Syntheses, structures and Raman spectra of Cd(BF4)(AF6) (A = Ta, Bi) compounds

The compounds, Cd(BF₄)(TaF₆) and Cd(BF₄)(BiF₆), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Both isostructural compounds crystallize in the monoclinic P2₁/c space group with a = 8.2700(6) Å, b = 9.3691(6) Å, c = 8.8896(7) Å, β = 94.196(3)°, V = 686.94(9) Å³ for Cd(BF₄)(TaF₆) and a = 8.3412(8) Å, b = 9.4062(8) Å, c = 8.9570(7) Å, β = 93.320(5)°, V = 701.58(11) Å³ for Cd(BF₄)(BiF₆). Eight fluorine atoms (4 BF₄⁻ + 4 AF₆⁻) form a surrounding around the cadmium atom in the shape of distorted square antiprism. These compounds are not isostructural with mixed-anion analogues of Ca, Sr, Ba and Pb studied earlier.     

Hydroxylammonium fluorometalates: Synthesis and characterisation of a new fluorocuprate and fluorocobaltate

The first layered hydroxylammonium fluorometalates, (NH₃OH)₂CuF₄ and (NH₃OH)₂CoF₄, were prepared by the reaction of solid NH₃OHF and the aqueous solution of copper or cobalt in HF. Both compounds crystallize in monoclinic, P2₁/c, unit cell with parameters: a = 7.9617(2) Å, b = 5.9527(2) Å, c = 5.8060(2) Å, β = 95.226(2)° for (NH₃OH)₂CuF₄ and a = 8.1764(3) Å, b = 5.8571(2) Å, c = 5.6662(2) Å, β = 94.675(3)° for (NH₃OH)₂CoF₄, respectively. Magnetic susceptibility was measured between 2 K and 300 K giving the effective Bohr magneton number of 2.1 for Cu and 5.2 BM for Co. At low temperatures both complexes undergo a transition to magnetically ordered phase. The thermal decomposition of both compounds was studied by TG, DSC and X-ray powder diffraction. The thermal decomposition of (NH₃OH)₂CuF₄ is a complex process, yielding NH₄CuF₃ as an intermediate product and impure Cu₂O as the final residue, while (NH₃OH)₂CoF₄ decomposes in two steps, obtaining CoF₂ after the first step and CoO as the final product.     

Reactivity studies of cyclopentadienyl ruthenium(II), osmium(II) and pentamethylcyclopentadienyl iridium(III) complexes towards 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole derivatives

The reaction of [CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl] and [CpOs(PPh₃)₂Br] with chelating 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole (N ∩ N) ligands and NH₄PF₆ yields cationic complexes of the type [CpM(N ∩ N)(PPh₃)]⁺ (1: M = Ru, N ∩ N = 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole; 2: M = Ru, N ∩ N = 2-(2′-pyridyl)benzimidazole; 3: M = Ru, N ∩ N = 2-(2′-pyridyl)-4,5-dimethylimidazole; 4: M = Ru, N ∩ N = 2-(2′-pyridyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole; 5: M = Os, N ∩ N = 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole; 6: M = Os, N ∩ N = 2-(2′-pyridyl)benzimidazole). They have been isolated and characterized as their hexafluorophosphate salts. Similarly, in the presence of NH₄PF₆, [Cp∗Ir(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ reacts in dry methanol with N ∩ N chelating ligands to afford in excellent yield [Cp∗Ir(N ∩ N)Cl]PF₆ (7: N ∩ N = 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole; 8: N ∩ N = 2-(2′-pyridyl)benzimidazole). All the compounds have been characterized by infrared and NMR spectroscopy and the molecular structure of [1]PF₆, [2]PF₆ and [7]PF₆ by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis.     

Density functional theory study on structural isomers and bonding of model complexes M(CO)5(BH3 · PH3) (M = Cr, Mo, W) and W(CO)5(BH3 · AH3) (A = N, P, As, Sb)

The influence of group 15 various substituents and effect of metal centers on metal-borane interactions and structural isomers of transition metal-borane complexes W(CO)₅(BH₃ · AH₃) and M(CO)₅(BH₃ · PH₃) (A = N, P, As, and Sb; M = Cr, Mo, and W), were investigated by pure density functional theory at BP86 level. The following results were observed: (a) the ground state is monodentate, η¹, with C₁ point group; (b) in all complexes, the η¹ isomer with C_S symmetry on potential energy surface is the transition state for oscillating borane; (c) the η² isomer is the transition state for the hydrogens interchange mechanism; (d) in W(CO)₅(BH₃ · AH₃), the degree of pyramidalization at boron, interaction energy as well as charge transfer between metal and boron moieties, energy barrier for interchanging hydrogens, and diffuseness of A increase along the series A = Sb < As < P < N; (e) in M(CO)₅(BH₃ · PH₃), interaction energy is ordered as M = W > Cr > Mo, while energy barrier for interchanging hydrogens decreases in the order of M = Cr > W > Mo.     

