Octahedral Coordination Environment Research Articles

Synthesis, crystal structures and urease inhibition of nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II) and molybdenum(VI) complexes derived from N,n’-bis(4-bromosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine

Three new trinuclear complexes containing either nickel(II), copper(II) or zinc(II), [Ni3L2(NO3)2(CH3OH)2]·2CH3OH (1), [Cu3Br2L2] (2), [Zn3L2(NCS)2(CH3OH)2]·0.5CH3OH·0.5H2O (3), and a new dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complex, [MoO2L] (4), have been prepared from the bis-Schiff base N,N’-bis(4-bromosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine (H2L) with various metal salts in methanol. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV–Vis spectra. Molecular structures were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. The Ni ions in 1 adopt an octahedral coordination environment, bridged by phenolate oxygen and nitrate ligands. The Cu ions in 2 are square pyramidal and square planar, and the Zn ions in 3 are square pyramidal and octahedral. The metal atoms in 2 and 3 are bridged by phenolate oxygen donors. The Mo ion in 4 is octahedral. The Schiff base ligand coordinates to the metal atoms through two phenolate O and two imino N donors. Biological assays revealed that the nickel and copper complexes have effective urease inhibition.

Lanthanide complexes of monosubstituted Calix[4]arene-ligands: Synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of [Ln2(L)2(MeOH)4] (Ln = La, Gd, Tb, Tm) (H3L = mono-O-propargyl-calix[4]arene)

The ability of the propargylated calix[4]arene ligand H3L (= 25-(2-propynyloxy)-26,27,28-trihydroxy-calix[4]arene) to bind lanthanide ions has been studied. The triply deprotonated ligand was found to support dinuclear neutral complexes of composition [Ln2L2(MeOH)4] (Ln= La (1), Gd (2), Tb (3), Tm (4)). Spectroscopic data for 1–4 as well as X-ray crystallographic analysis of single crystals of 1∙(MeOH)2 and 2∙(MeOH)2 reveal that two [LnL] entities dimerize via two phenolato groups to generate a centrosymmetric (MeOH)2O3Ln(μ-O)2LnO3(OHMe)2 core structure. The Ln3+ ions reside in a distorted mono-capped octahedral coordination environment. Squid magnetic measurements for the Gd3+ and Tb3+ complexes agree with the formulation as dinuclear compounds, and reveal the presence of very weak antiferromagnetic exchange interactions (J < 0.1 cm−1). The ability of the La3+ complex to react with azides in a click reaction is also demonstrated.

Multi-color luminescent material with Mn2+/Mn4+ non-stoichiometric ratio doped octahedra and its anti-counterfeiting applications

Mn ions in different valence states can emit light of different colors in an octahedral coordination environment, which is conducive to the development of a single matrix with multi-color luminescence and applications in the field of anti-counterfeiting. The dual mode multi-color luminescent material CaSb2O6: Mn has been successfully synthesized using a single Mn source in the atmosphere. The CaSb2O6 matrix itself can also absorb 285 nm UV light, emit blue light, and show a long afterglow phenomenon. Both Mn4+ and Mn2+ ions will appear in the [SbO6] octahedra, whether the Mn source adopts MnCO3 or MnO2. The Mn4+ ion exhibits red emission upon UV excitation at 347 nm. The Mn2+ ion can emit a bright green light at 285 nm excitation while exhibiting a long afterglow phenomenon. In this study, the Mn2+ doped octahedron showed unique green emission and broadens the range of its photoluminescence (PL) wavelength. The performance of the material's long afterglow properties on the digital codes demonstrates its potential for dynamic anti-counterfeiting.

Inducing Ferrimagnetic Exchange in 1D-FeSe2 Chains Using Heteroleptic Amine Complexes: [Fe(en)(tren)][FeSe2]2.

