Polymorphism in mercury(I) selenite(IV): preparation, crystal structures of α-, β-and γ-Hg2SeO3, and thermal behavior of the α- and β-modification

Mercury(I) selenite(IV) is polymorphic and crystallizes at least in three modifications, named α-, β-and γ-Hg₂SeO₃. Polycrystalline β-Hg₂SeO₃ was prepared by precipitation of a concentrated mercurous nitrate solution with selenous acid. Hydrothermal treatment of the colorless β-Hg₂SeO₃ powder in demineralized water at 250°C (10 days) yields light-yellow single crystals of α-Hg₂SeO₃ which show the highest density of the three modifications. Colorless needle-shaped single crystals of β-Hg₂SeO₃ and very few single crystals of γ-Hg₂SeO₃ co-crystallize from strongly diluted Hg₂(NO₃)₂ and H₂SeO₃ solutions and were grown by a diffusion technique. All crystal structures were solved and refined from single crystal diffractometer data sets and are based on Hg₂²⁺ dumbbells and trigonal pyramidal SeO₃²⁻ anions as the main building units. A common structural feature of all modifications is the formation of open channels extending parallel to the shortest crystallographic axis. The non-bonding orbitals of the Se^IV atoms are stereochemically active and protrude into the channels. Upon heating in an open system under N₂ atmosphere, both α- and β-Hg₂SeO₃ decompose in a well-separated three-step mechanism. The first step (T > 250°C) involves disproportionation into elementary mercury and α-HgSeO₃ which at ca. 400°C subsequently transforms into β-HgSeO₃. The second step between T = 400 and 500°C is accompanied by a loss of Hg and SeO₂ and the formation of the basic salt Hg₃SeO₆. In the third step, at temperatures between T = 500° and 600°C, this material decomposes completely. Upon heating in a closed system (sealed silica capillaries), β-Hg₂SeO₃ transforms between 320-340°C into the more dense α-Hg₂SeO₃ which on further heating likewise converts into elementary mercury and β-HgSeO₃.     

Synthesis of melampolides and cis,cis-germacranolides as natural herbicide models

The comparative study between the theoretical molecular properties of the starting materials and the yields in the transformation of melampolides to cis,cis-germacranolides using SeO₂/t-BuOOH (TBHP) as oxidant allows to establish a feasible relationship with their values of dipolar moment. Conditions for this transformation are optimized and some mechanistic considerations are made based in this finding. Cluster analysis of the phytotoxic activity of the melampolides and cis,cis-germacranolides obtained shows that the activity is greatly influenced by the spatial shape of the backbone, prevailing upon other factors such as the presence of reactive functional groups.     

High-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction of Tl2SeO4

The effect of pressure on the crystal structure of thallium selenate (Tl₂SeO₄) (Pmcn, Z=4), containing the Tl⁺ cations with electron lone pairs, has been studied with single-crystal X-ray diffraction in a diamond anvil cell up to 3.64 GPa at room temperature. No phase transition has been observed. The compressibility data are fitted by a Murnaghan equation of state with the zero-pressure bulk modulus B₀=29(1) GPa and the unit-cell volume at ambient pressure V₀=529.6(8) Å³ (B′=4.00). Tl₂SeO₄ is the least compressible in the c direction, while the pressure-induced changes of the a and b lattice parameters are quite similar. These observations can be explained by different pressure effects on the nine- and 11-fold coordination polyhedra around the two non-equivalent Tl atoms. The SeO₄²⁻ tetrahedra are not rigid units and become more distorted. Their contribution to the compressibility is small. The effect of pressure on the isotypical oxide materials A₂TO₄ with the β-K₂SO₄ structure is discussed. It appears that the presence of electron lone pairs on the Tl⁺ cation does not seem to influence the compressibility of Tl₂SeO₄.     

Syntheses and structures of three f-element selenite/hydroselenite compounds

The selenite/hydroselenite compounds Ce(SeO₃)(HSeO₃), Tb(SeO₃)(HSeO₃)·2H₂O, and Cs[U(SeO₃)(HSeO₃)]·3H₂O were synthesized by hydrothermal means at 453 K from the reaction of CeO₂ or Tb₄O₇ or UO₂ with SeO₂ and CsCl (as a mineralizer). Ce(SeO₃)(HSeO₃) crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic space group Pca2₁. The structure comprises a two-dimensional network of interconnected CeO₁₀ bicapped distorted square antiprisms and SeO₃ trigonal pyramids. Tb(SeO₃)(HSeO₃)·2H₂O crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁. The structure features a two-dimensional layer of interconnected TbO₈ distorted square antiprisms and SeO₃ trigonal pyramids. Cs[U(SeO₃)(HSeO₃)]·3H₂O crystallizes in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P2₁/n. The structure consists of two-dimensional layers of interconnected UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and SeO₃ trigonal pyramids. The layers in all three structures are held together by hydrogen-bonding networks.     

