Syntheses, crystal structures and optical properties of the first strontium selenium(IV) and tellurium(IV) oxychlorides: Sr3(SeO3)(Se2O5)Cl2 and Sr4(Te3O8)Cl4

Two new quaternary strontium selenium(IV) and tellurium(IV) oxychlorides, namely, Sr₃(SeO₃)(Se₂O₅)Cl₂ and Sr₄(Te₃O₈)Cl₄, have been prepared by solid-state reaction. Sr₃(SeO₃)(Se₂O₅)Cl₂ features a three-dimensional (3D) network structure constructed from strontium(II) interconnected by Cl⁻, SeO₃²⁻ as well as Se₂O₅²⁻ anions. The structure of Sr₄(Te₃O₈)Cl₄ features a 3D network in which the strontium tellurium oxide slabs are interconnected by bridging Cl⁻ anions. The diffuse reflectance spectrum measurements and results of the electronic band structure calculations indicate that both compounds are wide band-gap semiconductors.     

Tin(IV) complexes obtained by reacting 2-benzoylpyridine-derived thiosemicarbazones with SnCl4 and Ph2SnCl2

Reaction of 2-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (H2Bz4DH, HL1) and its N(4)-methyl (H2Bz4Me, HL2) and N(4)-phenyl (H2Bz4Ph, HL3) derivatives with SnCl₄ and diphenyltin dichloride (Ph₂SnCl₂) gave [Sn(L1)Cl₃] (1), [Sn(L1)PhCl₂] (2), [Sn(L2)Cl₃] (3), (4) [Sn(L3)PhCl₂] (5) and [Sn(L3)Ph₂Cl] (6). Infrared and ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectra of 1-3, 5 and 6 are compatible with the presence of an anionic ligand attached to the metal through the N_py-N-S chelating system and formation of hexacoordinated tin complexes. The crystal structures of 1-3, 5 and 6 show that the geometry around the metal is a distorted octahedron formed by the thiosemicarbazone and either chlorides or chlorides and phenyl groups. The crystal structure of 4 reveals the presence of and trans [Ph₂SnCl₄]²⁻.     

Synthesis and crystal structure determination of yttrium ultraphosphate YP5O14

The crystal structure of monoclinic YP₅O₁₄ (space group C2/c, a=12.919(2) Å, b=12.796(4) Å, c=12.457(2) Å, β=91.30(1)°, Z=8) has been refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Full-matrix least-squares refinement on F² using 2249 independent reflections for 183 refinable parameters results in a final R value of 0.027 (ωR=0.069). The structure is isotypic with HoP₅O₁₄. This structure is built up from infinite layers of PO₄ tetrahedra linked through isolated YO₈ polyhedra. The three-dimensional cohesion of the framework results from Y-O-P bridges. This crystal structure refinement leads to the calculated X-ray diffraction powder pattern of this monoclinic polymorph, which has been the starting point of a thorough study of the solid-state synthesis of this ultraphosphate. This investigation further leads to a better outstanding of features observed during the synthesis of powdered samples. The thermal behavior of this ultraphosphate has been studied by DTA and TGA analyses. The infrared and Raman spectroscopic characterizations have been carried out on polycrystalline samples. The luminescence properties of the Eu³⁺ ion incorporated in the monoclinic C2/c polymorph of YP₅O₁₄ as local structural probe show that in YP₅O₁₄: 5% Eu³⁺ sample, the Eu³⁺ ions are distributed over the two Y³⁺ crystallographic sites of C₂ symmetry of this structure.     

