Microcrystalline Solids Research Articles

Unusual formation of Ir(III) complexes with non‐symmetrical NacNac ligands: Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of catalytic activity in transfer hydrogenation reduction reactions

A new type of trans‐dichloro‐Ir(III) complexes derived from non‐symmetrical NacNac‐type ligands was unexpectedly obtained as the main reaction product from the former ligands and the dimeric species [Ir(COD)Cl2]. One equivalent of LH was reacted with an excess of [Ir(COD)Cl]2 in dichloromethane or toluene as solvent and at room temperature. The general formula of the product is [IrCl2(COD)L] and was isolated as a sole product instead of the expected Ir(I) compound [Ir(COD)L]; all the new Ir(III) were prepared in high yields as microcrystalline solids. They were all stable under laboratory atmosphere, lasting for weeks in solution and for months in solid state. The structure of each compound was examined by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Complex 1k was selected for an X‐ray diffraction study. Finally, an evaluation was made of the catalytic activity of all complexes in the transfer hydrogenation reaction of ketones and imines.

An Old Crystallization Technique as a Fast, Facile, and Adaptable Method for Obtaining Single Crystals of Unstable "Li2TCNQF4" and New Compounds of TCNQ or TCNQF4: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties.

Detailed structural information is essential for understanding the properties of TCNQ and TCNQF4 compounds (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane; TCNQF4 = 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane). The ineludible requirement of obtaining crystals of a size and quality sufficient to yield a successful X-ray diffraction analysis has been challenging to satisfy because of the instability of many of these compounds in solution. Crystals of two new complexes of TCNQ, [trans-M(2ampy)2(TCNQ)2] [M = Ni (1), Zn (2); 2ampy = 2-aminomethylpyridine], as well as unstable [Li2(TCNQF4)(CH3CN)4]·CH3CN (3), can be prepared in minutes by a horizontal diffusion technique and can be harvested easily for X-ray structural studies. Compound 3, previously described as "Li2TCNQF4," forms a one-dimensional (1D) ribbon. Compounds 1 and 2 can also be obtained as microcrystalline solids from methanolic solutions of MCl2/LiTCNQ/2ampy. Their variable-temperature magnetic studies confirmed a contribution of strongly antiferromagnetically coupled pairs of TCNQ•- anion radicals at higher temperatures with exchange coupling J/kB = -1206 K and J/kB = -1369 K for 1 and 2, respectively, estimated using a spin dimer model. The presence of magnetically active anisotropic Ni(II) atoms with S = 1 in 1 was confirmed, and the magnetic behavior of 1, representing an infinite chain of alternating S = 1 sites and S = 1/2 dimers, was described by a spin-ring model suggesting ferromagnetic exchange coupling between Ni(II) sites and anion radicals.

Domain Auto Finder (DAFi) program: the analysis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data from polycrystalline samples.

This paper presents the Domain Auto Finder (DAFi) program and its application to the analysis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) data from multiphase mixtures of microcrystalline solids and powders. Superposition of numerous reflections originating from a large number of single-crystal domains of the same and/or different (especially unknown) phases usually precludes the sorting of reflections coming from individual domains, making their automatic indexing impossible. The DAFi algorithm is designed to quickly find subsets of reflections from individual domains in a whole set of SC-XRD data. Further indexing of all found subsets can be easily performed using widely accessible crystallographic packages. As the algorithm neither requires a priori crystallographic information nor is limited by the number of phases or individual domains, DAFi is powerful software to be used for studies of multiphase polycrystalline and microcrystalline (powder) materials. The algorithm is validated by testing on X-ray diffraction data sets obtained from real samples: a multi-mineral basalt rock at ambient conditions and products of the chemical reaction of yttrium and nitro-gen in a laser-heated diamond anvil cell at 50 GPa. The high performance of the DAFi algorithm means it can be used for processing SC-XRD data online during experiments at synchrotron facilities.

