Complex of trivalent lanthanum ion with galactitol in the solid state: the crystal structure and an FT-IR study of LaCl3·galactitol·6H2O

The crystal structure of LaCl₃·galactitol·6H₂O has been determined. It is monoclinic. The space group is P2₁/n with unit cell dimensions a=10.5091(7), b=12.5366(7), c=14.4420(10) Å, β=90.974(2)°, V=1902.4(2) ų and Z=4. Each La³⁺ ion in the unit cell is coordinated to 10 oxygen atoms, three from O1, O2 and O3 of one alditol, three from O4, O5 and O6 of another alditol and four from water molecules, with La–O distances from 2.5099 to 2.6916 Å. The other two water molecules are hydrogen-bonded. FT-IR spectrum of LaCl₃·galactitol·6H₂O is apparently different from that of other lanthanide–galactitol complexes. It is consistent with the differences between their crystal structures. Both the IR result and the crystal structure of LaCl₃·galactitol·6H₂O complex show that it has the different coordination mode compared with other lanthanide complexes.     

Organosilicon backbone containing pyridyl/quinolyl ligands: Synthesis, complexation reactions and single crystal structures of metallamacrocyclic Pd(II) and Cu(II) complexes

Organosilicon backbone containing ligands 1,2-bis(dimethyl(2-pyridyl)silyl)ethane (L¹) and 1,2-bis(dimethyl(3-quinolyl)silyl) ethane (L²) have been synthesized by treating 2-bromopyridine and 3-bromoquinoline with n-butyllithium and reacting the resulting lithiated products with 1,2-bis(chlorodimethylsilyl)ethane. The ligation of L¹ and L² with Pd(II), Ag(I) and Cu(II) has been investigated. The single crystal structures of L², [Pd(L¹)Cl₂] (1), [Cu(L¹)Br₂] (3) and [PdCl₂(L²)]₂ (4) have been solved. All the three complexes are metallamacrocyclic in nature. The last one is 22-membered and the first example which has ligands containing organosilicon backbone. The geometry of Pd as well as Cu is very close to square planar. The Pd–N, Pd–Cl, Cu–N and Cu–Br bond distances (2.010(1)–2.027(3), 2.3063(10)–2.3114(4), 2.004(4)–2.018(5) and 2.4137(10)–2.4172(10) Å) are very close to sum of covalent radii, indicating strong ligation of L¹ and L² with the metal ions.     

Second-harmonic generation from monolayer Langmuir–Blodgett films of various push–pull pyridine and terpyridine metal complexes

The new ligands (E)-4-[2-(4-(N-methyl-N-hexadecylaminophenyl)ethenyl]pyridine (L¹) and 4′-(C₆H₄-p-N(Me)(hexadecyl))-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (L²) were prepared along with their complexes [cis-Ir(CO)₂ClL¹], [fac-Os(CO)₃Cl₂L¹], [ZnCl₂L²] and [IrCl₃L²]. Whereas these complexes show a large second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) response at the molecular level, similar to that of related organic alkylated salts as evidenced by the Electric Field Induced Second-Harmonic (EFISH) generation technique, their Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) film susceptibility is lower than that of the salts.     

Hydrogenmaleato bridged supramolecular double chains via π–π stacking interactions: syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of ∞[Cu(phen)X(HL)2/2] with X=Cl (1), NO3 (2) and H2L=maleic acid