U(IV)/Ln(III) unexpected mixed site in polymetallic oxalato complexes. Part I. Substitution of Ln(III) for U(IV) from the new oxalate (NH4)2U2(C2O4)5·0.7H2O

A new ammonium uranium (IV) oxalate (NH₄)₂U₂(C₂O₄)₅·0.7H₂O (1) and three mixed uranium (IV)-lanthanide (III) oxalates, (N₂H₅)_2.6U_1.4M_0.6(C₂O₄)₅·xH₂O (M=Nd (2) and M=Sm (3)), Na_2.56U_1.44Nd_0.56(C₂O₄)₅·7.6H₂O (4) and Na₃UCe(C₂O₄)₅·10.4H₂O (5), have been prepared. The crystal structures of compounds 1, 4 and 5 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures were solved by the direct methods and Fourier difference techniques, and refined by a least square method on the basis of F² for all unique reflections. Compounds 2 and 3 are isotypic with 1. Crystallographic data: 1, hexagonal, space group P6₃/mmc, a=19.177(3), c=12.728(4) Å, Z=6, R₁=0.0575 for 52 parameters with 1360 reflections with I?2σ(I); 2, hexagonal, space group P6₃/mmc, a=19.243(4), c=12.760(5) Å, Z=6; 3, hexagonal, space group P6₃/mmc, a=19.211(3), c=12.274(4) Å, Z=6; 4, orthorhombic, space group Pbcn, a=18.79(3), b=11.46(1), c=12.77(2) Å, Z=4, R₁=0.0511 for 183 parameters with 3026 reflections with I?2σ(I); 5, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=18.878(6), b=11.684(4), c=12.932(4) Å, β=95.97(1)°, Z=4, R₁=0.0416 for 213 parameters with 4060 reflections with I?2σ(I). The honeycomb-like structure of the five compounds is built from the same three-dimensional arrangement of metallic and oxalate ions. Similar hexagonal rings of alternating metallic and oxalate ions form layers parallel to the (001) plane that are pillared by another oxalate ion. Indeed, some torsions or rotations of the bridging oxalate ligands led to modifications of the network symmetry. The monovalent cations and the water molecules occupy the hexagonal tunnels running down the [001] direction. Starting from the uranium (IV) compound A₂U₂(C₂O₄)₅·0.7H₂O with A=NH₄⁺ (1), the mixed U(IV)/Ln(III) oxalates are obtained by partial substitution of U(IV) by Ln(III) in a ten-coordinated site, the charge deficit being compensated by intercalation of supplementary monovalent ions within the tunnels. The distortion of the arrangement in the [001] direction for the Na-containing compounds allows the accommodation of a greater number of water molecules that insure an octahedral coordination of the Na atoms.     

Synthesis, characterization and structural studies of dithiocarbamate derivatives of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-oxa-4,4-diiodo-4-tellura-2,6-disilacyclohexane,O[Si(CH3)2CH2]2TeI(dtc)

Five new hetero-organotellurium (IV) dithiocarbamates O[Si(CH₃)₂CH₂]₂TeIS₂CN(CH₂CH₂)₂ (1), O[Si(CH₃)₂CH₂]₂TeIS₂CN(CH₂CH)₂ (2), O[Si(CH₃)₂CH₂]₂TeIS₂CN(CH₂CH₂)₂O (3), O[Si(CH₃)₂CH₂]₂-TeIS₂CN(CH₂CH₂)₂S (4) and O[Si(CH₃)₂CH₂]₂TeIS₂CN(CH₂CH₂)₂CH₂ (5) were prepared from the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-oxa-4,4-diiodo-4-tellura-2,6-disilacyclohexane and the corresponding dithiocarbamate (dtc) sodium salts in ethanol. The compounds were characterized by means of Elemental Analyses, FAB MS, IR, ¹H, ¹³C, ¹²⁵Te NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of 1, 3 and 4 were determined. Dithiocarbamate ligands display an anisobidentate chelating coordination mode on interacting with the tellurium center in all compounds. The Te(IV) immediate environment can be described as that of a sawhorse structure in which the lone pair is apparently stereochemically active and occupying an equatorial position in a distorted trigonal bipyramid. The two methylene groups occupy the other equatorial positions with a sulfur atom of the dithiocarbamate group and the iodine atom occupying the axial positions. The solid state structures of 3 and 4 exhibit important intermolecular interaction Te?S(2B). This interaction results in the formation of a dimer, which is better described as a distorted octahedron with an apparently inactive lone pair.     