[Fe(en)(tren)][FeSe2]2 (en = ethylenediamine, C2H8N2, tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, C6H18N4) has been synthesized by a mixed-ligand solvothermal method. Its crystal structure contains heteroleptic [Fe(en)(tren)]2+ complexes with distorted octahedral coordination, incorporated between 1D-FeSe2 chains composed of edge-sharing FeSe4 tetrahedra. The twisted octahedral coordination environment of the Fe-amine complex leads to partial dimerization of Fe-Fe distances in the FeSe2 chains so that the FeSe4 polyhedra deviate strongly from the regular tetrahedral geometry. 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy reveals oxidation states of +3 for the Fechain atoms and +2 for the Fecomplex atoms. The close proximity of Fe atoms in the chains promotes ferromagnetic nearest neighbor interactions, as indicated by a positive Weiss constant, θ = +53.8(6) K, derived from the Curie-Weiss fitting. Magnetometry and heat capacity reveal two consecutive magnetic transitions below 10 K. DFT calculations suggest that the ordering observed at 4 K is due to antiferromagnetic intrachain interactions in the 1D-FeSe2 chains. The combination of two different ligands creates an asymmetric coordination environment that induces changes in the structure of the Fe-Se fragments. This synthetic strategy opens new ways to explore the effects of ligand field strength on the structure of both Fe-amine complexes and surrounding Fe-Se chains.

Anomalous Pressure Response of Temperature-Induced Spin Transition and a Pressure-Induced Spin Transition in Two-Dimensional Hofmann Coordination Polymers.

Spin transition (ST) compounds have been extensively studied because of the changes in rich physicochemical properties accompanying the ST process. The study of ST mainly focuses on the temperature-induced spin transition (TIST). To further understand the ST, we explore the pressure response behavior of TIST and pressure-induced spin transition (PIST) of the 2D Hofmann-type ST compounds [Fe(Isoq)2M(CN)4] (Isoq-M) (M = Pt, Pd, Isoq = isoquinoline). The TISTs of both Isoq-Pt and Isoq-Pd compounds exhibit anomalous pressure response, where the transition temperature (T1/2) exhibits a nonlinear pressure dependence and the hysteresis width (ΔT1/2) exhibits a nonmonotonic behavior with pressure, by the synergistic influence of the intermolecular interaction and the distortion of the octahedral coordination environment. And the distortion of the octahedra under critical pressures may be the common behavior of 2D Hofmann-type ST compounds. Moreover, ΔT1/2 is increased compared with that before compression because of the partial irreversibility of structural distortion after decompression. At room temperature, both compounds exhibit completely reversible PIST. Because of the greater change in mechanical properties before and after ST, Isoq-Pt exhibits a more abrupt ST than Isoq-Pd. In addition, it is found that the hydrostatic properties of the pressure transfer medium (PTM) significantly affect the PIST due to their influence on spin-domain formation.

Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of diaquabis(o-phenylenediamine-κ2 N,N′)nickel(II) naphthalene-1,5-disulfonate

The reaction of o-phenylenediamine (OPD), sodium naphthalene1,5-disulfonate (Na2NDS) and nickel sulfate in an ethanol–water mixture yielded the title compound, [Ni(OPD)2(H2O)2]·NDS or [Ni(C6H8N2)2(H2O)2](C10H6O6S2). This salt consists of a complex [Ni(OPD)2(H2O)2]2+ cation with two bidentate OPD ligands and trans aqua ligands, and a non-coordinating NDS2– anion, which is the double-deprotonated form of H2NDS. The NiII atom is situated at a center of inversion and exhibits a slightly tetragonally distorted {O2N4} octahedral coordination environment, with four shorter equatorial Ni—N bonds [2.0775 (17) and 2.0924 (18) Å] and a longer axial Ni—O bond [2.1381 (17) Å]. The OPD ligand is located about an inversion center and is nearly coplanar with the NiN4 plane [dihedral angle 0.95 (9)°]. In the crystal, the cations and anions are connected by charge-assisted intermolecular N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions into the tri-periodic network structure. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (44.1%), O...H/H...O (34.3%), C...H/H...C (14.8%) C...C (6.5%) (involving the cations) and O...H/H...O (50%), H...H (25%), C...H/H...C (15.3%), C...C (8.2%) (involving the anions) interactions.

Structural and computational studies on a quenchable high-temperature polymorph of magnesium tungstate (MgWO4-II)

Single-crystals of a quenchable high-temperature polymorph of magnesium tungstate (MgWO4-II) have been grown using the flux method. Polycrystalline material of the same compound could be obtained from solid-state reactions performed at 1200 °C. Basic crystallographic data of the previously unknown modification are as follows: space group P1‾, a = 6.5525(6) Å, b = 7.5883(7) Å, c = 7.6976(6) Å, α = 119.064(9)°, β = 95.545(7)°, γ = 107.645(8)°, V = 304.84(5)3 Å and Z = 4. The crystal structure was solved from single-crystal diffraction using direct methods and refined to a residual value of R1 = 2.16%. Both cation species exhibit an octahedral oxygen coordination environment. By sharing common edges and corners, the octahedra form a three-dimensional network, which can be built from infinite rod-like elements running along [010] having a 2 × 2 octahedra wide cross section. MgWO4-II is topologically equivalent to the VO2(HT) structure-type. A detailed analysis of the relationships with other ABO4-compounds is presented. Solid-state characterization has been supplemented by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Interpretation of the spectroscopic data, including the allocation of the bands to certain vibrational species, has been aided by DFT-calculations. The thermal expansion tensor between ambient temperature and about 700 °C has been determined. The calculations indicate quasi-two-dimensional expansion behavior.

