Combining alkali metals and zinc to harness heterometallic cooperativity in cyclic ester ring-opening polymerisation

Heterometallic cooperativity is an emerging strategy to elevate polymerisation catalyst performance. Here, we report the first heterotrimetallic Na/Zn₂ and K/Zn₂ complexes supported by a ProPhenol ligand, which deliver “best of both” in cyclic ester ring-opening polymerisation, combining the outstanding activity (Na/K) and good control (Zn₂) of homometallic analogues. Detailed NMR studies and density-functional theory calculations suggest that the Na/Zn₂ and K/Zn₂ complexes retain their heterometallic structures in the solution-state. To the best of our knowledge, the K/Zn₂ analogue is the most active heterometallic catalyst reported for rac-lactide polymerisation (k_obs = 1.7 × 10⁻² s⁻¹), giving activities five times faster than the Na/Zn₂ complex. These versatile catalysts also display outstanding performance in ε-caprolatone and δ-valerolactone ring-opening polymerisation. These studies provide underpinning methodologies for future heterometallic polymerisation catalyst design, both in cyclic ester polymerisation and other ring-opening (co)polymerisation reactions.

Cooperative heterotrimetallic Na/Zn₂ and K/Zn₂ complexes combine the excellent activities and control of the homometallic analogues, giving “best of both” in cyclic ester ring-opening polymerisation.     

Reactions of theortho-metallated rhodium(I) complex of the formula Rh[P(OC6H4)(OPh)2][P(OPh)3]3 with HX molecules

Summary Theortho-metallated complex [RhP₃Pt] [P=P(OPh)₃, P=P(OC₆H₄)(OPh)₂] was obtained in the reaction of [RhP₄]ClO₄ with KOH. It reacts easily with proton donors HX (X=ClO₄, F, Cl, SCN, or acetylacetonate) to produce complexes [RhP₃X] when X is a strong donor. If X is a weaker donor (X=ClO₄ or F), pentacoordinate compounds of the type [PhP₄X] are formed. [RhP₃P] reacts with acetylacetone (Hacac) to produce [Rh(acac)P₂].     

Asymptotic Analysis of Finite-Source M/GI/1 Retrial Queueing Systems with Collisions and Server Subject to Breakdowns and Repairs

Methodology and Computing in Applied Probability - This paper deals with a retrial queuing system with a finite number of sources and collision of the customers, where the server is subject to...     

Di-2-pyridylketone semicarbazone as ligand in metal complexes: synthesis and X-ray crystal structure

A series of complexes of di-2-pyridylketone semicarbazone (Hdips) and Mn(II), Co(II), Co(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II) nitrates were synthesized and characterized by means of IR spectroscopy and for cobalt and nickel by X-ray crystal structures. The results are in agreement with the formulae: Mn(Hdips)₂(NO₃)₂·2H₂O, [Co(Hdips)₂](NO₃)₂·H₂O (I), [Ni(Hdips)₂](NO₃)₂·H₂O (II), Cu(Hdips)(NO₃)₂·2H₂O, [Co(dips)₂](NO₃)·2H₂O (III). The structure of I and II are monoclinic, space groupP2₁/c, with, I,a=15.980(4),b=11.531(2),c=16.170(2)Å;=104.20(2)°,Z=4,R=0.032; II,a=16.109(5),b=11.480(3),c=16.135(6)Å;=104.15(2)°,Z=4,R=0.069. Compound III is also monoclinic, space groupP2₁/c witha=12.173(5),b=15.619(5),c=15.338(8)Å;=111.40(4)°,Z=4,R=0.059. In these complexes the ligand is tridentate via carbonylic oxygen, semicarbazone and pyridine nitrogens forming each two five membered chelate rings with the metal in a distorted octahedral geometry.     

Reactivity and structure of the 5-dehydro-m-xylylene anion

The electronic structure of dehydro-m-xylylene anion (DMX-) has been investigated by using chemical reactivity studies and electronic structure calculations. DMX- has been generated in the gas phase via the sequential reaction of trimethyl-3,5-bis(trimethylsilylmethyl)phenylsilane with F- and two molecules of F2. Reactivity and thermochemical properties of the ion indicate a phenyl-like anion (1a), consistent with theoretical predictions. Density functional calculations predict a nonplanar triplet anion, with an allenic singlet anion slightly higher in energy. The driving force for the out-of-plane distortion is more efficient charge delocalization that is achieved at lower symmetry.     

Double photoionisation spectra of small molecules and a new empirical rule for double ionisation energies

Complete double photoelectron spectra are presented for 18 small molecules where the location of charges in the cations and dications is relatively clearly defined. The data demonstrate the importance of a coulombic repulsion contribution to the double ionisation energies. Examination of data for a wide range of molecules leads to a new empirical rule to calculate double ionisation energies from the molecules’ single ionisation energies and maximum dimensions. Where single and double ionisation energies are known the rule allows the deduction of plausible intercharge distances.     

Operational comparison of various thermodynamic treatments of organic substance adsorption at the electrode/solution interface

Three isotherms are considered: Frumkin's Bennes' and Mohilner's. The relationship between the interaction parameters in the first two and the adsorbate activity coefficient in the last is discussed. The significance of various standard states for the definition of ΔG° _ads is analysed. The operational derivation of ΔG°_ads in the three cases and the relationship between the resulting three quantities are illustrated. The isotherms have been used to describe the adsorption of 1,4-dioxane on a polarized Hg electrode. The analysis has been carried out both at constant potential and constant charge. The picture emerging in each of the three cases is discussed in the light of the results obtained in the other two. It is concluded that the three approaches give the same qualitative information about the interfacial behaviour of dioxane, especially as far as the effect of the electric field and the particle-particle lateral interaction are concerned. The usefulness of the Frumkin isotherm for analysing promptly experimental adsorption data is thus maintained. Limitations of the present approach are discussed.     

A simple green procedure for the synthesis of 2H-azirines

An efficient and environmentally friendly method preparing 2H-azirines in good yield has been achieved by microwave irradiation of vinyl azides in solvent free conditions.     

Functionalization of Electrode Surfaces with Monolayers of Azocompounds and Gold Clusters

Properties of monolayers of azocrown compound self-assembled on gold substrates were studied using voltammetry and scanning tunneling microscopy. The surface concentrations of this compound in monolayers were determined from the area of the voltammetric reduction peaks. The area per one molecule estimated from voltammetry experiments is 0.65 nm². This value was comparable with the limiting molecular area of the compound in the Langmuir–Blodgett film at the air–water interface. We also observed the presence of gold clusters and other gold structures by STM when a gold electrode modified with azocrown compound was dipped into the tetrachloroaurate solution. Even better spectra of clusters were obtained following one voltammetric scan in the range 0.5 to ?0.6 V. After more cycles or if we condition the electrode at 0.4 V the clusters aggregate into wires.