Synthesis and thermochemistry of SrB2O4·4H2O and SrB2O4

Two pure strontium borates SrB₂O₄·4H₂O and SrB₂O₄ have been synthesized and characterized by means of chemical analysis and XRD, FT-IR, DTA-TG techniques. The molar enthalpies of solution of SrB₂O₄·4H₂O and SrB₂O₄ in 1 mol dm⁻³ HCl(aq) were measured to be −(9.92 ± 0.20) kJ mol⁻¹ and −(81.27 ± 0.30) kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. The molar enthalpy of solution of Sr(OH)₂·8H₂O in (HCl + H₃BO₃)(aq) were determined to be −(51.69 ± 0.15) kJ mol⁻¹. With the use of the enthalpy of solution of H₃BO₃ in 1 mol dm⁻³ HCl(aq), and the standard molar enthalpies of formation for Sr(OH)₂·8H₂O(s), H₃BO₃(s), and H₂O(l), the standard molar enthalpies of formation of −(3253.1 ± 1.7) kJ mol⁻¹ for SrB₂O₄·4H₂O, and of −(2038.4 ± 1.7) kJ mol⁻¹ for SrB₂O₄ were obtained.     

The structures of (phenylato)(N-2-thiophenecarboxamido-meso-tetraphenylporphyrinato)mercury(II) and bisphenylmercury(II) complex of 21-(4-tert-butyl-benzenesulfonamido)-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin

The reaction of PhHgOAc with N-NHCO-2-C₄H₃S-Htpp (5) and N-p-HNSO2C6H4^tBu-Htpp (4) gave a mercury (II) complex of (phenylato) (N-2-thiophenecarboxamido-meso-tetra phenylporphyrinato)mercury(II) 1.5 methylene chloride solvate [HgPh(N-NHCO-2-C₄H₃S-tpp) · CH₂Cl₂ · 0.5C₆H₁₄;  6 · CH₂Cl₂ · 0.5C₆H₁₄] and a bismercury complex of bisphenylmercury(II) complex of 21-(4-tert-butyl-benzenesulfonamido)-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin, [(HgPh)2(N-p-NSO₂C₆H₄^tBu-tpp); 7], respectively. The crystal structures of 6 · CH₂Cl₂ · 0.5C₆H₁₄ and 7 were determined. The coordination sphere around Hg(1) in 6 · CH₂Cl₂ · 0.5C₆H₁₄ and Hg(2) in 7 is a sitting-atop derivative with a seesaw geometry, whereas for the Hg(1) in 7, it is a linear coordination geometry. Both Hg(1) in 6 · CH₂Cl₂ · 0.5C₆H₁₄ and Hg(2) in 7 acquire 4-coordination with four strong bonds [Hg(1)–N(1) = 2.586(3) Å, Hg(1)–N(2) = 2.118(3) Å, Hg(1)–N(3) = 2.625(3) Å, and Hg(1)–C(50) = 2.049(4) Å for 6 · CH₂Cl₂ · 0.5C₆H₁₄; Hg(2)–N(1) = 2.566(6) Å, Hg(2)–N(2) = 2.155(6) Å, Hg(2)–N() = 2.583(6) Å, and Hg(2)–C(61) = 2.064(7) Å for 7]. The plane of the three pyrrole nitrogen atoms [i.e., N(1)–N(3)] strongly bonded to Hg(1) in 6 · CH₂Cl₂ · 0.5C₆H₁₄ and to Hg(2) in 7 is adopted as a reference plane 3N. For the Hg²⁺ complex in 6 · CH₂Cl₂ · 0.5C₆H₁₄, the pyrrole nitrogen bonded to the 2-thiophenecarboxamido ligand lies in a plane with a dihedral angle of 33.4° with respect to the 3N plane, but for the bismercury(II) complex in 7, the corresponding dihedral angle for the pyrrole nitrogen bonded to the NSO₂C₆H₄^tBu group is found to be 42.9°. In the former complex, Hg(1)²⁺ and N(5) are located on different sides at 1.47 and −1.29 Å from its 3N plane, and in the latter one, Hg(2)²⁺ and N(5) are also located on different sides at −1.49 and 1.36 Å form its 3N plane. The Hg(1)?Hg(2) distance in 7 is 3.622(6) Å. Hence, no metallophilic Hg(II)?Hg(II) interaction may be anticipated. NOE difference spectroscopy, HMQC and HMBC were employed to unambiguous assignment for the ¹H and ¹³C NMR resonances of 6 · CH₂Cl₂ ·  0.5C₆H₁₄ in CD₂Cl₂ and 7 in CDCl₃ at 20 °C. The ¹⁹⁹Hg chemical shift δ for a 0.05 M solution of 7 in CDCl₃ solution is observed at −1074 ppm for Hg(2) nucleus with a coordination number of four and at −1191 ppm for Hg(1) nucleus with a coordination number of two. The former resonance is consistent with that chemical shift for a 0.01 M solution of 6 in CD₂Cl₂ having observed at −1108 ppm for Hg(1) nucleus with a coordination number of four.     

