Solvothermal and surfactant-free synthesis of crystalline Nb(2)O(5), Ta(2)O(5), HfO(2), and Co-doped HfO(2) nanoparticles

A simple route to niobium, hafnium and tantalum oxide nanocrystals using a nonaqueous sol-gel route based on the solvothermal reaction of the corresponding metal chlorides with benzyl alcohol is presented. This approach can easily be extended to the preparation of high quality Co-doped HfO(2) nanoparticles of uniform size and shape and with a homogenous distribution of the magnetic ions. The structural characterization of all these nanomaterials as well as the magnetic properties of pure and doped hafnia, with special attention to the doping efficiency, are discussed. The obtained Co-doped hafnia exhibits paramagnetic properties with very weak antiferromagnetic interactions between Co ions moments.     

Synthesis and structural studies of 2-acetylthiophene-2-thenoylhydrazone complexes of oxovanadium(IV), manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II), cadmium(II) and mercury(II)

Complexes with chemical compositions VO(Hatth)₂SO₄, VO(Hatth)₂SO₄·py, [M(Hatth)₂Cl·H₂O]Cl [M = Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II)], [Cu(Hatth)₂Cl]₂Cl₂, [Cu(Hatth)₂· Cl·py]Cl, [Cd(Hatth)₂Cl]Cl, M(Hatth)₂Cl₂ [M = Zn(II) and Hg(II)], VO(atth)₂, VO(atth)₂py, M(atth)₂(py)₂ [M = Mn(II) and Cu(II)], M(atth)₂(H₂O)₂ [M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)], Hatth = 2-acetylthiophene-2-thenoylhydrazone, and atth, its deprotonated form, have been prepared and characterized by analytical data, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, electronic and photoacoustic, ESR, IR and NMR spectral studies. X-ray diffraction study has been used to determine the shape and the dimensions of the unit lattice of copper(II) complexes.     

Potentiometric studies on the complexation equilibria between La(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Gd(III), Sm(III), Tb(III), Dy(III), Ho(III) and 2-acetylpyridinethiosemicarbazone (2-apt)

Complex formation between trivalent La, Pr, Nd, Gd, Sm, Tb, Dy, Ho and 2-acetylpyridinethiosemicarbazone has been investigated by potentiometric measurements at 25°C and in 0.02 M, 0.05 M, 0.1 M and 0.2 M (NaClO₄) ionic strengths. The stability constants of the complexes formed have been determined and correlated to the size and ionic potentials of the metal ions.     

Synthesis and structure of alkaline earth silicon nitrides: BaSiN(2), SrSiN(2), and CaSiN(2)

The alkaline earth silicon nitrides AESiN(2) (AE = Ca, Sr, Ba) are reported, synthesized as clear, colorless, single crystals from molten sodium at 900-1100 degrees C or, in the cases of BaSiN(2) and SrSiN(2), as white powders by reacting powdered intermetallics AESi with flowing anhydrous ammonia at 550-1000 degrees C. Structures were determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements at 150 K: BaSiN(2) crystallizes in space group Cmca (No. 64) with a = 5.6046(1) A, b = 11.3605(3) A, c = 7.5851(2) A, and Z = 8. The structure consists of pairs of SiN(4) tetrahedra edge-linked to form bow-tie-shaped Si(2)N(6) dimers which share vertexes to form layers and has no analogue in oxide chemistry. SrSiN(2) has a distorted form of this structure (SrSiN(2): space group P2(1)/c (No. 14), a = 5.9750(5) A, b = 7.2826(7) A, c = 5.4969(4) A, beta = 113.496(4) degrees, Z = 4). The structure of CaSiN(2) contains only vertex-sharing SiN(4) tetrahedra, linked to form a three-dimensional stuffed-cristobalite type framework isostructural with KGaO(2) (CaSiN(2): space group Pbca (No. 61), a = 5.1229(3) A, b = 10.2074(6) A, c = 14.8233(9) A, Z = 16).     

Metal complexes of selenophosphinates from reactions with (R2PSe)2Se: [M(R2PSe2)n] (M = Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), In(III), Ga(III), Cu(I), Bi(III), Ni(II); R = (i)Pr, Ph) and [Mo(V)2O2Se2(Se2P(i)Pr2)2

The reactions of bis(dialkylselenophosphinyl)selenide with a series of metals have been investigated: synthesis of several metal selenophosphinate complexes and their structures are reported.     