Monitoring Solid-Phase Reactions in Self-Assembled Monolayers by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

Nanopatterned surfaces enhance incident electromagnetic radiation and thereby enable the detection and characterization of self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs), for instance in surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Herein, Au nanohole arrays, developed and characterized as SERS substrates, are exemplarily used for monitoring a solid‐phase deprotection and a subsequent copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition “click” reaction, performed directly on the corresponding SAMs. The SERS substrate was found to be highly reliable in terms of signal reproducibility and chemical stability. Furthermore, the intermediates and the product of the solid‐phase synthesis were identified by SERS. The spectra of the immobilized compounds showed minor differences compared to spectra of the microcrystalline solids. With its uniform SERS signals and the high chemical stability, the platform paves the way for monitoring molecular manipulations in surface functionalization applications.

New Microbe Killers: Self-Assembled Silver(I) Coordination Polymers Driven by a Cagelike Aminophosphine.

New Ag(I) coordination polymers, formulated as [Ag(µ-PTAH)(NO3)2]n (1) and [Ag(µ-PTA)(NO2)]n (2), were self-assembled as light- and air-stable microcrystalline solids and fully characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS(±), elemental analysis, powder (PXRD) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their crystal structures reveal resembling 1D metal-ligand chains that are driven by the 1,3,5-triaza-7-phospaadamantane (PTA) linkers and supported by terminal nitrate or nitrite ligands; these chains were classified within a 2C1 topological type. Additionally, the structure of 1 features a 1D→2D network extension through intermolecular hydrogen bonds, forming a two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network with fes topology. Furthermore, both products 1 and 2 exhibit remarkable antimicrobial activity against different human pathogen bacteria (S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa) and yeast (C. albicans), which is significantly superior to the activity of silver(I) nitrate as a reference topical antimicrobial.

Observation of Microheterogeneity in Highly Concentrated Nonaqueous Electrolyte Solutions.

The development of models to describe structure and dynamics of nonaqueous electrolyte solutions is challenging, and experimental observations are needed to form a foundation. Here, neutron scattering is used to probe molecular dynamics in nonaqueous organic electrolytes. Two solutions were compared: one contained symmetrical electrolyte molecules prone to crystallize, and one contained desymmetrized electrolyte molecules preferring disordered states. For the latter, calorimetry and neutron data show that a disordered fluid persists to very low temperatures at high concentrations. Upon heating, localized cold crystallization occurs, leading to burst nucleation of microcrystalline solids within fluid phases. Our findings indicate molecular clustering and point to solvation inhomogeneities and molecular crowding in these concentrated fluids.

New Copper(II) Coordination Compounds Assembled from Multifunctional Pyridine-Carboxylate Blocks: Synthesis, Structures, and Catalytic Activity in Cycloalkane Oxidation.

Two new copper(II) coordination compounds, namely a 1D coordination polymer [Cu(µ-cpna)(phen)(H2O)]n (1) and a discrete tetracopper(II) derivative [Cu(phen)2(H2O)]2[Cu2(µ-Hdppa)2(Hdppa)2] (2), were hydrothermally synthesized from copper(II) chloride as a metal source, 5-(4-carboxyphenoxy)nicotinic acid (H2cpna) or 5-(3,4-dicarboxylphenyl)picolinic acid (H3dppa) as a principal building block, and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) as a crystallization mediator. Compounds 1 and 2 were isolated as air-stable microcrystalline solids and fully characterized by elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, IR spectroscopy, powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the solid state, the structure of 1 discloses the linear interdigitated 1D coordination polymer chains with the 2C1 topology. The crystal structure of an ionic derivative 2 shows that the mono- and dicopper(II) units are extended into the intricate 1D hydrogen-bonded chains with the SP 1-periodic net (4,4)(0,2) topology. Thermal stability and catalytic properties of 1 and 2 were also investigated. In fact, both Cu derivatives act as efficient homogeneous catalysts (catalyst precursors) for the mild oxidation of cycloalkanes by hydrogen peroxide to give the corresponding alcohols and ketones; the substrate scope and the effects of type and amount of acid promoter as well as bond-, regio-, and stereo-selectivity features were investigated.

