Macroscopic quantum tunnelling of protons in the KHCO3 crystal

Macroscopic quantum entanglement reveals an unforeseen mechanism for proton transfer across hydrogen bonds in the solid state. We utilize neutron scattering techniques to study proton dynamics in the crystal of potassiumhydrogencarbonate (KHCO₃) composed of small planar centrosymmetric dimer entities linked by moderately strong hydrogen bonds. All protons are indistinguishable, they behave as fermions, and they are degenerate. The sublattice of protons is a superposition of macroscopic single-particle states. At elevated temperature, protons are progressively transferred to secondary sites at ≈0.6 Å from the main position, via tunnelling along hydrogen bonds. The macroscopic quantum entanglement, still observed at 300 K, reveals that proton transfer is a coherent process throughout the crystal arising from a superposition of macroscopic tunnelling states.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic and thermal studies of the reactions of the donors piperazine and N,N′-dimethylpiperazine with σ- and π-acceptors

The interactions of the electron donors piperazine (PIP) and N,N′-dimethylpiperazine (DMPIP) with the σ-acceptor iodine and the π-acceptors tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) were studied spectrophotometrically in chloroform at 25 °C. The electronic and infrared spectra of the resulting charge-transfer complexes were recorded, in addition to thermal analysis. The results obtained showed that the stoichiometries of the reactions are not fixed and depend on the nature of both the donor and the acceptor. The formed CT-complexes have the formulas of , [(PIP)(TCNE)₂], [(PIP)(DDQ)₂], , [(DMPIP)(TCNE)₂] and [(DMPIP)(DDQ)₂]. A general mechanism explaining the formation of triiodide complexes was suggested.     

Theoretical studies on the aromaticity of η-cyclopentadienyl cobalt dithiolene complexes

Some η⁵-cyclopentadienyl cobalt dithiolene complexes CpCoS₂C₂R₂ have been optimized at B3LYP/6-311++G(d) level. The optimized geometries agree well with experiment. The analyses of nature bond orbital and nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) at B3LYP/6-311++G(d) and GIAO-B3LYP/6-311++G(d) levels reveal the aromatic character of the η⁵-cyclopentadienyl cobalt dithiolene complexes. However, their aromaticity is weaker than that of the isolated . There are two reasons for the change of heterocyclic aromaticity of the metal dithiolene in the η⁵-cyclopentadienyl cobalt dithiolene complexes with respect to that of the isolated . The better equalization of bond lengths in the isolated cation is the first reason. The other reason is that the contribution to the NICS from the metallic cobalt atom is much larger in the isolated cation . The planar character of cyclopentadienyl is destroyed slightly in the complexes. At the same time, the size of cyclopentadienyl (Cp) becomes bigger than the isolated Cp⁻¹ and this is caused by the cobalt atom in the pentagon. The π-electron delocalization causes stronger aromaticity of the Cp in the complexes than that of the isolated Cp⁻¹.     

A new polar supramolecular 3D framework [Zn(pyz)(H2O)4]pht

A new Zn(II) complex, [Zn(pyz)(H₂O)₄]pht (1) (pyz=pyrazine; pht=1,2-benzenedicarboxylate) has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized. Complex 1 features a novel polar 3D framework with a 1D polycationic chain , between which pht²⁻ dianions are encapsulated via the supramolecular interaction. Its powder SHG is of about three times as large as that of KH₂PO₄.     

Theoretical studies on fluorescence of phenol and 1-naphthol in both acid and alkali solutions

The molecular structures of the ground state and the first singlet excited state for , C₆H₅OH, C₆H₅O⁻, , C₁₀H₇OH and C₁₀H₇O⁻, the forms of phenol and 1-naphthol in acid and alkali solutions, were optimized by ab initio HF and configuration interaction with singlet excitations (CIS) method, respectively. Their fluorescent spectra were obtained by the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) using the B3LYP method with the 6-31+G (d) basis set. The frontier molecular orbital characteristics, fluorescent spectrum and proton affinities had been analyzed systematically in order to study different fluorescence of phenol and 1-naphthol in acid and alkali solutions. It was found that C₆H₅OH and are the main forms of phenol in acid solution, but C₆H₅O⁻ in alkali solution; C₁₀H₇OH and C₁₀H₇O⁻ are the main forms of 1-naphthol in alkali solution, but in acid solution. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data.     