Synthesis and characterization of iron(III), manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of salicylidene-N-anilinoacetohydrazone (H2L1) and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthylidene-N-anilinoacetohydrazone (H2L2)

Salicylidene-N-anilinoacetohydrazone (H(2)L(1)) and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthylidene-N-anilinoacetohydrazone (H(2)L(2)) and their iron(III), manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by IR, electronic spectra, molar conductivities, magnetic susceptibilities and ESR. Mononuclear complexes are formed with molar ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 (M:L). The IR studies reveal various modes of chelation. The electronic absorption spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements show that the iron(III), nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes of H(2)L(1) have octahedral geometry. While the cobalt(II) complexes of H(2)L(2) were separated as tetrahedral structure. The copper(II) complexes have square planar stereochemistry. The ESR parameters of the copper(II) complexes at room temperature were calculated. The g values for copper(II) complexes proved that the Cu-O and Cu-N bonds are of high covalency.     

Molecular modeling,spectral, and biological studies of 4-formylpyridine-4 N-(2-pyridyl) thiosemicarbazone (HFPTS) and its Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), and UO2(II) complexes

The present work describes the preparation and characterization of some metal ion complexes derived from 4-formylpyridine-⁴ N-(2-pyridyl)thiosemicarbazone (HFPTS). The complexes have the formula; [Cd(HFPTS)₂H₂O]Cl₂, [CoCl₂(HPTS)]·H₂O, [Cu₂Cl₄(HPTS)]·H₂O, [Fe (HPTS)₂Cl₂]Cl·3H₂O, [Hg(HPTS)Cl₂]·4H₂O, [Mn(HPTS)Cl₂]·5H₂O, [Ni(HPTS)Cl₂]·2H₂O, [UO₂(FPTS)₂(H₂O)]·3H₂O. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, spectral (IR, ¹H-NMR and UV–Vis), thermal and magnetic moment measurements. The neutral bidentate coordination mode is major for the most investigated complexes. A mononegative bidentate for UO₂(II), and neutral tridentate for Cu(II). The tetrahedral arrangement is proposed for most investigated complexes. The biological investigation displays the toxic activity of Hg(II) and UO₂(II) complexes, whereas the ligand displays the lowest inhibition activity toward the most investigated microorganisms.     

Binding of the two-valence-electron metal ions Sc(+), Ti(2+), and V(3+) to the second-row hydrides BeH(2), BH(3), NH(3), OH(2), and FH: a computational study

We report results from a computational study of the binding in complexes formed from one of the transition-metal ions Sc(+), Ti(2+), or V(3+), each of which has two valence electrons outside an argon core, and one of the second-row hydrides FH, OH(2), NH(3), BH(3), or BeH(2). The complexes that involve the electron-rich ligands FH, OH(2), and NH(3) have strong ion-dipole components to their binding. There are large stabilization energies for sigma-interactions that transfer charge from occupied lone-pair natural bond orbitals on the F, O, or N atom of the (idealized) Lewis structure into empty non-Lewis orbitals on the metal ions; these interactions effectively increase electron density in the bonding region between the metal ion and liganded atom, and the metal ions in these complexes act in the capacity of Lewis acids. The complexes formed from the electron-poor hydrides BH(3) and BeH(2) consistently incorporate bridging hydrogen atoms to support binding, and there are large stabilization energies for interactions that transfer charge from the Be-H or B-H bonds into the region between the metal ion and liganded atom. The metal ions in Sc(+)-BeH(2), Ti(2+)-BeH(2), Ti(2+)-BH(3), and V(3+)-BH(3) act in the capacity of Lewis acids, whereas the scandium ion in Sc(+)-BH(3) acts as a Lewis base.     

