Isolation and Characterization,Including by X‐ray Crystallography,of Contact and Solvent‐Separated Ion Pairs of Silenyl Lithium Species

Reaction of bromoacylsilane 1 (pink solution) with tBu₂MeSiLi (3.5 equiv) in a 4:1 hexane:THF solvent mixture at −78 °C to room temperature yields the solvent separated ion pair (SSIP) of silenyl lithium E‐[(tBuMe₂Si)(tBu₂MeSi)C=Si(SiMetBu₂)]⁻ [Li⋅4THF]⁺ 2 a (green–blue solution). Removal of the solvent and addition of benzene converts 2 a into the corresponding contact ion pair (CIP) 2 b (violet–red solution) with two THF molecules bonded to the lithium atom. The 2 a ⇌ 2 b interconversion is reversible upon THF⇌ benzene solvent change. Both 2 a and 2 b were characterized by X‐ray crystallography, NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. The degree of dissociation of the Si−Li bond has a large effect on the visible spectrum (and thus color) and on the silenylic ²⁹Si NMR chemical shift, but a small effect on the molecular structure. This is the first report of the X‐ray molecular structure of both the SSIP and the CIP of any R₂E=E′RM species (E=C, Si; E′=C, Si; M=metal).     

Synthesis and Chloride Affinity of Sterically Demanding Ditopic Lithium Bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borates

The synthesis and full characterization of the sterically demanding ditopic lithium bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borates Li₂[p‐C₆H₄(B(Ph)pz^R₂)₂] is reported (pz^R = 3‐phenylpyrazol‐1‐yl ( 3 ^Ph), 3‐t‐butylpyrazol‐1‐yl ( 3 ^tBu)). Compound 3 ^Ph crystallizes from THF as THF‐adduct 3 ^Ph(THF)₄ which features a straight conformation with a long Li···Li distance of 12.68(1) Å. Compound 3 ^tBu was found to function as efficient and selective scavenger of chloride ions. In the presence of LiCl it forms anionic complexes [ 3 ^tBuCl]⁻ with a central Li‐Cl‐Li core (Li···Li = 3.75(1) Å).     

Superfine Expanded Graphite with Large Capacity for Lithium Storage

A superfine expanded graphite (s‐EG) fiber material was investigated as an anode material for lithium‐based batteries. The fibers were prepared by decomposition of dicarbon monofluoride‐intercalated graphite. The high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images showed the fiber thickness in range of 2–3 nm with several microns in length. Lithium storage capacity in this material was measured in lithium half cells. High lithium storage capacity of about 1000 mAh · g^–1 at a rate of C/10, corresponding to Li₃C₆ composition was obtained. The material showed fairly good rate capability exhibiting lithium storage capabilities even at 60C. As a effect of ball milling, the s‐EG showed crystallographic ordering in the sample with reduced the lithium storage capacity corresponding to composition of LiC₆. A simple mathematical relation to account for the excess lithium storage capacity in this material is put forward.     

Structural Investigation of New Lithium Amidinates and Guanidinates

A series of potentially useful lithium amidinates and guanidinates were prepared and fully characterized. Treatment of N,N′‐diisopropylcarbodiimide with phenyllithium in diethyl ether afforded the lithium amidinate [PhC(NiPr)₂Li(OEt₂)]₂ ( 1 ). Similar treatment of N,N′‐diorganocarbodiimides R′–N=C=N–R′ [R′ = iPr, cyclohexyl (Cy)] with secondary lithium amides LiNR₂ [R₂ = Et₂, iPr₂, (CH₂)₄] followed by crystallization from THF or 1,4‐dioxane gave the lithium guanidinates [R₂NC(NR′)₂Li(S)]₂ [ 2 : R = Et, R′ = iPr, S = THF; 3 : R₂ = (CH₂)₄, R′ = iPr, S = THF; 4 : R = R′ = iPr, S = ½ 1,4‐dioxane; 5 : R₂ = (CH₂)₄, R′ = Cy, S = 1,4‐dioxane] as crystalline solids. Reaction of N‐lithioaziridine with the corresponding carbodiimides afforded solvent‐deficient [{C₂H₄NC(NiPr₂)₂}₂Li₂(THF)]₂ ( 6 ), and [C₂H₄NC(NEt)(NtBu)Li(THF)]₂ ( 7 ). Crystal structure determination revealed the presence of common ladder‐type dimeric structures for 1 – 5 . Compound 6 exists as a dimer of two ladder‐type dimers in the crystal, and 7 exhibits an unusual dimeric structure comprising an eight‐membered C₂N₄Li₂ ring.     

