Heterobimetallic Cuprates Consisting of a Redox‐Switchable,Silicon‐Based Metalloligand: Synthesis,Structures, and Electronic Properties

A series of bimetallic silyl halido cuprates consisting of the new tripodal silicon‐based metalloligand [κ³N‐Si(3,5‐Me₂pz)₃Mo(CO)₃]^? is presented (pz=pyrazolyl). This metalloligand is straightforwardly accessible by reacting the ambidentate ligand tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)silanide ({Si(3,5‐Me₂pz)₃}^?) with [Mo(CO)₃(η⁶‐toluene)]. The compound features a fac‐coordinated tripodal chelating ligand and an outward pointing, “free” pyramidal silyl donor, which is easily accessible for a secondary coordination to other metal centers. Several bimetallic silyl halido cuprates of the general formula [CuX{μ‐κ¹Si:κ³N‐Si(3,5‐Me₂pz)₃Mo(CO)₃}]^? (X=Cl, Br, I) have been synthesized. The electronic and structural properties of these complexes were probed in detail by X‐ray diffraction analysis, electrospray mass spectrometry, infrared‐induced multiphoton dissociation studies, cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry, gas‐phase photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The heterobimetallic complexes contain linear two‐coordinate copper(I) entities with the shortest silicon–copper distances reported so far. Oxidation of the anionic complexes in methylene chloride and acetonitrile solutions at ${E{{0\hfill \atop 1/2\hfill}}}$ =?0.60 and ?0.44 V (vs. ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc⁺)), respectively, shows substantial reversibility. Based on various results obtained from different characterization methods, as well as density functional theory calculations, these oxidation events were attributed to the Mo⁰/Mo^I redox couple.     

Favorski Type Rearrangement in the Lead Tetraacetate Oxidation of Cycloalkanones

The cycloalkanones (1a-lf) have been converted into their corresponding cycloalkane carboxylates (2a-2f) by a lead (IV) acetate promoted rearrangement in presence of perchloric acid in triethyl orthoformate.     

Aqueous solutions—A new perspective. Amorphous carbohydrates: Science and application technology

At a recent meeting of the International Symposium on Solution Chemistry I presented a paper dealing with aqueous solutions in which water was present not in excess but as one component of a supersaturated solution with polyhydroxy compounds. In response to a request from the Editor of this Journal I have submitted this article in which I outline my general interest in the subject and its importance as a new direction for solution chemists.     

Evaluation of the contribution to hydration of nonelectrolytes from the hydrophobic effect

A new method was suggested for estimating the hydrophobic effect of contributions to the Gibbs energies and enthalpies of hydration of hydrocarbons, inorganic gases and rare gases. In accordance with this method the hydrophobic effect contribution to the Gibbs energy was evaluated from the difference between the hydration Gibbs energy of a solute and the non hydrophobic contribution. To estimate the latter value, the known dependence connecting the Gibbs energies of solvation of a solute in a number of aprotic solvents to the Hildebrand solubility parameter for these solvents was used. The non hydrophobic contribution to the Gibbs energy of hydration was calculated for various solutes from such dependences extended to water as solvent. The Hildebrand solubility parameter for water used in the calculation was corrected for the effect of association through hydrogen bonding. This correction was made by subtraction of the water self-association enthalpy from the enthalpy of vaporization of water. The evaluated Gibbs energies of the hydrophobic effect are positive for saturated hydrocarbons, inorganic gases and rare gases and linearly depend on the solute molecular refraction. The hydrophobic contribution to the hydration enthalpies of the solutes was calculated in the same manner as was made to calculate the hydrophobic contribution to Gibbs energies of hydration. Enthalpies of the hydrophobic effect for the solutes under study are negative.     

