Electro-optical investigations and effect of asymmetry in bent-core liquid crystals

We report the synthesis and mesomorphic properties of a homologous series (10a–10g) of bent-core molecules constructed through covalent linkage of structurally non-symmetrical rod-like mesogens connected with a 1, 3-phenylene unit. The study of homologous series underlines the importance of length and nature of terminal chains. The homologues of shorter chains show a typical non-switchable rectangular columnar B₁ phase, while the switchable lamellar (B₂) phase is induced on moving to higher homologues. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate the presence of B₁ and B₂ mesophases. Polarised optical microscopy investigations under electric field in the B₂ phases revealed the existence of anticlinic antiferroelectric texture. The measured spontaneous polarisation value in one of the compounds is 936 nC cm^?2, a high polarisation value in bent-core liquid crystals.     

Dielectric characterization of B3 and B4 phases

Dielectric measurements on two samples formed from banana-shaped molecules with terminal alkyl or alkyloxy groups were carried out in a frequency range between 10^-3 Hz and 10 MHz. Both samples exhibit B₂ and B₃ phases; one of them has a B₄ state as well. As usual, two ranges of relaxation were detected in the B₂ phase, the fast reorientation about the long axes of the molecules and a slow collective process. Only one dielectrically active low frequency process could be separated in the B₃ and B₄ phases; this is probably related to the dynamics of superstructures. The high frequency limit of the dielectric constants gives a hint that neither phase is a classical solid. A quite strong increase in the conductivity at the transition into the B₃ phase is critically discussed.     

Chemical Synthesis with Gaseous Molecular Ions: Harvesting [B12Br11N2]− from a Mass Spectrometer

Mass spectrometry frequently reveals the existence of transient gas phase ions that have not been synthesized in solution or in bulk. These elusive ions are, therefore, often considered to be primarily of analytical value in fundamental gas phase studies. Here, we provide proof-of-concept that the products of ion-molecule reactions in mass spectrometers may be collected on surfaces to generate condensed matter and thus serve as building blocks to synthesize new compounds. The highly reactive fragment anion [B₁₂Br₁₁]⁻ was generated in a mass spectrometer and converted to [B₁₂Br₁₁N₂]⁻ in the presence of molecular nitrogen followed by its mass-selection and soft-landing on surfaces. The molecular structure of [B₁₂Br₁₁N₂]⁻, which has not been synthetically obtained before, was confirmed by conventional methods of molecular analysis, including nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy. The [B₁₂Br₁₁N₂]⁻ ion is stable on surfaces and in solution at room temperature, but thermal annealing induces elimination of N₂ and provides access to the highly reactive intermediate [B₁₂Br₁₁]⁻ in the condensed phase, which can be further used as a reagent, for example, for electrophilic aromatic substitutions. Thus, isolation of [B₁₂Br₁₁N₂]⁻ expands the repertoire of the available diazo ions that can be employed as versatile intermediates in various chemical transformations.     

Laser-induced fluorescence of benzyl radicals in the gas phase

The excitation spectrum of the laser-induced fluorescence of benzyl has been observed in the gas phase. Fluorescence lifetimes of 880 ± 10 ns at zero pressure were obtained for the s, t and 6a¹₀ bands of the (1 ²A₂—1 ²B₂, 2 ²B₂—1 ²B₂) transitions of benzyl-h₇. The fluorescence lifetime of the t band in the corresponding transition of benzyl-d₇ was 1340 ns.     

