Synthesis and structural characterization of centrosymmetric multinuclear nickel(II) complexes with neutral tetradentate N6-ligand

A neutral tetradentate ligand L1 [L1?=?3,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)-pyridazine] reacts with Ni(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O and undergoes counterion exchange with PF ^?₆ to give di- and tetranuclear complexes [Ni₂(L1)₂(CH₃CN)₄](PF₆)₄·4H₂O (1) and [Ni₄(L1)₄(µ-OH)₄](ClO₄)₄·2H₂O (2), respectively. The presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as base controls the nuclearity of the complex formation. Both complexes were structurally characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Their crystal structures revealed that both complexes are centrosymmetric and adopt slightly distorted octahedral geometry. Complex 1 crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2/c as the Ni(II) center is octahedrally bound to L1 in a trans-isomer arrangement. Complex 2 crystallizes in tetragonal space group I4₁/amd with four L1 and four hydroxy bridging ligands linked to Ni(II) center in cis-isomer arrangement. Cyclic voltammograms of complexes 1 and 2 were measured under Ar and CO₂. Under CO₂, the quasireversible peaks of both complexes become irreversible and a current enhancement occurs under reduction.

     

Synthesis,structure, and aromaticity of a hoop-shaped cyclic benzenoid [10]cyclophenacene

The first hoop-shaped cyclic benzenoid compounds, [10]cyclophenacene derivatives that contain 40 pi electrons, have been synthesized in three or four steps from [60]fullerene by rationally designed chemical modification. The compounds thus synthesized are chemically stable, yellow-colored, luminescent, and EPR-silent. X-ray crystallographic analysis provided high precision structural data sets. On the basis of these results and theoretical investigations, the new cyclic benzenoid molecules were proven to be aromatic.     

Fabrication of optically transparent chitin nanocomposites

This paper demonstrates the preparation of chitin nanofibers from crab shells using a simple mechanical treatment. The nanofibers are small enough to retain the transparency of neat acrylic resin. Possessing hydroxyl and amine/N-acetyl functionalities, water suspension of chitin nanofibers was vacuum-filtered 9 times faster than cellulose nanofibers to prepare a nanofiber sheet of 90 mm in diameter. This is a prominent advantage of chitin nanofibers over cellulose nanofibers in terms of commercial application. Interestingly, chitin acrylic resin films exhibited much higher transparency than cellulose acrylic resin films owing to the close affinity between less hydrophilic chitin and hydrophobic resin. Furthermore, the incorporation of chitin nanofibers contributes to the significant improvement of the thermal expansion and mechanical properties of the neat acrylic resin. The properties of high light transmittance and low thermal expansion make chitin nanocomposites promising candidates for the substrate in a continuous roll-to-roll process in the manufacturing of various optoelectronic devices such as flat panel displays, bendable displays, and solar cells.     

Facile Preparation of Organometallic Nanorods from Various Ethynyl-Substituted Molecules

A facile method to prepare one-dimensional (1D) organometallic nanomaterials from various ethynyl-substituted molecules is reported. The reactions of 3-chloro-1-ethynylbenzene, p-tBu-phenylacetylene and 4-ethynylbiphenyl with Cu⁺ ions in acetonitrile yield nanorod-shaped copper acetylides (Cu−C≡C−R) crystals. In the case of linear alkynes, namely, propyne, 1-pentyne and 1-hexyne, it was found that using an aqueous ammonia/ethanol mixed solvent instead of acetonitrile is a better approach to obtain 1D nanostructures. This procedure also enables us to prepare functional 1D nanomaterials. We demonstrate the preparation of a paramagnetic nanorod from the organic radical p-ethynylphenyl nitronyl nitroxide, and fluorescent nanorods from 9-ethynylphenanthrene and 2-ethynyl-9,9′-spirobifluorene.     

Design of Mononuclear Ruthenium Catalysts for Low‐Overpotential Water Oxidation

Water oxidation is a key reaction in natural photosynthesis and in many schemes for artificial photosynthesis. Inspired by energy challenges and the emerging understanding of photosystem II, the development of artificial molecular catalysts for water oxidation has become a highly active area of research in recent years. In this Focus Review, we describe recent achievements in the development of single‐site ruthenium catalysts for water oxidation with a particular focus on the overpotential of water oxidation. First, we introduce the general scheme to access the high‐valent ruthenium–oxo species, the key species of the water‐oxidation reaction. Next, the mechanisms of the O? O bond formation from the active ruthenium–oxo species are described. We then discuss strategies to decrease the onset potentials of the water‐oxidation reaction. We hope this Focus Review will contribute to the further development of efficient catalysts toward sustainable energy‐conversion systems.