Interactions between GaO4Al12(OH)24(H2O)12(7+) and cellulosic materials

The adsorption qualities of GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+), a polycation with ε-Keggin structure, and its stability in contact with anionic cellulosic materials, was investigated under different concentration and ionic strength conditions. The cellulosic materials employed were two different fully bleached fibre materials, carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC), and a spin-coated cellulose model surface. As analytical techniques, pH-measurements, potentiometric titrations, ICP-OES, QCM-D, equilibrium calculations and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) were used. The adsorption is substantial and the addition of GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+) to a fibre suspension results in a rapid decrease in pH, followed by a small and slow increase in pH. This behaviour can be explained as due to a rapid and strong (log β>2) equilibrium adsorption of intact GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+) ions, followed by a slow, and minor, 3-8%, decomposition into different monomers. Alternative layer by layer adsorption of this ion, and CMC, on a spin-coated cellulose model surface constitutes further evidence for the strong interactions between the anionic cellulose materials and GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+). It is shown that the adsorption observed could not be described as due to an unspecific Donnan adsorption behaviour, neither of GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+) nor Ga and Al monomers, and specific surface complex formation is therefore discussed and applied. The (≡COO)(7)GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12) species found to explain the pH- and metal adsorption data should be considered strictly as a stoichiometric entity.     

Role of Zr4+ cations in NO2 adsorption on Ce(1-x)Zr(x)O2 mixed oxides at ambient conditions

Mixed oxides Ce(1-x)Zr(x)O(2) prepared by slow coprecipitation in NaOH were tested for NO(2) adsorption in dynamic conditions at room temperature. The samples were characterized before and after exposure to NO(2) by XRD, N(2)-adsorption, thermal analysis, potentiometric titration, and FT-IR. Mixed oxides show a better NO(2) adsorption capacity than the parent materials (CeO(2) and Zr(OH)(4)). This effect is linked to the presence of reduced cerium and oxygen vacancies induced by the addition of Zr(4+) cations to the structure. The results indicate that NO(2) reacts with Ce(3+) to form nitrite and nitrate species on the surface. The NO retention increases with an increase in the Zr(OH)(4) content. A decrease in the density of -OH groups on the surface after the exposure to NO(2), suggests their involvement in reactive adsorption of NO and/or NO(2). From the structural point of view, no real difference was observed on the Ce(1-x)Zr(x)O(2) materials before and after exposure to NO(2).     

Synthesis and phosphate uptake behavior of Zr4+ incorporated MgAl-layered double hydroxides

We synthesized Zr(4+) incorporated MgAl-layered double hydroxides, Mg(AlZr)-LDH(A) (where A denotes a counteranion in the interlayer space and is expressed as CO(3) for carbonate and Cl for chloride ions), with different molar ratios of Mg/(Al+Zr). Then we characterized their uptake behavior toward phosphate ions. CO(3)-type tertiary LDH materials synthesized at room temperature show low crystallinity, whereas the highly crystalline Cl-type tertiary LDH, [Mg(0.68)Al(0.17)Zr(0.14)(OH)(2)][Cl(0.26)(CO(3))(0.04)1.24H(2)O], was synthesized for the first time using a hydrothermal treatment at 120 degrees C. The distribution coefficients (K(d)) of oxo-anions were measured with a mixed solution containing trace amounts of the anions. The selectivity sequences were Cl(-), NO(-)(3)相似文献   

Computational study of the Zr4+ tetranuclear polymer, [Zr4(OH)8(H2O)16]8+

The Zr(4+) tetramer, [Zr(4)(OH)(8)(H(2)O)(16)](8+), is thought to be the major component of the Zr(4+) polymer system in aqueous solution, present as a dominant ionic cluster species compared to other Zr(4+) clusters under various experimental conditions. Despite widespread applications of zirconium, the structure and dynamics of the tetramer in aqueous solution are not well understood. We conducted a combination of ab initio molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical studies in the gas phase and aqueous solution and related our results to the available experimental data to provide atom-level information on the behavior of this species in aqueous solution. Our simulations indicate that the tetramer structure is stable on the picosecond time scale in an aqueous environment and that it is of a planar form, comprising eight-coordinated Zr(4+) ions with an antiprism/irregular dodecahedron ligand arrangement. In combination with our studies of Zr(4+) dimer and trimer clusters, our results provide detailed geometrical information on structural motifs for building zirconium polymers and suggest a possible polymerization path.     