B2Au20/-/2-: 硼金团簇中的硼-硼多重键

采用密度泛函和波函数理论方法对B₂Au^20/-/2-的几何结构和电子结构进行研究. 计算结果表明阴离子B₂Au^2- ([Au-B B-Au]^-) (C_2h, ²A_u)和B₂Au^22- ([Au-B≡B-Au]^2-) (C_2h, ¹A_g)的基态结构均为线性结构, 即以含有多重键的BB单元(B B或B≡B)为中心, 两端各连接一个Au原子, 但两端的B－Au键不在同一直线上, 结构稍有变形; 而中性分子B₂Au₂ ([Au-B＝B-Au]) (D_∞h, ³Σ_g^-)的基态结构是以B＝B为中心, 两端各与一个Au原子相连的完美的线性结构. C_2h B₂Au^2-的单电子垂直剥离能和对称性伸缩振动频率的计算结果为实验表征提供依据.另外, 计算发现无机盐B₂Au₂Li₂结构中仍包含B≡B, 此结果一方面为其实验合成提供了可能性, 另一方面表明含有B≡B的B₂Au₂^2-结构极为稳定, 可作为结构单元存在于凝聚相中.     

On the Oxidation of the Three‐Dimensional Aromatics [B12X12]2− (X=F,Cl, Br,I)

The perhalogenated closo‐dodecaborate dianions [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? (X=H, F, Cl, Br, I) are three‐dimensional counterparts to the two‐dimensional aromatics C₆X₆ (X=H, F, Cl, Br, I). Whereas oxidation of the parent compounds [B₁₂H₁₂]^2? and benzene does not lead to isolable radicals, the perhalogenated analogues can be oxidized by chemical or electrochemical methods to give stable radicals. The chemical oxidation of the closo‐dodecaborate dianions [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? with the strong oxidizer AsF₅ in liquid sulfur dioxide (lSO₂) yielded the corresponding radical anions [B₁₂X₁₂] ^{? ?} (X=F, Cl, Br). The presence of radical ions was proven by EPR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and supported by quantum chemical calculations. Use of an excess amount of the oxidizing agent allowed the synthesis of the neutral perhalogenated hypercloso‐boranes B₁₂X₁₂ (X=Cl, Br). These compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction of dark blue B₁₂Cl₁₂ and [Na(SO₂)₆][B₁₂Br₁₂] ? B₁₂Br₁₂. Sublimation of the crude reaction products that contained B₁₂X₁₂ (X=Cl, Br) resulted in pure dark blue B₁₂Cl₁₂ or decomposition to red B₉Br₉, respectively. The energetics of the oxidation processes in the gas phase were calculated by DFT methods at the PBE0/def2‐TZVPP level of theory. They revealed the trend of increasing ionization potentials of the [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? dianions by going from fluorine to bromine as halogen substituent. The oxidation of all [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? dianions was also studied in the gas phase by mass spectrometry in an ion trap. The electrochemical oxidation of the closo‐dodecaborate dianions [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? (X=F, Cl, Br, I) by cyclic and Osteryoung square‐wave voltammetry in liquid sulfur dioxide or acetonitrile showed very good agreement with quantum chemical calculations in the gas phase. For [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? (X=F, Cl, Br) the first and second oxidation processes are detected. Whereas the first process is quasi‐reversible (with oxidation potentials in the range between +1.68 and +2.29 V (lSO₂, versus ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc^0/+))), the second process is irreversible (with oxidation potentials ranging from +2.63 to +2.71 V (lSO₂, versus Fc^0/+)). [B₁₂I₁₂]^2? showed a complex oxidation behavior in cyclic voltammetry experiments, presumably owing to decomposition of the cluster anion under release of iodide, which also explains the failure to isolate the respective radical by chemical oxidation.     

Phase diagrams and physicochemical properties of Li<Superscript>+</Superscript>,K<Superscript>+</Superscript>(Rb<Superscript>+</Superscript>)//borate–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O systems at 323 K

