Polylinked adamantanoid structure of Cd(SePh)2

The solid state structure of Cd(SePh)₂ is built up of adamantanoid cages linked through four vertices to form a three-dimensional nonmolecular polyadamantanoid or superdiamondoid network, ³_∝[(μ-SePh)₆Cd₄(μ-SePh)_4/2].     

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of a novel co-ordination polymer [Co(BTB)2(NCS)2]n

A novel polymeric cobalt(II) complex with flexible ligand, [Co(BTB)₂(NCS)₂]_n 1 {BTB = 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butane} has been prepared and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction as well as with elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The complex 1 consists of two discrete constituents, A and B, with the same chemical formula [Co(BTB)₂(NCS)₂] but different connecting mode. The six-co-ordination of Co²⁺ in A and B is in a distorted octahedral environment formed by four nitrogen atoms of the triazoles and two nitrogen atoms from two trans thiocyanato ligands. The structures of A and B demonstrate a one-dimensional neutral looped chain through two BTB-bridges and a two-dimensional network in which four BTB bridge four Co(II) atoms, respectively. A and B interpenetrate in an inclined fashion. The flexible BTB ligand exhibits three different configurations in 1.     

Facile synthesis and characterization of novel bis(2-S-alkylpyridines) and bis(3-aminothieno[2,3-b]pyridines) incorporating 1,3-diarylpyrazole moiety

3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (1) is condensed with acetophenone to afford the corresponding unsaturated carbonyl compound 4 whose potassium salt is reacted with 1,4-dibromobutane to afford the bis-unsaturated carbonyl compound 3. Both carbonyl compounds 3 and 4 are reacted with 2-cyanoethanethioamide, through Michael addition reaction followed by cyclocondensation, to prepare the starting materials bis(pyridine-2(1H)-thione) derivative 5 and pyridine-2(1H)-thione derivative 8. Two synthetic routes to synthesize the target materials 7 and 14 are described to get the most efficient method for preparation and maximum yield%. The first route came from the direct alkylation of the bis(pyridine-2(1H)-thione) derivative 5 using iodomethane (6a) and benzyl chloride (6b) to afford the corresponding bis(2-S-alkylpyridine) derivatives 7a,b. The reaction of 5 with halo-containing compounds 10a–d to synthesize the target materials bis(3-aminothieno[2,3-b]pyridine) derivatives 14a–d failed under various reaction conditions. The second route involves the reaction of pyridine-2(1H)-thione derivative 8 with 6a,b and 10a–d to afford the corresponding 2-S-alkylpyridine derivatives 9a,b and 3-aminothieno[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives 13a–d, through the formation of 2-S-alkylpyridine derivatives 12a–d followed by a Thrope-Ziegler reaction, whose potassium salts reacted with 1,4-dibromobutane to afford the corresponding target materials 7a,b and 14a–d, respectively. The structures of target molecules were elucidated using elemental analyses and spectral data.     

A novel 3D metal-organic framework with helical structure: Synthesis and structure of [Ag4(tzdt)4(μ-tzdtH)2]n (tzdtH=1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione)

A novel metal-organic framework (MOF), the first 3D 1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione (tzdtH) coordinated MOF with strong Ag–Ag interaction (2.9001 Å) in tetranuclear silver clusters, was synthesized. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows that the versatile ligand tzdtH contributes greatly to the formation of the 3D framework and the helical structure.     

Synthesis, structure and photoluminescence of a novel palladium(I) compound: [Pd3(μ3-Cl)2(dppp)3][Pd2(μ2-Cl)3(PPh3)2](PPh3)2

Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ reacts with PdCl₂ and 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphine)propane (dppp) in ethanol–DMF–pyridine mixed solvent to yield a novel palladium(I) compound [Pd₃(μ₃-Cl)₂(dppp)₃][Pd₂(μ₂-Cl)₃(PPh₃)₂](PPh₃)₂. It features an isolated structure based on [Pd₃(μ₃-Cl)₂(dppp)₃]⁺ cations having triangulo-palladium clusters and [Pd₂(μ₂-Cl)₃(PPh₃)₂]⁻ anions in which the coordination environment of palladium is an unusual tetrahedral geometry. Its photoluminescence is measured.     

