Ionic liquid crystals from β-diketonyl containing pyridinium cations and tetrachlorozincate anions

In this work, an approach towards ionic liquid crystals is strategically designed. A pyridine group has been attached to an 1,3-diketone containing an alkyloxyphenyl R substituent (R = C₆H₄OC_nH_2n+1; n = 10–18) and protonated with hydrochloric acid towards the formation of the chloride salts of 2-[3-(4-n-alkyloxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dion-1-yl]pyridinium cations [OO^R(n)py]Cl (I), which have been proved to be non-mesomorphic. Reaction of these organic–inorganic compounds (I) with ZnCl₂ yields to the ionic liquid crystals of the type bis{2-[3-(4-n-alkyloxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dion-1-yl]pyridinium}tetrachlorozincate [OO^R(n)py]₂[ZnCl₄] (II).The crystalline structure of compounds [OO^R(12)py]Cl and [OO^R(10)py]₂[ZnCl₄] as representative examples of both kinds of salts have been solved and discussed. Both compounds exhibit layered structures containing cationic and anionic sublayers. In addition for the tetrachlorozincate salt [OO^R(16)py]₂[ZnCl₄] structural relationships between the mesophases and the crystalline phase are proposed on the basis of the variable-temperature small-angle X-ray diffraction studies.     

Liquid phase catalytic dehydration of glycerol to acrolein over Brønsted acidic ionic liquid catalysts

Liquid phase dehydration of glycerol to acrolein catalyzed by Brønsted acidic ionic liquids (BAILs) using semi-batch reaction technique was investigated. For the BAILs catalysts, the acrolein yields were in an order of [Bmim]H₂PO₄ > [Bmim]HSO₄ > [BPy]HSO₄ > [PSPy]HSO₄ > [N₂₂₂₄]HSO₄ > [PSPy]H₂PO₄ > [BPy]H₂PO₄ > [N₂₂₂₄]H₂PO₄. When [Bmim]H₂PO₄ and [Bmim]HSO₄ were used as the catalysts at 270 °C with the molar ratio of catalyst to glycerol of 1:100, the acrolein yields were 57.4% and 50.8%, respectively, at complete conversion of glycerol. The BAILs with [Bmim] cation and moderate acidity favored the formation of acrolein in liquid phase glycerol dehydration.     

New crosslinked-porous poly-ammonium microparticles as CO2 adsorbents

A new porous polymeric microparticle, poly[4-vinylbenzyltriethylammonium chloride] (P[VBTEA][Cl]), is prepared from the crosslinking polymerization of 4-vinylbenzyltriethylammonium chloride with N,N-methylenebisacrylamide via inverse suspension polymerization using cyclohexane as continuous phase, Span 80-Tween 80 as dispersant, and PEG600 as porogen. Two other microparticles, P[VBTEA][BF₄] and P[VBTEA][PF₆] are further obtained through ion-exchange. FT-IR, TGA, SEM, and EDS analyzes indicate that these microparticles have good porosity (apparent porosities are 55.0%, 69.7% and 64.3%, respectively), high thermal stability, and large specific surface area, which make them potentially applicable as adsorbent agents. Their CO₂ adsorption–desorption performance is investigated. It is observed that such porous polymeric microparticles present high CO₂ sorption capability; typically, the CO₂ sorption of P[VBTEA][PF₆] is 1.38 wt% at 25 °C and 1 bar. Such porous polymeric microparticles are good candidates for CO₂ adsorption.     

Effect of coordination environment on the magnetic relaxation of mononuclear DyIII field-induced single molecule magnets

Two mononuclear Dy^III complexes [Dy(H₂TEG)(NO₃)₃]·[18-crown-6] (H₂TEG = triethylene glycol) (1) and [Dy(H₂TEG)Cl₃]·[18-crown-6] (2) have been prepared using H₂TEG as ligands. Magnetic studies revealed that both complexes show field-induced double magnetic relaxation behavior with energy barriers of 28 K and 54 K. Distinct magnetic dynamic properties observed in 1 and 2 are mostly attributed to the dissimilar coordination environments around Dy^III centers in these two complexes.     