Two novel hydrogen maleato (HL) bridged Cu(II) complexes _∞¹[Cu(phen)Cl(HL)_2/2] 1 and _∞¹[Cu(phen)(NO₃)(HL)_2/2] 2 were obtained from reactions of 1,10-phenanthroline, maleic acid with CuCl₂·2H₂O and Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O, respectively, in CH₃OH/H₂O (1:1 v/v) at pH=2.0 and the crystal structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Both complexes crystallize isostructurally in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with cell dimensions: 1 a=8.639(2) Å, b=15.614(3) Å, c=11.326(2) Å, β=94.67(3)°, Z=4, D_calc=1.720 g/cm³ and 2 a=8.544(1) Å, b=15.517(2) Å, c=12.160(1) Å, β=90.84(8)°, Z=4, D_calc=1.734 g/cm³. In both complexes, the square pyramidally coordinated Cu atoms are bridged by hydrogen maleato ligands into 1D chains with the coordinating phen ligands parallel on one side. Interdigitation of the chelating phen ligands of two neighbouring chains via π–π stacking interactions forms supramolecular double chains, which are then arranged in the crystal structures according to pseudo 1D close packing patterns. Both complexes exhibit similar paramagnetic behavior obeying Curie–Weiss laws χ_m(T−θ)=0.414 cm³ mol⁻¹ K with the Weiss constants θ=−1.45, −1.0 K for 1 and 2, respectively.     

Constructions of a set of novel hydrogen-bonded supramolecules from reactions of cobalt(II) salt with bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane and different carboxylic acids

Reactions of CoX₂·6H₂O (X = Cl⁻, ClO₄⁻) with bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane (dmpzm) and formic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, maleic acid, or fumaric acid under the presence of KOH solution produced a new family of Co(II)/dmpzm complexes, [Co(dmpzm)₂L]X·nH₂O (1: L = O₂CH, X = Cl, n = 2; 2: L = OAc, X = Cl, n = 3; 3: L = benzoate, X = ClO₄, n = 1/3; 4: L = salicylate, X = ClO₄, n = 1/3) and [Co₂(dmpzm)₄L](ClO₄)₂·nSolv (5: L = maleate, n = 3, Solv = H₂O; 6: L = fumarate, n = 2, Solv = MeOH). These compounds were structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1–4 are mononuclear while 5–6 are binuclear. Each cobalt atom of 1–6 is hexacoordinate, with a distorted octahedral CoN₄O₂ coordination geometry incorporating two N,N′-bidentate dmpzm ligands and one O,O′-bidentate carboxylate ligand. There are rich intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the crystals of 1–6, thereby forming either 2D hydrogen-bonded networks (1 and 2) or 3D hydrogen-bonded networks (3–6). In addition, the thermal behaviors of 1–6 were also investigated.     

Calorimetric study of the adducts CdBr2·nL (n = 1 and 2; L = ethyleneurea and propyleneurea)

A calorimetric study was performed for adducts of general formula CdBr₂·nL (n=1 and 2; L=ethyleneurea (eu) and propyleneurea (pu)). The standard molar reaction enthalpy in condensed phase: CdBr₂(c)+nL(c)=CdBr₂·nL(c); Δ_rH_m^θ, were obtained by reaction–solution calorimetry, to give the following values for mono- and bis-adducts: −19.54 and −34.59; −7.77 and −19.05 kJ mol⁻¹ for eu and pu adducts, respectively. Decomposition (Δ_DH_m^θ) and lattice (Δ_MH_m^θ) enthalpies, as well as the mean cadmium---oxygen bond dissociation enthalpy, DCd---O, were calculated for all adducts.     