Synthesis and characterization of iron(III)-substituted, dimeric polyoxotungstates, [Fe(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-XW(9)O(33))(2)](n-) (n = 6, X = As(III), Sb(III); n = 4, X = Se(IV), Te(IV))

Interaction of the lacunary [alpha-XW(9)O(33)](9-) (X = As(III), Sb(III)) with Fe(3+) ions in acidic, aqueous medium leads to the formation of dimeric polyoxoanions, [Fe(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-XW(9)O(33))(2)](6-) (X = As(III), Sb(III)) in high yield. X-ray single-crystal analyses were carried out on Na(6)[Fe(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-AsW(9)O(33))(2)] x 32H(2)O, which crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/m, with a = 20.2493(18) A, b = 15.2678(13) A, c = 16.0689(14) A, beta = 95.766(2) degrees, and Z = 2; Na(6)[Fe(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-SbW(9)O(33))(2)] x 32H(2)O is isomorphous with a = 20.1542(18) A, b = 15.2204(13) A, c = 16.1469(14) A, and beta = 95.795(2) degrees. The selenium and tellurium analogues are also reported, [Fe(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-XW(9)O(33))(2)](4-) (X = Se(IV), Te(IV)). They are synthesized from sodium tungstate and a source of the heteroatom as precursors. X-ray single-crystal analysis was carried out on Cs(4)[Fe(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-SeW(9)O(33))(2)] x 21H(2)O, which crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P macro 1, with a = 12.6648(10) A, b = 12.8247(10) A, c = 16.1588(13) A, alpha = 75.6540(10) degrees, beta = 87.9550(10) degrees, gamma = 64.3610(10) gamma, and Z = 1. All title polyanions consist of two (beta-XW(9)O(33)) units joined by a central pair and a peripheral pair of Fe(3+) ions leading to a structure with idealized C(2h) symmetry. It was also possible to synthesize the Cr(III) derivatives [Cr(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-XW(9)O(33))(2)](6-) (X = As(III), Sb(III)), the tungstoselenates(IV) [M(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-SeW(9)O(33))(2)]((16)(-)(4n)-) (M(n+) = Cr(3+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Hg(2+)), and the tungstotellurates(IV) [M(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-TeW(9)O(33))(2)]((16-4n)-) (M(n+) = Cr(3+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Hg(2+)), as determined by FTIR. The electrochemical properties of the iron-containing species were also studied. Cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential coulometry aided in distinguishing between Fe(3+) and W(6+) waves. By variation of pH and scan rate, it was possible to observe the stepwise reduction of the Fe(3+) centers.     

New vanadium selenites: centrosymmetric Ca2(VO2)2(SeO3)3(H2O)2, Sr2(VO2)2(SeO3)3, and Ba(V2O5)(SeO3), and noncentrosymmetric and polar A4(VO2)2(SeO3)4(Se2O5) (A = Sr2+ or Pb2+)