Photoluminescent nickel(II)-metallomesogens derived from salphen ligands: influence of halogens at the spacer on mesomorphism and emission properties

ABSTRACTThree new series of photoluminescent nickel(II) metallomesogens, [NiL]; H2L = N,N′-Bis(4-n-alkoxysalicylidene)-4-fluoro/bromo/chloro-1,2-diaminobenzene (n = 12, 14, 16) based on ‘salphen’ ligands have been synthesised and their mesomorphic and photophysical properties explored. The complexes, isolated as orange microcrystalline solids were characterised by elemental analyses, FT-IR, 1H NMR and UV-visible spectroscopy. Thermal studies show all the compounds to be enantiotropic liquid crystals displaying columnar mesophase over a wide temperature range. Electronegativity and steric requirement of the halogen substituent at the ligand’s spacer remarkably influence the 2-D packing of the columns in the lattice in these complexes controlling the supramolecular mesomorphic order and photoluminescence. The mesophase behaviour of the fluoro-substituted complex is characterised by a transition from a columnar oblique (p1) to columnar rectangular (p2mm) phase, former stable till ambient temperature. The chloro and bromo analogues, on the other hand, displayed exclusively columnar rectangular (p2mm) mesophase with the former transforming into a glassy state and latter into a crystalline phase during cooling to ambient temperature. Molecular model based on interdigitated anti-parallel and back to back arrangements in the different columnar mesophase are proposed on the basis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The complexes emit in the blue region when excited with near UV wavelength.

New Topologically Unique Metal-Organic Architectures Driven by a Pyridine-Tricarboxylate Building Block

Two new three-dimensional (3D) coordination compounds, namely a lead(II) coordination polymer (CP) {[Pb3(µ5-cpta)(µ6-cpta)(phen)2]·2H2O}n (1) and a zinc(II) metal-organic framework (MOF) {[Zn2(µ4-cpta)(µ-OH)(µ-4,4′-bipy)]·6H2O}n (2), were hydrothermally assembled from 2-(5-carboxypyridin-2-yl)terephthalic acid (H3cpta) as an unexplored principal building block and aromatic N,N-donors as crystallization mediators. Both products were isolated as air-stable microcrystalline solids and were fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis, and powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural and topological features of CP 1 and MOF 2 were analyzed in detail, allowing to identify a topologically unique 4,5,5,6-connected net in 1 or a very rare 4,4-connected net with the isx topology in 2. Thermal stability and solid-state luminescent behavior of 1 and 2 were also investigated. Apart from revealing a notable topological novelty, both compounds also represent the first structurally characterized Pb(II) and Zn(II) derivatives assembled from H3cpta, thus opening up the application of this unexplored pyridine-tricarboxylate block in the design of new metal-organic architectures.

Synthesis and Properties of Styrylpyridinium and Styrylquinolinium Derivatives with Various Anions

