Synthesis,structures and full characterization of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene mono-, di-, tri- and pentaanionic ligand precursors

The synthesis, complete characterization, and solid state conformation of a new series of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene (Bu^tC5) mono-, di-, tri- and pentaanions are reported. X-ray structures of the alkali metal salts illustrate the strong influence of the alkali metal ion on the structure of the calixanion. The strength of the alkali metal base and its reaction stoichiometry play an important role in the conformation and level of deprotonation of the resulting anion. Reaction of Bu^tC5 in a 2:1 molar ratio with alkali metal bases M₂CO₃ (M = Rb, Cs), or in a 1:1 ratio with M₂CO₃ (M = Na, K), MOH (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) or MH (M = Li, Na) produces Bu^tC5 monoanions, but Bu^tC5 reacts in a 1:1 molar ratio with M₂CO₃ (M = Rb, Cs) or a 1:2 molar ratio with MOC(CH₃)₃ (M = Na, K) to afford Bu^tC5 dianions. Due to the steric bulkiness of the Bu^t group no polymeric structures are observed. Alkali metal salts of trianionic Bu^tC5 were obtained in high yields from reactions of Bu^tC5 with MOC(CH₃)₃ (M = Li, Na, K), BuⁿLi, LiH and LiOH in a 1:3 molar ratio. Pentaanionic Bu^tC5 salts were obtained by the reaction with MOC(CH₃)₃ (M = Li, Na, K) or BuⁿLi in a 5:1 ratio. X-ray crystal structures of Bu^tC5 · Na and Bu^tC5 · Cs indicate that the size of the alkali metal influences the level of cation-π arene interactions and therefore the conformation of the Bu^tC5 unit; for example, Bu^tC5 · Na has a cone conformation while Bu^tC5 · Cs shows a flattened cone conformation. Cation-π arene interactions are observed in most of the calixarene salts.     

The unusual coordination chemistry of phosphorus-rich linear and cyclic oligophosphanide anions

In this review, the synthesis, reactivity and properties of linear and cyclic oligophosphanides are described. Specifically the structures and versatile reactivity of the anionic ligands (P₄R₄)^2? (R = Bu^t, Ph, Mes), (P₄HR₄)^? (R = Ph and Mes) and cyclo-(P₅Bu^t₄)^? towards main group and transition metal complexes is elucidated. In addition, potential application of metal oligophosphanides as precursors for the preparation of metal phosphides is also briefly discussed.     

Visible light active hydrogen modified (HM)-n-TiO2 thin films for photoelectrochemical splitting of water

Visible light active hydrogen modified n-type titanium oxide (HM-n-TiO₂) thin films were synthesized by thermal oxidation of Ti metal sheet (Alfa Co. 0.25 mm thick) in an electric oven followed by incorporation of hydrogen electrochemically under cathodic polarization at ?1.6 V vs Pt. The photoresponse of the HM-n-TiO₂ was evaluated by measuring the rate of water splitting reaction to hydrogen and oxygen in terms of photocurrent density, J_p. The optimized electric oven-made n-TiO₂ and HM-n-TiO₂ photoelectrodes showed photocurrent densities of 0.2 mA cm^?2 and 1.60 mA cm^?2, respectively, at a measured potential of ?0.4 V vs Pt at illumination intensity of 100 mW cm^?2 from a 150 W xenon lamp. This indicated an eightfold increase in photocurrent density for HM-n-TiO₂ compared to oven-made n-TiO₂ at the same measured electrode potential. The band-gap energy of HM-n-TiO₂ was found to be 2.7 eV compared to 2.82 eV for electric oven-made n-TiO₂ and a mid-gap band at 1.67 eV above the valence band was also observed. The HM-n-TiO₂ thin film photoelectrodes were characterized using photocurrent density under monochromatic light illumination and UV–Vis spectral measurements.     

A novel method for preparing PEMFC electrodes by the ultrasonic and sonoelectrochemical techniques

Novel ultrasonic and sonoelectrochemical methods for preparing Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) electrodes are described. Platinum loaded on Nafion-bonded carbon anodes in Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) were prepared in K₂PtCl₄ aqueous solutions by galvanostatic pulse electrodeposition in the absence and presence of power ultrasound (20 kHz). It was found that PEMFC electrodes prepared sonoelectrochemically showed better performance compared to those prepared by (i) galvanostatic pulse method only (i.e. silent conditions) and (ii) conventional method. Maximum power densities of 98.5 mW cm^?2 were found for anodes prepared sonoelectrochemically compared with 91.5 mW cm^?2 (by galvanostatic pulse method alone) and 86 mW cm^?2 (by conventional method).     