The phase and physicochemical properties diagrams of Li⁺,K⁺(Rb⁺)//borate–H₂O systems at 323 K were constructed using the experimentally measured solubilities, densities, and refractive indices. The Schreinemakers’ wet residue method and the X-ray diffraction were used for the determination of the compositions of solid phase. Results show that these two systems belong to the hydrate I type, with no solid solution or double salt formation. The borate phases formed in our experiments are RbB₅O₆(OH)₄ · 2H₂O, Li₂B₄O₅(OH)₄ · H₂O, and K₂B₄O₅(OH)₄ · 2H₂O. Comparison between the stable phase diagrams of the studied system at 288, 323, and 348 K show that in this temperature range, the crystallization form of salts do not changed. With the increase in temperature, the crystallization field of Li₂B₄O₅(OH)₄ · H₂O salt at 348 K is obviously larger than that at 288 K. In the Li⁺,K⁺(Rb⁺)//borate–H₂O systems, the densities and refractive indices of the solutions (at equilibrium) increase along with the mass fraction of K₂B₄O₇ (Rb₂B₄O₇), and reach the maximum values at invariant point E.     

Modulation of fluorescence emission of 1-(2-pyridyl) pyrazole derived Schiff base ligands by exploiting their metal ion sensitive binding modes

Dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes [MoO₂(B¹)H₂O] (1), [MoO₂(B²)EtOH] (2), [MoO₂(B³)EtOH] (3) and [MoO₂(B⁴)EtOH] (4) were synthesized using the Schiff base ligands H₂B¹(previously reported), H₂B², H₂B³ and H₂B⁴, respectively. These ligands were prepared by condensation of 1-(2-pyridyl) 5-methyl 3-pyrazole carbohydrazide with salicylaldehyde, o-hydroxy acetophenone, 5-bromo salicylaldehyde and 5-nitro salicylaldehyde respectively. Due to the presence of a substituted 1-(2-pyridyl) pyrazole unit, ligands H₂B¹, H₂B² and H₂B³ exhibit fluorescent emissions, and the most intense emission was obtained for H₂B³. H₂B⁴ is incapable of showing fluorescence emission. As the ligands are capable of using different binding modes, according to the demands of the guest metal ions, their emission properties also change accordingly. The dioxomolybdenum(VI) complex of the ligand H₂B¹, i.e. complex 1, shows quenched emission compared to H₂B¹. Again when Cu²⁺, Co²⁺ or Ni²⁺ ions are added to a solution of 1, in each case a new complex of Cu²⁺ Co²⁺ or Ni²⁺ is formed in solution and further quenching was observed. However, with Zn²⁺ input to a solution of 1, fluorescence recovery was observed up to the level of the free ligand. The copper(II) complex of H₂B¹ (complex 5), produced by adding equivalent amount of Cu²⁺ salt to a solution of 1, was isolated and characterized. One of the dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes, 3, when subjected to an oxo-transfer reaction with PPh₃ produces complex [MoO(B³)CH₃CN] (6). Complex 6 shows reduced fluorescence emissions compared to 3 in the solid phase. These observations open up the possibilities for these ligands to work as fluorescent signaling system with different metal ion inputs. All the complexes are characterized by elemental analyses, electronic spectra, IR, ¹H NMR, magnetic measurements, EPR and by cyclic voltammetry. Complexes 1 and 5, as well as the ligands H₂B² and H₂B³, have been crystallographically characterized.     

Undecahalo‐closo‐undecaborates [B11Hal11]2–

The closo‐undecaborate A₂[B₁₁H₁₁] (A = NBzlEt₃) can be halogenated with excess N‐chlorosuccine imide, bromine or iodine, respectively, to give the perhalo‐closo‐undecaborates A₂[B₁₁Hal₁₁] (Hal = Cl, Br, I). The chlorination in the 11 : 1 ratio of the reagents yields A₂[B₁₁HCl₁₀], whose subsequent iodination makes A₂[B₁₁Cl₁₀I] available. The three type [B₁₁Hal₁₁]^2– anions show only one and the two type [B₁₁Cl₁₀X]^2– anions (X = H, I) only two ¹¹B NMR peaks in the ratio 10 : 1, thus exhibiting the same degenerate rearrangement of the octadecahedral B₁₁ skeleton as is well‐known for [B₁₁H₁₁]^2–. The crystal structure analysis of A₂[B₁₁Br₁₁] and A₂[B₁₁I₁₁] reveals a rigid octadecahedral skeleton in the solid state, up to 330 K, whose B–B bond lengths deviate more or less from the idealized C_2v gas phase structure, but are in good accordance with the distances of A₂[B₁₁H₁₁]. Electrochemical experiments elucidate the mechanism of the known oxidation of [B₁₁H₁₁]^2– to give [B₂₂H₂₂]^2–: A first one‐electron transfer is followed by the dimerization of the [B₁₁H₁₁]^– monoanion, whereas neutral B₁₁H₁₁, a presumably most reactive species, does not play a role as an intermediate. The electrochemical oxidation of [B₁₁Hal₁₁]^2– anions also starts with a one‐electron transfer, which is perfectly reversible only in the case of Hal = Br. There is no electrochemical indication for the formation of [B₂₂Hal₂₂]^2–. The neutral species B₁₁Hal₁₁ should be a short‐lived, very reactive species.     

