Single-crystal Structure Analysis Research Articles

Synthesis of Benzo[e][1,4,3]oxathiazin-3-one 1-Oxides from NH-S-(2-Hydroxyaryl)sulfoximines.

Cyclizations of NH-S-(2-hydroxyaryl)sulfoximines with 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazol (CDI) give unprecedented benzo[e][1,4,3]oxathiazin-3-one 1-oxides in good yields. The standard synthetic protocol involves the use of DCE at an increased temperature for 16 h. Under mechanochemical conditions, a representative product was obtained without a solvent at ambient temperature in only 60 min. X-ray single-crystal structure analysis confirmed the molecular scaffold representing a three-dimensional heterocycle.

Unveiling the Multielectron Acceptor Properties of π-Expanded Pyracylene: Reversible Boat to Chair Conversion.

In this work, the chemical reduction of a hybrid pyracylene-hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HPH) nanographene was investigated with different alkali metals (Na, K, Rb) to reveal its remarkable multielectron acceptor abilities. The UV-vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy monitoring of the stepwise reduction reactions supports the existence of all intermediate reduction states up to the hexaanion for HPH. Tuning the experimental conditions enabled the synthesis of the HPH anions with gradually increasing reduction states (up to -5) isolated with different alkali metal ions as crystalline materials. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction structure analysis demonstrates that the highly negatively charged HPH anions (-4 and -5) exhibit a drastic geometry change from boat-shaped (observed in the neutral parent, mono- and dianions) to a chair conformation, which was proved to be fully reversible by NMR spectroscopy. DFT calculations show that this geometry change is induced by an enhanced interaction between the coordinated metal ions and negatively charged HPH core in the chair conformation.

Electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution and H2O2 recognition on composite carbon paste electrodes with three new Ag(I) MOFs

Three new Ag(I) metal-organic frameworks (Ag-MOFs) containing bisbenzimidazole-derived ligand, namely, {[Ag2(L)(TP)](H2O)}n (1), {[Ag2(L)(HBTC))(H2O)](CH3CH2OH)(H2O)}n (2) and {[Ag4(L)2(IP)2](CH3CN)3(H2O)16}n (3) (L = bis(1-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-benzimidazol-2-yl methyl) ether, TP = Terephthalate, BTC = Benzenetricarboxylate, IP = Isophthalate), have been synthesized by volatilization method and systematic adjustment of solvent and aromatic polyacid co-ligand. Single crystal structural analysis showed that although three Ag-MOFs have a three-dimensional (3D) network backbone structure, their topological structures are different. Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of carbon paste composite electrodes (Ag-MOF-1∼3@CPE) prepared by mixing graphite powder with Ag-MOFs were investigated in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte. The HER measurements show that the overpotential η10293K of Ag-MOF-1∼3@CPE are -634, -533 and -615 mV compared with sCPCE (blank electrode, -966 mV), and the Tafel slope of sCPCE and Ag-MOF-1∼3@CPE were 276, 251, 123 and 220 mV dec−1, respectively. The results prove that Ag-MOF-1∼3@CPE could effectively catalyze and accelerate the HER behavior, with electrocatalytic activity order being Ag-MOF-2@CPE > Ag-MOF-3@CPE > Ag-MOF-1@CPE > sCPE. The highest HER activity of Ag-MOF-2@CPE can be attributed to the fact that Ag-MOF-2 contains coordination water molecule, while the higher activity of Ag-MOF-3@CPE than Ag-MOF-1@CPE is due to steric hindrance. Furthermore, the recognition performance of Ag-MOF-1∼3@CPE for H2O2 was further studied by chronoamperometry in 0.2 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH = 6). The three sensors can detect H2O2 in a linear range from 0.5 μM to 4 mM with sensitivities of 103, 34.5 and 138 μA·mM−1·cm−2, and also revealed long-term stability and good selectivity. Our study provides a new approach for designing efficient, non-precious metal electrochemical catalysts.

Dual-Channel Imine-Amine Photoisomerization in a Benzoimidazole and Benzothiazole Coupled System: Photophysics and Applications.