Structure and magnetic properties of 3-oxyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-olates

The paramagnetic salts (NH₃Bu^t)1 and [K(NH₂Bu^t)₂]1, where 1 is the 3-oxyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-olate anion, were isolated for the first time in the individual state. The crystal structure of [K(NH₂Bu^t)₂]1 involves polymer chains formed by hydrogen bonding between anions 1 and [K₂(NH₂Bu^t)₄]²⁺ cation dimer fragments. The magnetic properties of [K(NH₂Bu^t)₂]1 are well described by the quasi-isolated dimer model with spins S = 1/2 coupled by weak exchange interactions via [K₂(NH₂Bu^t)₄]² fragments in polymer chains.     

Photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells assembled by in-situ chemical cross-linking

Quasi-solid state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were assembled by in-situ chemical cross-linking of a gel electrolyte precursor containing liquid electrolyte. The DSSCs assembled with this cross-linked gel polymer electrolyte showed higher open circuit voltage and lower short-circuit photocurrent density than those of DSSCs with liquid electrolyte. Addition of SiO₂ nanoparticles into the cross-linked gel polymer electrolyte significantly improved the photovoltaic performance and long-term stability of the DSSCs. The optimized quasi-solid state DSSC showed high conversion efficiency, 6.2% at 100 mW cm^?2 with good durability.     

[MoFe3S4]3+ and [MoFe3S4]2+ cubane clusters containing a pentamethylcyclopentadienyl molybdenum moiety

A series of organometallic molybdenum/iron/sulfur clusters of the general formula [Cp¹MoFe₃S₄L_n]^m (Cp¹ = η⁵-C₅Me₅; L = S^tBu, SPh, Cl, I, n = 3, m = 1−; L_n = I₂(P^tBu₃), m = 0; L = 2,6-diisopropylphenylisocyanide (ArNC), n = 7, m = 1+) have been synthesized. A cubane cluster (PPh₄)[Cp¹MoFe₃S₄(S^tBu)₃] (2) was isolated from a self-assembly reaction of Cp¹Mo(S^tBu)₃ (1), FeCl₃, LiS^tBu, and S₈ followed by cation exchange with PPh₄Br in CH₃CN, while an analogous cluster (PPh₄)[Cp¹MoFe₃S₄(SPh)₃] (3) was obtained from the Cp¹MoCl₄/FeCl₃/LiSPh/PPh₄Br reaction system or from a ligand substitution reaction of 2 with PhSH. Treatment of 2 with benzoyl chloride gave rise to (PPh₄)[Cp¹MoFe₃S₄Cl₃] (4), which was in turn converted to (PPh₄)[Cp¹MoFe₃S₄I₃] (5) by the reaction with NaI. A neutral cubane cluster Cp¹MoFe₃S₄I₂(P^tBu₃) (6) was generated upon treating 5 with P^tBu₃. Although reduction of 4 by cobaltocene under the presence of ArNC resulted in a disproportionation of the cubane core to give Fe₄S₄(ArNC)₉Cl (7), a similar reduction reaction of 5 produced [Cp¹MoFe₃S₄(ArNC)₇]I (8), where the MoFe₃S₄ core was retained. The crystal structures of 4–6, and 8 were determined by the X-ray analysis.     

Reactivity of intramolecularly coordinated aluminum compounds to R3EOH (E = Sn,Si). Remarkable migration of N,C,N and O,C,O pincer ligands

The reaction of organoaluminum compounds containing O,C,O or N,C,N chelating (so called pincer) ligands [2,6-(YCH₂)₂C₆H₃]AlⁱBu₂ (Y = MeO 1, ^tBuO 2, Me₂N 3) with R₃SnOH (R = Ph or Me) gives tetraorganotin complexes [2,6-(YCH₂)₂C₆H₃]SnR₃ (Y = MeO, R = Ph 4, Y = MeO, R = Me 5; Y = ^tBuO, R = Ph 6, Y = ^tBuO, R = Me 7; Y = Me₂N, R = Ph 8, Y = Me₂N, R = Me 9) as the result of migration of O,C,O or N,C,N pincer ligands from aluminum to tin atom. Reaction of 1 and 2 with (ⁿBu₃Sn)₂O proceeded in similar fashion resulting in 10 and 11 ([2,6-(YCH₂)₂C₆H₃]SnⁿBu₃, Y = MeO 10; Y = ^tBuO 11) in mixture with ⁿBu₃SnⁱBu. The reaction 1 and 3 with 2 equiv. of Ph₃SiOH followed another reaction path and ([2,6-(YCH₂)₂C₆H₃]Al(OSiPh₃)₂, Y = MeO 12, Me₂N 13) were observed as the products of alkane elimination. The organotin derivatives 4–11 were characterized by the help of elemental analysis, ESI-MS technique, ¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy and in the case 6 and 8 by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Compounds 12 and 13 were identified using elemental analysis,¹H, ¹³C, ²⁹Si NMR and IR spectroscopy.     