Electrophilic Iron Catalyst Paired with a Lithium Cation Enables Selective Functionalization of Non‐Activated Aliphatic C−H Bonds via Metallocarbene Intermediates

Combining an electrophilic iron complex [Fe(^Fpda)(THF)]₂ ( 3 ) [^Fpda=N,N′‐bis(pentafluorophenyl)‐o‐phenylenediamide] with the pre‐activation of α‐alkyl‐substituted α‐diazoesters reagents by LiAl(OR^F)₄ [OR^F=(OC(CF₃)₃] provides unprecedented access to selective iron‐catalyzed intramolecular functionalization of strong alkyl C(sp³)?H bonds. Reactions occur at 25 °C via α‐alkyl‐metallocarbene intermediates, and with activity/selectivity levels similar to those of rhodium carboxylate catalysts. Mechanistic investigations reveal a crucial role of the lithium cation in the rate‐determining formation of the electrophilic iron‐carbene intermediate, which then proceeds by concerted insertion into the C?H bond.     

Characterization of zinc-modified lithium tantalate thin films fabricated by chemical solution deposition method

Zinc-substituted lithium tantalate thin films were fabricated for improving the electrical resistivity by compensating the valence of lattice defects in LiTaO₃ crystal. The films with the chemical composition of (Li_1.00-x Zn _x )TaO₃ were fabricated on (111)Pt/TiO₂/SiO₂/(100)Si substrate by a chemical solution deposition technique using metal-organic precursors. Dense films consisting of a ilumenite-type crystalline phase were deposited by spin coating on the substrates, followed by heat-treatment at 650°C for 5 min in air. The leakage current density of the LiTaO₃ film was reduced from approximately 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁶ A/cm² by substituting Zn²⁺ ions for Li⁺ ions in the LiTaO₃ films. Polarization–electric field hysteresis loop was improved significantly by partial substitution of Zn²⁺ for Li⁺ ions, which is based on the enhancement of electrical resistivity.     

TiO2 Microboxes with Controlled Internal Porosity for High‐Performance Lithium Storage

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is considered a promising anode material for high‐power lithium ion batteries (LIBs) because of its low cost, high thermal/chemical stability, and good safety performance without solid electrolyte interface formation. However, the poor electronic conductivity and low lithium ion diffusivity of TiO₂ result in poor cyclability and lithium ion depletion at high current rates, which hinder them from practical applications. Herein we demonstrate that hierarchically structured TiO₂ microboxes with controlled internal porosity can address the aforementioned problems for high‐power, long‐life LIB anodes. A self‐templating method for the synthesis of mesoporous microboxes was developed through Na₂EDTA‐assisted ion exchange of CaTiO₃ microcubes. The resulting TiO₂ nanorods were organized into microboxes that resemble the microcube precursors. This nanostructured TiO₂ material has superior lithium storage properties with a capacity of 187 mAh g⁻¹ after 300 cycles at 1 C and good rate capabilities up to 20 C.     

Synthese und Kristallstrukturen der Nitrido‐Chloro‐Molybdate [Mg(THF)4{NMoCl4(THF)}2] · 4 CH2Cl2 und [Li(12‐Krone‐4)(NMoCl4)]2 · 2 CH2Cl2