Two new selenidostannates with a [Sn3Se7]n2n− layer from the imidazolium-based ionic liquids: The role of (Bzmim)+ and aggregated cation of [(Emim)3Cl]2+

Herein, we report on the syntheses, crystal structures, and optical properties of two new selenidostannates, namely, [Emim]₅[Sn₃Se₇]₂Cl (1, Emim = 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium) and [Bzmim]₂[Sn₃Se₇] (2, Bzmim = 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium). The ionic liquids (ILs) of [Emim]Cl with a short ethyl chain and [Bzmim]Cl with a bulky substituent benzyl group were used in the syntheses of compounds 1 and 2, respectively. Although both the structures feature an anionic lamellar [Sn₃Se₇]_n^2n– layer, the packing of the layers are dramatically different; such structural diversity may be ascribed to the difference of structure-directing cations incorporated in between the layers, that is [(Emim)₃Cl]²⁺ aggregates in 1 and bulky [Bzmim]⁺ in 2, respectively.     

Catalytic conversion of fructose into furans using FeCl3 as catalyst

Conversion of fructose into furan derivates 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and 5-ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF) was performed in ethanol-[Bmim]Cl solvent systems, catalyzed by FeCl₃. HMF was obtained in a high yield of 90.8% for 4 h at 100 °C in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazole chloride ([Bmim]Cl). The ratio of [Bmim]Cl to ethanol showed a remarkable effect on the yields of HMF and EMF. The maximum EMF yield of 30.1% was obtained in a mixed solvent of [Bmim]Cl (0.5 g) and ethanol (4.5 g). On the meanwhile, HMF was obtained in a yield of 60.3%.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties of a three-dimensional cyano-bridged heterometallic complex {NiII(Me6-[14]ane-N4)}2[WIV(CN)8] · 6H2O

Self-assembly of [W(CN)₈]⁴⁻ and {Ni(Me₆-[14]ane-N₄)}²⁺ (Me₆-[14]ane-N₄ = 5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) leads to a novel three-dimensional cyano-bridged complex {Ni(Me₆-[14]ane-N₄)}₂[W(CN)₈] · 6H₂O (1), which was characterized by IR, elemental analysis, ICP, TGA and SC-XRD. Magnetic behavior of the complex shows a characteristic of combination of zero-field splitting of Ni²⁺ in an axially distorted octahedral surrounding and a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between Ni²⁺ ions through the diamagnetic [W(CN)₈]⁴⁻ bridges.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and luminescent properties of new tris-β-diketonate Eu(III) complex with thiadiazolophenanthroline derivative ligand

Herein we describe the synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic properties of the complex tris-(thenoyltrifluoroacetonate)([1, 2, 5]thiadiazolo[3, 4-f][1,10]phenanthroline) europium(III) acetonitrile solvate, [Eu(TTA)₃ TDPHEN] 1.5CH₃CN, where TTA = 2-thenoyl trifluoroacetone and TDPHEN = [1, 2, 5]thiadiazolo[3, 4-f][1, 10] phenanthroline. X-ray crystallography reveals that it is an eight-coordinate Eu(III) complex containing three β-diketonate chelates and one N,N′-bidentate ligand, [1, 2, 5] thiadiazolo[3, 4-f][1, 10] phenanthroline. The excitation at 340 nm of the europium complex in a solution of acetonitrile, and at room-temperature, showed the typical Eu(III) red emission as a sharp band at 611 nm, characteristic of Eu(III) due to the transition ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂. This complex also showed red emission in the solid state phase (λ_em = 612 nm).     