Five new vanadium selenites, Ca(2)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(3)(H(2)O)(2), Sr(2)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(3), Ba(V(2)O(5))(SeO(3)), Sr(4)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(4)(Se(2)O(5)), and Pb(4)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(4)(Se(2)O(5)), have been synthesized and characterized. Their crystal structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compounds exhibit one- or two-dimensional structures consisting of corner- and edge-shared VO(4), VO(5), VO(6), and SeO(3) polyhedra. Of the reported materials, A(4)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(4)(Se(2)O(5)) (A = Sr(2+) or Pb(2+)) are noncentrosymmetric (NCS) and polar. Powder second-harmonic generation (SHG) measurements revealed SHG efficiencies of approximately 130 and 150 × α-SiO(2) for Sr(4)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(4)(Se(2)O(5)) and Pb(4)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(4)(Se(2)O(5)), respectively. Piezoelectric charge constants of 43 and 53 pm/V, and pyroelectric coefficients of -27 and -42 μC/m(2)·K at 70 °C were obtained for Sr(4)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(4)(Se(2)O(5)) and Pb(4)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(4)(Se(2)O(5)), respectively. Frequency dependent polarization measurements confirmed that the materials are not ferroelectric, that is, the observed polarization cannot be reversed. In addition, the lone-pair on the Se(4+) cation may be considered as stereo-active consistent with calculations. For all of the reported materials, infrared, UV-vis, thermogravimetric, and differential thermal analysis measurements were performed. Crystal data: Ca(2)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(3)(H(2)O)(2), orthorhombic, space group Pnma (No. 62), a = 7.827(4) ?, b = 16.764(5) ?, c = 9.679(5) ?, V = 1270.1(9) ?(3), and Z = 4; Sr(2)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(3), monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c (No. 12), a = 14.739(13) ?, b = 9.788(8) ?, c = 8.440(7) ?, β = 96.881(11)°, V = 1208.8(18) ?(3), and Z = 4; Ba(V(2)O(5))(SeO(3)), orthorhombic, space group Pnma (No. 62), a = 13.9287(7) ?, b = 5.3787(3) ?, c = 8.9853(5) ?, V = 673.16(6) ?(3), and Z = 4; Sr(4)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(4)(Se(2)O(5)), orthorhombic, space group Fdd2 (No. 43), a = 25.161(3) ?, b = 12.1579(15) ?, c = 12.8592(16) ?, V = 3933.7(8) ?(3), and Z = 8; Pb(4)(VO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(4)(Se(2)O(5)), orthorhombic, space group Fdd2 (No. 43), a = 25.029(2) ?, b = 12.2147(10) ?, c = 13.0154(10) ?, V = 3979.1(6) ?(3), and Z = 8.     

NMR studies of heteropolyanion [P(2)W(20)O(70)(H2O)2](-10) complexes with metal cations

We have used multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy to study the interaction of a number of metal cations with monovacant heteropolyanion [P(2)W(20)O(7)(0)(H(2)O)(2)](10)(-) (P(2)W(20)) in aqueous solutions starting from its K salt. We have also prepared and studied P(2)W(20) in an Na-only medium. The observed differences in the NMR spectra of NaP(2)W(20)and KP(2)W(20)solutions and the importance of K(+) and Na(+) for the formation of P(2)W(20) suggest that this polyanion exists only as a complex with the alkaline cations. When both cations were simultaneously present in solution, we observed the broadening of the NMR signals of P(2)W(20)due to the Na-K exchange. Li(+) does not replace K(+) or Na(+) in such complexes, and in an Li-only medium P(2)W(20) does not form. Of all the M(n)(+) cations studied (Pd(2+), Bi(3+), Sn(4+), Zr(4+), Ce(4+), Ti(4+), V(5+), and Mo(6+)) only Bi(3+), Sn(4+), and Ce(4+) form complexes with P(2)W(20) in strongly acidic solutions. The (183)W and (119)Sn NMR data suggest that Sn(4+) forms in solution two mutually interconvertable P(2)W(20)Sn complexes of the composition P(2)W(20)O(70)(H(2)O)(3)SnOH(7)(-) and (P(2)W(20)O(70)(H(2)O)(3)Sn)(2)O(14)(-) while Bi(3+) forms one complex of the proposed composition P(2)W(20)O(70)(H(2)O)(2)Bi.(7)(-) We obtained complexes with Bi and Sn as free heteropoly acids and studied their thermostability in the solid state.     

Cation mobility and kinetics of ion exchange in zirconium hydrogen monothiophosphate hydrate, Zr(HPO(3)S)(2)x1.5H(2)O

