The effect of spin relaxation on ENDOR spectra recorded at high magnetic fields and low temperatures

A simple theoretical model that describes the pulsed Davies electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) experiment for an electron spin S = (1/2) coupled to a nuclear spin I = (1/2) was developed to account for unusual W-band (95 GHz) ENDOR effects observed at low temperatures. This model takes into account the thermal polarization along with all internal relaxation processes in a four-level system represented by the electron- and nuclear-spin relaxation times T(1e) and T(1n), respectively, and the cross-relaxation time, T(1x). It is shown that under conditions of sufficiently high thermal spin polarization, nuclei can exhibit asymmetric ENDOR spectra in two cases: the first when t(mix) > T(1e) and T(1n), T(1x) > T(1e), where ENDOR signals from the alpha manifold are negative and those of the beta manifold positive, and the second when the cross- and/or nuclear-relaxation times are longer than the repetition time (t(mix) < T(1e) < t(R) and T(1n), T(1x) > t(R)). In that case the polarization of the ENDOR signals becomes opposite to the previous case, the lines in the alpha manifolds are positive, and those of the beta manifold are negative. This case is more likely to be encountered experimentally because it does not require a very long mixing time and is a consequence of the saturation of the nuclear transitions. Using this model the experimental t(mix) and t(R) dependencies of the W-band (1)H ENDOR amplitudes of [Cu(imidazole)(4)]Cl(2) were reproduced and the values of T(1e) and T(1x) > T(1e) were determined. The presence of asymmetry in the ENDOR spectrum is useful as it directly provides the sign of the hyperfine coupling. The presented model allows the experimentalist to adjust experimental parameters, such as t(mix) and t(R), in order to optimize the desired appearance of the spectrum.     

Structure of copper(II)-histidine based complexes in frozen aqueous solutions as determined from high-field pulsed electron nuclear double resonance

W-band (95 GHz) pulsed EPR and electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopic techniques were used to determine the hyperfine couplings of different protons of Cu(II)-histidine complexes in frozen solutions. The results were then used to obtain the coordination mode of the tridentate histidine molecule and to serve as a reference for Cu(II)-histidine complexation in other, more complex systems. Cu(II) complexes with L-histidine and DL-histidine-alpha-d,beta-d2 were prepared in H2O and in D2O, and orientation-selective W-band 1H and 2H pulsed ENDOR spectra of these complexes were recorded at 4.5 K. These measurements lead to the unambiguous assignment of the signals of the H alpha, H beta, imidazole H epsilon, and the exchangeable amino, Ham, protons. The 14N superhyperfine splitting observed in the X-band EPR spectrum and the presence of only one type of H alpha and H beta protons in the W-band ENDOR spectra show that the complex is a symmetric bis complex. Its g parallel is along the molecular symmetry axis, perpendicular to the equatorial plane that consists of four coordinated nitrogens in histamine-like coordinations (NNNN). Simulations of orientation-selective ENDOR spectra provided the principal components of the protons' hyperfine interaction and the orientation of their principal axes with respect to g parallel. From the anisotropic part of the hyperfine interaction of H alpha and H beta and applying the point-dipole approximation, a structural model was derived. An unexpectedly large isotropic hyperfine coupling, 10.9 MHz, was found for H alpha. In contrast, H alpha of the Cu(II)-1-methyl-histidine complex where only the amino nitrogen is coordinated, showed a much smaller coupling. Thus, the hyperfine coupling of H alpha can serve as a signature for a histamine coordination where both the amino and imino nitrogens of the same molecule bind to the Cu(II), forming a six-membered chelating ring. Unlike H alpha the hyperfine coupling of H epsilon is not as sensitive to the presence of a coordinated amino nitrogen of the same histidine molecule.     

Effect of indium doping on the electrical switching behaviour of Ge–Te glasses

Bulk Ge₁₅Te_85?x In _x (1?≤?x?≤?11) series of glasses have been found to exhibit a threshold switching behaviour for an input current of 2?mA. An initial decrease is seen in the switching voltages (V _T) with the addition of indium, which is due to the higher metallicity of indium. An increase is seen in V _T above 3 at.% of indium, which proceeds until 8 at.%, with a change in slope (lower to higher) seen around 7 at.%. Beyond x?=?8, a reversal in trend is exhibited in the variation of V _T, with a well-defined minimum around x?=?9 at.%. Based on the composition dependence of V _T, it is proposed that Ge₁₅Te_85?x In _x glasses exhibit an extended rigidity percolation threshold. The composition, x?=?3, at which the V _T starts to increase and the composition, x?=?7, at which a slope change is exhibited correspond to the onset and completion, respectively, of the extended stiffness transition. Thermal studies and photoconductivity measurements also support the idea of an extended rigidity percolation in Ge₁₅Te_85?x In _x glasses. In addition, the minimum seen in V _T at x?=?9 is associated with the chemical threshold (CT) of this glassy system.     