First X-ray structure of discrete anion [HgBr5]: Synthesis, characterization and single crystal X-ray structure determination of [Co(NH3)6][HgBr5]

A new cobalt(III) complex salt, [Co(NH₃)₆][HgBr₅](1) was crystallized from a solution of hexaamminecobalt(III)bromide and potassium tetrabromomercurate(II) in aqueous medium in 1:1 molar ratio. This complex salt has been characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic techniques (e.g. UV/Visible, IR), solubility product and conductance measurements. The complex salt crystallizes in Orthorhombic crystal system with space group Pnma. Single crystal X-ray structure determination revealed the presence of discrete ions: [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ cation and a new anion [HgBr₅]³⁻. This is the first structural report of a complex salt containing this new anion. The structure consists of stacks of cations and anions demonstrating supramolecular arrangements through N–HBr hydrogen-bond interactions. The crystal lattice is stabilized by these non-covalent interactions besides electrostatic interaction.     

Preparation and characterization of a PMMA/Ce(OH)3, Pr2O3/graphite nanosheet composite

An easy process for the synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate)/Ce(OH)₃, Pr₂O₃/graphite nanosheet (PMMA/Ce(OH)₃, Pr₂O₃/NanoG) composite was developed. Graphite nanosheets (NanoG) were prepared by treating the expanded graphite with sonication in aqueous alcohol solution. The PMMA/Ce(OH)₃, Pr₂O₃/NanoG composites were prepared via in situ polymerization of MMA monomer in the presence of graphite nanosheets and Ce(OH)₃, Pr₂O₃ through reverse micelle template, in which the methyl methacrylate was designated as the oily phase. The composites were then dispersed with chloroform and coated on glass slides to form films. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the structure and dispersion of the graphite nanosheets and the composites. The results showed that the high-aspect-ratio structure of the nanosheets played an important role in forming a conducting network in the PMMA matrix. From thermogravimetric analysis, the introduction of graphite nanosheets and inorganic nanopartices exhibited a beneficial effect on the thermal stability of PMMA.     

A hemidirected 1-D coordination polymer [Pb2(H2O)2(HBTC)2] · 3H2O extended in holodirected 3-D by weak Pb–O interactions

A new complex, [Pb₂(H₂O)₂(HBTC)₂] · 3H₂O (H₃BTC = 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid) (1), has been synthesized under hydrothermal condition. The single-crystal analysis shows that 1 consists of 1-D double-chains with Pb(II) six-coordinated by three H₃BTC and one H₂O molecule with the Pb–O bond distances in the range of 2.56–2.76 Å. When the Pb–O bonding limit extends from 2.76 to 2.90 Å, the potential weak bonds of Pb–O can be found and the coordination number of Pb will increase from six to nine. As a result, the coordination geometry of Pb(II) transforms from hemidirected to holodirected and an infinite 3-D framework is obtained by the connection of the double-chains. The IR spectrum and the TGA–DTA curve of 1 are also reported in this paper.     

Metal-organic framework Cu3 (BTC)2(H2O)3 catalyzed Aldol synthesis of pyrimidine-chalcone hybrids

A typical metal organic framework, [Cu₃ (BTC)₂(H₂O)₃, BTC = 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylate] has been used for the synthesis of pyrimidine-chalcones. We have explored a green synthesis of pyrimidine chalcones under Cu₃(BTC)₂ catalysis by Aldol condensation. Easy isolation of product, excellent yield, and recyclable catalyst makes this reaction eco-friendly. The technology was demonstrated to be applicable to the synthesis of a host of chemical hybrids.     