High-surface-area microporous carbon as the efficient photocathode of dye-sensitized solar cells

This paper reports on the application of cornstalks-derived high-surface-area microporous carbon (MC) as the efficient photocathode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The photocathode, which contains MC active material, Vulcan XC–72 carbon black conductive agent, and TiO₂ binder, was obtained by a doctor blade method. Electronic impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of the MC film uniformly coated on fluorine doped SnO₂ (FTO) glass displayed a low charge-transfer resistance of 1.32 Ω cm². Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis of the as-prepared MC film exhibited excellent catalytic activity for I₃^?/I^? redox reactions. The DSCs assembled with the MC film photocathode presented a short-circuit photocurrent density (J_sc) of 14.8 mA cm^?2, an open-circuit photovoltage (V_oc) of 798 mV, and a fill factor (FF) of 62.3%, corresponding to an overall conversion efficiency of 7.36% under AM 1.5 irradiation (100 mW cm^?2), which is comparable to that of DSCs with Pt photocathode obtained by conventional thermal decomposition.     

Isopiestic determination of the osmotic and activity coefficients of dilute aqueous solutions of symmetrical and unsymmetrical quaternary ammonium bromides with a new isopiestic cell at 298.15 K

The osmotic coefficients of Bu₄NBr, sec-Bu₄NBr, iso-Bu₄NBr, Bu₂Et₂NBr and Bu₃EtNBr were determined by isopiestic method at 298.15 K in dilute aqueous solutions. A branched isopiestic cell was used. The osmotic coefficients of tetra-alkyl-ammonium solutions were analyzed comparing these with the Debye–Hückel limiting law. The order of the osmotic coefficient variation is Bu²Et₂N⁺ > BuEt₃N⁺ > sec-Bu₄N⁺ > iso-Bu₄N⁺ > n-Bu₄N⁺. The results were fitted to the Pitzer equation and the parameters β₀ and β₁ were calculated. The results are discussed.     

Coordination chemistry of [Cp*Fe(η5-P3C2tBu2)] (Cp* = η5-C5Me5) with copper(I) halides – Formation of oligomeric and polymeric compounds

The reaction of the 1,2,4-triphosphaferrocene [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₃C₂tBu₂)] (1) with CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio leads to the formation of the oligomeric compounds [{Cu(μ-X)}₆(μ₆-X)Cu(MeCN)₃{μ,η²-(Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₃C₂tBu₂))}₂{μ₃,η³-(Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₃C₂tBu₂))}] (X = Cl (2), Br (3)) and [{Cu(μ-I)}₃{Cu(μ₃-I)}₃Cu(μ₆-I){μ,η²-(Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₃C₂tBu₂))}₃{η¹-(Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₃C₂tBu₂))}] (4) revealing Cu(I) halide cages surrounded by 1,2,4-triphosphaferrocene moieties. The reaction of [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₃C₂tBu₂)] with CuI in a 1:4 stoichiometry leads to the formation of the two-dimensional polymer [{Cu(μ-I)}₄{Cu(μ₃-I)(MeCN)}₂{μ₃,η³-(Cp*Fe(P₃C₂tBu₂))}]_n (5). The oligomeric compounds show dynamic behavior in solution monitored by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. All compounds are additionally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis,structure and magnetic properties of 2-D and 3-D [cation]{M[Au(CN)2]3} (M = Ni, Co) coordination polymers