The ion conductivity of zirconium hydrogen monothiophosphate (Zr(HPO(3)S)(2)x1.5H(2)O) has been measured by impedance spectroscopy. The measured value of proton conductivity is 3 x 10(-5) S/cm at 298 K. Conductivity was shown to decrease with increasing temperature due to a dehydration process. Above 450 K, the conductivity is likely governed by proton transport in the anhydrous phase Zr(HPO(3)S)(2). The activation energies of proton conductivity were measured to be 18 +/- 2 kJ/mol for Zr(HPO(3)S)(2)x1.5H(2)O and 60 +/- 3 kJ/mol for the anhydrous compound. The kinetics of ion exchange was studied with the use of potentiometric titration for several ion pairs, H(+)/Na(+), H(+)/Zn(2+), and Na(+)/Zn(2+) in Zr(HPO(3)S)(2)x1.5H(2)O. The diffusion coefficient values for H(+)/Na(+) ion exchange in Zr(HPO(3)S)(2)x1.5H(2)O are lower than those reported in alpha-zirconium phosphate. At the same time, the mobility of zinc ions in Zr(HPO(3)S)(2)x1.5H(2)O is higher than sodium ion mobility. The ion exchange H(+)/Zn(2+) is accompanied by the slow hydrolysis of the initial compound. In all cases, the powdered solids were evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction, and particle sizes were controlled by grinding and sieving the powders.     

Thorium(IV)-selenate clusters containing an octanuclear Th(IV) hydroxide/oxide core

Four Th(IV) hydroxide/oxide clusters have been synthesized from aqueous solution. The structures of [Th(8)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(2)-OH)(8)(H(2)O)(15)(SeO(4))(8)·7.5H(2)O] (1), [Th(8)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(2)-OH)(8)(H(2)O)(17)(SeO(4))(8)·nH(2)O] (2), [Th(9)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(2)-OH)(8)(H(2)O)(21)(SeO(4))(10)] (3), and Th(9)(μ(3)-O)(4)(μ(2)-OH)(8)(H(2)O)(21)(SeO(4))(10)·nH(2)O (4) were determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Each structure consists of an octanuclear core, [Th(8)O(4)(OH)(8)](16+), that is built from eight Th(IV) atoms (four Th in a plane and two up and two down) linked by four "inner" μ(3)-O and eight "outer" μ(2)-OH groups. Compounds 3 and 4 additionally contain mononuclear [Th(H(2)O)(5)(SeO(4))(4)](4-) units that link the octamers into an extended structure. The octanuclear units are invariably complexed by two selenate anions that sit in two cavities formed by four planar Th(IV) and four extra-planar Th(IV) atoms, thus making [Th(8)O(4)(OH)(8)(SeO(4))(2)](12+) a common building block in 1-4. However, changes in hydration as well selenate coordination give rise to structural differences that are observed in the extended structures of 1-4. The compounds were also characterized by Raman spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculations were performed to predict the geometries, vibrational frequencies, and relative energies of different structures. Details of the calculated structures are in good agreement with experimental results, and the calculated frequencies were used to assign the experimental Raman spectra. On the basis of an analysis of the DFT results, the compound Th(8)O(8)(OH)(4)(SeO(4))(6) was predicted to be a strong gas phase acid but is reduced to a weak acid in aqueous solution. Of the species studied computationally, the dication Th(8)O(6)(OH)(6)(SeO(6))(6)(2+) is predicted to be the most stable in aqueous solution at 298 K followed by the monocation Th(8)O(7)(OH)(5)(SeO(6))(6)(+).     

A naphthalene exciplex based Al3+ selective on-type fluorescent probe for living cells at the physiological pH range: experimental and computational studies

2-((Naphthalen-6-yl)methylthio)ethanol (HL) was prepared by one pot synthesis using 2-mercaptoethanol and 2-bromomethylnaphthalene. It was found to be a highly selective fluorescent sensor for Al(3+) in the physiological pH (pH 7.0-8.0). It could sense Al(3+) bound to cells through fluorescence microscopy. Metal ions like Mn(2+), Fe(3+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Ag(+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Cr(3+) and Pb(2+) did not interfere. No interference was also observed with anions like Cl(-), Br(-), F(-), SO(4)(2-), NO(3)(-), CO(3)(2-), HPO(4)(2-) and SCN(-). Experimentally observed structural and spectroscopic features of HL and its Al(3+) complex have been substantiated by computational calculations using density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT).     

Reaction of a superoxochromium(III) ion with nitrogen monoxide: kinetics and mechanism.