X-ray single crystal structures of Hg(AuF6)2 and AgFAuF6

Hg(AuF₆)₂ crystallizes at 200 K in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn (No. 60) with a = 917.67(7) pm, b = 971.59(8) pm, c = 962.04(8) pm, and Z = 4. Mercury atoms are coordinated by eight fluorine atoms with six short and two long Hg-F contacts. HgF₈ polyhedra share their four vertices and two edges with six AuF₆ units forming a tridimensional framework.The results of X-ray diffraction analysis on single crystals of AgFAuF₆ are in agreement with previously known powder X-ray diffraction data (Casteel et al, J. Solid State Chem. 96 (1992) 84-96). AgFAuF₆ crystallizes orthorhombic in the space group Pnma (No. 62), a = 717.06(7) pm, b = 761.67(7) pm, c = 1013.61(10) pm at 200 K, Z = 4.     

Thermochemistry of intercalation of n-alkylmonoamines into lamellar hydrated barium phenylarsonate

Hydrated layered crystalline barium phenylarsonate, Ba(HO₃AsC₆H₅)₂·2H₂O was used as host for intercalation of n-alkylmonoamine molecules CH₃(CH₂)_n-NH₂ (n = 1-4) in aqueous solution. The amount intercalated (n_f) was followed batchwise at 298 ± 1 K and the variation of the original interlayer distance (d) for hydrated barium phenylarsonate (1245 ppm) was followed by X-ray powder diffraction. Linear correlations were obtained for both d and n_f as a function of the number of carbon atoms in the aliphatic chain (n_c): d = (2225 ± 32) + (111 ± 11)n_c and n_f = (2.28 ± 0.15) − (11.50 ± 0.03)n_c. The exothermic enthalpies of intercalation increased with n_c, which was derived from the monomolecular amine layer arrangements with the longitudinal axis inclined by 60° to the inorganic sheets. The intercalation was followed by titration with amine at the solid/liquid interface and gave the enthalpy/number of carbons correlation: ΔH = −(7.25 ± 0.40) − (1.67 ± 0.10)n_c. The negative Gibbs free energies and positive entropic values reflect the favorable host/guest intercalation processes for this system.     

Catalytic effects of sulfates on thermal degradation of waste poly(methyl methacrylate)

The thermal degradation of waste poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in the presence of ferric sulfate, cupric sulfate, aluminum sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and barium sulfate was studied by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in air atmosphere. The values of apparent activation energies (E_a) calculated by Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method were found to be in the order of PMMA + Fe₂(SO₄)₃ < PMMA + Al₂(SO₄)₃ < PMMA + MgSO₄ < PMMA + CuSO₄ < PMMA + BaSO₄ < PMMA. The mechanism of catalytic degradation of PMMA in presence of the sulfates was discussed and the results showed that the catalytic effects of sulfates have a relationship with the acidity of their respective metal ions.     