Synthesis,structures and properties of cobalt(II) and copper(I) complexes of 2,6-diamino-3-[(2-carboxymethyl)phenylazo]-pyridine

The reaction of methyl anthranilate, sodium nitrite, and 2,6-diamino-pyridine affords a new compound, 2,6-diamino-3-[(2-carboxymethyl) phenylazo]-pyridine (L), which has been characterized with X-ray crystallography and NMR spectrum. The reaction of L and CoCl₂? 6H₂O or Cu(ClO₄)₂? 6H₂O gives a dinuclear cobalt(II) complex [Co₂L₂Cl₃]Cl (1), and a copper(I) complex [CuL₂]ClO₄ (2),respectively. They are characterized by X-ray crystallography, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, NMR spectra, magnetic measurement and emission spectra. Magnetic behavior of 1 denotes the occurrence of intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions (J = ? 141.8 cm^? 1). Complex 2 exhibits photoluminescence at 557 nm.     

Heterothiometallic clusters as robust and efficient copper(I) catalysts for azide–alkyne [3 + 2] cycloadditions

We investigated heterothiometallic W(Mo)/S/Cu clusters [NH₄]₂[MS₄Cu_nX_n] (M = W, Mo; X = Br, I; n = 2, 4, 6) as novel copper(I) catalysts for Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions. The experiments indicate that the thiometallic ligands can stabilize copper(I) ions and improve their solubility. Interestingly, these cluster compounds have very different catalytic performances in copper(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloadditions (CuAACs), which may correlate to their different redox potentials. Cluster [NH₄]₂[MS₄Cu₄I₄] was found to be a very robust and efficient catalyst of CuAACs, and was utilized to synthesize a variety of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles in excellent yields at room temperature under polar solvent or solvent-free conditions.     

Hexachloroplatinate(IV) anion-induced cucurbit[5]uril and cucurbit[8]uril supramolecular assemblies with linear channels

Two Q[n]-based porous compounds, Q[5]·[PtCl₆]^2 −·2H₃O·12H₂O and 2Q[8]·[PtCl₆]^2 −·2H₃O·74H₂O in cooperating the hexachloroplatinate(IV) anion ([PtCl₆]^2 −) as an inorganic structure directing agent are demonstrated. The driving forces for the formation of such novel Q[n]-based porous compounds are considered to be the outer surface interactions of Q[n]s, including dipole interactions between Q[n]s and ion-dipole interactions between [PtCl₆]^2 − anions and Q[n]s. Moreover, the Q[5]-based porous compound displays absorption distinctness for tetrachloromethane, whereas the Q[8]-based porous compound displays absorption distinctness for methanol.     

Syntheses,structures and properties of two copper-2-picolinic-acid germanomolybdate hybrids with mixed organic components

Two inorganic–organic hybrids based on saturated α-Keggin-type germanomolybdates with mixed organic components [H₂DAP]₂[Cu(PA)₂][α-GeMo₁₂O₄₀]·8H₂O (1) and [NH₄]₂[H₈L] [Cu(PA)₂][α-GeMo₁₂O₄₀]·8H₂O (2) (DAP = 1.2-diaminopropane, HPA = 2-picolinic acid, H₆L = 1,3-bis[tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino]propane) have been obtained via the conventional aqueous solution method and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 stands for an one-dimensional linear organic–inorganic hybrid germanomolybdate chain constructed from classical Keggin [α-GeMo₁₂O₄₀]^4 − units supported by [Cu(PA)₂] linkers, whereas 2 represents the first hybrid germanomolybdate containing the H₆L component and consists of a saturated α-Keggin polyanion [α-GeMo₁₂O₄₀]^4 −, a diprotonated [H₈L]^2 + cation, a copper coordination complex [Cu(PA)₂], two ammonium cations [NH₄]⁺ and eight lattice water molecules. Furthermore, the electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties of 1 and 2 have also been investigated in detail.     

