A Novel Niobium Cluster Aqua Ion with Capping μ4‐Se Ligand

The aqueous solution chemistry of niobium is underexplored, and well characterized aqua complexes are scarce. In this contribution, a new niobium aqua complex was obtained by treatment of Zn‐reduced ethanolic solution of NbCl₅ with HCl in the presence of a selenide source (ZnSe). This is the first example of selenium containing aqua complex of niobium. The yellow‐green aqua complex was isolated by cation‐exchange chromatography and transformed into corresponding isothiocyanate complex by ligand exchange, which was crystallized as (PyH)_4.5[H_1.5Nb₄SeO₅(NCS)₁₀] · 0.5H₂O. X‐ray structural analysis revealed a metal‐metal bonded tetranuclear {Nb₄(μ₄‐Se)(μ₂‐O)₅}⁴⁺ core with a capping μ₄‐Se ligand.     

The Chiral Trimer and a Metastable Chiral Dimer of Achiral Hexafluoroisopropanol: A Multi‐Messenger Study

1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐propan‐2‐ol aggregates preferentially into an achiral dimer of achiral monomers, but the trimer is found to prefer three metastable chiral monomer units arranged into a strained OH???O hydrogen‐bonded ring, which is reinforced by secondary CH???FC interactions. This is shown by a combination of infrared, microwave, and Raman spectroscopy in supersonic jet expansions and supported by high‐level quantum chemical calculations. It involves an activation of the monomers by >15 kJ mol^?1, clearly driven by the much stronger hydrogen‐bond interaction available to the gauche and even more to the cis monomer units.     

Edge Capping of 2D‐MXene Sheets with Polyanionic Salts To Mitigate Oxidation in Aqueous Colloidal Suspensions

MXenes have shown promise in myriad applications, such as energy storage, catalysis, EMI shielding, among many others. However, MXene oxidation in aqueous colloidal suspensions when stored in water at ambient conditions remains a challenge. It is now shown that by simply capping the edges of individual MXene flakes, Ti₃C₂T_z and V₂CT_z, by polyanions such as polyphosphates, polysilicates or polyborates, it is possible to quite significantly reduce their propensity for oxidation even when held in aerated water for weeks. This breakthrough resulted from the realization that the edges of MXene sheets are positively charged. It is thus an example of selectively functionalizing the edges differently from the MXene sheet surfaces.     

Hybrid Metal Halides with Multiple Photoluminescence Centers

Very little is known about the realm of solid‐state metal halide compounds comprising two or more halometalate anions. Such compounds would be of great interest if their optical and electronic properties could be rationally designed. Herein, we report a new example of metal halide cluster‐assembled compound (C₉NH₂₀)₉[Pb₃Br₁₁](MnBr₄)₂, featuring distinctly different anionic polyhedra, namely, a rare lead halide cluster [Pb₃Br₁₁]^5? and [MnBr₄]^2?. In accordance with its multinary zero‐dimensional (0D) structure, this compound is found to contain two distinct emission centers, 565 nm and 528 nm, resulting from the formation of self‐trapped excitons and ⁴T₁‐⁶A₁ transition of Mn²⁺ ions, respectively. Based on the high durability of (C₉NH₂₀)₉[Pb₃Br₁₁](MnBr₄)₂ upon light and heat, as well as high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 49.8 % under 450 nm blue light excitation, white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) are fabricated, showcasing its potential in backlight application.     

Resonance Assisted Chalcogen Bonding as a New Synthon in the Design of Dyes

Intramolecular chalcogen bonding in arylhydrazones of sulfamethizole is strengthened by conjugation in the π-system of a noncovalent five-membered ring. The S⋅⋅⋅O distance in the sulfamethizole moiety of these compounds ranges from 2.698(3) to 2.806(15) Å, which indicates its strong dependence on the attached arylhydrazone fragments. Information on the nature of the intramolecular chalcogen bond was afforded by DFT calculations.     

Hybrid Mn–iXn –i superstructures in compounds with atomic vacancy ordering

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A novel polybromide complex of bismuth – (Et4N)3{[Bi2Br9](Br2)}: synthesis and structural features

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Distribution of benzo-substituted crown-ethers between chloroform and water: effects of macrocycle ring size and lithium chloride

Small size benzo-substituted crown ethers are attractive complexing agents for lithium isotope separation by solvent extraction. Low transfer of the crown ethers from solvent to water is a key point for applicability of the extractants. In the present study, 9- and 12-membered crown ethers were synthesized, and their distribution between chloroform and water was studied. Polyether ring size, benzene substituents and addition of LiCl to water were found to effect on distribution constants. Low losses of the macrocycles were observed at single-stage contact with aqueous phase. However, these losses should be taken into account in the design of multistage processes for the preparation of highly enriched lithium isotopes.