Efficient construction of C–C bonds from aryl halides/aryl esters with arylboronic acids catalysed by palladium(II) thiourea complexes

A new set of palladium(II) complexes comprising phenyl(thiazolyl)thiourea ligands have been successfully synthesized and characterized with the aid of analytical as well as spectral (IR, UV–visible and NMR) methods. A distorted square‐planar geometry with N^S coordination mode of thiourea ligands in the new palladium complexes was corroborated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. Interestingly, the palladium(II) thiourea complexes showed the highest catalytic activity with 0.1 mol% catalyst loading in Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions utilizing a range of aryl bromides/unactivated aryl chlorides with arylboronic acids as coupling partners in aqueous–organic media. Syntheses of diaryl ketones using aryl esters and arylboronic acids as coupling partners were also achieved with low catalyst loading within 20 h. The potential of our catalyst was demonstrated by its wide substrate scope, low catalyst loadings and high isolated yield. Moreover, the influences of key parameters like solvent, base, temperature and catalyst loading were also investigated.     

Synthesis, characterization, and growth mechanism of α-Cr2O3 monodispersed particles

Monodispersed spherical particles of chromium (III) oxide, α-Cr₂O₃, were successfully synthesized from a diluted solution of KCr(SO₄)₂·12H₂O using the Aqueous Chemical Growth (ACG) technique. The spherical α-Cr₂O₃ particles obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy for structural, surface morphological, chemical, and physical properties, as a function of deposition time. The XRD and Raman spectroscopy showed that aging had no apparent effect on the structure of the obtained uniform fine (in the range of micron-nano-level)-spherical particles of α-Cr₂O₃. The use of SEM demonstrated that aging had a clear influence on the size and the particles size distribution. Accordingly, the time dependence of the average diameter of α-Cr₂O₃ spherical particles follows the d³ law as required for diffusion-limited Ostwald ripening.     

Evaluation of Nanostructured coating layers formed on Ni balls during mechanical alloying of Cu powder

A novel coating method utilizing mechanical alloying was used to deposit a nickel-copper solid solution on the surface of nickel balls in a planetary ball mill. Mechanically milled copper powders were deposited by cold welding on the activated surface of the nickel balls. The impact of the nickel balls causes surface wear, leading to formation of mixed layered particles of copper-nickel and rewelding. In addition, diffusion takes place through the coating layer to form a Ni-Cu solid solution. The hardness of the coating reached a threefold increase (HV_0.01594) in comparison with the substrate hardness. Microstructural characterization of the coating surface performed using an optical microscope, SEM, and EPMA indicates that, with appropriate processing conditions, a thick, fully dense coating can be metallurgically bonded to the nickel balls. XRD results revealed the presence of a solid solution and nanocrystalline structure.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Rare Earth Orthovanadate (RVO4; R = La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu & Gd) Nanorods/Nanocrystals/Nanospindles by a Facile Sonochemical Method and Their Catalytic Properties

We report herein on an efficient sonochemical method for the synthesis of rare earth orthovanadate nanorods/nanoparticles/nanospindles, (general formula RVO₄; R = La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd). TGA, XRD, FTIR, Raman, UV–Vis, and TEM studies are employed for their characterization and for understanding their morphologies. In order to vary the textural properties of the rare earth vanadates, two surfactants, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and amphiphilic triblock copolymer Pluronic P123, are chosen in the preparation. While the sonochemical synthesis in the presence of PEG results in the formation of nearly spherical nanoparticles of LaVO₄, CeVO₄, SmVO₄ and EuVO₄, the same technique yields nanorods and nanospindles of NdVO₄ and GdVO₄, respectively. When P123 is used as the surfactant, the morphologies of RVO₄ are strikingly different, and in most cases nanorods and nanospindles are formed. The photocatalytic activities of the rare earth orthovanadate have been evaluated by studying the degradation of methylene blue, and CeVO₄ seems to be the best catalyst in the heterogeneous photolysis. The electrocatalytic activity of the vanadates has been examined by studying the hydrogen evolution reaction using a linear sweep voltammogram technique in 1 M of a H₂SO₄ solution. GdVO₄ seems to be the best electrocatalyst. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Lewis Acid Catalyzed Selective Reactions of Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes with 2‐Naphthols

Lewis acid‐catalyzed reactions of 2‐substituted cyclopropane 1,1‐dicarboxylates with 2‐naphthols is reported. The reaction exhibits tunable selectivity depending on the nature of Lewis acid employed and proceed as a dearomatization/rearomatization sequence. With Bi(OTf)₃ as the Lewis acid, a highly selective dehydrative [3+2] cyclopentannulation takes place leading to the formation of naphthalene‐fused cyclopentanes. Interestingly, engaging Sc(OTf)₃ as the Lewis acid, a Friedel–Crafts‐type addition of 2‐naphthols to cyclopropanes takes place, thus affording functionalized 2‐naphthols. Both reactions furnished the target products in high regioselectivity and moderate to high yields.