Phase relationships and some magnetic properties of spinels in the systems M1−xNixCr2S4 where M = Mn,Fe, Co

Phase relationships between spinel and defect NiAs structures in the systems M_1?xNi_xCr₂S₄ (where M = Mn, Fe, Co) were investigated. It was found that the spinel structure is stable between x = 0 and x = 0.3 when M = Mn or Fe. When M = Co the spinel is formed in the region x = 0 to x ～ 0.4. The apparent stabilization of the defect NiAs phase by Ni²⁺ may be related to the strong sixfold site preference of Ni²⁺. Curie temperatures of all three ferrimagnetic systems increases with increasing Ni²⁺ substitution. This is probably due to higher NiS covalency.     

The preparation of bis- and tris-(trimethylsilyl)acetic acid

Contrary to an earlier report, lithiation of tris(trimethylsilyl)methane followed by carbonation does not yield the acid (Me₃Si)₃CCO₂H, (I), if an alkali extraction step is included in the work up; the product is actually the acid (Me₃Si)₂CHCO₂H, (II). The acid (I) can be obtained if the alkali extraction is omitted. Separate experiments have confirmed that (I) is rapidly converted into (II) by aqueous or methanolic base.     

Spectral characterisation of nitroarenes and polycyclic aldehydes, ketones, quinones and amines

Three methods are introduced for the post-chromatographic spectral characterisation of carbonyl and nitro compounds. Most often, elution from the chromatogram is necessary, but sometimes fluorescence spectra can be obtained directly from the chromatograra. The usefulness and sensitivity of the methods have been demonstrated for a variety of nitroarenes and polycyclic aldehydes, ketones, quinones and amines.     

Fluxional behaviour of π-bonded acetylenes

Some cationic five coordinate complexes of formula [Os(CO)(NO)L₂A]PF₆ (L = tertiary phosphine, A = an acetylene) have been prepared by reaction of the appropriate acetylene with [Os(CO)(NO)L₂(acetone)]PF₆; the variable temperature ¹H NMR spectra of some of these indicate that the coordinated π-acetylene undergoes fluxional behaviour.