Pyrovskite: A software package for the high-throughput construction, analysis, and featurization of two- and three-dimensional perovskite systems.

The increased computational and experimental interest in perovskite systems comprising novel phases and reduced dimensionality has greatly expanded the search space for this class of materials. In similar fields, unified frameworks exist for the procedural generation and subsequent analysis of these complex condensed matter systems. Given the relatively recent rise in popularity of these novel perovskite phases, such a framework is yet to be created. In this work, we introduce Pyrovskite, an open source software package, to aid in both the high-throughput and fine-grained generation, simulation, and subsequent analysis of this expanded family of perovskite systems. Additionally, we introduce a new descriptor for octahedral distortions in systems, including, but not limited to, perovskites. This descriptor quantifies diagonal displacements of the B-site cation in a BX6 octahedral coordination environment, which has been shown to contribute to increased Rashba-Dresselhaus splitting in perovskite systems.

Supramolecular Structure and Antimicrobial Activity of Ni(II) Complexes with s-Triazine/Hydrazine Type Ligand

The two complexes, [Ni(DPPT)2](NO3)2*1.5H2O (1) and [Ni(DPPT)(NO3)Cl].EtOH (2), were synthesized using the self-assembly of (E)-2,4-di(piperidin-1-yl)-6-(2-(1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)-1,3,5-triazine (DPPT) with Ni(NO3)2*6H2O in the absence and presence of NiCl2*6H2O, respectively. In both cases, the neutral tridentate DPPT ligand is found coordinated to the Ni(II) via three N-atoms from the hydrazone, pyridine and s-triazine rings. Hence, the homoleptic complex 1 has a NiN6 hexa-coordination environment while two NO3− are counter anions in addition to one-and-a-half crystallized hydration water molecules are found acting as an outer sphere. The heteroleptic complex 2 has a NiN3O2Cl coordination sphere where the coordination environment of the Ni(II) is completed by one bidentate nitrate and one chloride ion leading to a neutral inner sphere while the outer sphere contains one crystallized ethanol molecule. Both complexes have distorted octahedral coordination environments around the Ni(II) ion. Using Hirshfeld analysis, the intermolecular contacts H…H and O…H in 1 and the Cl…H, O…H, N…H, H…H, C…H and C…C in 2 are found to be the most important for crystal stability. The antimicrobial activity of complexes 1 and 2 was assessed against different bacterial and fungal strains, and the results were compared with the free ligand as well as the antibacterial (Gentamycin) and antifungal (Ketoconazole) positive controls. Both Ni(II) complexes are better antibacterial and antifungal agents than the free ligand. Interestingly, both Ni(II) complexes have similar antifungal activity against C. albicans compared to Ketoconazole.

Structural and Magnetic Properties of the {Cr(pybd)3[Cu(cyclen)]2}(BF4)4 Heteronuclear Complex

Heterotopic ligands containing chemically different binding centers are appealing candidates for obtaining heteronuclear metal complexes. By exploiting this strategy, it is possible to introduce different paramagnetic centers characterized by specific anisotropic magnetic properties that make them distinguishable when weakly magnetically coupled. This molecular approach has great potential to yield multi-spin adducts capable of mimicking logical architectures necessary for quantum information processing (QIP), i.e., quantum logic gates. A possible route for including a single-ion magnetic center within a finite-sized heterometallic compound uses the asymmetric (1-pyridyl)-butane-1,3-dione (pybd) ligand reported in the literature for obtaining Cr3+−Cu2+ metallo-cages. To avoid the formation of cages, we adopted the cyclen (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane) ligand as a “capping” agent for the Cu2+ ions. We report here the structural and magnetic characterization of the unprecedented adduct {Cr(pybd)3[Cu(cyclen)]2}(BF4)4, whose structure is characterized by a central Cr3+ ion in a distorted octahedral coordination environment and two peripheral Cu2+ ions with square-pyramidal coordination geometries. As highlighted by Continuous Wave Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and Direct Current (DC) magnetometry measurements, this adduct shows negligible intramolecular magnetic couplings, and it maintains the characteristic EPR signals of Cr3+ and Cu2+ moieties when diluted in frozen solutions.