Structure characterization of several oxalate-bridged transition-metal coordination polymers

Four oxalate-bridged transition-metal supramolecular compounds [Co₂(im)₄(ox)₂] 1, [Co(im)₂(ox)] 2, [Mn(2,2′-bpy)(ox)] 3 and [Fe(H₂O)₂(ox)] 4 (im, imidazole; ox, oxalate; bpy, bipyridine) were obtained from the simple hydrothermal reactions of Mⁿ⁺oxL (M, transition metal; L, aromatic N-donor ligand) system. They all exhibit the 1-D chain structures, consisting of the (or ML²⁺) units linked by oxalate bridges. Interestingly, the 1-D oxalate chains in the title compounds are further self-assembled into the 3-D supramolecular networks through the interchain various secondary bonding interactions. Because the units adopt the different configuration, the oxalate chains show either zigzag type as in compounds 1–3 or linear type as in compound 4. Compounds 1 and 2 are isomeric, and only in packing modes of interchain im molecules there exists the difference.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, structural characterisation and magnetic behaviour of hybrid complexes of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetate

Two new compounds containing multidentate chelating organic residues of N-(phophonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (H₄pmida), [M(pyr)(H₂O)₄][M₂(Hpmida)₂(pyr)(H₂O)₂]·2(H₂O) (where pyr=pyrazine and M=Co²⁺ or Ni²⁺ for I and II, respectively) have been synthesised and structurally characterised by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis and solid-state ³¹P MAS NMR. The compounds contain discrete binuclear anionic [M₂(Hpmida)₂(pyr)(H₂O)₂]²⁻ units in which one pyrazine ligand bridges two M²⁺ cations which are completely trapped inside three five-membered chelate rings formed by the Hpmida³⁻ ligands. These moieties close pack in the ac plane via a series of strong and highly directional O–HO hydrogen bonds leading to the formation of anionic layers. One-dimensional cationic coordination polymers are placed in-between and strongly hydrogen-bonded to these layers. The magnetic properties of these two materials are also reported.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structural characterization of two new modified polyoxometalates constructed of positive and negative metal–oxo cluster ions

Two new interesting polyoxometalate derivatives 1 and 2 constructed of modified metal–oxo cluster ions carrying positive and negative changes, respectively, was hydrothermally prepared and structurally characterized by IR, ESR, XPS, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. The result of structure determination shows that compound 1 and 2 are isostructural and both contain polyoxocation and polyoxoanion, and both cation and anion are built on mixed Mo–V tetra-capped pseudo-Keggin units with P centre, [Mo₈V₈O₄₀(PO₄)]ⁿ⁻, bonded to four or two [Ni(2,2′-bipy)₂H₂O]²⁺ complexes, respectively, via terminal oxygen of the capping V atoms. Magnetism measurement indicates that there exists antiferromagnetic interaction in complex 1 and 2.     

Crystal structure, phase transition and thermal behaviour of dabcodiium hexaaquacopper(II) bis(sulfate), (C6H14N2)[Cu(H2O)6](SO4)2

A new organically templated metal sulfate has been synthesized and characterized. At room temperature, dabcodiium hexaaquacopper(II) bis(sulfate), (C₆H₁₄N₂)[Cu(H₂O)₆](SO₄)₂ crystallizes in the monoclinic symmetry (space group P2₁/n) with the following unit cell parameters: a = 6.9533(2), b = 12.5568(2), c = 9.9434(2) Å; β = 90.526(1)° and Z = 2. Its crystal structure is built from isolated [Cu(H₂O)₆]²⁺, and disordered ions linked together by a hydrogen-bonding network. The title compound undergoes a reversible phase transition of the first-order type at 265.7/281.8 K on heating–cooling runs. Below the phase transition temperature, the structure is fully ordered.     

