Structural characterization and catalytic properties of bis(1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidinium) dichromate

The structure of bis(1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidinium) dichromate was determined from powder X-ray diffraction data. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P2₁/n) with a = 10.79714 (15) Å, b = 11.75844 (16) Å, c = 8.15097 (11) Å, β = 109.5248 (6)°. The structure consists of dichromate anions (Cr₂O₇²⁻) stabilized by tetramethylguanidinium cations ([H₂NC(N(CH₃)₂)₂]⁺ or [TMGH]⁺). Phase transitions of [TMGH]₂Cr₂O₇ were determined by differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis and in situ Raman spectroscopy, where the decomposition of the matrix into CrO_x was found at 171-172 °C. Further heat treatment to above 400 °C resulted in formation of the thermodynamically stable Cr₂O₃, most likely with the [TMGH]⁺ cation as reductant. The catalytic activity of [TMGH]₂Cr₂O₇ supported on TiO₂ anatase in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxide was also investigated, however only moderate activity was observed in the temperature range 100-400 °C compared to the activity of e.g., vanadia supported on titania.