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of the Nitrido‐chloro‐molybdates [Mg(THF)₄{NMoCl₄(THF)}₂] · 4 CH₂Cl₂ and [Li(12‐Crown‐4)(NMoCl₄)]₂ · 2 CH₂Cl₂ Both the title compounds as well as [Li(12‐crown‐4)₂]⁺MoNCl₄^– were made from MoNCl₃ and the chlorides MgCl₂ and LiCl, respectively, in dichloromethane suspensions in the presence of tetrahydrofuran and 12‐crown‐4, respectively. They form orange‐red moisture‐sensitive crystals, which were characterized by their IR spectra and partly by crystal structure analyses. [Mg(THF)₄{NMoCl₄(THF)}₂] · 4 CH₂Cl₂ ( 1 ): space group C2/m, Z = 2, lattice dimensions at –50 °C: a = 1736.6(1), b = 1194.8(1), c = 1293.5(2) pm; β = 90.87(1)°; R₁ = 0.037. In 1 the magnesium ion is coordinated octahedrally by the oxygen atoms of the four THF molecules and in trans‐position by the nitrogen atoms of the two [N≡MoCl₄(THF)]^– ions. [Li(12‐crown‐4)(NMoCl₄)]₂ · 2 CH₂Cl₂ ( 2 ): space group P 1, Z = 1, lattice dimensions at –70 °C: a = 930.4(1), b = 957.9(1), c = 1264.6(1) pm; α = 68.91(1)°, β = 81.38(1)°, γ = 63.84(1)°; R₁ = 0.0643. 2 forms a centrosymmetric ion ensemble in the dimeric cation of which, i. e. [Li(12‐crown‐4)]₂²⁺, the lithium ions on the one hand are connected to the four oxygen atoms each of the crown ether molecules in a way not yet known; and in addition, each of the lithium ions enters into a intermolecular Li–O bond with neighboring crown ether molecules under formation of a Li₂O₂ four‐membered ring. The two N≡MoCl₄^– counterions are loosely coordinated to one oxygen atom each of the crown ether molecules with Mo–O distances of 320.2 pm.     

Alkali Metal and Alkaline Earth Metal Complexes with the Bis(borane‐diphenylphosphanyl)amido Ligand – Synthesis,Structures, and Catalysis for Ring‐Opening Polymerization of ϵ‐Caprolactone

The syntheses of lithium and alkaline earth metal complexes with the bis(borane‐diphenylphosphanyl)amido ligand ( 1 ‐ H ) of molecular formulas [{κ²‐N(PPh₂(BH₃))₂}Li(THF)₂] ( 2 ) and [{κ³‐N(PPh₂(BH₃))₂}₂M(THF)₂] [(M = Ca ( 3 ), Sr ( 4 ), Ba ( 5 )] are reported. The lithium complex 2 was obtained by treatment of bis(borane‐diphenylphosphanyl)amine ( 1 ‐ H ) with lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in a 1:1 molar ratio via the silylamine elimination method. The corresponding homoleptic alkaline earth metal complexes 3 – 5 were prepared by two synthetic routes – first, the treatment of metal bis(trimethylsilyl)amide and protio ligand 1 ‐ H via the elimination of silylamine, and second, through salt metathesis reaction involving respective metal diiodides and lithium salt 2 . The molecular structures of lithium complex 2 and barium complex 5 were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In the solid‐state structure of 2 , the lithium ion is ligated by amido nitrogen atoms and hydrogen atoms of the BH₃ group in κ²‐coordination of the ligand 1 resulting in a distorted tetrahedral geometry around the lithium ion. However, in complex 5 , κ³‐coordination of the ligand 1 was observed, and the barium ion adopted a distorted octahedral arrangement. The metal complex 5 was tested as catalyst for the ring opening polymerization of ?‐caprolactone. High activity for the barium complex 5 towards ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ?‐caprolactone with a narrow polydispersity index was observed. Additionally, first‐principle calculations to investigate the structure and coordination properties of alkaline earth metal complexes 3 – 5 as a comparative study between the experimental and theoretical findings were described.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Lithium,Sodium, and ­Potassium Derivatives of 2‐(Methylthio)aniline and 2‐(Phenylthio)aniline