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of cis,mer-[ReH(CO)2{PPh(OMe)2}3]

The dicarbonylhydride complex cis,mer-[ReH(CO)₂{PPh(OMe)₂}₃] (1) was serendipitously obtained when, in an attempt to replace a CO ligand by the phosphonite ligand PPh(OMe)₂ in [ReH(CO)₃(L)] (L = PPh₂OCH₂CH₂OPPh₂), this complex was treated with PPh(OMe)₂ under UV irradiation. The complex 1 was characterized by IR, ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy and by crystal structure determination. The spectroscopic features are consequent with the cis,mer configuration showed by the X-ray crystallographic analysis of the complex. The environment of the metal centre is a distorted octahedron.     

Molecular structures and vibrational frequencies for cis-[PdCl2(tmen)] and cis-[Pd(N3)2(tmen)]: A DFT study

Theoretical molecular structures of the complexes cis-[PdCl₂(tmen)] and cis-[Pd(N₃)₂(tmen)] (tmen = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) were investigated using B3LYP/DFT method. The calculated molecular parameters, bond distances and angles, revealed a square-planar geometry around the metallic center for both compounds with the azide being linear. The theoretical infrared spectra of C₁ symmetry (electronic state ¹A) of the compounds are in agreement with the experimental data.     

Novel hetero-polymetallic derivatives of palladium bearing pyridylthioether fragments incorporating a Fe2(CO)6 cluster core as ligand

The complexation of poly(pyridylthioether) incorporating a Fe₂(CO)₆ cluster core with palladium derivatives in different oxidation states afforded novel hetero-polymetallic complexes.     

Direct synthesis and characterization of novel homo- and heterometallic mixed-ligand tetrazolate complexes, Cu(en)(tz)2 and Cu(en)2Zn(tz)4 [en = ethylenediamine, tz = tetrazolate]

For the first time, tetrazolate complexes have been prepared by direct synthesis. Two novel homo- and heterometallic mixed-ligand complexes, Cu(en)(tz)₂ and Cu(en)₂Zn(tz)₄, have been synthesized using tetrazole (Htz), ethylenediamine (en), metallic copper and zinc oxide as starting materials. Both tetrazolates were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The complexes present 1D coordination polymers, with tetrazolate anions acting as both monodentate and bridging ligands.     

Supported dicopper(II) complex catalyst Cu2(II)(μ-Br)2/SiO2: synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties for synthesis of ethylene carbonate

A μ-Br-bridged dicopper(II) complex, namely [Cu₂(μ-Br)₂·6H₂O](ClO₄)₂, has been prepared by metal ion grafting. A supported complex catalyst Cu₂(II)(μ-Br)₂/SiO₂was prepared by modifying the silica surface with NaOEt and anchoring the dicopper(II) complex precursor on the surface of the support. The structure of the complex catalyst has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and UV–VIS diffusion reflection spectra. Obtained data were compared with published data of the complex. TPD-MS and TPD-IR investigations indicated that CO₂ and ethylene oxide (EO) can be chemisorbed on the surface of the catalyst reversibly in a bridged state and can be desorbed from the surface at 105 and 115 K, respectively. In the high temperature range of 450–573 K, another reversible absorption state for CO₂ was also discovered. For EO, however, a decomposition absorption state was found which gave the dissociated species of CH₄ and CO. TPSR-MS experiments have shown that CO₂ and EO reacted on the surface effectively in the range of 343–413 K. An in situ IR method has been used to study the reactivity of the reactants on the surface of the catalyst, and the target product ethylene carbonate (EC) was detected in the range of 333–413 K. Catalytic experiments indicated that the one-way yield of EC is greater than 8.0% and that the selectivity of EC is greater than 82%. A synergic cyclization reaction pathway is proposed to account for the observed products.     