Concerning the crystal structure of BrF3·AuF3

Crystals of the adduct, BrF₃·AuF₃, are monoclinic, with: a=5.356(4) Å, b=5.766(4) Å, c=8.649(3) Å, β=101.39(4)°, V=261.8(5) Å³, z=2, D_c=4.96 g/cm³. An ordered structure in P2₁ was found, but is of low precision (R₁=0.082) because of crystal deformation. The structure has planar BrF₄ units sharing F ligands cis with planar AuF₄ groups, each AuF₄ being similarly linked to two BrF₄. This generates a ribbon, creased at the bridging F along y, the gold on one side of the crease, the bromine on the other. Such ribbons are stacked parallel along y, with nearest neighbors related by twofold screw axes. This sandwiches each AuF₄ strip of a ribbon symmetrically between like strips. These contacts between the Au-strips bring up, to each Au-atom, two “non-bridging Au–F ligands” of each of the two neighboring strips, to give eight coordination in F. The bromine side of the creased ribbon is unsymmetrically sandwiched between a screw-axis related relative, and the edge of a Au-containing strip oriented almost perpendicular to it. This brings two non-bridging F of the nearest-strip BrF₄ and two non-bridging F of the AuF₄ strip into the secondary cordination sphere of the Br atom. Raman spectra of the BrF₃·AuF₃, molecular BrF₃, and polymeric AuF₃ suggest that the Br–F and Au–F stretching vibrations of BrF₃·AuF₃ are shifted slightly from those of the parent BrF₃ and AuF₃, and indicate some BrF₂⁺AuF₄⁻ character.     

Thermochemical study of the complex formation of ag(I) with some sulphur-containing aminopyridines

The enthalpies of formation of the complexes between the silver(I) ion and some sulphur-containing aminopyridines of general formula N(CH₂)_n−1-S-(CH₂)_m-NH₂ where n = 1, and m = 1,2; 1,3; 2,2; 2,3 have been determined by direct calorimetric titration at 25°C in 0.5 M (K)NO₃ solution. The corresponding entropy terms, ΔS, have been calculated using the obtained enthalpy values and the previously reported ΔG values.

In acid medium (pH < 3) coordination occurs through the thioether group and the protonated species AgLH³⁺₂ and AgL₂H⁵⁺₄ are enthalpy-stabilized and entropy-destabilized. At higher pH values (pH &>; 3) additional chelation through the pyridine nitrogen is obvious by a marked increase in the enthalpy of formation of the complexes AgL₂H⁴⁺₃, AgL₂H³⁺₂ and AgLH²⁺. The last complex dimerizes into a cyclic dimer Ag₂L, H⁴⁺₂. At still higher pH values (pH &>; 6) the participation of the amino group in the dimeric chelates Ag₂L₂H³⁺ and Ag₂L²⁺₂ is revealed again by a marked increase in the heat of complexation.     

First principles study of the structure, electronic state and stability of SinCm anions

Structure, electronic state and energy of Si_nC⁻ and Si_nC⁻₂ (n=1–7) anions have been investigated using the density functional theory. Structural optimization and frequency analysis are performed at the level B3LYP/6-311G(d). The charged-induced structural changes in these anions have been discussed. The strong C–C bond is also favored over C–Si bonds in the Si_nC⁻_m anions in comparison with corresponding neutral cluster. Among different Si_nC⁻ and Si_nC⁻₂ (n=1–7) anions, Si₃C⁻, Si₅C⁻ and Si₂C⁻₂ are most stable. Their stability has a decreasing tendency with the increase in the size of these clusters.     

Metal complexes of sterically hindered pyrzolylpyridines. The single crystal X-ray structure of [Cu(L)2]BF4 (L = 1-{pyrid-2-yl}-3-{2′,5′-dimethoxyphenyl}pyrazole)

Reaction of potassium 3{5}-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl)pyrazolide with 2-bromopyridine in diglyme at 130°C for 3 days followed by an aqueous quench, affords 1-{pyrid-2-yl}-3-{3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl}pyrazole (L²) in 69% yield after recrystallization from hot hexanes. Complexation of [Cu(NCMe)₄]BF₄ by 2 molar equivalents of 1-{pyrid-2-yl}-3-{2′,5′-dimethoxyphenyl}pyrazole (L¹) or L² in MeCN at room temperature, followed by concentration and crystallisation with Et₂O, gives [Cu(L)₂]BF₄ L = L¹, L²) in good yields. Treatment of AgBF₄ with L¹ or L² in MeNO₂ similarly gives [Ag(L)₂]BF₄ L = L¹, L²); reaction of AfBF₄ with L² in MeCN gives a product of stoichiometry [Ag(L²)(NCMe)]BF₄. The ¹H NMR spectra of the [M(L)₂]BF₄ complexes show peaks arising from a single coordinated environment. The single crystal X-ray structure of [Cu(L¹)₂]BF₄ shows a tetrahedral complex cation with Cu---N = 2.011(8), 2.036(8), 2.039(8), 2.110(8) Å. The Cu^I centre is close to tetrahedral, the dihedral angle between the least-squares planes formed by the Cu atom and the N donor atoms of the two ligands being 88.3(3)°. Complexation of hydrated Cu(BF₄)₂ by L² in MeCN at room temperature yields [Cu(L₂)₂](BF₄)₂. The cyclic voltammograms of the three Ag^I complexes in MeCN/0.1 M Bu₄ⁿ NPF₆ are suggestive of extensive ligand dissociation in this solvent.     