U(IV)/LN(III) unexpected mixed site in polymetallic oxalato complexes. Part II. Substitution of U(IV) for Ln(III) in the new oxalates (N2H5)Ln(C2O4)2·nH2O (Ln=Nd, Gd)

Two new hydrazinium lanthanide(III) oxalates, (N₂H₅)[Nd(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)]·4H₂O (1) and (N₂H₅)[Gd(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)]·4.5H₂O (2) have been prepared and their crystal structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures were solved by the direct methods and Fourier difference techniques, and refined by a least-squares method on the basis of F² for all unique reflections. Crystallographic data: 1, triclinic, space group , , b=9.762(4), , α=62.378(5), β=76.681(5), γ=73.858(5), Z=2, R₁=0.0335 for 172 parameters with 3430 reflections with I?2σ(I); 2, triclinic, space group , , b=9.51(3), , α=62.11(4), β=76.15(5), γ=73.73(5), Z=2, R₁=0.0325 for 172 parameters with 1742 reflections with I?2σ(I). The two isotypic structures are built from a three-dimensional (3D) arrangement of lanthanide and oxalate ions. The lanthanide atom is coordinated by eight oxygen atoms from four tetradentate oxalate ions and one aqua oxygen. Alternating lanthanide and oxalate ions form six-membered rings that delimit tunnels running down three directions and occupied by hydrazinium and water molecules. Starting from these lanthanide(III) compounds two isotypic mixed Ln(III)/U(IV) oxalates, (N₂H₅)_0.75[Nd_0.75U_0.25(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)]·4.5H₂O (3) and (N₂H₅)_0.75[Gd_0.75U_0.25(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)]·4H₂O (4), are obtained by partial substitution of Ln(III) by U(IV) in the nine-coordinated site, the charge excess being compensated by removal of monovalent ions from the tunnels. Finally, using Na⁺ gel, two mixed Ln(III)/U(IV) sodium oxalates, Na_0.5[Nd_0.5U_0.5(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)]·3H₂O (5) and Na_0.65[Gd_0.65U_0.35(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)]·4.5H₂O (6) have been obtained without any change in the 3D framework.     

La4(Si5.2Ge2.8O18)(TeO3)4 and La2(Si6O13)(TeO3)2: Intergrowth of the lanthanum(III) tellurite layer with the XO4 (X=Si/Ge) tetrahedral layer

Two novel lanthanum(III) silicate tellurites, namely, La₄(Si_5.2Ge_2.8O₁₈)(TeO₃)₄ and La₂(Si₆O₁₃)(TeO₃)₂, have been synthesized by the solid state reactions and their structures determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of La₄(Si_5.2Ge_2.8O₁₈)(TeO₃)₄ features a three-dimensional (3D) network composed of the [(Ge_2.82Si_5.18)O₁₈]⁴⁻ tetrahedral layers and the [La₄(TeO₃)₄]⁴⁺ layers that alternate along the b-axis. The germanate-silicate layer consists of corner-sharing XO₄ (X=Si/Ge) tetrahedra, forming four- and six-member rings. The structure of La₂(Si₆O₁₃)(TeO₃)₂ is a 3D network composed of the [Si₆O₁₃]²⁻ double layers and the [La₂(TeO₃)₂]²⁺ layers that alternate along the a-axis. The [Si₆O₁₃]²⁻ double layer is built by corner-sharing silicate tetrahedra, forming four-, five- and eight-member rings. The TeO₃²⁻ anions in both compounds are only involved in the coordination with La³⁺ ions to form a lanthanum(III) tellurite layer. La₄(Si_5.2Ge_2.8O₁₈)(TeO₃)₄ is a wide band-gap semiconductor.     