Introduction: In conventional organic solar cells, electron excitation of a donor by light absorption and electron transfer to an acceptor occur stepwise. During this two-step process, energy is often lost via photophysical and thermal manners. On the other hand, direct intermolecular electron excitation from the donor to the acceptor may solve this problem, and high open circuit voltage may be realized. In order to prepare such systems, two molecular species must be close each other even in the ground state, and the electrostatic force between a cation and an anion can be used. Many of ionic compounds are 1:1 or 1:2 complexes of cations and anions, and their crystal structures can be controlled to show semiconducting properties appropriate for photovoltaics by proper ionic design and combination. In this study, we synthesized ionic compounds combining acceptor cations (substituted styrylpyridinium and styrylquinolinium) and donor anions (p-toluenesulfonate, sulfanilate, 1,3-bis(dicyanomethylene)indanide and TCNQ radical anion), and their properties were examined. Experimental: Styrylpyridinium or styrylquinolinium derivatives substituted by nitro, cyano or dimethylamino group were used as cations, and their iodide salts were prepared. p-Toluenesulfonate, sulfanilate, 1,3-bis(dicyanomethylene)indanide and TCNQ radical anion were selected as anions, and silver salts of toluenesulfonate and sulfanilate, sodium salt of indanide and lithium salt of TCNQ were also prepared. The solutions of cationic and anionic species were mixed with 1:1 molar ratio in methanol. After a few minutes of stirring at room temperature, microcrystalline solids appeared. The solids were filtered off and dried in vacuum. Thus, we successfully synthesized various ionic compounds with high yield as shown in Figure 1 (a). Formation of the 1:1 complexes was mainly confirmed by 1H-NMR. Other characterizations of the compounds were performed by UV-vis-NIR spectra in the solution states, Vis-NIR diffuse reflection spectra of the crystalline solids, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All single crystals used for X-ray crystallographic analysis were obtained by the vapor diffusion method, in which acetone or methanol was used as good solvent and hexane was used as poor solvent. Results and discussion: Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was used to analyze the powdered samples, which were supported on filter paper. The spectra of most of the compounds were able to be explained as summation of the spectra of the starting compounds, i.e., iodide of the corresponding cationic species and metal salt of the corresponding anionic species. However, in some spectra, new absorption bands appeared. In Figure 1 (b), the vis-NIR spectrum of cyano-substituted styrylpyridinium TCNQ radical anion (PC-TCNQ, red line) is shown as an example. A broad absorption band appeared between 800 and 2000 nm, which was not observed for the spectra of cyano-substituted styrylpyridinium iodide salt (PCI, blue line) and TCNQ lithium salt (Li-TCNQ, green line). This broad band is originated from charge transfer in the complex. From the Tauc plots, the optical band gap of PN-TCNQ was calculated to be 0.70 eV. This value is within the typical range of semiconductors. Single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis of PN-TCNQ revealed that it had a monoclinic unit cell structure with a = 25.405(8), b = 13.170(4), and c = 13.347(4) Å, and β = 99.062(7)°. As shown in Figure 1 (c), cyano-substituted styrylpyridinium cations are stacked with overlap of the pyridinium and phenyl rings to form a one-dimensional array along c-axis. And dimeric TCNQ radical anions are also stacked along c-axis. The cationic columns and the anionic columns are alternately arranged along a-axis as well as b-axis. Although π-π interaction between cationic and anionic species was not observed in this crystal structure, charge transfer between these species was confirmed by the vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectra as mentioned above. Structures and properties of this complex as well as those of other compounds prepared will be presented in detail. Figure 1

Electrophilic Cyclization of Phenylalkynediols to Naphthyl(aryl)iodonium Triflates with Chelating Hydroxyls: Preparation and X-ray Analyses.

Alkynediols containing one propargylic alcohol as well as a second alcohol, which is propargylic or homopropargylic, react with PhI+CN-OTf (Stang's reagent) or 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3I+CN-OTf to afford naphthyl(aryl)iodonium triflates. The reaction occurs at room temperature over the course of 6-12 h and provides 36-82% yields of microcrystalline solids. Slow diffusion of Et2O into CH3CN solutions of the salts afforded X-ray quality crystals of five compounds with hydroxyl groups forming five- and six-membered chelation complexes with the iodine atom. Crystallizations from larger scale reactions (≥∼0.25 mmol) were generally facile from CH2Cl2.