Determination of pK(a)'s for thymol blue in aqueous medium: evidence of dimer formation

Formation constants for recrystallized thymol blue were determined in water, using the SQUAD and SUPERQUAD programs. The best model correlating spectrophotometric, potentiometric and conductimetric data was fitted with the dissociation of HL⁻=L²⁻+H⁺−log K=8.918±0.070 and H₃L₂⁻=2L²⁻+3H⁺−log K=29.806±0.133 with the SUPERQUAD program at variable low ionic strength (1.5×10⁻⁴–3.0×10⁻⁴ M); and HL=L²⁻+H⁺−log K=8.9±0.000, H₃L₂⁻ =2L²⁻+3H⁺−log K=30.730±0.032, H₄L₂=2L²⁻+4H⁺−log K=32.106±0.033 with SQUAD at 1.1 M ionic strength.     

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.     

Zn(II) complexes with pyridine derived N6 and N8 donor azamacrocyclic ligands

A novel N6 macrocyclic ligand, L¹ (2,8,14,20-tetramethyl-3,7,15,19,25,26-hexaaza-tricyclo[19.3.1.1^9,13]hexacosa-1(24),9,11,13(26),21(25),22-hexaene), was obtained by reduction of the 2 + 2 condensation product of 2,6-diacetylpyridine and propane-1,3-diamine. Zinc(II) complexes of L¹, of a related N8 macrocycle, L³ (3,6,9,17,20,23,29,30-octaaza-tricyclo[23.3.1.1[11,15]]triaconta-1(28),1,13,15(30),25(29),26-hexaene), similarly prepared by 2 + 2 condensation of 2,6-diformylpyridine and diethylenetriamine and of a tetra N-2-cyanoethyl derivative of a homologue of L¹ prepared from diformyl pyridine and ethane-1,2-diamine, L² (3-[6,14,17-tris-(2-cyano-ethyl)-3,6,14,17,23,24-hexaaza-tricyclo[17.3.1.1^8,12] tetracosa-1(23),8(24),9,11,19,21-hexaen-3-yl]-propionitrile), were prepared. Structures were determined for [ZnL¹](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O, [ZnL²](NO₃)₂ and [Zn₂L³(NO₃)₂](NO₃)₂ · H₂O. The [ZnL¹](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O and [ZnL²](NO₃)₂ complexes present a mononuclear endomacrocyclic structure with the metal in an octahedral distorted environment coordinated by the six donor nitrogen atoms from the macrocyclic backbone while the complex [Zn₂L³(NO₃)₂](NO₃)₂ · H₂O is dinuclear with both metal atoms into the macrocyclic cavity coordinated by four donor nitrogen atoms from the macrocyclic framework and one oxygen atom from one monodentate nitrate anion, in a distorted square pyramidal arrangement.     