Synthesis, crystal and band structures, and optical properties of a new lanthanide-alkaline earth tellurium(IV) oxide: La2Ba(Te3O8)(TeO3)2

A new quaternary lanthanide alkaline-earth tellurium(IV) oxide, La₂Ba(Te₃O₈)(TeO₃)₂, has been prepared by the solid-state reaction and structurally characterized. The compound crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2/c with a=19.119(3), b=5.9923(5), c=13.2970(19) Å, β=107.646(8)°, V=1451.7(3) Å³ and Z=4. La₂Ba(Te₃O₈)(TeO₃)₂ features a 3D network structure in which the cationic [La₂Ba(TeO₃)₂]⁴⁺ layers are cross-linked by Te₃O₈⁴⁻ anions. Both band structure calculation by the DFT method and optical diffuse reflectance spectrum measurements indicate that La₂Ba(Te₃O₈)(TeO₃)₂ is a wide band-gap semiconductor.     

Ho2Te4O11 und Ho2Te5O13: Zwei tellurdioxidreiche Oxotellurate(IV) des dreiwertigen Holmiums

Ho₂Te₄O₁₁ and Ho₂Te₅O₁₃: Two Telluriumdioxide‐rich Oxotellurates(IV) of Trivalent Holmium Ho₂Te₄O₁₁ (monoclinic, C2/c; a = 1240.73(8), b = 511.21(3), c = 1605.84(9) pm, β = 106.142(7)°; Z = 4) and Ho₂Te₅O₁₃ (triclinic, P1; a = 695.67(5), b = 862.64(6), c = 1057.52(7) pm, α = 89.057(6), β = 86.825(6), γ = 75.056(6)°; Z = 2) are obtained by the reaction of holmium sesquioxide with tellurium dioxide in appropriate molar ratios (Ho₂O₃ : TeO₂ = 1 : 4 and 1 : 5, respectively) in evacuated silica tubes within eight days at 800 °C. The application of cesium chloride (CsCl) as flux in about five times molar excess secures fast and complete reactions to the single‐crystalline products aimed at. In the crystal structure of Ho₂Te₄O₁₁ [HoO₈] polyhedra are connected via oxygen edges thereby building up a network {[Ho₂O₁₀]^14–} (001). On the other hand, the crystal structure of Ho₂Te₅O₁₃ exhibits oxygen‐linked [(Ho1)O₈] and [(Ho2)O₇] polyhedra, which form ribbons {[(Ho1)₂(Ho2)₂O₂₀]^28–} running along [100]. Common to both structures, however, is the stereochemical activity of the non‐bonding electron pairs (“lone pairs”) of all the of the Te⁴⁺ cations (Te1 and Te2 in Ho₂Te₄O₁₁, Te1–Te5 in Ho₂Te₅O₁₃) causing ψ¹‐polyhedral figures of coordination with 3 + 1, 4 and 3 + 2 oxygen atoms, respectively, around the central atoms.     

Syntheses and structures of CsHo3Te5 and Cs3Tm11Te18 and the electronic structure of CsHo3Te5

Single crystals of CsHo₃Te₅ and Cs₃Tm₁₁Te₁₈ have been grown as byproducts in the synthesis of CsLnZnTe₃ (Ln=Ho or Tm) through the reaction of Ln, Zn, and Te with a CsCl flux at 850 °C. The crystal structures have been determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. CsHo₃Te₅ crystallizes in space group Pnma of the orthorhombic system whereas Cs₃Tm₁₁Te₁₈ crystallizes in the space group C2/m of the monoclinic system. Each of the compounds adopts a three-dimensional structure; each possesses tunnels built from LnTe₆ octahedra that are filled with Cs atoms. The pseudo-rectangular tunnel in CsHo₃Te₅ is large enough in cross-section to accommodate two symmetrically equivalent Cs atoms. In the Cs₃Tm₁₁Te₁₈ structure there are two different sized tunnels: the smaller one is only large enough to host one Cs atom per unit cell whereas the larger one can accommodate two Cs atoms. The electronic structure of CsHo₃Te₅ was calculated. The band gap is estimated to be about 1.2 eV, consistent with the black color of the crystals.     