Anion effect on crystal structure of Zn-complexes of spironaphthopyran and their chromogenic properties in solution

Effect of the anion nature on crystal structure of Zn-complexes of spironaphthopyran and their chromogenic properties in solution were studied. Complexes with zinc chloride and zinc picrate exhibited tertahedral and octahedral coordination environment of the metal ion respectively. The structure of the complex with zinc picrate demonstrates a rare example of the co-crystallization of two types of complexes differing in the number of coordinated picrate anions. The composition, stability, and absorption properties of zinc complexes in acetone essentially depend on the counter anion nature. When the coordinating ability of the counter ion increases in the range BF4−, ClO4−, NO3–, Pic−, I−, Cl−, CH3COO–, (CH3)3CCOO– the complex stability is reduced from logK = 8.7 to 2.96. This is accompanied by the chromogenic effect which is related to the decrease in the spectral shift of the long-wavelength absorption band of the complex relative to the merocyanine ligand from 846 up to 168 cm−1. The complex photo-initiated processes include fluorescence and thermally reversible dissociation. Fluorescence is characterized by band maxima in the 622–637 nm region and normal Stokes shifts of 1087–1454 cm−1 with an efficiency being weakly dependent on the anion nature. In contrast, the negative photochromism of the complexes demonstrates a significant dependence of the photo-bleaching efficiency on the anion nature in the range 0.012–0.17. The presence of a chromogenic photochromic effect along with fluorescence makes it possible to consider the complex as fluorescent switch.

Steric hindrance, ligand ejection and associated photocytotoxic properties of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes

Two ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes were prepared with the {Ru(phen)2}2+ moiety and a third sterically non-hindering bidentate ligand, namely 2,2′-dipyridylamine (dpa) and N-benzyl-2,2′-dipyridylamine (Bndpa). Hence, complexes [Ru(phen)2(dpa)](PF6)2 (1) and [Ru(phen)2(Bndpa)](PF6)2 (2) were characterized and their photochemical behaviour in solution (acetonitrile and water) was subsequently investigated. Compounds 1 and 2, which do not exhibit notably distorted octahedral coordination environments, contrarily to the homoleptic “parent” compound [Ru(phen)3](PF6)2, experience two-step photoejection of the dpa and Bndpa ligand upon irradiation (1050–430 nm) for several hours. DNA-binding studies revealed that compounds 1 and 2 affect the biomolecule differently upon irradiation; while 2 solely modifies its electrophoretic mobility, complex 1 is also capable of cleaving it. In vitro cytotoxicity studies with two cancer-cell lines, namely A549 (lung adenocarcinoma) and A375 (melanoma), showed that both 1 and 2 are not toxic in the dark, while only 1 is significantly cytotoxic if irradiated, 2 remaining non-toxic under these conditions.Graphical abstractLight irradiation of the complex cation [Ru(phen)2(dpa)]2+ leads to the generation of transient Ru species that is present in the solution medium for several hours, and that is significantly cytotoxic, ultimately producing non-toxic free dpa and [Ru(phen)(OH2)2]2+.

LOCAL ATOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF Zn&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt; IONS IN A LOW-CONCENTRATION ZnCl&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; AQUEOUS SOLUTION: XANES STUDY

The diverse local environment of zinc ions in a ZnCl2 solution, depending on the symmetry, ligand type, and solution concentration, has been analyzed using the data in the literature. Experimental zinc K-edge XANES spectra in a ZnCl2 aqueous solution with a critically low concentration (10–3 М) have been theoretically analyzed. It is shown that Zn(H2O) complexes with Zn2+ ions in the octahedral coordination environment of water molecules are dominant in this solution.

Spin Crossover Induced by Changing the Identity of the Secondary Metal Ion from PdII to NiII in a Face-Centered FeII 8 MII 6 Cubic Cage.