Studies on tetraborane(8) carbonyl, B4H8·CO: its isomeric composition in the gas phase and in solution, and its reactions with alkenes

¹¹B NMR spectra of tetraborane(8) carbonyl, B₄H₈·CO 1, reveal a changeover in the distribution of isomers in going from toluene solution to the gas phase. Fortuitously the distribution is 60:40 in each case, but comparison with published electron diffraction data and ab initio/IGLO computations indicates that the CO group is disposed endo with respect to the B₄ `butterfly' framework in the predominant isomer in the gas phase, and exo in solution. The results also allow conclusions to be drawn about the geometries of other B₄H₈·L isomers on the basis of their reported proton NMR chemical shifts. Reactions of B₄H₈·CO with ethene and propene at ca. 30 bar yield products, R₄B₄H₄·CO (R=Et 2 or Pr³ 3), in which all four wingtip hydrogen atoms of the tetraborane carbonyl have been replaced by alkyl groups. Variable-temperature ¹¹B and ¹H NMR spectra of 2 and 3 reveal interesting fluxional behaviour.     

Impact of Intermolecular Non-Covalent Interactions in a CuI8PdII1 Discrete Assembly: Conformers’ Geometries and Stimuli-Sensitive Luminescence Properties

A new highly solid-state luminescent phase of a previously reported weakly luminescent Cu^I₈Pd^II₁ dicationic assembly is reported revealing the high geometrical versatility of this moiety that importantly alters its luminescent properties. This very minor new species B_c is based on a different conformer scaffold than the one encountered in the previously reported B_o form and, essentially differs from B_o by displaying shorter Cu^I-Cu^I intermetallic distances. DFT calculations allow concluding that the predominance in the solid-state of the weakly luminescent and less stable B_o phase is due to the extra stability induced by a larger number of intermolecular non-covalent π-CH interactions in its crystalline packing and not by the intrinsic stability of the Cu^I₈Pd^II₁ dicationic moiety. Calculations also revealed that a more stable conformation B_calc is expected in vacuum, which bears a different distribution of Cu^I-Cu^I intermetallic distances than the dications in B_o and B_c phases. Taking into account that the geometrical alterations are associated to drastic changes of luminescence properties, this confer to the Cu^I₈Pd^II₁ assembly high potentiality as stimuli-sensitive luminescent materials. Indeed, by applying mechanical or thermal stress to samples of B_o phase, new phases B_g and B_m , respectively, were obtained. Alterations of the solid-state photophysical properties of these new species compared to those recorded for B_o are reported together with a combined experimental and computed study of the structures/properties relationships observed in these phases.     