Jahn-Teller-distorted dimeric anions in (cat)[Mn2F8(H2O)2]·2H2O (cat = pipzH2, dabcoH2) and (dabcoH2)2[Mn2F8(H2PO4)2]

Using biprotonated dabco (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) or pipz (piperazine) as counter cations, mixed-ligand fluoromanganates(III) with dimeric anions could be prepared from hydrofluoric acid solutions. The crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction on single crystals: dabcoH₂[Mn₂F₈(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O (1), space group P2₁, Z = 2, a = 6.944(1), b = 14.689(3), c = 7.307(1) Å, β = 93.75(3)°, R₁ = 0.0240; pipzH₂[Mn₂F₈(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O (2), space group , Z = 2, a = 6.977(1), b = 8.760(2), c = 12.584(3) Å, α = 83.79(3), β = 74.25(3), γ = 71.20(3)°, R₁ = 0.0451; (dabcoH₂)₂[Mn₂F₈(H₂PO₄)₂] (3), space group P2₁/n, Z = 4, a = 9.3447(4), b = 12.5208(4), c = 9.7591(6) Å, β = 94.392(8)°, R₁ = 0.0280. All three compounds show dimeric anions formed by [MnF₅O] octahedra (O from oxo ligands) sharing a common edge, with strongly asymmetric double fluorine bridges. In contrast to analogous dimeric anions of Al or Fe(III), the oxo ligands (H₂O (1,2) or phosphate (3)) are in equatorial trans-positions within the bridging plane. The strong pseudo-Jahn-Teller effect of octahedral Mn(III) complexes is documented in a huge elongation of an octahedral axis, namely that including the long bridging Mn-F bond and the Mn-O bond. In spite of different charge of the anion in the fluoride phosphate, the octahedral geometry is almost the same as in the aqua-fluoro compounds. The strong distortion is reflected also in the ligand field spectra.     

Reaction between LiF and MF5 (M = Ta, Nb) in a fluorine atmosphere

LiMF₆ (M = Ta, Nb) was prepared by the reaction between LiF and MF₅ (M = Ta, Nb) in F₂ gas. Pure LiMF₆ (M = Ta, Nb) salts were obtained by using the reaction at temperatures higher than 473 K under 80 kPa (F₂) for 24 h. The x values in LiMF_x (M = Ta, Nb) were confirmed as 5.7-6.0 by XRD-Rietveld analysis. Results showed that LiMF₆ (M = Ta, Nb) has a trigonal structure (, Z = 3). The respective lattice parameters of LiTaF₆ and LiNbF₆ are a₀ = 0.533 nm, c₀ = 1.362 and a₀ = 0.532 nm, c₀ = 1.360. The equivalent conductivities of both LiMF₆ (M = Ta, Nb) in propylene carbonate (PC) are equal at 15.2 Ω⁻¹ cm² mol⁻¹ at 0.01 mol dm⁻³. The electrochemical potential window of TaF₆⁻ is 7.0 V, which is 0.4 and 0.2 V wider, respectively, than those of BF₄⁻ and PF₆⁻.     

Segregated aromatic π-π stacking interactions involving fluorinated and non-fluorinated benzene rings: Cu(py)2(pfb)2 and Cu(py)2(pfb)2(H2O) (py = pyridine and pfb = pentafluorobenzoate)

The syntheses, physical characterization and crystal structures of two new molecular copper(II) complexes of composition [Cu(C₅H₅N)₂(C₇F₅O₂)₂] (1) and [Cu(C₅H₅N)₂(C₇F₅O₂)₂(H₂O)] (2) (C₅H₅N = py = pyridine and C₇F₅O₂⁻ = pfb = pentafluorobenzoate) are reported. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed that in 1, the Cu²⁺ ion, which lies on a crystallographic inversion centre, is coordinated to two py molecules and two oxygen atoms from two monodentate pfb anions, resulting in a trans-CuN₂O₂ square planar geometry. In 2, the Cu²⁺ ion is also coordinated to two py and two pfb species in addition to a water molecule in the apical site of a distorted CuN₂O₃ square pyramid. In the crystal packing, both 1 and 2 show segregated aromatic π-π stacking interactions in which (py + py) and (pfb + pfb) ring-pairings are seen, but no (py + pfb) pairings occur. Crystal data: 1: C₂₄H₁₀CuF₁₀N₂O₄, M_r = 643.88, space group , a = 8.0777 (3) Å, b = 8.0937 (3) Å, c = 10.5045 (5) Å, α = 90.916 (3)°, β = 93.189 (2)°, γ = 118.245 (3)°, V = 603.36 (4) Å³, Z = 1. 2: C₂₄H₁₂CuF₁₀N₂O₅, M_r = 661.90, space group , a = 7.5913 (5) Å, b = 15.6517 (6) Å, c = 21.1820 (14) Å, α = 95.697 (4)°, β = 94.506 (2)°, γ = 91.492 (4)°, V = 2495.2 (3) Å³, Z = 4.     