Preparation of surface modified nano-Mg(OH)2 via precipitation method

Nano-magnesium hydroxide was prepared via wet precipitation by using the mixture of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and monoalcohol ether phosphate (MAP) as surface modifiers. The yield of the surface modified nano-Mg(OH)₂ was about 98%. The usage and dosage of surface modifiers were optimized by means of the measurements of suspension volume of the nano-particles in liquid paraffin. As the mass ratio of SDS to MAP was 2:1 and the total of 0.2 wt.% of Mg(OH)₂ theoretical weight (4.35 g) was used, the nano-Mg(OH)₂ with optimized dispersibility was obtained. The volume percent of the surface modified nano-particles suspension in liquid paraffin could reach 96% after 11 h while that of the nano-Mg(OH)₂ without modification would be 62%. The as-prepared samples were characterized through N₂ adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC). The results show that hexagonal crystal nano-particles with both SDS and MAP molecules on the surfaces were obtained. The LOI value of PP composites is 35.0 at 150 phr (50% by weight) of surface modified nano-Mg(OH)₂.     

Structural correlations in nickel(II)–thiodiacetato complexes: molecular and crystal structures and properties of [Ni(tda)(H2O)3]

Triaqua(thiodiacetato)nickel(II) has been synthesized and studied by X-ray crystallography, thermal, spectral and magnetic methods. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group , in contrast to the related compound [Ni(tda)(H₂O)₃] · H₂O (orthorhombic) reported long time ago. As in other four Ni–tda derivatives, the metal atom exhibits an octahedral coordination and tda ligand adopts a fac-tridentate chelating role. The studied compound is closely related to [Zn(tda)(H₂O)₃]. In addition, a structural comparison of the binary and ternary Ni–tda derivatives reveals that auxiliary N-donor ligands bind the metal atom using the trans-positions towards the Ni–O(carboxylato) bonds, but not in trans to the Ni–S(thioether) bond.     

DNA-promoted electrochemical assembly of [Ru(bpy)2dpp] on the ITO electrode by introducing copper(II) ion

The electrochemical assembly of [Ru(bpy)₂dpp]^3+/2+ (where bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, dpp = 2,3-bis (2-pyridyl) pyrazine) promoted by calf thymus DNA on an ITO electrode based on the introduction of copper(II) ion has been investigated. There exists a diffusion-controlled wave and two prewaves for the complex in the differential pulse voltammetric sweeping process. The formal potential of the high prewave shift ca. 0.530 V negatively compared with that of the diffusion-controlled wave. Dpp ligand with two vacant chelating N sites in the complex can bite Cu²⁺ and the resultant heterometallic complex shows a weakened assembly in contrast to that of [Ru(bpy)₂dpp]^3+/2+ alone. Furthermore, double stranded DNA is able to accelerate the assembly of the ruthenium complex and heterometallic complex generated by chelating with Cu²⁺ by using the ITO surface, the prompted strength of the latter is far stronger than the former. Their assembled mechanism enhanced by DNA is proposed.     

Novel hierarchical yolk-shell α-Ni(OH)2/Mn2O3 microspheres as high specific capacitance electrode materials for supercapacitors

For high performance supercapacitors, novel hierarchical yolk-shell a-Ni(OH)₂/Mn₂O₃ microspheres were controllably synthesized using a facile two-step method based on the solvothermal treatment. The unique a-Ni(OH)₂ based yolk-shell microstructures decorated with numerous interconnected nanosheets and the hetero-composition features can synergistically enhance reactive site exposure and electron conduction within the microspheres, facilitate charge transfer between electrolyte and electrode materials, and release structural stress during OH⁻ chemisorption/desorption. Moreover, the Mn₂O₃ sediments distributed over the a-Ni(OH)₂ microspheres can serve as an effective protective layer for electrochemical reactions. Consequently, when tested in 1 mol·L⁻¹ KOH aqueous electrolyte for supercapacitors, the yolk-shell a-Ni(OH)₂/Mn₂O₃ microspheres exhibited a considerably high specific capacitance of 2228.6 F·g⁻¹ at 1 A·g⁻¹ and an impressive capacitance retention of 77.7% after 3000 cycles at 10 A·g⁻¹. The proposed a-Ni(OH)₂/Mn₂O₃ microspheres with hetero-composition and unique hierarchical yolk-shell microstructures are highly promising to be used as electrode materials in supercapacitors and other energy storage devices.