New lanthanide 2D coordination polymers constructed from a flexible ether-bridged tricarboxylate block: Synthesis, structures and luminescence sensing

Three new 2D lanthanide-organic networks, {[Sm2(µ4-cpta)(µ5-cpta)(H2O)3]·3H2O}n (1) and [Ln(µ3-cpta)(phen)(H2O)2]n (Ln=Tb (2) and Sm (3)), were successfully synthesized via hydrothermal reactions using Ln(NO3)3·6H2O, a flexible ether-bridged tricarboxylic acid H3cpta (2-(2-carboxyphenoxy)terephthalic acid) as a principal building block, and phen (1,10-phenanthroline) as an optional supporting ligand. All products were obtained as air and thermally stable microcrystalline solids and fully characterized by standard solid-state techniques, including elemental analysis, TGA, IR spectroscopy, powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 possesses an intricate 2D layer structure with the 4,5L51 topology, which is driven by the µ4- and µ5-cpta3− and Sm(III) nodes. Compounds 2 and 3 are isostructural and disclose a different 2D metal-organic network with the fes topology, which is assembled from the µ3-cpta3− and Ln(III) nodes. Luminescence properties of 2 and derived Mn+@2 suspensions were investigated, disclosing a possible use of this compound as a notable luminescence sensor for the detection of Fe3+ cations in aqueous medium.

Hybrid materials based on novel 2D lanthanide coordination polymers covalently bonded to amine-modified SBA-15 and MCM-41: assembly, characterization, structural features, thermal and luminescence properties.

Three novel 2D coordination polymers [Tb2(μ4-L)2(μ-HL)(μ-HCOO)(DEF)]n (Tb-L), [Eu(μ4-L)(L)(H2O)2]n (Eu-L), and [Nd(μ4-L)(L)(H2O)2]n (Nd-L) were assembled from the corresponding lanthanide(iii) nitrates and 5 methoxy-(4-benzaldehyde)-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2L) as a main multifunctional building block bearing carboxylate and aldehyde functional groups, using H2O/DEF {DEF = N,N-diethylformamide} as a reaction medium. The obtained coordination polymers were isolated as stable microcrystalline solids and fully characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, TGA, BET, PXRD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Their structures feature intricate 2D metal-organic networks, which were topologically classified as underlying layers with the 4,6L26 (for Tb-L) or sql (for Eu-L and Nd-L) topologies. Besides, a novel series of mesoporous hybrid materials wherein the Tb-L, Eu-L, or Nd-L coordination polymers are covalently grafted into the amine-functionalized SBA-15-NH2 or MCM-41-NH2 matrices (via the formation of Schiff-base groups) was also synthesized and fully characterized. These hybrid materials show high thermal and photoluminescence stability, as well as remarkable chemical resistance to boiling water, and acidic or alkaline medium. Luminescent properties of the parent coordination polymers and derived hybrid materials are investigated in detail, showing that the latter combine the luminescent characteristics (intense green or red emissions and excellent stability) of lanthanide coordination polymers and structural features of ordered mesoporous silica molecular sieves. Moreover, light emitting devices were assembled, by coating the hybrid materials onto the surface of UV-LED bulbs, and showed excellent light emitting properties.

Iridium-Stabilized π-Selenocyclohexadienyls: Synthesis, Molecular Structure, and Cytotoxicity

A series of iridium-stabilized selenocyclohexadienyls of general formula [Cp*Ir(η⁵-C₆H_5–nMe_nSe)][BF₄] {Cp* = η⁵-C₅Me₅, n = 0, n = 1, and n = 3} is described, with the selenocyclohexadienyl unit being isolated for the first time by π-coordination to a Cp*Ir moiety. The solid-state structure of one of [Cp*Ir(η⁵-C₆H₂Me₃Se)][BF₄] was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. These compounds are obtained in good yields as orange-red microcrystalline solids by halogen displacement from the related π-bonded arene-chlorinated starting materials using Na₂Se as the selenium source. Furthermore, these new compounds display relevant cytotoxic properties towards human ovarian cancer cells.