Overview of the Structure–Dynamics–Function Relationships in Borohydrides for Use as Solid-State Electrolytes in Battery Applications

The goal of this article is to highlight crucial breakthroughs in solid-state ionic conduction in borohydrides for battery applications. Borohydrides, M^z+B_xH_y, form in various molecular structures, for example, nido-M⁺BH₄; closo-M²⁺B₁₀H₁₀; closo-M²⁺B₁₂H₁₂; and planar-M⁶⁺B₆H₆ with M = cations such as Li⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺, which can participate in ionic conduction. This overview article will fully explore the phase space of boron–hydrogen chemistry in order to discuss parameters that optimize these materials as solid electrolytes for battery applications. Key properties for effective solid-state electrolytes, including ionic conduction, electrochemical window, high energy density, and resistance to dendrite formation, are also discussed. Because of their open structures (for closo-boranes) leading to rapid ionic conduction, and their ability to undergo phase transition between low conductivity and high conductivity phases, borohydrides deserve a focused discussion and further experimental efforts. One challenge that remains is the low electrochemical stability of borohydrides. This overview article highlights current knowledge and additionally recommends a path towards further computational and experimental research efforts.     

Photoactive liquid crystalline polymers: A comprehensive study of linear and hyperbranched polymers synthesized by A2B2, A2B3, A3B2, and A3B3 approaches

A series of linear and hyperbranched polyester epoxies, with varied structural parameters such as kinked structure and different dendritic architectures, were synthesized by A₂ + B₂, A₂ + B₃, A₃ + B₂, and A₃ + B₃ approaches. The structures of synthesized monomers and polymers were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic techniques. The effect of varied structural parameters on phase behavior and photoresponsive properties was investigated by using differential scanning calorimeter, thermal optical polarized microscope, UV–visible spectroscopy, photoviscosity, and refractive index studies. The transition temperatures of hyperbranched polymers were higher than that of the corresponding linear analogues. All the polymers showed nematic phase (nematic droplets) over a broad temperature range. The effect of kinked structural unit on photoresponsive property is less in both linear and hyperbranched architectures. Although the effect of architectural nature is highly considerable within the hyperbranched architectures, the polymer (HPE–33) synthesized by A₃ + B₃ approach showed highest rate of photocrosslinking, followed by HPE–I 32; HPE–T 32, and HPE–23, which were synthesized by A₃ + B₂ and A₂ + B₃ approaches, respectively. The findings in photoresponsive properties were further supported by molecular modeling studies. Substantial variation of refractive index (0.015–0.024) indicates that these polymers could be used for optical recording. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Evidence of a transition to reorientational disorder in the cubic alkali-metal dodecahydro-closo-dodecaborates

A neutron powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study indicates that Cs₂B₁₂H₁₂ undergoes a second-order phase transition near 529 K that can be described as a reorientational disordering of the B₁₂H₁₂²⁻ icosahedral anions between two lowest-energy configurations within the cubic structure. Such a disordering requires the addition of another mirror plane to the low-temperature Fm3? structural symmetry to become Fm3?m. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements suggest the possible persistence of some short-range anion order at and above the transition. Additional DSC measurements of the lighter alkali-metal cubic isomorphs, Rb₂B₁₂H₁₂ and K₂B₁₂H₁₂, also indicate second-order transitions for these compounds near 742 K and 811 K, respectively. These results are suggestive of similar order–disorder phase changes as for Cs₂B₁₂H₁₂, although confirmation of their existence requires analogous diffraction measurements.     

Synthesis and Thermodynamic Properties of MgO·B_2O_3·4H_2O

ＩｎｔｒｏｄｕｃｔｉｏｎＴｈｅｒｅａｒｅｍａｎｙｋｉｎｄｓｏｆｍａｇｎｅｓｉｕｍｂｏｒａｔｅｓ ,ｂｏｔｈｎａｔｕｒａｌａｎｄｓｙｎｔｈｅｔｉｃ .Ａｂｏｒａｔｅｄｏｕｂｌｅｓａｌｔ (2ＭｇＯ·2Ｂ2 Ｏ3 ·ＭｇＣｌ2 · 14Ｈ2 Ｏ)ｎａｍｅｄｃｈｌｏｒｏｐｉｎｎｏｉｔｅｗａｓｏｂ ｔａｉｎｅｄｆｒｏｍｔｈｅｎａｔｕｒａｌｃｏｎｃｅｎｔｒａｔｅｄｓａｌｔｌａｋｅｂｒｉｎｅ .1Ｉｎｏｒｄｅｒｔｏｆｉｎｄｔｈｅｆｏｒｍｉｎｇｒｅｌａｔｉｏｎｂｅｔｗｅｅｎｔｈｅｄｏｕｂｌｅｓａｌｔａｎｄｍａｇｎｅｓｉｕｍ ｂｏｒａ…     