2‐(Methylthio)aniline (H₂L¹) and 2‐(phenylthio)aniline (H₂L²) were treated with n‐butyllithium to yield the corresponding anilides [LiHL¹] and [LiHL²]. Recrystallization from diethyl ether and THF afforded the solvates [LiHL¹(Et₂O)] and [LiHL²(THF)₂]. The X‐ray crystal structure determination revealed dimeric molecules which exhibit a centrosymmetric Li₂N₂ ring. In the case of [LiHL¹(Et₂O)] the SMe group is involved in Li coordination and in the case of [LiHL²(THF)₂] the SPh group is part of an intramolecular N–H ··· S hydrogen bridge. The sodium anilides [NaHL¹(DME)] and [NaHL²(DME)] were obtained from the reaction of H₂L¹ and H₂L² with sodium amide in DME as solvent. Like in the case of the lithium amides the sodium derivatives [NaHL¹(DME)] and [NaHL²(DME)] display centrosymmetric Na₂N₂ cores. The coordination sphere of the sodium atoms is completed by DME molecules, which act as chelating ligands. In the case of [NaHL¹(DME)] the DME molecules enable additionally a linkage of the dimeric subunits to give a chain structure. The potassium derivatives [KNHL¹] and [KNHL²(DME)] were obtained from H₂L¹ and H₂L² and potassium hydride in DME as solvent. [KNHL¹] displays a distinct structure based on [(KNHL¹)₂] dimers, which are linked by additional [KNHL¹] units to give a 3D coordination polymer with {4.8.16(3)} topology. [KNHL²(DME)] forms dimers linked by bridging DME molecules to give a chain‐like coordination polymer.     

Hexanuclear Wheel‐Shaped Lithium N‐(2,6‐Diisopropylphenyl)‐N′‐(2‐pyridylethyl)benzamidinate

Lithiation of N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐N′‐(2‐pyridylethyl)benzamidine ( 1 ) with LiN(SiMe₃)₂ in a solvent mixture of toluene and TMEDA yields hexameric lithium N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐N′‐(2‐pyridylethyl)benzamidinate ( 2 ), which can be purified by recrystallization from a solvent mixture of toluene and THF. The three‐coordinate lithium ions have T‐shaped coordination spheres. The negative charge is delocalized within the 1,3‐diazaallylic system, which adopts a (syn‐Z)‐arrangement.     

Li7PS6 and Li6PS5X (X: Cl,Br, I): Possible Three‐dimensional Diffusion Pathways for Lithium Ions and Temperature Dependence of the Ionic Conductivity by Impedance Measurements

Possible three‐dimensional diffusion pathways of lithium ions in crystalline lithium argyrodites are discussed based on earlier studies of local dynamics and site preferences. The specific Li‐ionic conductivities of the lithium argyrodites Li₇PS₆ and Li₆PS₅X (X: Cl, Br, I) and their temperature dependences are measured by impedance spectroscopy using different electron‐blocking and ion‐blocking electrode systems. Measurements were carried out between 160 K and 550 K depending on the respective sample. Bulk and grain boundary contributions and the influence of sample preparation are discussed. Typical values for the ionic conductivities at room temperature are in the range 10^–7 to 10^–5 S ·  cm^–1 and at 500 K between 10^–6 and 10^–3 S ·  cm^–1. Thermal activation energies are in the range 0.16 to 0.56 eV. The electronic conductivity at room temperature was measured by polarization measurements for the samples Li₆PS₅X (X: Cl, Br) and was shown to be in the order of magnitude of 10^–8 S ·  cm^–1. Chemical diffusion coefficients of lithium were calculated based on the polarization measurements. For Li₆PS₅Br a high value of 3.5 × 10^–6 cm² · s^–1 was found.     