Ionothermal approach for synthesizing AlPO-5 with hexagonal thin-plate morphology influenced by various parameters at ambient pressure

Pure and crystalline AlPO-5 with hexagonal thin-plate morphology was synthesized ionothermally in 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bromide ([edmim]Br) ionic liquid as both the solvent and structure-directing agent (SDA). The resulting microcrystalline solids were characterized using various techniques. Further studies on the influence of chemical compositions and synthesis conditions in the crystallization process of AlPO-5 were also investigated. The results showed that AlPO-5 crystals with hexagonal thin-plate morphology were obtained when [edmim]Br ionic liquid was used in ionothermal treatment. The crystallinity, size and morphology of the AlPO-5 materials were also found to be strongly influenced by two major factors, chemical composition of the gel mixture and the heating time of the gel mixture.

Synthesis, characterization and X-ray crystal structures of chiral ferrocene-containing β-diketones

Three new chiral ferrocene-containing β-diketones have been synthesized by reacting 1-ferrocenyl ethanol with the corresponding 1,3-diketone reagent MeCOCH2COR (R = Me, 4-C6H4OMe, Fc; Fc = (η5-C5H5)Fe(η5-C5H4)), using cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) mediated C–C bond formation. These compounds identified as 3-(1-ferrocenylethyl)-pentane-2,4-dione (1), 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1-ferrocenylethyl)-butane-1,3-dione (2), and 1-ferrocenyl-2-(1-ferrocenylethyl)-butane-1,3-dione (3), have been isolated as air and thermally stable microcrystalline solids in 79, 63 and 44% yields, respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 were formed in 63:37 and 88:12 diastereomeric ratios, respectively. They have been fully characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR spectra, mass spectrometry, and their complete assignments have been conducted using 2D NMR experiments. In addition, their molecular identity and geometry have been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and both solution and solid state measurements have shown that the three complexes exist solely as their diketo tautomers.

Kinetic Products in Coordination Networks: Ab Initio X-ray Powder Diffraction Analysis

Porous coordination networks are materials that maintain their crystal structure as molecular "guests" enter and exit their pores. They are of great research interest with applications in areas such as catalysis, gas adsorption, proton conductivity, and drug release. As with zeolite preparation, the kinetic states in coordination network preparation play a crucial role in determining the final products. Controlling the kinetic state during self-assembly of coordination networks is a fundamental aspect of developing further functionalization of this class of materials. However, unlike for zeolites, there are few structural studies reporting the kinetic products made during self-assembly of coordination networks. Synthetic routes that produce the necessary selectivity are complex. The structural knowledge obtained from X-ray crystallography has been crucial for developing rational strategies for design of organic-inorganic hybrid networks. However, despite the explosive progress in the solid-state study of coordination networks during the last 15 years, researchers still do not understand many chemical reaction processes because of the difficulties in growing single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction: Fast precipitation can lead to kinetic (metastable) products, but in microcrystalline form, unsuitable for single crystal X-ray analysis. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) routinely is used to check phase purity, crystallinity, and to monitor the stability of frameworks upon guest removal/inclusion under various conditions, but rarely is used for structure elucidation. Recent advances in structure determination of microcrystalline solids from ab initio XRPD have allowed three-dimensional structure determination when single crystals are not available. Thus, ab initio XRPD structure determination is becoming a powerful method for structure determination of microcrystalline solids, including porous coordination networks. Because of the great interest across scientific disciplines in coordination networks, especially porous coordination networks, the ability to determine crystal structures when the crystals are not suitable for single crystal X-ray analysis is of paramount importance. In this Account, we report the potential of kinetic control to synthesize new coordination networks and we describe ab initio XRPD structure determination to characterize these networks' crystal structures. We describe our recent work on selective instant synthesis to yield kinetically controlled porous coordination networks. We demonstrate that instant synthesis can selectively produce metastable networks that are not possible to synthesize by conventional solution chemistry. Using kinetic products, we provide mechanistic insights into thermally induced (573-723 K) (i.e., annealing method) structural transformations in porous coordination networks as well as examples of guest exchange/inclusion reactions. Finally, we describe a memory effect that allows the transfer of structural information from kinetic precursor structures to thermally stable structures through amorphous intermediate phases. We believe that ab initio XRPD structure determination will soon be used to investigate chemical processes that lead intrinsically to microcrystalline solids, which up to now have not been fully understood due to the unavailability of single crystals. For example, only recently have researchers used single-crystal X-ray diffraction to elucidate crystal-to-crystal chemical reactions taking place in the crystalline scaffold of coordination networks. The potential of ab initio X-ray powder diffraction analysis goes beyond single-crystal-to-single-crystal processes, potentially allowing members of this field to study intriguing in situ reactions, such as reactions within pores.