Stability of B12(CN)122−: Implications for Lithium and Magnesium Ion Batteries

Multiply charged negative ions are seldom stable in the gas phase. Electrostatic repulsion leads either to autodetachment of electrons or fragmentation of the parent ion. With a binding energy of the second electron at 0.9 eV, B₁₂H₁₂^2? is a classic example of a stable dianion. It is shown here that ligand substitution can lead to unusually stable multiply charged anions. For example, dodecacyanododecaborate, B₁₂(CN)₁₂^2?, created by substituting H by CN is found to be highly stable with the second electron bound by 5.3 eV, which is six times larger than that in the B₁₂H₁₂^2?. Equally important is the observation that CB₁₁(CN)₁₂^2?, which contains one electron more than needed to satisfy the Wade‐Mingos rule, is also stable with its second electron bound by 1.1 eV, while CB₁₁H₁₂^2? is unstable. The ability to stabilize multiply charged anions in the gas phase by ligand manipulation opens a new door for multiply charged species with potential applications as halogen‐free electrolytes in ion batteries.     

The closo-Cluster Triad: B9X9, [B9X9]· –, and [B9X9]2– with Tricapped Trigonal Prisms (X = Cl,Br, I). Syntheses,Crystal and Electronic Structures

Halogenation of nido-B₁₀H₁₄ with C₂H₂Cl₄, C₂Cl₆, Br₂, or I₂, produces by cluster degradation the (2 n)-closo-clusters B₉X₉ (X = Cl, Br, I). The synthesis of salts of the perhalogenated radical anions of the type (2 n + 1)-closo-[B₉X₉]^{· –} and of the corresponding dianions (2 n + 2)-closo-[B₉X₉]^2– from neutral B₉X₉ is described [n is the number of cluster atoms; (2 n), (2 n + 1), and (2 n + 2) is the number of cluster electrons]. Molecular and crystal structures of B₉Cl₉, B₉Br₉, [(C₆H₅)₄P][B₉Br₉] · CH₂Cl₂, and [(C₄H₉)₄N]₂[B₉Br₉] · CH₂Cl₂ have been determined via X-ray diffraction. All three oxidation states of the cluster retain the tricapped trigonal prism. The reduction of the clusters B₉X₉ was shown by cyclic voltammetry in CH₂Cl₂ to proceed via two successive one-electron reversible steps, separated by at least 0.4 V. The paramagnetic radical anions [B₉X₉]^{· –} (X = Cl, Br) were further characterized by magnetic susceptibility measurements of [Cp₂Fe][B₉X₉] and [Cp₂Co][B₉X₉], respectively. The EPR spectra of [B₉X₉]^{· –} (X = Cl, Br, I) in glassy frozen CH₂Cl₂ solutions showed increasing g anisotropy for the heavier halogen derivatives, illustrating significant halogen participation at the singly occupied MO. The ¹¹B NMR spectra of CD₂Cl₂ solutions of the neutral clusters B₉X₉ exhibit only one sharp resonance, indicating that the boron atoms are highly fluxional in solution. In contrast, two different boron resonances as expected for a rigid tricapped trigonal prism are clearly observed for the [B₉X₉]^2– dianions in solutions and for solid B₉Br₉ in the ¹¹B MAS NMR spectra. Temperature dependent ¹¹B MAS NMR experiments on B₉Br₉ and [B₉Br₉]^2– in the solid state show a reversible coalescence of the two resonances at higher temperature. ¹¹B MAS NMR spectra and DTA measurements of [B₉Br₉]^2– showed a phase transition.     