Structural investigation of R2Mo4O15 (R=La, Nd, Sm), and polymorphs of the R2Mo4O15 (R=rare earth) family

Pyrolysis of rare earth (R) polyoxomolybdate, [R₂(H₂O)₁₂Mo₈O₂₇]·xH₂O (R=La, Nd and Sm), at 750°C for 2-8 h results in crystallization of R₂Mo₄O₁₅ compounds. β-La₂Mo₄O₁₅ crystallizes together with an α-form in monoclinic P2₁/a (No. 14), a=13.8893(5), b=13.0757(4), c=20.0927(8) Å, β=95.199(2)°, V=3634.1(2) Å³, Z=12, R₁(I>2σ(I))=0.048, R_w (all data)=0.116. The structure is built up with {LaO_n} (n=9, 10) and {MoO_n′} (n′=4-6) polyhedral units. The {LaO_n} units are polymerized into a linear {La₆O₃₉}_∞ chain, while the {MoO_n} are connected together to form {Mo₄O₁₅} and {Mo₇O₂₆} groups. The structure can be related to the α-form by partial rearrangement of O atoms and small shifts of La and Mo atoms. The R₂Mo₄O₁₅ (R=Nd and Sm) compounds are isomorphous with the previously reported R=Eu and Gd analogs, crystallizing in triclinic, (No. 2), a=9.4989(5) and 9.4076(7), b=11.0088(7) and 10.9583(8), c=11.5665(6) and 11.5234(8) Å, α=104.141(3) and 104.225(3), β=109.838(3) and 109.603(3), γ=108.912(3) and 108.999(3)°, V=987.3(1) and 970.5(1) Å³, Z=3, R₁(I>2σ(I))=0.028 and 0.030, R_w (all data)= 0.079 and 0.094, respectively. The crystal structure is composed of {RO₈} and {MoO_n′} (n′=4-6) polyhedral units. The molybdate units are condensed to give a corrugated {Mo₄O₁₇}_∞ chain. The square-antiprismatic {RO₈} units share their trigonal and square faces, forming {R₂O₁₃} and {R₂O₁₂} groups, respectively. A very short R?R distance (3.557(6) Å for R=Nd; 3.4956(6) Å for R=Sm) is achieved in the latter unusual {R₂O₁₂} group. A common cationic arrangement was found in all the structures in the R₂Mo₄O₁₅ family: a R-R pair with the shortest separation and surrounding 12 Mo atoms. The symmetry of the cationic arrangement was reduced with an increase of atomic number of R, viz. La>Ce, Pr>Nd-Gd≈Tb, Ho.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence of Eu-doped Y2Sn2O7 nanocrystals

A facile CTAB-assisted sol-gel route has been successfully established to synthesize Y₂Sn₂O₇ nanocrystals with pyrochlore structure. The route involves first the formation of CTAB-inorganics mesostructures as precursors and then their thermal decomposition to yield the final product. Well-crystallized and phase-pure Y₂Sn₂O₇ particles of ∼40 nm in size can be readily obtained at 600°C, a temperature much lower than that of the conventional solid-state method. Furthermore, photoluminescence characterization of the Y₂Sn₂O₇ nanocrystals doped with 5 mol% Eu³⁺ was carried out and the results show that the as-synthesized material display intense and prevailing emission at 589 nm belonging to the magnetic dipole transition.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and photoluminescence properties of new oxyborates, Mg5NbO3(BO3)3 and Mg5TaO3(BO3)3, with novel warwickite-type superstructures

Single crystals of new oxyborates, Mg₅NbO₃(BO₃)₃ and Mg₅TaO₃(BO₃)₃, were prepared at 1370 °C in air using B₂O₃ as a flux. They were colorless and transparent with block shapes. X-ray diffraction analysis of the single crystals revealed Mg₅NbO₃(BO₃)₃ and Mg₅TaO₃(BO₃)₃ to be isostructural. The X-ray diffraction reflections were indexed to the orthorhombic Pnma (No. 62) system with a=9.3682(3) Å, b=9.4344(2) Å, c=9.3379(3) Å and Z=4 for Mg₅NbO₃(BO₃)₃ and a=9.3702(3) Å, b=9.4415(3) Å, c=9.3301(2) Å and Z=4 for Mg₅TaO₃(BO₃)₃. The crystal structures of Mg₅NbO₃(BO₃)₃ and Mg₅TaO₃(BO₃)₃ are novel warwickite-type superstructures having ordered arrangements of Mg and Nb/Ta atoms. Polycrystals of Mg₅NbO₃(BO₃)₃ prepared by solid state reaction at 1200 °C in air showed broad blue-to-green emission with a peak wavelength of 470 nm under 270 nm ultraviolet excitation at room temperature.     