An intriguing NO2⋯π and CN⋯π interactions in [1-(4′-nitrobenzyl)pyrazinium][Ni(mnt)2]: Crystal structure,magnetic property and DFT calculation

A charge-transfer compound, [NO₂BzPz][Ni(mnt)₂] (NO₂BzPz⁺ = 1-(4′-nitrobenzyl)pyrazinium and mnt^2? = maleonitriledithiolate), has been structurally characterized, which shows rare noncovalently intermolecular interactions between lone-pair electron and electron-deficient pyrazine rings (NO₂?π and CN?π), theoretical analysis reveals that such intermolecular interactions can be attributed to Coulomb interaction. The paramagnetic [Ni(mnt)₂]^? anions in [NO₂BzPz][Ni(mnt)₂] form a dimerized stack and strong antiferromagnetic coupling interaction is observed in such a spin dimer which lead to weak paramagnetic feature in this compound.     

Liquid–liquid equilibria for ternary mixtures of methyl tert-butyl ether,ethyl tert-butyl ether,water and imidazolium-based ionic liquids at 298.15 K

The ternary liquid–liquid equilibria (LLE) were analytically determined at 298.15 K for the following systems: {methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) + water + 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium-ethylsulfate (EMISE)}, {MTBE + water + 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF₄])}, {ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) + water + EMISE}and {ETBE + water + [Bmim][BF₄]}.All the determination were carried out at atmospheric pressure using stirred and thermo-regulated cells. The experimental data were correlated with the well-known NRTL and UNIQUAC activity coefficient models. In addition, distribution coefficients with selectivity of the ionic liquids EMISE and [Bmim][BF₄] for water in the MTBE or ETBE phase were determined.     

Hydrothermal syntheses,crystal structures and photocatalytic properties of three POM-templated organic–inorganic hybrid compounds

Three new POM-templated organic–inorganic compounds, Cu₂(3,5-bptp)₂[H₂SiW₁₂O₄₀]·4H₂O (1), Ag₂(3,5-bptp)₂[HPW₁₂O₄₀]·4H₂O (2), [Cu₄(OH)₃Cl(H₂O)₃(4-bpo)₃](SiW₁₂O₄₀)·5H₂O (3) (3,5-bptp = 3,5-bis(3-(pyrid-4-yl)-1,2,4-triazolyl)-pyridine, 4-bpo = 2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole) were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal structural analysis indicates that compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and show one dimensional zigzag chains with [H₂SiW₁₂O₄₀]^2 − as guest molecules. Compound 3 is two dimensional sheets constructed from [Cu₄(OH)₃Cl(H₂O)₃] clusters and 4-bpo ligands with [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4 − as guest molecules. Furthermore, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) with 3 was studied under visible light irradiation, indicating excellent photocatalytic activity.     

Photochemical reductive elimination of [PtIV(NH3)4(NH2)Cl]2 +: Photogeneration of hydrazine

When [Pt^IV(NH₃)₅Cl]^3 + is deprotonated the complex [Pt^IV(NH₃)₄(NH₂)Cl]^2 + is formed. Upon NH₂⁻ → Pt^IV LMCT excitation (λ_irr > 250 nm) a reductive elimination takes place: [Pt^IV(NH₃)₄(NH₂)Cl]^2 + → [Pt^II(NH₃)₃Cl]⁺ + N₂H₄ + H⁺. Since Pt(II) ammine complexes can be reoxidized to Pt(IV) by H₂O₂ it is suggested that in a cyclic process the overall reaction could proceed according to the equation: 2 NH₃ + H₂O₂ → N₂H₄ + 2 H₂O.     

Mono- and dinuclear rhenium(I) compounds with bidentate benzimidazole chelators

A mononuclear rhenium(I) complex, fac-[Re(CO)₃(bzch)Cl] (1), where bzch = 2-benzimidazole-4H-chromen-4-one, was isolated from the equimolar reaction between the Schiff base ligand 2-(2-aminophenyliminomethyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (H₂pch) and [Re(CO)₅Cl]. The 1:2 molar ratio reactions between [Re(CO)₅Cl] and N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-benzimidazole (Hbzp) afforded a dinuclear rhenium(I) compound, (μ-bzp)₂[Re(CO)₃]₂ (2). These new rhenium(I) compounds were characterized by NMR, UV–vis, IR, and emission spectroscopy, as well as conductance measurements and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The emission spectra for 1 in dichloromethane were well-resolved and could be deconvoluted into three main bands. The emission spectra for 2 were red-shifted by > 140 nm and markedly broadened relative to those of 1.     

