Metal/Metal Redox Isomerism Governed by Configuration

A pair of diastereomeric dinuclear complexes, [Tp′(CO)BrW{μ-η²-C,C′-κ²-S,P-C₂(PPh₂)S}Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PPh₃)], in which W and Ru are bridged by a phosphinyl(thiolato)alkyne in a side-on carbon P,S-chelate coordination mode, were synthesized, separated and fully characterized. Even though the isomers are similar in their spectroscopic properties and redox potentials, the like-isomer is oxidized at W while the unlike-isomer is oxidized at Ru, which is proven by IR, NIR and EPR-spectroscopy supported by spectro-electrochemistry and computational methods. The second oxidation of the complexes was shown to take place at the metal left unaffected in the first redox step. Finally, the tipping point could be realized in the unlike isomer of the electronically tuned thiophenolate congener [Tp′(CO)(PhS)W{μ-η²-C,C′-κ²-S,P-C₂(PPh₂)S}Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)-(PPh₃)], in which valence trapped W^III/Ru^II and W^II/Ru^III cationic species are at equilibrium.     

Azaruthena(II)‐bicyclo[3.2.0]heptadiene: Key Intermediate for Ruthenaelectro(II/III/I)‐catalyzed Alkyne Annulations

A ruthenium‐catalyzed electrochemical dehydrogenative annulation reaction of imidazoles with alkynes has been established, enabling the preparation of various bridgehead N‐fused [5,6]‐bicyclic heteroarenes through regioselective electrochemical C?H/N?H annulation without chemical metal oxidants. Novel azaruthenabicyclo[3.2.0]heptadienes were fully characterized and identified as key intermediates. Mechanistic studies are suggestive of an oxidatively induced reductive elimination pathway within a ruthenium(II/III) regime.     

The fully deprotonated anion of 1,3,5-benzene-triphosphonic acid: 1H, 31P,and 13C{1H} NMR and some comments on corresponding [AX]3 and AXX′2 spin systems and spectra

Abstract

The fully deprotonated anion of 1,3,5-benzene-triphosphonic acid 1,3,5-C₆H₃[PO₃^2?]₃ gives rise to deceptively simple ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectra due to a corresponding [AX]₃ spin system. The ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectrum reveals two ¹³C isotopomers which are identified via AXX′₂ systems. Results from analysis and iteration are described.     

Atomic Layer Deposition of Cobalt Phosphide for Efficient Water Splitting

Transition‐metal phosphides (TMP) prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are reported for the first time. Ultrathin Co‐P films were deposited by using PH₃ plasma as the phosphorus source and an extra H₂ plasma step to remove excess P in the growing films. The optimized ALD process proceeded by self‐limited layer‐by‐layer growth, and the deposited Co‐P films were highly pure and smooth. The Co‐P films deposited via ALD exhibited better electrochemical and photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activities than similar Co‐P films prepared by the traditional post‐phosphorization method. Moreover, the deposition of ultrathin Co‐P films on periodic trenches was demonstrated, which highlights the broad and promising potential application of this ALD process for a conformal coating of TMP films on complex three‐dimensional (3D) architectures.     

The Elusive Ketene (H2CCO) Channel in the Infrared Multiphoton Dissociation of Solid 1,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-Triazinane (RDX)

Understanding of the fundamental mechanisms involved in the decomposition of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (RDX) still represents a major challenge for the energetic materials and physical (organic) chemistry communities mainly because multiple competing dissociation channels are likely involved and previous detection methods of the products are not isomer selective. In this study we exploited a microsecond pulsed infrared laser to decompose thin RDX films at 5 K under mild conditions to limit the fragmentation channels. The subliming decomposition products during the temperature programed desorption phase are detected using isomer selective single photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PI-ReTOF-MS). This technique enables us to assign a product signal at m/z=42 to ketene (H₂CCO), but not to diazomethane (H₂CNN; 42 amu) as speculated previously. Electronic structure calculations support our experimental observations and unravel the decomposition mechanisms of RDX leading eventually to the elusive ketene (H₂CCO) via an exotic, four-membered ring intermediate. This study highlights the necessity to exploit isomer-selective detection schemes to probe the true decomposition products of nitramine-based energetic materials.     

Gas Phase Formation of Methylgermylene (HGeCH3)

The methylgermylene species (HGeCH₃; X¹A′) has been synthesized via the bimolecular gas phase reaction of ground state methylidyne radicals (CH) with germane (GeH₄) under single collision conditions in crossed molecular beams experiments. Augmented by electronic structure calculations, this elementary reaction was found to proceed through barrierless insertion of the methylidyne radical in one of the four germanium-hydrogen bonds on the doublet potential energy surface yielding the germylmethyl (CH₂GeH₃; X²A′) collision complex. This insertion is followed by a hydrogen shift from germanium to carbon and unimolecular decomposition of the methylgermyl (GeH₂CH₃; X²A′) intermediate by atomic hydrogen elimination leading to singlet methylgermylene (HGeCH₃; X¹A′). Our investigation provides a glimpse at the largely unknown reaction dynamics and isomerization processes of the carbon-germanium system, which are quite distinct from those of the isovalent carbon system thus providing insights into the intriguing chemical bonding of organo germanium species on the most fundamental, microscopic level.     

Molecular imprinting of the endogenous neuropeptide Leu5-enkephalin and some derivatives thereof

We have undertaken the molecular imprinting of Leu⁵-enkephalin, and derivatives related to this endogenous neuropeptide, in highly cross-linked methacrylic acid/ethylene dimethacrylate copolymers. The underivatized enkephalin peptide yielded polymers with poor recognition abilities, since the imprinting of this compound had to be performed using dimethyl sulfoxide, which was found to interfere with the imprint inducement, as the solvent of polymerisation. In order to circumvent this problem, the amino- and carboxy-protected derivatives Boc-Leu⁵-enkephalin and Leu⁵-enkephalin anilide, which are soluble in apolar solvents, were investigated as alternative imprint molecules. Both compounds led to polymers which are highly specific for the imprint species. The anilide derivative was shown to be a good substitute for the free peptide since the resultant polymers showed efficient recognition of the parent enkephalin structure.