In order to study the templating effect of the cation and the resulting impact on the magnetic properties, reactions of M(II) salts with [cation][Au(CN)₂] were conducted, yielding a series of coordination polymers of the form [cation]{M[Au(CN)₂]₃} (cation = ⁿBu₄N⁺, PPN⁺ (bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ammonium); M = Ni(II) and Co(II)). The structures of ⁿBu₄N{M[Au(CN)₂]₃} and PPN{M[Au(CN)₂]₃} (M = Ni and Co) contain two distinct 3-D anionic frameworks of {M[Au(CN)₂]₃}⁻, hence the framework was sensitive to the cation, but not to the identity of the metal center. In ⁿBu₄N{M[Au(CN)₂]₃}, the metal centers are connected by [Au(CN)₂] units to form six 2-D (4, 4) rectangular grids that are fused through the M centers to yield a complex three-dimensional framework which accommodates the ⁿBu₄N⁺ cations. In PPN{M[Au(CN)₂]₃}, the framework adopts a simpler non-interpenetrated Prussian-blue-type pseudo-cubic array, with the PPN⁺ cations occupying each cavity; no reduction in dimensionality occurs despite the large cation size. In the presence of water, {Co(H₂O)₂[Au(CN)₂]₂} · ⁿBu₄N[Au(CN)₂] was obtained, a 2-D layered polymer that contains neutral sheets of {Co(H₂O)₂[Au(CN)₂]₂} which are separated by ⁿBu₄N[Au(CN)₂] layers; aurophilic interactions of 3.4250(13) Å and hydrogen-bonding connect the layers. The magnetic properties of all compounds were investigated by SQUID magnetometry. The Ni(II) polymers have similar magnetic behaviour, which are dominated by zero-field splitting with very weak antiferromagnetic interactions at low temperature (D ∼ 2–3 cm⁻¹, zJ < 1 cm⁻¹). The magnetic behaviour of all of the Co(II) polymers were found to be very similar, and dominated by single-ion effects (i.e. a large first-order orbital contribution). No significant magnetic coupling is observed in any of these coordination polymers, suggesting that the [Au(CN)₂] bridging unit behaves as a poor mediator of magnetic exchange in these high-dimensionality systems.     

Electrochemical performances of LaBaCuFeO5+x and LaBaCuCoO5+x as potential cathode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Layered perovskite-structure oxides LaBaCuFeO_5+x (LBCFO) and LaBaCuCoO_5+x (LBCCO) were prepared and the electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance were investigated as potential cathode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The electrical conductivity of LBCCO is much higher than that of LBCFO. Area specific resistances of LBCFO and LBCCO cathode materials on Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_1.9 (SDC) electrolyte are as low as 0.21 Ω cm² and 0.11 Ω cm² at 700 °C, respectively. The maximum power density of the LBCFO/SDC/Ni-SDC and LBCCO/SDC/Ni-SDC cells with 300 μm thick electrolytes attains 557 mW cm^?2 and 603 mW cm^?2 at 800 ^oC, respectively. Preliminary results demonstrated that the layered perovskite-structure oxides LBCFO and LBCCO are very promising cathode materials for application in IT-SOFCs.     

A binder-free thin film anode composed of Co2 +-intercalated buserite grown on carbon cloth for oxygen evolution reaction

We present a binder-free catalytic anode for highly efficient and stable oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media. The catalyst consists of a thin film of buserite-type layered manganese dioxide (MnO₂) intercalated with Co^2 + ions, resulting from electrodeposition of the layered MnO₂ film with tetrabutylammonium (Bu₄N⁺) ions on a carbon cloth, followed by ion-exchange of the initially incorporated Bu₄N⁺ with Co^2 + in solution. The electrode is capable to produce a current density of 10 mA cm^− 2 at an overpotential (η) of 377 mV with a Tafel slope of 48 mV dec^− 1, much superior to the layered MnO₂ without Co^2 +.     

Improved preparation of β-hydroxy-α-amino acids: direct formation of sulfates by sulfuryl chloride

Two β-(alkyl)-β-hydroxy-α-amino acids [alkyl = Bu^t, BnO–(CH₂)₃–] have been synthesized by a sequence based on Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation. The key sulfate intermediates were prepared from enantiomerically enriched diols by direct treatment with sulfuryl chloride. The scope and the appropriate conditions for sulfate formation have also been studied.     

Uranium(VI) bis(imido) disulfonamide and dihalide complexes: Synthesis density functional theory analysis

Novel cis- and trans-bis(imido) uranium disulfonamide derivatives have been prepared from iodide metathesis reactions between two equivalents of K[N(Me)(SO₂Ar’)] (Ar’ = 4-Me-C₆H₄) and U(N^tBu)₂(I)₂(L)_x (L = OPPh₃, x = 2; Me₂bpy, x = 1; Me₂bpy = 4,4’-dimethyl-2,2’-bipyridyl). These bis(amide) derivatives serve as useful precursors for the synthesis of the trans-diphenolate complex U(N^tBu)₂(O-2-^tBuC₆H₄)₂(OPPh₃)₂ (5), cis- and trans-dithiolate complexes U(N^tBu)₂(SPh)₂(L)_x (L = OPPh₃ (6); Me₂bpy (7)), and cis- and trans-dihalide complexes with the general formulas U(N^tBu)₂(X)₂(L)_x (X = Cl, L = OPPh₃ (8), L = Me₂bpy (10); X = Br, L = OPPh₃ (9), L = Me₂bpy (11)). DFT calculations performed on the trans-dihalide series U(N^tBu)₂(X)₂(L)₂ and the UO₂²⁺ analogues UO₂X₂(OPPh₃)₂ suggest that the uranium centers in the [U(N^tBu)₂]²⁺ ions possess more covalent character than analogous UO₂²⁺ derivatives but that the U-X bonds in the U(N^tBu)₂X₂L₂ complexes possess a more ionic nature.     