Six isostructural lanthanide-containing MOFs built on a semi-rigid tripodal organic ligand

By using a semi-rigid tripodal ligand 1,1′,1′′-(2,4,6-trimethylbenzene-1,3,5-triyl)tris(methylene)tripyridinium-4-olate) (L), six isomorphous lanthanum metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), namely, [Pr(L)₂(Cl)₂]·(Cl)(DMF)_0.5·(H₂O)·(1), [Nd(L)₂(Cl)₂]·(Cl)(2), [Tb(L)₂(Cl)₂]·(Cl)·(DMF)·(H₂O)(3), [Eu(L)₂(Cl)₂]·(Cl)(DMF)·(H₂O)(4), [La(L)₂(Cl)₂]·(Cl)(5), [Sm(L)₂(Cl)₂]·(Cl) (DMF)·(H₂O) (6), were obtained and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR and elemental analysis. Six compounds are isostructural with Ln^3 + (Ln = Pr, Nd, Tb, Eu, La, Sm) and in which the Ln^3 + is considered as a 6-connecting node and the L ligand is a 3-connecting node to afford a (3,6)-connected 2D layer with kgd topology, which further stacks into 3D supramolecular networks through C-H^…O weak interactions. Luminescent properties of these lanthanide MOFs have also been assessed at ambient temperature, in which the Pr^3 +-1 and the La^3 +-5 are slightly blue-shifted with respect to the ligand. Series of sharp peaks characteristic of the Eu^3 +-4, the Tb^3 +-3 and Sm^3 + − 6 metal-centered luminescence appear. The Nd^3 +-2 has no emission.     

First hexanuclear manganese(II) μ6-Cl centered carboxylate anion: Synthesis,structure and magnetic properties

Reaction of manganese(II) polymer [Mn₅Cl(OH)(Piv)₈(MeCN)(HPiv)(H₂O)]_n (1, HPiv is pivalic acid) and 2-benzoylpyridine (L) in MeCN produces the ionic complex [Mn₃(Piv)₅L₂(MeCN)]⁺[Mn₆Cl(Piv)₁₂]⁻ · MeCN (3) containing the unusual hexanuclear {Mn₆(μ₆-Cl)} anion. An analogous anion was also observed in the complex [Mn₆Cl(Piv)₁₂]⁻(NEt₄)⁺ · 5MeCN (4) prepared by the reaction of the polymer [Mn(Piv)₂(EtOH)]_n (2) with NEt₄Cl in MeCN. Complexes 3 and 4 were characterized by the X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility.     

Synthesis and characterization of trans-[Ru(NO)Cl(L)4](PF6)2 (L = isonicotinamide; 4-acetylpyridine) and related species

The trans-[RuCl₂(L)₄], trans-[Ru(NO)Cl (L)₄](PF₆)₂ (L = isonicotinamide and 4-acetylpyridine) and trans-[Ru(NO)(OH)(py)₄]Cl₂ (py = pyridine) complexes have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, UV–visible, infrared, and ¹H NMR spectroscopies, and cyclic voltammetry. The MLCT band energies of trans-[RuCl₂(L)₄] increase in the order 4-acpy < isn < py. The reduction potentials of trans-[RuCl₂(L)₄] and trans-[Ru(NO)Cl(L)₄]²⁺ increase in the order py < isn < 4-acpy. The stretching band frequency, ν_NO, of the nitrosyl complexes ranges from 1913 to 1852 cm^?1 indicating a nitrosonium character for the NO ligand. Due to the large π-acceptor ability of the equatorial ligands, the coordinated water is much more acidic in the water soluble trans-[Ru(NO)(H₂O)(py)₄]³⁺ than in trans-[Ru(NO)(H₂O)(NH₃)₄]³⁺.