C CP MAS NMR, FTIR, X-ray diffraction and PM3 studies of some N-(ω-carboxyalkyl)morpholine hydrohalides

N-(ω-carboxyalkyl)morpholine hydrochlorides, OC₄H₈N(CH₂)_nCOOH·HCl, n=1–5, were obtained and analyzed by ¹³C cross polarization (CP) magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR, FTIR and PM3 calculations. The structure of N-(3-carboxypropyl)morpholine hydrochloride (n=3) has been solved by X-ray diffraction method at 100 K and refined to the R=0.031. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, a=14.307(3), b=9.879(2), c=7.166(1) Å, β=93.20(3)°, V=1011.3(3) ų, Z=4. In this compound the nitrogen atom is protonated and two molecules form a centrosymmetric dimer, connected by two N⁺–HCl⁻ (3.095(1) Å) and two O–HCl⁻ (3.003(1) Å) hydrogen bonds. ¹³C CP MAS NMR spectra, contrary to the solution, showed non-equivalence of the ring carbon atoms. The PM3 calculations predict a molecular dimer without proton transfer for an HCl complex, while for an HBr complex an ion pairs with proton transfer, and reproduces correctly the conformation of both dimers but overestimates H-bond distances. Shielding constants calculated from the PM3 geometry of ion pairs gave a linear correlation with the ¹³C chemical shifts in solids.     

Solution enthalpies of hydrates LnCl3·xH2O (Ln=Ce–Lu)

Trichlorides of the lanthanide elements Ln=Ce–Lu form: (a) isotypic hexahydrates LnCl₃·6H₂O with a coordination number (CN) 8 for the Ln³⁺ ions. (b) Two isotypic groups of trihydrates LnCl₃·3H₂O, in the first group Ln=Ce-Dy the CN is 8; the structure of the second group Ln=Er–Lu is unknown. With Ho no trihydrate exists; a dihydrate is formed. (c) Two isotypic groups of monohydrates LnCl₃·H₂O with unknown structure – Ln=Ce–Dy and Ln=Ho–Lu. For all compounds and for anhydrous chlorides LnCl₃ solution enthalpies were measured with an isoperibolic calorimeter. The Δ_solH⁰ values do not depend only on the difference (lattice enthalpies/hydration enthalpies), but also on the state in solution. According to Spedding the CN of the Ln³⁺ ions against water changes from 9 to 8 between Nd and Sm, causing minima in the series of solution enthalpies. Dihydrates LnCl₃·2H₂O are found for Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm and presumably for Eu and Gd. They are not yet well characterised.     

Synthesis and chemistry of the bis(trimethylsilyl)amido bis-tetrahydrofuranates of the group 2 metals magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium. X-ray crystal structures of Mg[N(SiMe3)2]2·2THF and related Mn[N(SiMe3)2]2·2THF

Transamination reactions utilizing the compound mercuric bis(trimethylsilyl)amide, Hg{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂, in tetrahydrofuran (THF), and the metals Na, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Al have been investigated. Thus the THF solvated compounds Na[N(SiMe₃)₂]·THF and M[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂·2THF, M = Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba (1–4), have been prepared. The X-ray crystal structures of 1 and the related manganese compound Mn[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂·2THF (5) are reported. Interaction of the silylamides, 2–4, with a range of crown ethers apparently proceeded with elimination of silylamine, (Me₃Si)₂NH, and novel ring opening of the crown ethers, generating species containing a donor alkoxide ligand with a vinyl ether function, presumably, ---O(CH₂CH₂O)_nCH=CH₂ (n = 3−5). The silylamides 2–4 were also cleanly converted to the corresponding alkoxides (from ¹H NMR data) in reactions with stoichiometric quantities of 3-ethyl-3-pentanol.     