Quantitative determination of element distributions in silicon based thin film solar cells using SNMS

The determination of elemental distributions in thin film solar cells based on amorphous silicon using electron beam SNMS is possible by quantifying the measured ion intensities. The relative sensitivity factors (RSFs) for all elements measured have to be known. The RSFs have been determined experimentally using implantation and bulk standards with known concentrations of the interesting elements. The measured RSFs have been compared with calculated RSFs. The model used for the calculation of the RSFs takes into account the probability for electron impact ionization and the dwell time of the neutrals inside the postionization region. The comparison between measured and calculated RSF shows, that this model is capable to explain the RSFs for most elements. Differences between calculated and measured values can be explained by the formation of hydride and fluoride molecules (in case of H and F) and influences of the angular distribution of the sputtered neutrals in case of Al. The experimentally determined RSFs have been used for a quantification of depth profiles of the i-, buffer-, p- and front contact layers of a-Si solar cells.     

Matrix Infrared Spectroscopy and Quantum‐Chemical Calculations for the Coinage‐Metal Fluorides: Comparisons of Ar?AuF,Ne?AuF,and Molecules MF2 and MF3

The reactions of laser‐ablated Au, Ag, and Cu atoms with F₂ in excess argon and neon gave new absorptions in the M? F stretching region of their IR spectra, which were assigned to metal‐fluoride species. For gold, a Ng? AuF bond was identified in mixed neon/argon samples. However, this bonding was much weaker with AgF and CuF. Molecules MF₂ and MF₃ (M=Au, Ag, Cu) were identified from the isotopic distribution of the Cu and Ag atoms, comparison of the frequencies for three metal fluorides, and theoretical frequency calculations. The AuF₅ molecule was characterized by its strongest stretching mode and theoretical frequency calculations. Additional evidence was observed for the formation of the Au₂F₆ molecule.     

Bidirectional "ping-pong" energy transfer and 3000-fold lifetime enhancement in a Re(I) charge transfer complex

The synthesis and photophysics of a new Re(I)-carbonyl diimine complex, Re(PNI-phen)(CO)(3)Cl, where the PNI-phen is N-(1,10-phenanthroline)-4-(1-piperidinyl)naphthalene-1,8-dicarboximide is reported. The metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) emission lifetime was increased approximately 3000-fold at room temperature with respect to that of the model complex [Re(phen)(CO)(3)Cl] as a result of thermal equilibrium between the emissive (3)MLCT state and a long-lived triplet ligand-centered ((3)LC) state on the PNI chromophore. This represents the longest excited state lifetime (τ = 651 μs) that has ever been observed for a Re(I)-based CT photoluminescence at room temperature. The energy transfer processes and the associated rate constants leading to the establishment of the excited state equilibrium were elucidated by a powerful combination of three techniques (transient visible and infrared (IR) absorption and photoluminescence), each applied from ultrafast to the micro/milliseconds time scale. The MLCT excited state was monitored by transient IR using CO vibrations through time intervals where the corresponding signals obtained in conventional visible transient absorption were completely obscured by overlap with strong transients originating from the pendant PNI chromophore. Following initial excitation of the (1)LC state on the PNI chromophore, energy is transferred to form the MLCT state with a time constant of 45 ps, a value confirmed in all three measurement domains within experimental error. Although transient spectroscopy confirms the production of the (3)MLCT state on ultrafast time scales, Fo?rster resonance energy transfer calculations using the spectral properties of the two chromophores support initial singlet transfer from (1)PNI* to produce the (1)MLCT state by the agreement with the experimentally observed energy transfer time constant and efficiency. Intersystem crossing from the (1)MLCT to the (3)MLCT excited state is believed to be extremely fast and was not resolved with the current experiments. Finally, triplet energy was transferred from the (3)MLCT to the PNI-centered (3)LC state in less than 15 ns, ultimately achieving equilibrium between the two excited states. Subsequent relaxation to the ground state occurred via emission resulting from thermal population of the (3)MLCT state with a resultant lifetime of 651 μs. The title chromophore represents an interesting example of "ping-pong" energy transfer wherein photon excitation first migrates away from the initially prepared (1)PNI* excited state and then ultimately returns to this moiety as a long-lived excited triplet which disposes of its energy by equilibrating with the photoluminescent Re(I) MLCT excited state.