The kinetics of the rapid reaction between Cr(aq)OO(2+) and NO were determined by laser flash photolysis of Cr(aq)NO(2+) in O(2)-saturated acidic aqueous solutions, k = 7 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1) at 25 degrees C. The reaction produces an intermediate, believed to be NO(2), which was scavenged with ([14]aneN(4))Ni(2+). With limiting NO, the Cr(aq)OO(2+)/NO reaction has a 1:1 stoichiometry and produces both free NO(3)(-) and a chromium nitrato complex, Cr(aq)ONO(2)(2+). In the presence of excess NO, the stoichiometry changes to [NO]/[Cr(aq)OO(2+)] = 3:1, and the reaction produces close to 3 mol of nitrite/mol of Cr(aq)OO(2+). An intermediate, identified as a nitritochromium(III) ion, Cr(aq)ONO(2+), is a precursor to a portion of free NO(2)(-). In the proposed mechanism, the initially produced peroxynitrito complex, Cr(aq)OONO(2+), undergoes O-O bond homolysis followed by some known and some novel chemistry of Cr(aq)O(2+) and NO(2). The reaction between Cr(aq)O(2+) and NO generates Cr(aq)ONO(2+), k > 10(4) M(-1) s(-1). Cr(aq)OO(2+) reacts with NO(2) with k = 2.3 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1).     

Calcined Mg-Fe-CO(3) LDH as an adsorbent for the removal of selenite

Mg-Fe-CO(3) layered double hydroxide (LDH) with a Mg/Fe molar ratio of 2.0 was synthesized by co-precipitation method and its calcined product (CLDH) was obtained by heating Mg/Fe-LDH at 500 degrees C. Sorption of SeO(2-)(3) on CLDHs was studied and the results indicate that the sorption capacity of CLDHs was higher than that of uncalcined LDHs. Isotherms for SeO(2-)(3) sorption by CLDHs were well described using the Freundlich and Langmuir equations. The thermodynamic parameters, viz. DeltaG*, DeltaH*, DeltaS* were calculated to predict the nature of adsorption. The negative and positive values of DeltaG* and DeltaH* indicate that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic in nature, respectively. The adsorption process followed first-order kinetics.     

Synthesis and characterization of Prussian blue analogues incorporating the edge-bridged octahedral [Zr6BCl12]2+ cluster core

In attempts to produce a microporous magnet, two approaches were explored for expanding the Prussian blue structure type via incorporation of edge-bridged octahedral [Zr(6)ZCl(12)](2+) (Z = B, Be) cluster cores. Dissolution of Rb(5)Zr(6)BCl(18) and K(5)Zr(6)BeCl(15) in an acetonitrile solution of Et(4)N(CN) led to the isolation of (Et(4)N)(5)[Zr(6)BCl(12)(CN)(6)] (1) and (Et(4)N)(5)[Zr(6)BeCl(12)(CN)(6)].2MeCN.2THF (2), respectively. The crystal structure of 1.1.5MeCN revealed the expected cyano-terminated cluster complex with a trans-N...N span of 11.73(3) Angstroms. Unfortunately, both [Zr(6)ZCl(12)(CN)(6)](5-) clusters rapidly lose their cyanide ligands in aqueous solution making them ill-suited for solid-forming reactions with hydrated metal ions. Such outer-ligand exchange, however, allows the use of [Zr(6)BCl(18)](4-) in the synthesis of expanded Prussian blue-type solids through reactions with [Cr(CN)(6)](3-). The use of 2.2 M aqueous LiCl to stabilize the cluster during the reaction gave (Et(4)N)(2)[Zr(6)BCl(12)][Cr(CN)(6)]Cl.3H(2)O (3), while the use of 1 M acetic acid yielded (Et(4)N)(2)[Zr(6)BCl(12)][Cr(CN)(6)]Cl.2H(2)O.CH(3)CO(2)H (4). A Rietveld refinement against X-ray powder diffraction data collected for 3 confirmed the presence of a cubic Prussian blue framework structure, featuring alternating [Zr(6)BCl(12)](2+) cores and [Cr(CN)(6)](3-) anions. The temperature dependence of magnetization data obtained for 4 revealed activation of magnetic exchange interactions between the S = (1)/(2) cluster units and the S = (3)/(2) hexacyanochromate complexes below 10 K.     