Discrete spin crossover (SCO) heteronuclear cages are a rare class of materials which have potential use in next-generation molecular transport and catalysis. Previous investigations of cubic cage [Fe8 Pd6 L8 ]28+ constructed using semi-rigid metalloligands, found that FeII centers of the cage did not undergo spin transition. In this work, substitution of the secondary metal center at the face of the cage resulted in SCO behavior, evidenced by magnetic susceptibility, Mössbauer spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural comparisons of these two cages shed light on the possible interplay of inter- and intramolecular interactions associated with SCO in the NiII analogue, 1 ([Fe8 Ni6 L8 (CH3 CN)12 ]28+ ). The distorted octahedral coordination environment, as well as the occupation of the CH3 CN in the NiII axial positions of 1, prevented close packing of cages observed in the PdII analogue. This led to offset, distant packing arrangements whereby important areas within the cage underwent dramatic structural changes with the exhibition of SCO.

A 3D Coordination Polymer Based on Syn-Anti Bridged [Mn(RCOO)2]n Chains Showing Spin-Canting with High Coercivity and an Ordering Temperature of 14 K

A new 3D manganese(II) coordination polymer, formulated as [Mn3(HL)6] (1) (where H2L = 6-hydroxypicolinic acid), has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis along with other spectroscopic and magnetic techniques. Structural analysis shows that the compound crystallizes in the monoclinic C2/c space group and is a non-porous 3D coordination polymer formed by three different Mn(II) centres connected by 6-hydroxypicolinic acid ligands in their keto form. Each Mn(II) centre shows a distorted octahedral coordination environment. Neighbouring Mn(II) centres are connected by two different syn-anti bridging carboxylate groups to form regular coordination chains. There are two different [Mn2(RCOO)2] units along the chain, formed by two crystallographically independent Mn centres (Mn1 and Mn2). These chains are further connected by HL− ligands to form a 3D coordination network. Interestingly, both the hydroxy and the carboxylate groups of the ligands are deprotonated and coordinated to the metal centres, whereas the pyridyl group is protonated and uncoordinated, although it participates in strong hydrogen bonding interactions with oxygen atoms of the HL− ligand, as shown by the Hirshfeld surface analysis. Both the absorption and emission spectra of the compound have also been measured. Variable temperature magnetic studies reveal the presence of a spin-canted antiferromagnetic behaviour with a high coercivity of 40 mT at 2 K and an ordering temperature of 14 K.

Bis(benzimidazole)amino thio- and selenoether Iron(II) complexes as proton reduction electrocatalysts

Two novel Iron (II) complexes featuring tetrapodal bis(benzimidazole)amino thio- and selenoether ligands (LS and LSe) were synthesized, characterized, and tested as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The bromide complexes [Fe(LS,LSe)Br2] (1–2) are highly insoluble, but their DMSO solvates were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing an octahedral coordination environment that does not feature coordination of the chalcogen atoms. The corresponding triflate derivatives [Fe(LS,LSe)(MeCN)3]OTf2 (1c-2c) were employed for electrocatalytic proton reduction, with 1c exhibiting higher activity, thus suggesting that the thioether may participate as a more competent pendant ligand for proton transfer.

Spectroscopic, crystal structure and DFT-assisted studies of some nickel(II) chelates of a heterocyclic-based NNO donor aroylhydrazone: in vitro DNA binding and docking studies.

Five new nickel(II) complexes have been synthesised with an NNO donor tridentate aroylhydrazone (HFPB) employing the chloride, nitrate, acetate and perchlorate salts, and all the complexes are physiochemically characterized. Elemental analyses suggested stoichiometries as Ni(FPB)(NO3)]·2H2O (1), [Ni(HFPB)(FPB)]Cl (2), [Ni(FPB)(OAc)(DMF)] (3), [Ni(FPB)(ClO4)]·DMF (4), [Ni(FPB)2] (5). Aroylhydrazone is found coordinating in deprotonated iminolate form in four of the complexes (1, 3, 4, 5) however in one case (complex 2), two aroylhydrazone moieties are binding to the metal centre in the neutral and anionic forms. The structure of the bisligated complex 5, found using single crystal X ray diffraction studies confirmed that the metal has a distorted octahedral N4O2 coordination environment, with each of the two deprotonated ligands coordinating through the pyridine nitrogen, imino-hydrazone nitrogen and the enolate oxygen of the hydrazone moiety. To compare and study, the electronic interactions and stabilities of the metal complexes, various quantum chemical parameters were calculated. Moreover, Hirshfeld surface analysis was carried out for complex 5 to determine the intermolecular interactions. The biophysical attributes of the ligand and complex5 have been investigated with CT-DNA and experimental outcomes show that the Ni(II) complex exhibited higher binding propensity towards DNA as compared to ligand. Furthermore, to specifically understand the type of interactions of the metal complexes with DNA, molecular docking studies were effectuated. In addition, the electronic and related reactivity behaviors of the ligand and five Ni(II) complexes were studied using B3LYP/6-31 + + G**/LANL2DZ level. As expected, the obtained results from Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) computations displayed that the resonance interactions (n → π* and π → π*) play a determinant role in evaluating the chemical attributes of the reported compounds.