New regularities and an equation of state for liquids

Three regularities have been introduced for liquids (T < T_C and ρ > ρ_C) based on average potential energy. The experimental data have been used to show the validity of the regularities. First, there exists near-linearity relation between and ρ for all isotherms of a liquid, where P_i and ρ are internal pressure and density, respectively. Second, changes linearly with ρ for each isotherm of any liquid, where Z and V_m are compressibility factor and molar volume, respectively. Third, a new regularity using the definition of bulk modulus and our new equation of state between reduced bulk modulus and density has been introduced, that is versus ρ must be linear for all isotherms of a liquid where B_r is the reduced bulk modulus.

A new equation of state has been also derived. The density of some liquids in the extensive ranges of temperature and pressure has been calculated using the new equation of state. The densities calculated from this equation agree with experiment to better than 0.3%. The new equation of state can predict internal pressure, thermal expansion coefficient, and isothermal compressibility of liquids within experimental error.     

Production of HO2 and O2 by multiple ionization in water radiolysis by swift carbon ions

We present a simulation of liquid water radiolysis by swift carbon ions that explicitly takes into account multiple ionization of water molecules. For high linear energy transfer (LET), this process is not negligible with respect to single ionization. The rearrangement of highly ionized water molecules is consistent with production of atomic oxygen. Multiple ionizations is shown to be responsible for creation of a large amount of radicals and O₂ molecules. The simulated yield reproduces very well direct optical measurements for swift ions with comparable LET. Our simulation for is in also agreement with experiment.     

Iron complexes of terdentate nitrogen ligands: formation and X-ray structure of three new dicationic complexes

Dicationic iron complexes were obtained upon complexation of the ligands 6,6″-di(p-tolyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (L¹) or 2,6-bis-(3-mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (L²) with iron dichloride or iron trichloride. They were characterized by X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy. Single crystal structure determinations of , and all show six-coordinate metal center. These complexes were obtained from L¹FeCl₂ and L²FeCl₂ during recrystallization attempts. (L¹)₂Fe²⁺ was shown to be a high-spin complex, whereas (L²)₂Fe²⁺ was shown to be low-spin. For , two independent dications of very similar geometry but with distinctive distortion were observed by X-ray analysis.     

ERAS modeling of the excess molar enthalpies of binary liquid mixtures of 1-pentanol and 1-hexanol with acetonitrile at atmospheric pressure and 288, 298, 313 and 323 K

This work reports experimental data on the excess molar enthalpy as a function of composition of acetonitrile + 1-pentanol and acetonitrile + 1-hexanol mixtures at 288.15, 298.15, 313.15 and 323.15 K under atmospheric pressure. The data show positive values over the whole composition range for both systems and for all temperatures studied, they also increase with temperature and with alkanol chain length. The experimental curves have a parabolic shape with maximum point around 0.5 mole fraction. The extended real associated solution (ERAS) model was applied to correlate the experimental data. The ERAS model adequately described the main features of the behavior of the mixtures.     

Rate constants of the O(D) reactions with N2, O2, N2O, and H2O at 295 K

Using a technique of laser flash photolysis coupled with vacuum ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, the rate coefficients of O(¹D) reactions with N₂, O₂, N₂O, and H₂O at 295 ± 2 K have been determined to be , k_O2=(4.06±0.24)×10^-11, k_N2O=(1.35±0.08)×10^-10 and . The quoted uncertainties include estimated errors and are the 95% confidence level. The k_N2 and k_N2O values obtained are larger than the current NASA/JPL recommendations by 26% and 16%, respectively, although they are still within the error limits associated with the recommendations.     

Excess molar enthalpies for binary mixtures of trimethyl phosphate with alkanols {CH3(CH2)nOH, n = 0–3} at 298.15 K

The excess molar enthalpies () for the binary mixtures of trimethyl phosphate (TMP) with alkanols {CH₃(CH₂)_nOH, n = 0–3} have been measured with an isothermal calorimeter at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The values are positive for all the mixtures over the whole composition range. The values increase in the order methanol < ethanol < 1-propanol < 1-butanol. The experimental results have been correlated with the Redlich–Kister equation.     