Coordination compounds of europium(III), terbium(III), dysprosium(III), samarium(III), and gadolinium(III) with 2-acetylbenzoic acid

LnAcbenz₃ · 3H₂O complexes of Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺, Sm³⁺, and Gd³⁺ with 2-acetylbenzoic acid (HAcbenz) have been synthesized. The complexes have been studied by thermogravimetry and infrared and luminescence spectroscopy. According to IR spectroscopy data, the complexation of Acbenz^? with lanthanide ions occurs due to the bidentate coordination of carboxyl groups. According to thermal analysis, the complexes are dehydrated at a temperature above 140°C, and their thermodestruction begins at a temperature above 250°C. From the luminescence spectra measured at 77 and 300 K, it has been established that the integral luminescence intensity of EuAcbenz₃ · 3H₂O and TbAcbenz₃ ° 3H₂O is, respectively, 10 and 19 times higher than for tris-benzoates of the same metals. TbAcbenz₃ ° 3H₂O, the most intensively luminescing complex, is recommended for use as a promising luminescent material.     

New layered materials: syntheses, structures, and optical properties of K(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiaAg(2)S(4), Cs(2)TiAg(2)sS(4), and Cs(2)TiCu(2)Se(4)

The new compounds K(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiAg(2)S(4), Cs(2)TiAg(2)S(4), and Cs(2)TiCu(2)Se(4) have been synthesized by the reactions of A(2)Q(3) (A = K, Rb, Cs; Q = S, Se) with Ti, M (M = Cu or Ag), and Q at 823 K. The compounds Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Cs(2)TiAg(2)S(4), and Cs(2)TiCu(2)Se(4) are isostructural. They crystallize with two formula units in space group P4(2)/mcm of the tetragonal system in cells of dimensions a = 5.6046(4) A, c = 13.154(1) A for Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), a =6.024(1) A, c = 13.566(4) A for Cs(2)TiAg(2)S(4), and a =5.852(2) A, c =14.234(5) A for Cs(2)TiCu(2)Se(4) at 153 K. Their structure is closely related to that of Cs(2)ZrAg(2)Te(4) and comprises [TiM(2)Q(4)(2)(-)] layers, which are separated by alkali metal atoms. The [TiM(2)Q(4)(2)(-)] layer is anti-fluorite-like with both Ti and M atoms tetrahedrally coordinated to Q atoms. Tetrahedral coordination of Ti(4+) is rare in the solid state. On the basis of unit cell and space group determinations, the compounds K(2)TiCu(2)S(4) and Rb(2)TiAg(2)S(4) are isostructural with the above compounds. The band gaps of K(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiAg(2)S(4), and Cs(2)TiAg(2)S(4) are 2.04, 2.19, 2.33, and 2.44 eV, respectively, as derived from optical measurements. From band-structure calculations, the optical absorption for an A(2)TiM(2)Q(4) compound is assigned to a transition from an M d and Q p valence band (HOMO) to a Ti 3d conduction band.     

Zinc(II), Cadmium(II), and Mercury(II) Complexes of 2-Methyl-benzoselenazole

The following zinc(II), cadmium(II) and mercury(II) complexes of 2-methyl-benzoselenazole (L) have been prepared and studied by conductometric and i.r. methods: MLX₂ (M ? Cd, Hg, X ? Cl, Br, I), ML_1.5X₂ (M ? Zn, X ? ClO₄(4 H₂O); M ? Hg, X ? NO₃, ClO₄), ML₂X₂ (M ? Zn, X ? Cl, Br, I, NO₃; M ? Cd, X ? NO₃, ClO₄). The ligand is N-bonded. All the anions are coordinated.     

Photoelectron spectroscopy of fullerene dianions C76(2-), C78(2-), and C84(2-)

We report laser photoelectron spectra of the doubly negatively charged fullerenes C(76) (2-), C(78) (2-), and C(84) (2-) at 2.33, 3.49, and 4.66 eV photon energy. From these spectra, second electron affinities and vertical detachment energies, as well as estimates for the repulsive Coulomb barriers are obtained. These results are discussed in the context of electrostatic models. They reveal that fullerenes are similar to conducting spheres, with electronic properties scaling with their size. The experimental spectra are compared with the accessible excited states of the respective singly charged product ions calculated in the framework of time dependent density functional theory.     