Syntheses, structures, and properties of Ag4(Mo2O5)(SeO4)2(SeO3) and Ag2(MoO3)3SeO3

Ag₄(Mo₂O₅)(SeO₄)₂(SeO₃) has been synthesized by reacting AgNO₃, MoO₃, and selenic acid under mild hydrothermal conditions. The structure of this compound consists of cis-MoO₂²⁺ molybdenyl units that are bridged to neighboring molybdenyl moieties by selenate anions and by a bridging oxo anion. These dimeric units are joined by selenite anions to yield zigzag one-dimensional chains that extended down the c-axis. Individual chains are polar with the C₂ distortion of the Mo(VI) octahedra aligning on one side of each chain. However, the overall structure is centrosymmetric because neighboring chains have opposite alignment of the C₂ distortion. Upon heating Ag₄(Mo₂O₅)(SeO₄)₂(SeO₃) looses SeO₂ in two distinct steps to yield Ag₂MoO₄. Crystallographic data: (193 K; MoKα, λ=0.71073 Å): orthorhombic, space group Pbcm, a=5.6557(3), b=15.8904(7), c=15.7938(7) Å, V=1419.41(12), Z=4, R(F)=2.72% for 121 parameters with 1829 reflections with I>2σ(I). Ag₂(MoO₃)₃SeO₃ was synthesized by reacting AgNO₃ with MoO₃, SeO₂, and HF under hydrothermal conditions. The structure of Ag₂(MoO₃)₃SeO₃ consists of three crystallographically unique Mo(VI) centers that are in 2+2+2 coordination environments with two long, two intermediate, and two short bonds. These MoO₆ units are connected to form a molybdenyl ribbon that extends along the c-axis. These ribbons are further connected together through tridentate selenite anions to form two-dimensional layers in the [bc] plane. Crystallographic data: (193 K; MoKα, λ=0.71073 Å): monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=7.7034(5), b=11.1485(8), c=12.7500(9) Å, β=105.018(1) V=1002.7(2), Z=4, R(F)=3.45% for 164 parameters with 2454 reflections with I>2σ(I). Ag₂(MoO₃)₃SeO₃ decomposes to Ag₂Mo₃O₁₀ on heating above 550 °C.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of Pu(SeO3)2

The reaction between PuO₂ and SeO₂ under mild hydrothermal conditions results in the formation of Pu(SeO₃)₂ as brick-red prisms. This compound adopts the Ce(SeO₃)₂ structure type, and consists of one-dimensional chains of edge-sharing [PuO₈] distorted bicapped trigonal prisms linked by [SeO₃] units into a three-dimensional network. Crystallographic data: Pu(SeO₃)₂, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=6.960(1) Å, b=10.547(2) Å, c=7.245(1) Å, β=106.880(9)°, V=508.98(17) Å³, Z=4 (T=193 K), R(F)=2.92% for 83 parameters with 1140 reflections with I>2σ(I). Magnetic susceptibility data for Pu(SeO₃)₂ are linear from 35 to 320 K and yield an effective moment of 2.71(5) μ_B and a Weiss constant of −500(5) K.     

Crystal structure and magnetic properties of two new cobalt selenite halides: Co5(SeO3)4X2 (X=Cl, Br)

Two new isostructural cobalt selenite halides Co₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂ and Co₅(SeO₃)₄Br₂ have been synthesized. They crystallize in the triclinic system space group P−1 with the following lattice parameters for Co₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂: a=6.4935(8) Å, b=7.7288(8) Å, c=7.7443(10) Å, α=66.051(11)°, β=73.610(11)°, γ=81.268(9)°, and Z=1. The crystal structures were solved from single-crystal X-ray data, R1=3.73 and 4.03 for Co₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂ and Co₅(SeO₃)₄Br₂, respectively. The new compounds are isostructural to Ni₅(SeO₃)₄Br₂.Magnetic susceptibility measurements on oriented single-crystalline samples show anisotropic response in a broad temperature range. The anisotropic susceptibility is quantitatively interpreted within the zero-field splitting schemes for Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions. Sharp low-temperature susceptibility features, at T_N=18 and 20 K for Co₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂ and Co₅(SeO₃)₄Br₂, respectively, are ascribed to antiferromagnetic ordering in a minority magnetic subsystem. In isostructural Ni₅(SeO₃)₄Br₂ magnetically ordered subsystem represents a majority fraction (T_N=46 K). Nevertheless, anisotropic susceptibility of Ni₅(SeO₃)₄Br₂ is dominated at low temperatures by a minority fraction, subject to single-ion anisotropy effects and increasing population of S_z=0 (singlet) ground state of octahedrally coordinated Ni²⁺.     

Palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation using chiral P,O-ligands synthesized via sulfonamide directed ortho-lithiation

An efficient approach for the synthesis of chiral P,O-ligands containing sulfonamide and phosphine moieties is designed. The introduction of the chirality is achieved through different stereogenic groups attached to the sulfonamide nitrogen. The highly effective sulfonamide directed ortho-lithiation and the subsequent reaction with ClPPh₂ is the key step in the synthesis of the ligands. The prepared P,O-compounds are applied in Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation (AAA) under optimized conditions, to obtain high degrees of enantioselectivity.     

New tri-tert-alkyl substituted o-quinones of tetraline family

New tri-tert-alkyl substituted o-quinones of 3-tert-alkyl-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene-1,2-dione chemotype were obtained from phenol and 2,5-dichloro-2,5-dimethylhexane, with the SeO₂ oxidation of the sterically hindered phenol moiety having been performed at the final step. The electrochemical reduction of these quinones proceeds in two stages: the first reduction wave (E_1/2 = –0.60 ÷ –0.62 V) is reversible, while the second stage is irreversible.     

Synthesis of meso-tetraphenyl porphyrins via condensation of dipyrromethanes with N-tosyl imines

A new synthetic route for the synthesis of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl porphyrins has been developed based on the reaction of 5-substituted dipyrromethanes with N-tosyl imines in the presence of a metal triflate catalyst. meso-Substituted tetraphenyl porphyrins were synthesized in a two-step process. The first step of the method is the metal triflate-catalyzed condensation of 5-substituted dipyrromethanes with N-tosyl imines to form a porphyrinogen intermediate and the second step is the oxidation of the porphyrinogen to porphyrin. The method was applied to the synthesis of trans-A₂B₂-tetraarylporphyrins and the products were obtained with only a trace amount of one scrambling product. The synthesis of two important building blocks for porphyrin synthesis, mono and di-sulfonamide alkylated 5-substituted dipyrromethanes, was achieved by the addition of 5-substituted dipyrromethane to N-tosyl imine. The application of mono and di-sulfonamide alkylated 5-substituted dipyrromethanes in ‘2+2’ porphyrin formation reactions is presented.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic property of a new nickel selenite chloride: Ni5(SeO3)4Cl2

The new nickel selenite chloride, Ni₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂, was obtained by high-temperature solid state reaction of NiCl₂, Ni₂O₃ and SeO₂ in a 1:2:4 molar ratio at 700 °C in an evacuated quartz tube. Its structure was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Ni₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂ crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P-1 (No. 2) with cell parameters of a=8.076(2), b=9.288(2), c=9.376(2) Å, α=101.97(3), β=105.60(3), γ=91.83(3)° and Z=2. All nickel(II) ions in Ni₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂ are octahedrally coordinated by selenite oxygens or/and chloride anions (([Ni(1)O₅Cl], [Ni(2)O₄Cl₂], [Ni(3)O₅Cl], [Ni(4)O₆] and [Ni(5)O₄Cl]). The structure of the title compound features a condensed three-dimensional (3D) network built by Ni(II) ions interconnected by SeO₃²⁻ anions as well as Cl⁻ anions. Magnetic property measurements show strong antiferromagnetic interaction between nickel(II) ions.     

Selective functionalization at the small rim of calix[6]arene. Synthesis of novel non-symmetrical N3, N4 and N3ArO biomimetic ligands

Eight novel calix[6]arene-based biomimetic ligands for transition metal ions have been synthesized. They display a non-symmetrical N₃, N₄ or N₃ArO binding core that mimics enzyme active sites presenting histidine and tyrosine residues. The key step for their synthesis is the mono-alkylation at the small rim of the C_3v symmetrical trimethyl ether derivative of tBu-calix[6]arene with N-Boc-2-chloroethylamine to yield a novel calix[6]arene synthon. Its combined O-alkylation with a chloromethyl aromatic amine and N-deprotection or alkylation or reductive alkylation with a salicylaldehyde derivative yielded the calix[6]arene-based ligands with mixed N/O donors.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and photoluminescence properties of three novel organically bonded indium selenates or selenites