Thermodynamic properties of BaCeO3 and BaZrO3 at low temperatures

Specific heat capacities (C_p) of polycrystalline samples of BaCeO₃ and BaZrO₃ have been measured from about 1.6 K up to room temperature by means of adiabatic calorimetry. We provide corrected experimental data for the heat capacity of BaCeO₃ in the range T < 10 K and, for the first time, contribute experimental data below 53 K for BaZrO₃. Applying Debye's T³-law for T → 0 K, thermodynamic functions as molar entropy and enthalpy are derived by integration. We obtain C_p = 114.8 (±1.0) J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, S° = 145.8 (±0.7) J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹ for BaCeO₃ and C_p = 107.0 (±1.0) J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, S° = 125.5 (±0.6) J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹ for BaZrO₃ at 298.15 K. These results are in overall agreement with previously reported studies but slightly deviating, in both cases. Evaluations of C_p(T) yield Debye temperatures and identify deviations from the simple Debye-theory due to extra vibrational modes as well as anharmonicity. The anharmonicity turns out to be more pronounced at elevated temperatures for BaCeO₃. The characteristic Debye temperatures determined at T = 0 K are Θ₀ = 365 (±6) K for BaCeO₃ and Θ₀ = 402 (±9) K for BaZrO₃.     

K2Re(NCS)6: A weak ferromagnet

The preparation of the potassium salt of hexathiocyanate Re(IV) as a pure and crystalline solid is described. The crystal structure for [{K(H₂O)₂}₂{Re(NCS)₆}] (P2₁/c, a = 8.29132(8) Å, b = 15.0296(2) Å, c = 8.5249(1) Å, β = 90.885(1)°, V = 1062.21(2) Å³) revealed the formation of a 3-D coordination polymer based on K-S linkages. This organization leads to rather short intermolecular S···S contacts. The magnetic behavior for the compound is characterized by substantial antiferromagnetic interactions (with Curie-Weiss parameters C = 1.93 cm³mol⁻¹ and θ = −171 K) that in turn lead to a weak ferromagnet with T_C = 13 K.     

Revision of iron(III)–citrate speciation in aqueous solution. Voltammetric and spectrophotometric studies

A detailed study of iron (III)–citrate speciation in aqueous solution (θ = 25 °C, I_c = 0.7 mol L⁻¹) was carried out by voltammetric and UV–vis spectrophotometric measurements and the obtained data were used for reconciled characterization of iron (III)–citrate complexes. Four different redox processes were registered in the voltammograms: at 0.1 V (pH = 5.5) which corresponded to the reduction of iron(III)–monocitrate species (Fe:cit = 1:1), at about −0.1 V (pH = 5.5) that was related to the reduction of FeL₂⁵⁻, FeL₂H⁴⁻ and FeL₂H₂³⁻ complexes, at −0.28 V (pH = 5.5) which corresponded to the reduction of polynuclear iron(III)–citrate complex(es), and at −0.4 V (pH = 7.5) which was probably a consequence of Fe(cit)₂(OH)_x species reduction. Reversible redox process at −0.1 V allowed for the determination of iron(III)–citrate species and their stability constants by analyzing E_p vs. pH and E_p vs. [L⁴⁻] dependence. The UV–vis spectra recorded at varied pH revealed four different spectrally active species: FeLH (log β = 25.69), FeL₂H₂³⁻ (log β = 48.06), FeL₂H⁴⁻ (log β = 44.60), and FeL₂⁵⁻ (log β = 38.85). The stability constants obtained by spectrophotometry were in agreement with those determined electrochemically. The UV–vis spectra recorded at various citrate concentrations (pH = 2.0) supported the results of spectrophotometric–potentiometric titration.     

Chemistry of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE): From TCNE to dicyanomethylacetate

In the presence of CoCl₂ · 6H₂O, the reaction of TCNE (tetracyanoethylene) with CH₃OH forms a dicyanomethylacetate molecule, which has been obtained as one solvent molecule in one new compound {[Co(bpy)₂CN₂][(NC)₂C-CO₂CH₃]} · 2H₂O (1). It was characterized by IR spectra, UV-Vis spectra, and cyclic voltammogram. Its structure was determined by X-ray crystallography: 1 crystallizes in P2(1)/n with a = 13.3368(17), b = 12.5299(16), c = 16.074(2) Å, α = 90, β = 94.6320(10), γ = 90°, and Z = 2.     