Infrared spectra and structures of the stable CuH(2)(-), AgH(2)(-), AuH(2)(-), and AuH(4)(-) anions and the AuH(2) molecule

Gold is noble, but excited gold is reactive. Reactions of laser-ablated copper, silver, and gold with H(2) in excess argon, neon, and pure hydrogen during condensation at 3.5 K give the MH molecules and the (H(2))MH complexes as major products and the MH(2)(-) and AuH(4)(-) anions as minor products. These new molecular anions are identified from matrix infrared spectra with isotopic substitution (HD, D(2), and H(2) + D(2)) and comparison to frequencies calculated by density functional theory. The stable linear MH(2)(-) anions are unique in that their corresponding neutral MH(2) molecules are higher in energy than M + H(2) and thus unstable to M + H(2) decomposition. Infrared spectra are observed for the bending modes of AuH(2), AuHD, and AuD(2) in solid H(2), HD, and D(2), respectively. The observation of square-planar AuH(4)(-) attests the stability of the higher Au(III) oxidation state for gold. The synthesis of CuH(2)(-) in solid compounds has potential for use in hydrogen storage.     

Small gas-phase dianions of Zn3O(4)(2-), Zn4O(5)(2-), CuZn2O(4)(2-), Si2GeO(6)(2-), Ti2O(5)(2-) and Ti3O(7)(2-)

We have searched for new species of small oxygen-containing gas-phase dianions produced in a secondary ion mass spectrometer by Cs+ ion bombardment of solid samples with simultaneous exposure of their surfaces to O2 gas. The targets were a pure zinc metal foil, a copper-contaminated zinc-based coin, two silicon-germanium samples (Si(1-x)Ge(x)(with x= 6.5% or 27%)) and a piece of titanium metal. The novel dianions Zn3O(4)(2-), Zn4O(5)(2-), CuZn2O(4)(2-), Si2GeO(6)(2-), Ti2O(5)(2-) and Ti3O(7)(2-) have been observed at half-integer m/z values in the negative ion mass spectra. The heptamer dianions Zn3O(4)(2-) and Ti2O(5)(2-) have been unambiguously identified by their isotopic abundances. Their flight times through the mass spectrometer are approximately 20 micros and approximately 17 micros, respectively. The geometrical structures of the two heptamer dianions Ti2O(5)(2-), and Zn3O(4)(2-) are investigated using ab initio methods, and the identified isomers are compared to those of the novel Ge2O(5)(2-) and the known Si2O(5)(2-) and Be3O(4)(2-) dianions.     

Amplified potentiometric determination of pK(00), pK(0), pK(l), and pK(2) of hydrogen sulfides with Ag(2)S ISE

The chemical capacitor theory has been applied to accurately determine dissociation constants of H(2)S with the Ag(2)S ion-selective electrode (ISE). The theory's principle is based on the measurement of the change in electrode charge density as a result of protonated or unprotonated sulfide adsorbed on the electrode surface. This charge density is related to the potential. Connection of each individual capacitor in series amplifies the potential according to the equation, E(total)=E(1)+E(2)+E(3)+cdots, three dots, centeredE(n). As the charges of individual capacitors are concentrated to one capacitor area, the charge density rises, and the potential increases. The pK(00), pK(0), pK(1), and pK(2) are reported as 1.8, 2.12, 7.05, and 12.0, respectively. The pK(00) and pK(0) are reported here for the first time. The pK(1) agrees well with the literature values; however, the pK(2) differs from those reported recently under extreme conditions. Reasons for disproving the unreasonably high pK(2)>17-19 values are given based on calculations. Mainly, when pK(2)>17-19, the experimental results do not fit the equilibrium equations, pH=(pK(1)+pK(2))/2, pK(1)=(pK(0)+pK(2))/2, and pH=pK(2)+log(HS(-))/(S(2-)).     