Synthesis of Ph2LSn(μ-OH)Bu3SnCl. Trapping of monomeric triorganotin hydroxide Ph2LSnOH

The reaction of triorganotin(IV) compound Ph₂LSnCl (1), (L = 2,6-(t-BuOCH₂)₂C₆H₃), with (Bu₃Sn)₂O resulted to the isolation of Ph₂LSn(μ-OH)Bu₃SnCl (2), in which a monomeric triorganotin(IV) hydroxide Ph₂LSnOH intermolecularly coordinates Bu₃SnCl moiety. Compound 2 was characterized by combination of ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy, ESI/MS, elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction.     

Contributions to the chemistry of carbenemetal chemistry

This paper provides a brief review of our researches on carbenemetal complexes. The main emphasis is on saturated heterocyclic bis(amino)carbene ligands, referred to here as electron-rich olefin- or ERO-derived ligands, as outlined in Sections 2 and 3. The following Section deals with Fischer-type carbene complexes, based on reactions of a transition metal substrate with an imidoyl chloride, Vilsmeyer reagent or Eschenmoser salt. The researches of Sections 2, 3, 4 have resulted in the synthesis, characterisation and selected reactions (including as catalysts) of carbene complexes of V, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Re, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt and Au in various oxidation states. A final Section describes some more recent work on C[(NCH₂Bu^t)₂C₆H₄–1,2], its adducts with M[(NCH₂Bu^t)₂C₆H₄–1,2] (M = Si, Ge, Sn, or Pb) and the biphenyl- bis(carbene), [C{NCH₂Bu^t}₂C₆H₃–3,4]₂.     

Electrophoretic deposition of ZnO photoanode for plastic dye-sensitized solar cells

Plastic dye-sensitized solar cells have been fabricated based on an organic dye (D 149) and ZnO photoanode prepared via room temperature electrophoretic deposition (EPD) to yield a conversion efficiency of 4.17% under 100 mW cm^?2 AM 1.5 illumination. Intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy analyses reveal that the fabricated ZnO electrodes have adequate interparticle connection, even in the absence of any post-treatment. This study demonstrates that EPD is a convenient method for photoanode fabrication and ZnO photoelectrodes obtained via EPD are promising for efficient plastic solar cells.     

Organo-aluminum,zinc and magnesium derivatives of the imidotris(amido)phosphate Me3SiNP(NHtBu)3

Reactions of (^tBuHN)₃PNSiMe₃ (1) with the alkyl-metal reagents dimethylzinc, trimethylaluminum and di-n-butylmagnesium yield the monodeprotonated complexes [MeZn{(N^tBu)(NSiMe₃)P(NH^tBu)₂}] (2), [Me₂Al{(N^tBu)(NSiMe₃)P(NH^tBu)₂}] (3) and [Mg{(N^tBu)(NSiMe₃)P(NH^tBu)₂}₂] (4), respectively. Attempts to further deprotonate complex 2 with n-butyllithium or di-n-butylmagnesium result in nucleophilic displacement of the methylzinc fragment by lithium or magnesium. The two remaining amino protons of 3 are removed by reaction with di-n-butylmagnesium to give a heterobimetallic complex in which the coordination sphere of magnesium is completed by two molecules of THF (5 · 2THF) or one molecule of TMEDA (5 · TMEDA). Reaction of complex 3 with 1 equiv. of n-butyllithium followed by treatment of the product with di-n-butylmagnesium yields the complex {Me₂Al[(N^tBu)(NSiMe₃)P(N^tBu)₂]MgBu} Li · 4THF (6 · 4THF), the first example of a triply deprotonated complex of 1 containing three different metals. Reaction of complex 5 with iodine results in cleavage of an Al–Me group to give {MeIAl[(N^tBu)(NSiMe₃)P(N^tBu)₂Mg]} (7). Complexes 5 · 2THF, 5 · TMEDA, 6 · 4THF and 7 have been characterized in solution by multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P and ⁷Li) NMR spectroscopy, while the solid-state structures of 2, 4 and 5 · 2THF have been determined by X-ray crystallography.