Enthalpy change and mechanism of oxidation of o-phenylenediamine by hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase

The hydrogen peroxide-oxidation of o-phenylenediamine (OPD) catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) at 37 °C in 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) was studied by calorimetry. The apparent molar reaction enthalpy with respect to OPD and hydrogen peroxide were −447 ± 8 kJ mol⁻¹ and −298 ± 9 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. Oxidation of OPD by H₂O₂ catalyzed by HRP (1.25 nM) at pH 7.0 and 37 °C follows a ping-pong mechanism. The maximum rate V_max (0.91 ± 0.05 μM s⁻¹), Michaelis constant for OPD K_m,S (51 ± 3 μM), Michaelis constant for hydrogen peroxide Km,H₂O₂ (136 ± 8 μM), the catalytic constant k_cat (364 ± 18 s⁻¹) and the second-order rate constants k₊₁ = (2.7 ± 0.3) × 10⁶ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ and k₊₅ = (7.1 ± 0.8) × 10⁶ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ were obtained by the initial rate method.     

Theoretical study on the reaction mechanism of CH4 with CaO

The reaction pathways and energetics for the reaction of methane with CaO are discussed on the singlet spin state potential energy surface at the B3LYP/6-311+G(2df,2p) and QCISD/6-311++G(3df,3pd)//B3LYP/6-311+G(2df,2p) levels of theory. The reaction of methane with CaO is proposed to proceed in the following reaction pathways: CaO + CH₄ → CaOCH₄ → [TS] → CaOH + CH₃, CaO + CH₄ → OCaCH₄ → [TS] → HOCaCH₃ → CaOH + CH₃ or [TS] → CaCH₃OH → Ca + CH₃OH, and OCaCH₄ → [TS] → HCaOCH₃ → CaOCH₃ + H or [TS] → CaCH₃OH → Ca + CH₃OH. The gas-phase methane–methanol conversion by CaO is suggested to proceed via two kinds of important reaction intermediates, HOCaCH₃ and HCaOCH₃, and the reaction pathway via the hydroxy intermediate (HOCaCH₃) is energetically more favorable than the other one via the methoxy intermediate (HCaOCH₃). The hydroxy intermediate HOCaCH₃ is predicted to be the energetically most preferred configuration in the reaction of CaO + CH₄. Meanwhile, these three product channels (CaOH + CH₃, CaOCH₃ + H and Ca + CH₃OH) are expected to compete with each other, and the formation of methyl radical is the most preferable pathway energetically. On the other hand, the intermediates HCaOCH₃ and HOCaCH₃ are predicted to be the energetically preferred configuration in the reaction of Ca + CH₃OH, which is precisely the reverse reaction of methane hydroxylation.     

A new approach to the synthesis of oligomers. Application to the synthesis of p-phenylene thioether wires

Oligothioethers 4-RC₆H₄(SC₆H₄-4)_nX (n = 1-3; X = Br, I; R = NO₂; X = Br; R = MeO. n = 1 and 2; X = I; R = MeO. n = 4; X = Br; R = NO₂) have been prepared through a process involving (i) palladium-catalyzed C-S coupling between 4-RC₆H₄(SC₆H₄-4)_n−1I and 4-BrC₆H₄SH to give 4-RC₆H₄(SC₆H₄-4)_nBr and (ii) copper-catalyzed replacement of Br by I.     

Thermodynamic properties of hydrated sodium l-threonate Na(C4H7O5)·H2O(s)

Low-temperature heat capacities of the compound Na(C₄H₇O₅)·H₂O(s) have been measured with an automated adiabatic calorimeter. A solid-solid phase transition and dehydration occur at 290-318 K and 367-373 K, respectively. The enthalpy and entropy of the solid-solid transition are Δ_transH_m = (5.75 ± 0.01) kJ mol⁻¹ and Δ_transS_m = (18.47 ± 0.02) J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹. The enthalpy and entropy of the dehydration are Δ_dH_m = (15.35 ± 0.03) kJ mol⁻¹ and Δ_dS_m = (41.35 ± 0.08) J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹. Experimental values of heat capacities for the solids (I and II) and the solid-liquid mixture (III) have been fitted to polynomial equations.