Crystal chemistry peculiarities of Cs2Te4O12

The Raman and IR-absorption spectra of the Cs₂Te₄O₁₂ lattice are first recorded and interpreted. Extraordinary features observed in the structure and Raman spectra of Cs₂Te₄O₁₂ are analyzed by using ab initio and lattice-dynamical model calculations. This compound is specified as a caesium-tellurium tellurate Cs₂Te^IV(Te^VIO₄)₃ in which Te^IV atoms transfer their 5p electrons to [Te^VIO₄]₃⁶⁻ tellurate anions, thus fulfilling (jointly with Cs atoms) the role of cations. The Te^VI-O-Te^VI bridge vibration Raman intensity is found abnormally weak, which is reproduced by model treatment including the Cs⁺ ion polarizability properties in consideration.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of [N-(4-carboxyphenyl) salicylideneiminato] di- and tri-organotin (IV) complexes and crystal structures of {[Bu2Sn(2-OHC6H4CHNC6H4COO)]2O}2 and Ph3Sn(2-OHC6H4CHNC6H4COO)

Reactions of R₂SnO (R: ⁿBu, Cy, Ph, PhCH₂) and R₃SnCl (R: Ph, Cy, PhCH₂, 2-Cl-PhCH₂, 4-F-PhCH₂, 4-Cl-PhCH₂) with N-(4-carboxyphenyl)-salicylideneimine (LH₂) in 1:1 stoichiometry afford complexes {[R₂Sn(LH)]₂O}₂ and R₃Sn(LH). These complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of {[ⁿBu₂Sn(LH)]₂O}₂, 1 and Ph₃Sn(L), 5 are determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Results showed that in the solid state the complex 1 is a tetranuclear centrosymmetric dimer with six-coordination being assigned to both the endo-cyclic and exo-cyclic tin atoms after consideration of close intermolecular tin oxygen contacts, and study show that the imino nitrogen atom do not participate in coordination to the tin atom. The complex 5 is a monomer, and in the molecule the tin atoms are five-coordinated in trigonal bipyramidal geometries with the two oxygen atom of the carboxylate both coordinating to the tin atoms.     

Coordination of water to organolead(IV) nitrates: The examples of [PbPh2(NO3)2(H2O)2] and [PbMe3(NO3)(H2O)]

The compound [PbPh₂(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂] was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR; ¹H, ¹³C and ²⁰⁷Pb NMR) and mass spectrometry. An X-ray diffraction study showed that the crystal is a supramolecular tridimensional network of hydrogen-bonded PbPh₂(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂ units in which the Pb atom is octacoordinated and adopts a distorted hexagonal bipyramidal geometry, with four O (bidentate nitrate) and two O (water) atoms in equatorial positions and two C-phenyl atoms in axial positions. The crystal of [PbMe₃(NO₃)(H₂O)], obtained as a byproduct in the synthesis of PbMe₂(NO₃)₂, contains chains of hydrogen-bonded PbMe₃(NO₃)(H₂O) units in which the Pb atom is pentacoordinated with a slightly distorted trigonal bipyramidal environment. In this arrangement the three C-methyl atoms are equatorial and the O atoms from the monodentate nitrate and the water molecule are axial.     

Rare-earth-rich tellurides: Gd4NiTe2 and Er5M2Te2 (M=Co, Ni)

Three new rare earth metal-rich compounds, Gd₄NiTe₂, and Er₅M₂Te₂ (M=Ni, Co), were synthesized in direct reactions using R, R₃M, and R₂Te₃ (R=Gd, Er; M=Co, Ni) and single-crystal structures were determined. Gd₄NiTe₂ is orthorhombic and crystallizes in space group Pnma with four formula units per cell. Lattice parameters at 110(2) K are a=15.548(9), b=4.113(2), . Er₅Ni₂Te₂ and Er₅Co₂Te₂ are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with two formula units per cell. Lattice parameters at 110(2) K are a=3.934(1), b=14.811(4), , and a=3.898(1), b=14.920(3), , respectively. Metal-metal bonding correlations were analyzed using the empirical Pauling bond order concept.     