Thermochemical properties of Ln(Gly)4Im(ClO4)3·nH2O (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, Y)

The enthalpies of dissolution in water of new ternary complexes of four late trivalent lanthanide ions Ln(Gly)₄Im(ClO₄)₃·nH₂O (Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy, Y; Gly: glycine; Im: imidazole and n=1 or 2) were measured by means of a Calvet microcalorimeter. Empirical formulae for the calculation of the enthalpies of dissolution (Δ_dissH), relative apparent molar enthalpies (Δ_dissH (app)), relative partial molar enthalpies (Δ_dissH (partial)) and enthalpies of dilution (Δ_dilH_1,2) were obtained from the experimental data of the enthalpies of dissolution of these complexes. The plot of Δ_dissH_m^Θ, Δ_dissH (app) and Δ_dissH (partial) versus the values of the ionic radius of the lanthanide element (r) showed a grouping effect of the lanthanide elements, indicating that the coordinated bond between the lanthanide ions and the ligands has some covalent character. The unknown value of the standard enthalpy of dissolution for the similar complex: Ho(Gly)₄Im(ClO₄)₃·H₂O was estimated according to the plot of Δ_dissH_m^Θ versus r.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a complex bearing interesting structural motifs: [Cu (C4H7N3) H2O (4,4′-Hbpy)]·SO4·NO3

A new complex [Cu (C₄H₇N₃) H₂O (4,4′-Hbpy)]·SO₄·NO₃ was synthesized and X-ray characterized. Elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy of the complex were performed. The crystal system is orthorhombic. Crystal data: Fw=498.98, spacegroup: P212121. Z=4, a=14.952(3), b=20.491(4), c=6.713 Å. V=2056.7(9) Å. λ(Mo-K)=0.71070 Å. μ=12.18 cm⁻¹, D_calc=1.66 g/cm³, F₀₀₀=1032.00, R=0.062, Rw=0.087. X-ray analysis illustrated that 4,4′-bpy is mono-protonated and that there are two kinds of anions in one molecule, which give rise to the hydrogen interaction between the molecules in the crystal. Then an extended three-dimensional network is formed along the hydrogen bonds and π–π bonds between the pyridine rings.     

Syntheses and Supramolecular Structures of Two Nickel(Ⅱ) Compounds Based on Two Thiosemicarbazone Ligands

Two new compounds, [Ni₂(L¹)(Py)₆]Py·CH₃OH(1) and [Ni₃(L²)₂(Py)₄]·2DMF(2)(H₄L¹=N,N'-bisalicyl- bisthiocarbamide; H₃L²=3-hydroxyl-2-naphthalene thiosemicarbazide; Py=pyridine; DMF=dimethyl fumarate), based upon two thiosemicarbazone ligands have been obtained and characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) and X-ray diffraction(XRD). Compound 1 possesses a binuclear cluster, in which the bisalicylbisthiocarbamide acts as a hexadentate bridge. Compound 2 exhibits a linear trinuclear cluster with the triply-deprotonated ligand acting as pentadentate bridge. C―H···O, C―H···π and C―H···S weak interactions further link these molecules to form interesting supramolecular networks.     

Unambiguous cis-coordination of mono- and bi-dentate Lewis bases to Ni(SN)2 Schiff-base complexes derived from S-alkyl dithiocarbazate

The bidentate Schiff-base ligand, HL¹, prepared by condensation of equivalent molar amount of o-nitrobenzaldehyde with S-benzyl dithiocarbazate, yielded the neutral square-planar complex, NiL¹₂ (1) in the presence of Ni(OAc)₂·4H₂O. Addition of pyridine to (1) and phenanthroline (phen) to NiL (3) afforded the adducts NiL¹₂(py)₂·1.5H₂O (2) and NiL(phen) (4), respectively, where H₂L is a known quadridentate (NS)₂ ligand. Single crystal X-ray analysis of (2) and (4) showed that the pyridine rings and phen occupy cis-positions in the octahedral adducts. In both cases, one N–Ni bond in the parent Ni(NS)₂ complexes is severely perturbed, thus facilitating cis-addition of the Lewis bases. The present results together with those reported previously show that cis-addition is preferred in the addition reaction of Ni(NS)₂ Schiff-base complexes derived from S-alkyl dithiocarbazate. Addition of pyridine and 2,2′-bipyridine to NiL (3) is also discussed.