Dynamic Nuclear Polarization NMR Spectroscopy of Microcrystalline Solids

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) solid-state NMR has been applied to powdered microcrystalline solids to obtain sensitivity enhancements on the order of 100. Glucose, sulfathiazole, and paracetamol were impregnated with bis-nitroxide biradical (bis-cyclohexyl-TEMPO-bisketal, bCTbK) solutions of organic solvents. The organic solvents were carefully chosen to be nonsolvents for the compounds, so that DNP-enhanced solid-state NMR spectra of the unaltered solids could be acquired. A theoretical model is presented that illustrates that for externally doped organic solids characterized by long spin-lattice relaxation times (T(1)((1)H) > 200 s), (1)H-(1)H spin diffusion can relay enhanced polarization over micrometer length scales yielding substantial DNP enhancements (ε). ε on the order of 60 are obtained for microcrystalline glucose and sulfathiazole at 9.4 T and with temperatures of ca. 105 K. The large gain in sensitivity enables the rapid acquisition of (13)C-(13)C correlation spectra at natural isotopic abundance. It is anticipated that this will be a general method for enhancing the sensitivity of solid-state NMR experiments of organic solids.

Kinetically Driven Crystallization of a Pure Polymorphic Phase of Stearic Acid from CO2-Expanded Solutions

The polymorphic nature of microcrystalline solids of stearic acid prepared by the Depressurization of an Expanded Liquid Organic Solution (DELOS) and Gas Antisolvent (GAS) crystallization techniques, both based on CO2-expanded solvents as solvent media, has been studied. The crystalline solids produced by those techniques from “CO2-expanded ethyl acetate” with different contents of CO2 have been analyzed in detail and compared with those prepared by conventional cooling crystallizations, either from pure liquid ethyl acetate solutions or from the melt. It is shown that the monoclinic E form of stearic acid is more favored when using kinetically controlled crystallizations, like the DELOS one, in which a high supersaturation level is rapidly achieved. Remarkably, the DELOS process provides for the first time a pure polymorphic monoclinic E form, without the presence of traces from other polymorphs that always are present when using other kinetically driven methods, such as the conventional fast cooling. On the contrary, the C polymorph is preferentially obtained by the thermodynamically controlled GAS technique in which the increase of the solution supersaturation is slower and/or low supersaturation levels are attained.

Pursuing structure in microcrystalline solids with independent molecules in the unit cell using 1H– 13C correlation data

The 1H– 13C solid-state NMR heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) experiment is demonstrated to provide shift assignments in certain powders that have two or more structurally independent molecules in the unit cell (i.e. multiple molecules per asymmetric unit). Although this class of solids is often difficult to characterize using other methods, HETCOR provides both the conventional assignment of shifts to molecular positions and associates many resonances with specific molecules in the asymmetric unit. Such assignments facilitate conformational characterization of the individual molecules of the asymmetric unit and the first such characterization solely from solid-state NMR data is described. HETCOR offers advantages in sensitivity over prior methods that assign resonances in the asymmetric unit by 13C– 13C correlations and therefore allows shorter average analysis times in natural abundance materials. The 1H– 13C analysis is demonstrated first on materials with known shift assignments from INADEQUATE data (santonin and Ca(OAc) 2 phase I) to verify the technique and subsequently is extended to a pair of unknown solids: (+)-catechin and Ca(OAc) 2 phase II. Sufficient sensitivity and resolution is achieved in the spectra to provide assignments to one of the specific molecules of the asymmetric unit at over 54% of the sites.