Three new organically bonded indium(III) selenates or selenites, namely, In₂(2,2′-bipy)₂(SeO₄)₃(H₂O)₂·2H₂O (1), In₂(2,2′-bipy)₂(SeO₄)(C₂O₄)₂·0.5H₂O (2) and In₂(2,2′-bipy)₂(SeO₃)₂(C₂O₄) (3) (2,2′-bipy=2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized by hydro/solvothermal reactions by using the in situ ligand synthesis technique (2 and 3) and structurally characterized. The structure of compound 1 features a dimer composed of two InO₄N₂ octahedra bridged by three SeO₄ tetrahedra via cornering sharing. The structure of compound 2 shows a 2D inorganic-organic hybrid layer in which the indium (III) ions are bridged by both selenate and oxalate anions, whereas the structure of compound 3 possesses a 2D inorganic-organic hybrid layer composed of the indium (III) ions interconnected by both selenite and oxalate anions. The adjacent layers are further interconnected via π…π interactions between the bipy ligands. Compound 1 displays an intra-ligand luminescent emission band at λ_max=360 nm whereas compounds 2 and 3 both exhibit intra-ligand luminescent emission bands at λ_max=389 nm.     

Convenient synthesis of N-isobutyryl-2′-O-methyl guanosine by efficient alkylation of O-trimethylsilylethyl-3′,5′-di-tert-butylsilanediyl guanosine

We present a novel route for the synthesis of N²-isobutyryl-2′-O-methyl guanosine, introducing 3′,5′-di-tert-butylsilyl and O⁶-trimethylsilylethyl groups as efficient protections during the 2′-O-methylation step with NaH/CH₃I. These protections were then removed simultaneously in a single step with TBAF. The eight-step synthesis is easy to perform, employing convenient commercially available reagents; crude mixtures are of satisfying purity, so only three chromatography purifications were required. Title compound was obtained in 25% overall yield from guanosine.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, and properties of three new metal selenites Na2Co2(SeO3)3, Na2Co1.67Ni0.33(SeO3)3, and Na2Ni2(SeO3)3

Three new sodium cobalt (nickel) selenite compounds, namely, Na₂Co₂(SeO₃)₃, Na₂Co_1.67Ni_0.33(SeO₃)₃, and Na₂Ni₂(SeO₃)₃ have been hydro-/solvothermally synthesized in the mixed solvents of acetonitrile and water. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that these isostructural compounds belong to the orthorhombic Cmcm space group and their structures feature three-dimensional open frameworks constructed by the two-dimensional layers of [MSeO₃] pillared by the [SeO₃]²⁻ groups. The two different types of Na⁺ ions reside in the intersecting two-dimensional channels parallel to the a- and c-axes, respectively. Their thermal properties have been investigated via TGA-DSC. The magnetic measurements indicate the existence of the antiferromagnetic interactions in these compounds.     

Radical mediated stereoselective synthesis of (4R,8R)-4,8-dimethyldecanal, an aggregation pheromone of Tribolium flour beetles

(4R,8R)-4,8-Dimethyldecanal, a common aggregation pheromone of Tribolium flour beetles, has been synthesized from (R)-2,3-O-isopropylideneglyceraldehyde in 11 steps and 7% overall yield. The key step in the synthesis is the highly diastereoselective chelation-controlled radical reaction of ethyl (4S,5R)-4-benzyloxy-5,6-(isopropylidenedioxy)-2-methylenehexanoate with ethyl (R)-5-iodo-3-methylpentanoate performed in the presence of 7 equiv of MgBr₂·OEt₂.     

Eco-friendly and facile synthesis of 2-substituted-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine in aqueous medium by air oxidation

We report a new environmentally-benign, convenient, and facile methodology for the synthesis of 2-substituted-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine. The reaction of 2,3-diaminopyridine with substituted aryl aldehydes in water under thermal conditions without the use of any oxidative reagent has been studied. The reaction has yielded 1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine derivatives by an air oxidative cyclocondensation reaction in one step in an excellent yield. Furthermore, a series of compounds were synthesized and characterized by melting point, EI-MS, NMR, and IR tools. For comparison, the reference samples were prepared by the reported method. Utilization of aqueous medium, easy reaction conditions, isolation, and purification make this manipulation very interesting from an economic and environmental perspective.     

A study of polychlorinated leucine derivatives: synthesis of (2S,4S)-5,5-dichloroleucine

The first total synthesis of (2S,4S)-5,5-dichloroleucine has been achieved in 11 steps from l-pyroglutamic acid. A key step is the dichlorination process on the hydrazone of aldehyde 13 with CuCl₂ in triethylamine.     

An unexpected migration of O-silyl group under Mitsunobu reaction conditions

A 1,4 O→O silyl migration followed by nucleophilic substitution with phthalimide was observed under Mitsunobu reaction conditions. This one step secondary alcohol protection and primary alcohol substitution with N-nucleophiles was extended to a variety of 2-hydroxyethyl trialkylsilylether derivatives. A possible mechanism has been postulated based on the pK_a values of the alcohol and nucleophile. The present one-pot silyl migration and substitution reaction might find application in the stereoselective synthesis of novel iminosugar derived anti diabetic agents.