Colorimetric detection of Fe3+ ions using pyrophosphate functionalized gold nanoparticles

A sensitive, selective colorimetric Fe(3+) detection method has been developed by using pyrophosphate functionalized gold nanoparticles (P(2)O(7)(4-)-AuNPs). Gold nanoparticles were prepared by reducing HAuCl(4) with sodium borohydride, in the presence of Na(4)P(2)O(7). IR spectra suggested that pyrophosphates were capped on the surface of the gold nanoparticles. Aggregation of P(2)O(7)(4-)-AuNPs was induced immediately in the presence of Fe(3+) ions, yielding a color change from pink to violet. This Fe(3+)-induced aggregation of P(2)O(7)(4-)-AuNPs was monitored using first the naked eye and then UV-vis spectroscopy with a detection limit of 5.6 μM. The P(2)O(7)(4-)-AuNPs bound by Fe(3+) showed excellent selectivity compared to other metal ions (Ca(2+), Cd(2+), Co(2+), Fe(2+), Hg(2+), K(+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Na(+), Ni(2+), Pb(2+), and Zn(2+)). The best detection of Fe(3+) was achieved in a pH range from 3 to 9. In addition, the P(2)O(7)(4-)-AuNPs were also used to detect Fe(3+) in lake water samples, with low interference.     

Synthesis, Structure, and Characterization of New Li(+) - d(0) -Lone-Pair - Oxides: Noncentrosymmetric Polar Li(6)(Mo(2)O(5))(3)(SeO(3))(6) and Centrosymmetric Li(2)(MO(3))(TeO(3)) (M = Mo(6+) or W(6+))

New quaternary lithium - d(0) cation - lone-pair oxides, Li(6)(Mo(2)O(5))(3)(SeO(3))(6) (Pmn2(1)) and Li(2)(MO(3))(TeO(3)) (P2(1)/n) (M = Mo(6+) or W(6+)), have been synthesized and characterized. The former is noncentrosymmetric and polar, whereas the latter is centrosymmetric. Their crystal structures exhibit zigzag anionic layers composed of distorted MO(6) and asymmetric AO(3) (A = Se(4+) or Te(4+)) polyhedra. The anionic layers stack along a 2-fold screw axis and are separated by Li(+) cations. Powder SHG measurements on Li(6)(Mo(2)O(5))(3)(SeO(3))(6) using 1064 nm radiation reveal a SHG efficiency of approximately 170 × α-SiO(2). Particle size vs SHG efficiency measurements indicate Li(6)(Mo(2)O(5))(3)(SeO(3))(6) is type 1 nonphase-matchable. Converse piezoelectric measurements result in a d(33) value of ～28 pm/V and pyroelectric measurements reveal a pyroelectric coefficient of -0.43 μC/m(2)K at 50 °C for Li(6)(Mo(2)O(5))(3)(SeO(3))(6). Frequency-dependent polarization measurements confirm that Li(6)(Mo(2)O(5))(3)(SeO(3))(6) is nonferroelectric, i.e., the macroscopic polarization is not reversible, or 'switchable'. Infrared, UV-vis, thermogravimetric, and differential thermal analysis measurements and electron localization function calculations were also done for all materials.     

High-nuclearity metal-cyanide clusters: synthesis,magnetic properties,and inclusion behavior of open-cage species incorporating [(tach)M(CN)3] (M = Cr,Fe, Co) complexes