Interannular Nitrogen‐Lithium Bridges in Ferrocenophanes

1,1′‐Bis(trimethylsilylamino)ferrocene ( 1 ) reacts with two equivalents of butyllithium to give the N,N′‐dilithiated amide ( 2 ) which has already served in the synthesis of various 1,n‐diaza‐(n)ferrocenophanes (n ≥ 3). Addition of pyridine affords the dipyridine adduct 3 which could be isolated and characterised in the solid state by X‐ray crystallography. An N₂Li₂ bridge is present in 3 , and each lithium atom bears one pyridine ligand. From multinuclear magnetic resonance studies (¹H, ⁷Li, ¹³C, ²⁹Si, ³¹P NMR) it appears that important features of the solid state structure of 3 are retained in solution, in particular in the presence of ether or HMPTA [O=P(NMe₂)₃], whereas the structure is likely to be different in the absence of donor ligands. The optimised gas phase structures [B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) level of theory] of the parent compound fc(NHLi‐NH₃)₂ corresponds closely to that of 3 , whereas that of fc(NHLi)₂ reveals an unsymmetrical N₂Li₂ bridge with one of the lithium atoms in closer contact to the substituted carbon atoms (C¹ and C^1′) of the cyclopentadienyl rings.     

Snapshots of the Hydrolysis of the Lithium Alkoxide [Li{OC(CF3)3}]4

Exposure of the tetrameric, heterocubane‐like perfluorinated lithium alkoxide [Li{OC(CF₃)₃}]₄ to humid air gaverise to the hydrolysis products [{(CF₃)₃CO}Li(H₂O)₂‐μ‐(H₂O)‐Li(H₂O)₂{OC(CF₃)₃}], [{(CF₃)₃CO}Li(H₂O)₂‐μ‐(H₂O)‐Li‐(H₂O)₃]⁺[OC(CF₃)₃]^– and [Li(H₂O)₄]⁺[OC(CF₃)₃]^– because of stepwise addition of water molecules in a gas‐solid reaction without solvent. All compounds were studied by X‐ray crystallography and their solid‐state structures are strongly influenced by hydrogen bonding and fluorophilic interactions.     

Isolation and Characterization,Including by X‐ray Crystallography,of Contact and Solvent‐Separated Ion Pairs of Silenyl Lithium Species

Reaction of bromoacylsilane 1 (pink solution) with tBu₂MeSiLi (3.5 equiv) in a 4:1 hexane:THF solvent mixture at ?78 °C to room temperature yields the solvent separated ion pair (SSIP) of silenyl lithium E‐[(tBuMe₂Si)(tBu₂MeSi)C=Si(SiMetBu₂)]^? [Li?4THF]⁺ 2 a (green–blue solution). Removal of the solvent and addition of benzene converts 2 a into the corresponding contact ion pair (CIP) 2 b (violet–red solution) with two THF molecules bonded to the lithium atom. The 2 a ? 2 b interconversion is reversible upon THF? benzene solvent change. Both 2 a and 2 b were characterized by X‐ray crystallography, NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. The degree of dissociation of the Si?Li bond has a large effect on the visible spectrum (and thus color) and on the silenylic ²⁹Si NMR chemical shift, but a small effect on the molecular structure. This is the first report of the X‐ray molecular structure of both the SSIP and the CIP of any R₂E=E′RM species (E=C, Si; E′=C, Si; M=metal).     

Comparative investigation of LiNbO3 crystals Raman spectra in the temperature range 100–400 K

We have investigated Raman spectra of congruent and stoichiometric LiNbO₃ crystals in the temperature range 100–450 K. Slope gradient is greater for the temperature dependence of band width associated with Nb⁵⁺ ions vibrations than that associated with Li⁺ ions vibrations in a lithium niobate crystal structure. This fact indicates that the anharmonicity of Nb⁵⁺ ions vibrations along the polar axis is greater compared to Li⁺ ions vibrations. It is likely that O^2– ions contribute to this anharmonicity. The O^2– ions vibrations are characterized by an anharmonic potential in the LiNbO₃ crystal structure. The O^2– ions vibrations according to ab initio calculations strongly interact with vibrations of Nb⁵⁺ ions. We have found that the temperature dependence of the fundamental bands intensity is nonmonotonic and the “extra bands” intensity is strictly linear.     