Assignment on the X,A, B,C, and D states of the C6H5Br+ cation based on high‐level calculations

Geometries, frequencies, and energies of the 1²B₁, 1²A₂, 1²B₂, 2²B₁, 2²B₂, and 1²A₁, of the C₆H₅Br⁺ ion were calculated by using CASSCF and CASPT2 methods in conjunction with an ANO‐RCC basis. The CASPT2//CASSCF adiabatic excitation energies and CASPT2 relative energies for the six states are in good agreement with experiment. The X, A, B, C, and D electronic states of the C₆H₅Br⁺ ion were assigned to be X²B₁, A²A₂, B²B₂, C²B₁, and D²B₂ based on the CASSCF and CASPT2 calculations. The assignment on the D state of the C₆H₅Br⁺ ion is different from the previously published works. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010     

Powder neutron diffraction of α-UB2C (α-UB2C-type)

The crystal structure of α-UB₂C (low temperature modification below T = 1675(25)°C) was determined from powder X-ray data (RT) and powder neutron diffraction data (at 29 K) employing the Rietveld-Young-Wiles profile analysis method. α-UB₂C crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pmma with a = 0.60338(3), B = 0.35177(2), C = 0.41067(2) nm, V = 0.0872 nm³, Z = 2. The residuals of the neutron refinement were R₁ = 0.032 and R_F = 0.043. The crystal structure of α-UB₂C is a new structure type where planar nonregular 6³-U-metal layers alternate with planar nonmetal layers of the type (B₆C₂)³. Boron atoms are in a typical triangular prismatic metal surrounding with a tetrakaidekahedral coordination B[U₆B₂C₁], whereas carbon atoms occupy the center points of rectangular bipyramids C[U₄B₂]. The crystal structure of α-UB₂C derives from the high temperature modification β-UB₂C (ThB₂C-type, ), which reveals a similar stacking of slightly puckered metal layers 6³, alternating with planar layers B₆ · (B₆C₃)². The phase transition from β-UB₂C to α-UB₂C is thus essentially generated by carbon diffusion within the B₆ · (B₆C₃)² layers to form (B₆C₂)³ layers.     

Deformation of a Polymer Brush Immersed in a Binary Solvent

An analog of the Alexander‐De Gennes box model is used for the theoretical investigation of an external deformation of polymer brushes in a mixture of two solvents. The basic solvent A and the admixture B are assumed to be highly incompatible (Flory‐Huggins parameter χ_AB = 3.5). The thermodynamics of a polymer in the solvents A and B is described by parameters χ_A and χ_B, χ_A > χ_B. The brush behavior under deformation is investigated with regard to solvent composition and polymer‐solvent interactions. It is shown that in a pre‐binodal range of the solvent composition Φ_B < Φ_B⁰ in the bulk (here Φ_B⁰ is a binodal value) there is such a value of Φ_B = Φ _B* that deformation does not affect solvent composition inside the brush. This invariant quantity Φ _B*, being a function of only thermodynamic parameters, is independent of the brush characteristics, such as grafting density. It is shown that two types of the first‐order phase transitions can arise in the system considered: a compositional phase transition induced by a change in the solvent composition in the bulk, and a deformational phase transition caused by an external deformation of the brush. The value of Φ _B* defines a borderline concentration of the admixture in the bulk; the brush behavior in the ranges 00 ⪇ Φ_B ⪇ Φ _B* and Φ _B* ⪇ Φ_B < Φ_B⁰ are different. If no compositional phase transition occurs in the system, the deformational phase transition should arise under stretching at Φ _B* ⪇ Φ_B. If the compositional phase transition exists, it is realized in the range Φ_B < Φ _B* and causes the deformational phase transition in this concentration range, not only under stretching, but also under compression. Microphase segregation inside the brush is demonstrated for both phase transitions despite overestimation of the brush homogeneity in the box model.