Salisaldehyde-2-aminobenzimidazole schiff base complexes of Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II)

New metal complexes of Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) with salicylidine-2-aminobenzimidazole (SABI) are synthesized and their physicochemical properties are investigated using elemental and thermal analyses, IR, conductometric, solid reflectance and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The base reacts with these metal ions to give 1:1 (Metal:SABI) complexes; in cases of Fe(III), Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions; and 1:2 (Metal:SABI) complexes; in case of Ni(II) ion. The conductance data reveal that Fe(III) complex is 2:1 electrolyte, Co(II) is 1:2 electrolyte, Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes are 1:1 electrolytes while Ni(II) is non-electrolyte. IR spectra showed that the ligand is coordinated to the metal ions in a terdentate mannar with O, N, N donor sites of the phenloic -OH, azomethine -N and benzimidazole -N3. Magnetic and solid reflectance spectra are used to infer the coordinating capacity of the ligand and the geometrical structure of these complexes. The thermal decomposition of the complexes is studied and indicates that not only the coordinated and/or crystallization water is lost but also that the decomposition of the ligand from the complexes is necessary to interpret the successive mass loss. Different thermodynamic activation parameters are also reported, using Coats-Redfern method. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Structural characterization of nanosized CeO(2)-SiO(2), CeO(2)-TiO(2), and CeO(2)-ZrO(2) catalysts by XRD, Raman, and HREM techniques

Structural characteristics of nanosized ceria-silica, ceria-titania, and ceria-zirconia mixed oxide catalysts have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, BET surface area, thermogravimetry, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM). The effect of support oxides on the crystal modification of ceria cubic lattice was mainly focused. The investigated oxides were obtained by soft chemical routes with ultrahighly dilute solutions and were subjected to thermal treatments from 773 to 1073 K. The XRD results suggest that the CeO(2)-SiO(2) sample primarily consists of nanocrystalline CeO(2) on the amorphous SiO(2) surface. Both crystalline CeO(2) and TiO(2) anatase phases were noted in the case of CeO(2)-TiO(2) sample. Formation of cubic Ce(0.75)Zr(0.25)O(2) and Ce(0.6)Zr(0.4)O(2) (at 1073 K) were observed in the case of the CeO(2)-ZrO(2) sample. Raman measurements disclose the fluorite structure of ceria and the presence of oxygen vacancies/Ce(3+). The HREM results reveal well-dispersed CeO(2) nanocrystals over the amorphous SiO(2) matrix in the cases of CeO(2)-SiO(2), isolated CeO(2), and TiO(2) (anatase) nanocrystals, some overlapping regions in the case of CeO(2)-TiO(2), and nanosized CeO(2) and Ce-Zr oxides in the case of CeO(2)-ZrO(2) sample. The exact structural features of these crystals as determined by digital diffraction analysis of HREM experimental images reveal that the CeO(2) is mainly in cubic fluorite geometry. The oxygen storage capacity (OSC) as determined by thermogravimetry reveals that the OSC of the mixed oxide systems is more than that of pure CeO(2) and is system dependent.     

Saturation molalities and standard molar enthalpies of solution of cytidine(cr), hypoxanthine(cr), thymidine(cr), thymine(cr), uridine(cr), and xanthine(cr) in H2O(l)

Saturation molalities m(sat) in H₂O(l) have been measured for the substances cytidine(cr), hypoxanthine(cr), thymidine(cr), thymine(cr), uridine(cr), and xanthine(cr) by using h.p.l.c. The states of hydration were established by performing Karl-Fischer analyses on samples of these substances, which had been allowed to equilibrate with their respective aqueous saturated solutions for several days at T≈298 K and then dried with air at T≈296 K for ≈24 h. The crystalline forms of the substances were identified by comparison of the results of X-ray diffraction measurements with results from the literature. Also, molar enthalpies of solution Δ_solH_m(cal) for these substances were measured by using an isoperibol solution calorimeter. A self-association (stacking) model was used to estimate values of the activity coefficients γ and relative apparent molar enthalpies L_φ for these substances. These γ and L_φ values were used to adjust the measured values of m(sat) and Δ_solH_m(cal) to the standard state and thus obtain values of the standard molar Gibbs free energy Δ_solG^∘_m and enthalpy changes Δ_solH_m^∘ for the dissolution reactions of these substances. The values of the pKs and of the standard molar enthalpies of the ionization reactions were also used to account for speciation of the substances in the calculations of Δ_solG_m^∘ and Δ_solH_m^∘. Values of standard molar enthalpies of formation Δ_fH_m^∘, standard molar Gibbs free energies of formation Δ_fG_m^∘, and standard partial molar entropies S_2,m^∘ for the aqueous species of hypoxanthine and xanthine were calculated. A detailed summary and comparison of thermodynamic results from the literature for these substances is presented.