(VI) bound exclusively to oxygen has been developed with b=0.37 Å. Crystallographic data (193 K, MoKα, λ=0.71073): 1, triclinic, , a=7.0609(4) Å, b=14.5686(8)  Å, c=14.7047(8)  Å, α=119.547(1)°, β=95.256(1)°, γ=93.206(1)°, Z=2, R(F)=2.49% for 353 parameters with 6414 reflections with I>2σ(I); (203 K, MoKα, λ=0.71073): 2, monoclinic, P2₁/c, a=7.796(4)  Å, b=7.151(3)  Å, c=21.79(1)  Å, β=97.399(7)°, Z=4, R(F)=6.33% for 183 parameters with 2451 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

Zn3(HPO3)4·Zn(H2O)6: a purely inorganic open-framework zincophosphite with octahedral zinc complex [Zn(H2O)6] encapsulating in the channels

The hydrothermal synthesis and single crystal structure of Zn₃(HPO₃)₄·Zn(H₂O)₆ are reported. The structure is built-up from vertex linking ZnO₄ tetrahedral and HPO₃ pseudo-pyramids units, giving rise to a three-dimensional framework with large 8, 16-membered ring channels. The zincophosphite is purly inorganic with the octahedral zinc complex filled in the channel. The synthesis of system required the presence of the organic amine which is not incorporated into the structure of the product. The framework-metal complex encapsulating in the channel is the first time appeared in open-framework zincophospates and zincophosphites. Crystal data: Zn₃(HPO₃)₄·Zn(H₂O)₆, M=689.52, orthorhombic, Fddd (No. 70), , , , , Z=8, , , R=0.0265, R_w=0.0406.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of a new 3D vanadium(III) phosphite (C4H8N2H4)0.5(C4H8N2H3)[V4(HPO3)7(H2O)3]1.5H2O

A new vanadium(III) phosphite, (C₄H₈N₂H₄)_0.5(C₄H₈N₂H₃)[V₄(HPO₃)₇(H₂O)₃]1.5H₂O, has been synthesized hydrothermally by using V₂O₅, H₃PO₃ as reactants, piperazine as the structure-directing agent. The as-synthesized product was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and SQUID magnetometer. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the title compound crystallized in the trigonal space group (No. 165) with the parameters: , , and Z=4. Its structure is built up by alternation of octahedral VO₆ or VO₅(H₂O) and pseudo-pyramidal HPO₃ units to form infinite 2D layers, and these layers are interconnected by sharing vertex-oxygen with octahedral VO₆ units to generate a 3D open-framework structure with 12-membered ring channels in a and b directions, respectively, where there exist entrapped diprotonated and mono-protonated piperazine cations, and water molecules. Magnetic measurement indicates that paramagnetic behavior is observed down to 4 K.     

[Hg5O2(OH)4][(UO2)2(AsO4)2]: A complex mercury(II) uranyl arsenate

Under mild hydrothermal conditions UO₂(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, Hg₂(NO₃)₂·2H₂O, and Na₂HAsO₄·7H₂O react to form [Hg₅O₂(OH)₄][(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂] (HgUAs-1). Single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments reveal that HgUAs-1 possesses a pseudo-layered structure consisting of two types of layers: and . The layers are complex, and contain three crystallographically unique Hg centers. The coordination environments and bond-valence sum calculations indicate that the Hg centers are divalent. The layers belong to the Johannite topological family. The and layers are linked to each other through μ₂-O bridges that include Hg?O=U=O interactions.     

(2,2′-bipy)[In2(OH)2(H2O)](SO4)2: The first indium sulfate with a layer structure

The first indium sulfate coordination complex, (2,2′-bipy)[In₂(OH)₂(H₂O)](SO₄)₂ (2,2′-bipy=2,2′-bipyridyl) was hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), the powder XRD, elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), IR spectroscopy and fluorescent spectroscopy. It is noteworthy that this compound exhibits a novel two-dimensional layer structure, which is built up from two distinct motifs, a butlerite-type chain and a single 4-ring (S4R) unit. The adjacent layers are stably packed together and extended into three-dimensional supramolecular arrays via π-π stacking interactions of the 2,2′-bipy ligands. Additionally, this compound shows strong fluorescent property at room temperature, which may be assigned to ligand-centered π*-π transitions.     

Two layered gallophosphates assembled about the chiral metal complexes: Co(en)3·Ga3P4O16·5H2O and trans−Co(dien)2·Ga3P4O16·3H2O

Two new layered gallophosphates Co(en)₃·Ga₃P₄O₁₆·5H₂O (1) and trans-Co(dien)₂·Ga₃P₄O₁₆·3H₂O (2) have been hydrothermally synthesized using the racemic mixture of chiral metal complex Co(en)₃Cl₃ and Co(dien)₂Cl₃ as the structure-directing agent, respectively. Their structures are determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and further characterized by X-ray power diffraction, ICP, elemental, and TG analyses. The structures of 1 and 2 consist of vertex-linking GaO₄ and PO₃(=O) tetrahedral units forming macroanionic [Ga₃P₄O₁₆]³⁻ sheets with a 4.6-net. The 4.6-net is characteristic of chiral [3.3.3] propellane-like structural motifs. The sheets of 1 stack in an ABAB sequence, with a pair of enantiomers of chiral Co(en)₃³⁺ cations residing in the interlayer region. The sheets of 2 array in a helical fashion with an ABCDEF stacking sequence, with only one enantiomer of chiral Co(dien)₂³⁺ cations residing in the interlayer region. Structural elucidation of 1 and 2 reveals that there exist stereo-specific correspondence between the metal complex template and the structure of the inorganic host. Crystal data: 1, Co(en)₃·Ga₃P₄O₁₆·5H₂O, orthorhombic, Pnna (No. 52), a=8.6618(2) Å, b=21.6071(5) Å, c=13.7426(4) Å, Z=4, R₁=0.0337 (I>2σ(I)), wR₂=0.0985 (all data); 2, Co(dien)₂·Ga₃P₄O₁₆·3H₂O, hexagonal, P6₅22 (No. 179), a=8.5152(7) Å, b=8.5152(7) Å, c=63.278(8) Å, R₁=0.1183 (I>2σ(I)), wR₂=0.2864 (all data) and Z=6.     

Synthesis and structure of three manganese oxalates: MnC2O4·2H2O, [C4H8(NH2)2][Mn2(C2O4)3] and Mn2(C2O4)(OH)2

Three manganese oxalates have been hydrothermally synthesized, and their structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. MnC₂O₄·2H₂O (I) is orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, , , , , Z=4, final R, R_w=0.0832, 0.1017 for 561 observed data (I>3σ(I)). The one-dimensional structure consists of chains of oxalate-bridged manganese centers. [C₄H₈(NH₂)₂][Mn₂(C₂O₄)₃] (II) is triclinic, , , , , α=81.489(2)°, β=81.045(2)°, γ=86.076(2)°, , Z=1, final R, R_w=0.0467, 0.0596 for 1773 observed data (I > 3σ (I)). The three-dimensional framework is constructed from seven coordinate manganese and oxalate anions. The material contains extra-framework diprotonated piperazine cations. Mn₂(C₂O₄)(OH)₂ (III) is monoclinic, P2₁/c, , , , β=91.10(3)°, , Z=1, final R₁, wR2=0.0710, 0.1378 for 268 observed data (I>2σ (I)). The structure is also three dimensional, with layers of MnO₆ octahedra pillared by oxalate anions. The hydroxide group is found bonded to three manganese centers resulting in a four coordinate oxygen.