Assessment of ionic site distributions in magnetic high entropy oxide of (Mn0·2Fe0·2Co0·2Ni0·2Zr0.2)3O4 and its catalytic behaviour

Herein, we report a single phase equi-atiomic high-entropy oxide (HEO) of a new composition (Mn0·2Fe0·2Co0·2Ni0·2Zr0.2)3O4 with spinel structure. The material was synthesized via microwave energy irradiated co-precipitation technique and a subsequent calcination at 500 °C. The X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction assisted in the crystal phase determination. While the STEM-EDS elemental mapping was used to realize the chemical homogeneity and elemental distribution. The synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy aided to determine the ionic states of constituents and their distribution over the octahedral (Oh) and tetrahedral (Td) co-ordination environment. It displayed ferrimagnetic nature with a magnetization of ∼12 emu/g at an applied field of 90 kOe. Intriguingly, the synthesized material performed well as a catalyst in the Fenton degradation of Tetracycline micropollutant. The degradation behaviour followed a zero-order kinetic and the rate constant is calculated as 0.43 mol L−1s-1.

Thermally processed Ni-and Co-struvites as functional materials for proton conductivity.

Here, we describe how to synthesise proton-conductive transition metal phosphates (TMPs) by direct thermal processing of precursor M-struvites, NH4MPO4·6H2O, with M = Ni2+, Co2+. In the as-derived TMP phases their thermal history and bulk proton conductivity were linked with the structural information about the metal coordination, phosphate groups, and volatile compounds. These aspects were investigated with vibrational and synchrotron-based spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, FT-RS, XAS). We elucidated the structures of amorphous and crystalline Ni- and Co phosphate phases in association with different coordination changes and distortion degrees of the metal polyhedra as they developed upon heating. Ni-struvite transformed to a stable amorphous phase over a broad range of temperatures (90 °C < T < 600 °C), in which it remained in an octahedral coordination environment, but the degree of distortion changed with T. In contrast, heating of Co-struvite led to several successive crystalline phases with only unstable transitional and short-lived amorphous components. Among the as-occurring phases, a highly functional layered M-dittmarite NH4MPO4·H2O obtained at low temperatures (T < 200 °C) demonstrated high proton conductivity values of 4.2 × 10-5 S cm-1 for Ni-dittmarite and Co-dittmarite > 10-4 S cm-1 at room temperature. Even at low humidity, these values are comparable with those found for Nafion, MOFs, some perovskites or composite materials. Coprecipitation of phosphates and transition metal cations in the form of struvite is potentially a viable method to extract these elements from wastewater. Thus, we propose that recycled M-struvites could be potentially further directly upcycled into crystalline and amorphous TMPs useful for electrochemical applications.

Syntheses, characterization, crystal structures and Jack bean urease inhibitory property of NiII, CdII, CuII and FeIII complexes with bis-Schiff bases

Four new nickel(II), cadmium(II), copper(II) and iron(III) complexes, [Ni3(L1)2(μ2-η1:η1-CH3COO)2] (1), [Cd2(L1)2(CH3OH)2] (2), [Cu(L2)] (3) and [Fe2(L3)2(μ2-OCH3)2] (4), where L1, L2 and L3 are the dianionic form of N,N'-bis(5-fluorosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine (H2L1), N,N'-bis(3,5-difluorosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine (H2L2) and N,N'-bis(4-fluorosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine (H2L3), respectively, were prepared. The compounds have been characterized by physico-chemical methods. The structures of the metal complexes were also confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The Ni atoms in complex 1 are in square pyramidal and octahedral coordination environments. The Cd atoms in complex 2 are in an octahedral coordination environment. The Cu atom in complex 3 is in a tetrahedrally distorted square planar coordination environment. The Fe atoms in complex 4 are in an octahedral coordination environment. The Jack bean urease inhibitory assay indicated that the copper complex displays good activity.