The use of 1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane (tach) as a capping ligand in generating metal-cyanide cage clusters with accessible cavities is demonstrated. The precursor complexes [(tach)M(CN)(3)] (M = Cr, Fe, Co) are synthesized by methods similar to those employed in preparing the analogous 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn) complexes. Along with [(tach)Fe(CN)(3)](1)(-), the latter two species are found to adopt low-spin electron configurations. Assembly reactions between [(tach)M(CN)(3)] (M = Fe, Co) and [M'(H(2)O)(6)](2+) (M' = Ni, Co) in aqueous solution afford the clusters [(tach)(4)(H(2)O)(12)Ni(4)Co(4)(CN)(12)](8+), [(tach)(4)(H(2)O)(12)Co(8)(CN)(12)](8+), and [(tach)(4)(H(2)O)(12)Ni(4)Fe(4)(CN)(12)](8+), each possessing a cubic arrangement of eight metal ions linked through edge-spanning cyanide bridges. This geometry is stabilized by hydrogen-bonding interactions between tach and water ligands through an intervening solvate water molecule or bromide counteranion. The magnetic behavior of the Ni(4)Fe(4) cluster indicates weak ferromagnetic coupling (J = 5.5 cm(-)(1)) between the Ni(II) and Fe(III) centers, leading to an S = 6 ground state. Solutions containing [(tach)Fe(CN)(3)] and a large excess of [Ni(H(2)O)(6)](2+) instead yield a trigonal pyramidal [(tach)(H(2)O)(15)Ni(3)Fe(CN)(3)](6+) cluster, in which even weaker ferromagnetic coupling (J = 1.2 cm(-)(1)) gives rise to an S = (7)/(2) ground state. Paralleling reactions previously performed with [(Me(3)tacn)Cr(CN)(3)], [(tach)Cr(CN)(3)] reacts with [Ni(H(2)O)(6)](2+) in aqueous solution to produce [(tach)(8)Cr(8)Ni(6)(CN)(24)](12+), featuring a structure based on a cube of Cr(III) ions with each face centered by a square planar [Ni(CN)(4)](2)(-) unit. The metal-cyanide cage differs somewhat from that of the analogous Me(3)tacn-ligated cluster, however, in that it is distorted via compression along a body diagonal of the cube. Additionally, the compact tach capping ligands do not hinder access to the sizable interior cavity of the molecule, permitting host-guest chemistry. Mass spectrometry experiments indicate a 1:1 association of the intact cluster with tetrahydrofuran (THF) in aqueous solution, and a crystal structure shows the THF molecule to be suspended in the middle of the cluster cavity. Addition of THF to an aqueous solution containing [(tach)Co(CN)(3)] and [Cu(H(2)O)(6)](2+) templates the formation of a closely related cluster, [(tach)(8)(H(2)O)(6)Cu(6)Co(8)(CN)(24) superset THF](12+), in which paramagnetic Cu(II) ions with square pyramidal coordination are situated on the face-centering sites. Reactions intended to produce the cubic [(tach)(4)(H(2)O)(12)Co(8)(CN)(12)](8+) cluster frequently led to an isomeric two-dimensional framework, [(tach)(H(2)O)(3)Co(2)(CN)(3)](2+), exhibiting mer rather than fac stereochemistry at the [Co(H(2)O)(3)](2+) subunits. Attempts to assemble larger edge-bridged cubic clusters by reacting [(tach)Cr(CN)(3)] with [Ni(cyclam)](2+) (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) complexes instead generated extended one- or two-dimensional solids. The magnetic properties of one of these solids, two-dimensional [(tach)(2)(cyclam)(3)Ni(3)Cr(2)(CN)(6)]I(2), suggest metamagnetic behavior, with ferromagnetic intralayer coupling and weak antiferromagnetic interactions between layers.     

Synthesis and characterization of new Mg(2)Al-paratungstate layered double hydroxides

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs, or hydrotalcites) with Mg(2+) and Al(3+) cations in the mixed metal hydroxide layer and paratungstate anions in the interlayer have been prepared. Different methods have been followed: anion exchange with Mg,Al LDHs originally containing nitrate or adipate, reconstruction of the LDH structure from a mildly calcined Mg(2)Al-CO(3) LDH, and coprecipitation. In all cases, the tungsten precursor salt was (NH(4))(10)H(2)W(12)O(42). The prepared solids have been characterized by elemental chemical analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal (DTA) analyses, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray analysis), and nitrogen adsorption at -196 degrees C for surface area and surface texture. Most of the synthesis methods used, especially anion exchange starting from a Mg(2)Al-NO(3) precursor at low temperature and short reaction times, lead to formation of a hydrotalcite with a gallery height of 9.8 A; increasing the reaction temperature to 70-100 degrees C and maintaining short contact times leads to a solid with a gallery height of 7.8 A. Both phases have been identified as a result of the intercalation of W(7)O(24)(6)(-) species in different orientations in the interlayer space. If the time of synthesis or the temperature is increased, a more stable phase, with a gallery height of 5.2 A corresponding to a solid with intercalated W(7)O(24)(6)(-), is formed, probably with grafting of the interlayer anion on the brucite-like layers. All systems are microporous. Calcination at 300 degrees C leads to amorphous species, and crystallized MgWO(4) is observed at 700 degrees C.     