Reversible Lithium Intercalation into the Three‐Dimensional Cluster Network Structure of Ta6Cl15

A crystalline powder of Ta₆Cl₁₅ was synthesized through solid state reaction of Ta powder, and TaCl₅ at 700 °C. The structure contains [Ta₆Cl₁₂]³⁺ clusters which are three‐dimensionally interconnected by Cl bridges, leaving cavities which are shown to be suitable for lithium insertion. Reversible lithium intercalation into Ta₆Cl₁₅ involves 1 mol of lithium per formula unit under equilibrium conditions, when cells are discharged between 3 and 1.8 V, leading to the upper composition LiTa₆Cl₁₅. Although capacity values within this reversible voltage range are small (ca. 25 Ah·kg^?1), the cycle life of such Li/Ta₆Cl₁₅ cells is excellent, and the initial capacity value is maintained over 1500 cycles. On the other hand, a maximum of 15 moles of lithium can be reacted with one mole Ta₆Cl₁₅ when lithium cells were deep‐discharged. This process is likely due to the complete and irreversible reduction of the parent by lithium.     

Treatment of a Methylene‐Bridged Dialuminium Compound with Lithium Alkanides and Alkynides ‐ Single vs. Twofold Terminal Coordination

We have investigated the coordination of alkanide and alkynide anions to the coordinatively unsaturated aluminium atoms of the methylene‐bridged dialuminium compound R₂Al‐CH₂‐AlR₂ [ 1 , R = CH(SiMe₃)₂]. Treatment of 1 with the corresponding lithium derivatives in the presence of a small excess of TMEN (TMEN = tetramethylethylenediamine) yielded mono‐adducts [M]⁺[R₂Al‐CH₂‐AlR₂R']^– [ 2a , M = Li(TMEN)₂, R' = Me; 2b , M = Li(TMEN)₂, R' = n‐Bu; 3a , M = Li(TMEN)₂, R' = C≡C‐SiMe₃; 3b , M = Li(TMEN)₂, R' = C≡C‐t‐Bu; 3d , M = Li(DME)₃, R' = C≡C‐Ph; 3e , M = Li(TMEN)₂, R' = C≡C‐PPh₂)] and bis‐adducts [Li(TMEN)₂]⁺[LiCH₂(AlR₂R')₂]^– [ 4a , R' = C≡C‐CH₂‐NEt₂; 4b , R' = C≡C‐t‐Bu]. In the solid state the mono‐adducts have clearly separated coordinatively saturated (coordination number four) and unsaturated aluminium atoms (coordination number three). In solution the groups R' show a fast exchange between both aluminium atoms as evident from the room temperature NMR spectra that showed in most cases equivalent CH(SiMe₃)₂ groups despite different coordination spheres of the metal atoms. Only 2b gave the expected splitting of resonances at ambient temperature, while cooling was required to prevent the dynamic process for 3a . The dialkynide 4a has a unique molecular structure with one of the lithium cations bonded to the α‐carbon atoms of the alkynido ligands and to the carbon atom of the methylene bridge which is five‐coordinate with a distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination sphere.     

Selective Lithium Adsorption of Silicon Oxide Coated Lithium Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxide Nanocrystals and Their Regeneration

Silicon oxide-coated lithium aluminum layered double hydroxide (Li_xAl₂-LDH@SiO₂) nanocrystals (NCs) are investigated to selectively separate lithium cations in aqueous lithium resources. We directly synthesized Li_xAl₂-LDH NC arrays by oxidation of aluminum foil substrate under a urea and lithium solution. Various lithium salts, including Cl⁻, CO₃²⁻, NO₃⁻, and SO₄²⁻, were applied in aqueous solution to confirm the anion effect on the captured and released lithium quantity of the Li_xAl₂-LDH NCs. In a 5% solution of sulfate ions mix with lithium chloride, the Li_xAl₂-LDH NCs separated a larger quantity of lithium than in other anion conditions. To enhance regeneration stability and lithium selectivity, thin layers of SiO₂ were coated onto the Li_xAl₂-LDH nanostructure arrays for inhibition of nanostructure destruction after desorption of lithium cations in hot water. The Li_xAl₂-LDH@SiO₂ nanostructures showed enhanced properties for lithium adsorption, including increase of stable regeneration cycles from three to five cycles, and they showed high lithium selectivity in the Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ cation mixed aqueous resource. Our nanostructured LDH lithium adsorbents would provide a facile and efficient application for cost-efficient and large-scale lithium production.