Vibrational spectra and microstructure of poly(ε-caprolactone)/siloxane biohybrids doped with lithium triflate

Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman (FT-Raman) spectroscopies and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate ionic association, hydrogen bonding and morphology in a family of sol–gel derived lithium triflate (LiCF₃SO₃)-doped di-urethane cross-linked poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL(530))/siloxane hybrid electrolytes. The materials studied, with compositions ∞ > n  0.5 (where n – composition – expresses the molar ratio of PCL(530) ester repeat units per Li⁺ ion), are non-porous and homogeneous. The Li⁺ ions interact with the urethane and ester carbonyl oxygen atoms within the whole range of salt concentration analyzed, promoting the formation of hydrogen-bonded aggregates. The composition dependence of the relative concentration of “free” anions and coordinated anions (weakly coordinated anions, ion pairs or [Li(CF₃SO₃)₂]⁻ triplets, aggregates I ([Li₂(CF₃SO₃)]⁺) and aggregates II ([Li₃(CF₃SO₃)]²⁺) in all the samples is in perfect agreement with the values of the room temperature ionic conductivity reported previously.     

Computational study of glycine–(water)3 complex by density functional method

Glycine–(water)₃ complexes have been studied by means of B3LYP density functional method using 6-311++G* basis set. In the complex considered here, the three water molecule are either attached to the carboxylic group or bridge between the amino group and carboxylic group of glycine. Four such complexes are studied. Relaxation energies, two-, three- and four-body interaction energies are obtained by applying many-body analysis to know their role in binding energy of the complex. The results are compared with recent work on glycine–(water)₃ complex with group as proton donor [A. Chaudhari, P.K. Sahu, S.L. Lee, J. Chem. Phys. 120 (2004) 170]. In the most stable structure of glycine–(water)₃ complex, the three water molecules are attached to the carboxylic group of glycine and it is 5.3 kcal/mol lower in energy than that of the most stable structure reported earlier. The three-body term from water–water–water interaction in the most stable in this work and that reported earlier is unique since the distances between the water molecules are almost same. The two-body term from water–water interaction has significant contribution to the total two-body term when the distance between water molecules is less than 3 Å.     

Rare gas–iodine complexes in the ion-pair states

Luminescence and luminescence excitation spectra in the vicinity of the optical–optical double resonance transitions to the I₂(, v_f = 8 and 9, J_f ≈ 55) levels have been measured at the bulb conditions for the I₂ + Rg mixtures (Rg = He, Ar, Xe) at the rare gas pressures 2–20 Torr and room temperature. Luminescence attributed to the RgI₂ complexes in the ion-pair states has been observed for the first time. It is argued that the complexes can be formed by direct optical excitation from the complexes or colliding pairs. Besides, the RgI₂ complexes in the ion-pair states can be formed in nonadiabatic internal conversion processes from the one. The complexes have rather long lifetime, especially in the case of Xe, and decay radiatively and nonradiatively forming I₂ molecules in different ion-pair states.     

An improved method to predict second cross virial coefficients

A previous method of the author to calculate the second cross virial coefficients is re-considered to improve the reliability of the predictions and to reduce the number of empirical rules. The method is based on the reduced second cross coefficient at the normal boiling temperature, , whose value is always assumed equal to unity. This value is then extrapolated to the experimental temperatures using only two empirical constants: K₁, a corrective multiplying factor of and K, in an exponential term as a multiplying factor of temperature. To improve the reliability of the method, literature experimental data are grouped in three binary classes:

- non-polar or slightly polar fluids;

- at least one strongly polar fluid;

- strong interactions of the acid–base type.

Only the critical constants and the normal boiling temperature are required as input parameters.

Deviations of calculated results from experimental one are in the range 25–40 cm³ mol⁻¹ for the first and the second class and below 300 cm³ mol⁻¹ for the third class.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel two-dimensional layered vanadate complex containing double helical chains

A novel two-dimensional layered vanadate complex 1 [Ni(phen)H₂O][V₂O₆] has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, i.r., x.p.s., t.g. and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that compound 1 consists of the chains covalently linked by [Ni(phen)H₂O]²⁺ subunits to form two-dimensional layered polyoxovanadate. It is interesting that the compound 1 consists of left-handed and right-handed helical chains, which are further interconnected to produce the double helical chains. The adjacent two-dimensional layers interact with each other via extensive hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions to form a three-dimensional supramolecular framework.