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of mesoporous zirconia-hydroxyapatite nanocomposites and their dual surface affinity for Cr3+/Cr2O7(2-) ions

Zirconia-hydroxyapatite nanocomposites were prepared by sol-gel deposition of zirconium oxide from a zirconium alkoxide in the presence of apatite colloidal suspension under ultrasonication. The material porosity evolves from mainly microporous zirconia to mesoporous hydroxyapatite, with decreasing surface area and increasing pore volume. XRD studies indicate that the apatite phase is well-preserved within the composite materials. The homogeneous dispersion of apatite colloids within the zirconia network was supported by TEM observations and nitrogen sorption measurements. (31)P solid-state NMR studies suggest that partial dissolution of apatite may have occurred during the preparation, leading to the adsorption of phosphate species on zirconia particles. This is confirmed by XRD studies of nanocomposites after thermal treatment that demonstrate the preferred formation of tetragonal over monoclinic ZrO(2) in the presence of hydroxyapatite. In order to investigate the surface properties of these novel materials, the adsorption of Pb(2+), Cr(3+), and Cr(2)O(7)(2-) was evaluated. Metal cations were preferentially adsorbed on apatite-rich composites, whereas Cr(2)O(7)(2-) shows a good affinity for the zirconia-rich phases. Zirconia-apatite materials showed the most promising performance in terms of recyclability. These nanocomposites that combine microporosity, mesoporosity and dual sorption properties for these species appear as interesting materials for metal ion remediation and may also find applications as biomaterials.     

Encapsulation of cyanometalates by a tris-macrocyclic ligand tricopper(II) complex: syntheses, structural variation, and magnetic exchange coupling pathways

The reaction of [M(CN)(6)](3-) (M = Cr(3+), Mn(3+), Fe(3+), Co(3+)) and [M(CN)(8)](4-/3-) (M = Mo(4+/5+), W(4+/5+)) with the trinuclear copper(II) complex of 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltris[3-(1,3,5,8,12-pentaazacyclotetradecane)] ([Cu(3)(L)](6+)) leads to partially encapsulated cyanometalates. With hexacyanometalate(III) complexes, [Cu(3)(L)](6+) forms the isostructural host-guest complexes [[[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))(2)][M(CN)(6)](2)][M(CN)(6)]][M(CN)(6)]30 H(2)O with one bridging, two partially encapsulated, and one isolated [M(CN)(6)](3-) unit. The octacyanometalates of Mo(4+/5+) and W(4+/5+) are encapsulated by two tris-macrocyclic host units. Due to the stability of the +IV oxidation state of Mo and W, only assemblies with [M(CN)(8)](4-) were obtained. The Mo(4+) and W(4+) complexes were crystallized in two different structural forms: [[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))](2)[Mo(CN)(8)]](NO(3))(8)15 H(2)O with a structural motif that involves isolated spherical [[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))](2)[M(CN)(8)]](8+) ions and a "string-of-pearls" type of structure [[[Cu(3)(L)](2)[M(CN)(8)]][M(CN)(8)]](NO(3))(4) 20 H(2)O, with [M(CN)(8)](4-) ions that bridge the encapsulated octacyanometalates in a two-dimensional network. The magnetic exchange coupling between the various paramagnetic centers is characterized by temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization data. Exchange between the CuCu pairs in the [Cu(3)(L)](6+) "ligand" is weakly antiferromagnetic. Ferromagnetic interactions are observed in the cyanometalate assemblies with Cr(3+), exchange coupling of Mn(3+) and Fe(3+) is very small, and the octacoordinate Mo(4+) and W(4+) systems have a closed-shell ground state.