Synthesis and characterization of diorganotin(IV) derivatives from rhodanine (HRd): crystal structures of [(PhCH2)2Sn(Rd)(μ-OH)]2 and [n-Bu2Sn(Rd)(μ-OH)]2

The diorganotin(IV) complexes, [R₂Sn(Rd)(μ-OH)]₂ (R?=?Me (1), PhCH₂ (2), n-Bu (3), Ph (4); HRd?=?rhodanine), have been synthesized and characterized by IR and multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn) NMR spectroscopy. The structures of complexes 2 and 3 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both crystal structures of 2 and 3 show the presence of asymmetrically bridging hydroxy groups leading to an Sn₂O₂ unit. Each atom in complex 1 is also coordinated by an N atom of ligand and two C atoms of the alkyl groups, so the Sn environment is based on a trigonal bipyramid. While in complex 2, a weak intermolecular Sn–O interaction has also been found between the two adjacent molecules, so the geometry of the Sn atom can be best described as six-coordinate octahedral. The salient feature of the supramolecular structure of complex 3 is that of a 1D polymer, in which the discrete molecules are connected through weak intermolecular Sn?···?O interactions.     

Diorganotin(IV) complexes with 2-benzoylpyridine and 2-acetylpyrazine N(4)-phenylthiosemicarbazones: Synthesis, crystal structures and biological activities

Four diorganotin(IV) complexes [(Me)₂Sn(L¹)(CH₃COO)]·CH₃CH₂OH (1), [(Ph)₂Sn(L¹)(CH₃COO)]·CH₃CH₂OH (2), [(Me)₂Sn(L²)Cl] (3) and [(Ph)₂Sn(L²)(CH₃COO)] (4) where HL¹ = 2-benzoylpyridine N(4)-phenylthiosemicarbazone and HL² = 2-acetylpyrazine N(4)-phenylthiosemicarbazone have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR MS, ¹H NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Schiff bases in their deprotonated forms coordinate to tin(IV) via pyridine/pyrazine nitrogen atom and the nitrogen atom and sulfur atoms of the thiosemicarbazone moiety. The tin atom is seven-coordinated in 1, 2 and 4 containing one acetato group, respectively, and six-coordinated in 3 containing one chloride ion. Biological studies, carried out in vitro against selected bacteria and K562 leukaemia cells, respectively, have shown that different substituted groups attached at the thiosemicarbazone moieties and different diorganotin(IV) groups showed distinctive differences in the biological property.     

Crystal structure and spectral characterization of hexanuclear oxo titanium(IV) clusters: [Ti6O6(OSi(CH3)3)6(OOCR)6] (R = Bu,CH2Bu,C(CH3)2Et)

Hexanuclear oxo titanium(IV) siloxo carboxylate complexes with the general formula [Ti₆O₆(OSi(CH₃)₃)₆(OOCR)₆] (R = Bu^t (1), CH₂Bu^t (2), C(CH₃)₂Et (3)) were synthesized in quantitative yield, by the reaction of Ti(OSiMe₃)₄ with the appropriate organic acid. Crystal structure determination revealed that molecules of 1–3 are composed of [Ti₆-(μ₃-O)₆] cores stabilized by six syn–syn carboxylato bridges and six terminal siloxide ligands. Each metal atom is surrounded by six oxo atoms, capping the triangular faces of the distorted octahedron. Spectral characterization (IR, NMR) of 1–3 revealed a significant non-equivalence of the carboxylate group interactions, resulting from the asymmetry of the Ti-μ-OOC bonds of the syn–syn bridges. The thermal stability of the studied compounds was determined from TGA/DTA analysis.