A molecule, namely 2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-6-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-4-bromophenol (BIBTB), having a two-way proton transfer unit of thiazole and imidazole moieties was synthesized and characterized by NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and single-crystal diffraction studies. Steady state and time-resolved spectral studies of BIBTB support excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), causing imine-amine tautomerization through a two-way 6-membered H-bonded ring, where the N atoms of benzothiazole and the benzoimidazole unit are involved as proton acceptor sites. Interestingly, in a nonpolar and moderately polar solvent, photoisomerization in BIBTB is found to be favored toward the thiazole ring, whereas in a highly polar solvent, it is favored toward the imidazole ring. A spectral comparison of BIBTB with judicially designed molecules 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-4-bromophenol (HBT) and 2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-4-bromophenol (BIB) supports these inferences. Theoretical calculation using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) at CAM-B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level supports the existence of two low-energy 6-membered hydrogen-bonded planar conformers in the ground state in the gas phase and in solvents of different dielectrics. The potential energy curves (PECs) calculated along the proton transfer (PT) coordinate are found to have a high energy barrier in the ground state and to be barrierless or have a low energy barrier in the excited state for both the forms. The calculated vertical excitation and the emission energy from the relaxed excited and PT states show good correlation with the experimental spectral data. Aggregation of BIBTB in water with red shifted emission was established from X-ray single-crystal structure analysis, solid state emission, and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurement. The molecule BIBTB also acts as a fluorescence probe for sensing the explosive picric acid in the subnano scale and can be used to determine the proportion of water in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent.

Synthesis, spectroscopic, DFT, anticancer evaluation and enzyme inhibition studies of platinum(II) complexes with 1-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazole-5-thiol and phosphine ligands: Crystal structure of [Pt(mtzt)2(dppe)]

A number of Pt(II) complexes of 1-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazole-5-thiol (Hmtzt) with phosphine ligands have been prepared and characterized and then evaluated as potential anti-cancer and ALP enzyme inhibitor agents. The complex [Pt(mtzt)2]2 was prepared by the reaction of 1-methyl-H1-tetrazole-5-thiol (Hmtzt) with K2PtCl4. This complex was treated with equivalent molar amounts of diphosphine ligands to afford complexes of the type [Pt(mtzt)2(PPh2(CH2)nPPh2)] in good yield, {PPh2(CH2)nPPh2, where n = 1 (dppm), n = 2 (dppe), n = 3 (dppp), n = 4 (dppb) and (PPh2((C5H4)2Fe)PPh2) (dppf)}. The prepared complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-{31P} and 31P-{1H} NMR spectroscopy. The resulting data suggested that the prepared complexes were mononuclear with chelating diphosphines while the mtzt ligands were monodentate coordinating via the sulfur atom to give a square planner arrangement around the Pt(II) ion. This was confirmed by a single crystal structural analysis of the [Pt(mtzt)2(dppe)] complex. The Pt(II) complexes underwent structural optimization through the utilization of the DMol3 tool within the material studio package. A comparison of the results of molecular modelling with those of the X-ray structural analysis indicated that the structures were almost identical. The free ligand and two selected complexes were tested for inhibition activity against an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme, which was found to be active inhibitors, and the inhibition rate (37–88 %) range. Furthermore, the anticancer activity of the complexes (1, 3, and 6) was tested against human liver cancer (HepG2). The results showed that the prepared complexes have moderate activity but are lower than cis-platin. Complex 1 has the highest activity with an IC50 of 34.78 ± 1.75 M against the HepG2 cell line..

Synthesis and crystal structure of tetra-methyl (E)-4,4'-(ethene-1,2-di-yl)bis-(5-nitro-benzene-1,2-di-carboxyl-ate).

The title compound, C22H18N2O12, was obtained as a by-product during the planned synthesis of 1,2-bis-(2-nitro-4,5-dimethyl phthalate)ethane by oxidative dimerization starting from dimethyl-4-methyl-5-nitro phthalate. To identify this compound unambiguously, a single-crystal structure analysis was performed. The asymmetric unit consists of half a mol-ecule that is located at a centre of inversion. As a result of symmetry restrictions, the mol-ecule shows an E configuration around the double bond. Both phenyl rings are coplanar, whereas the nitro and the two methyl ester groups are rotated out of the ring plane by 32.6 (1), 56.5 (2) and 49.5 (2)°, respectively. In the crystal, mol-ecules are connected into chains extending parallel to the a axis by pairs of C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds that are connected into a tri-periodic network by additional C-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions.

New heteroleptic l-argininato copper(II) complex with bromide and N, N’– heterocyclic ligands – synthesis, supramolecular, spectroscopic, magnetic and theoretical investigations

A new heteroleptic [CuBr(l−Arg)(bpy)]Br·2H2O (1) (l−Arg=l−Arginine, bpy=2,2’−bipyridine) complex has been synthesized and its molecular and supramolecular structure aspects have been discussed based on the X−ray single crystal structure and Hirshfeld analyses. In addition, the properties of complex 1 have been elucidated using different spectroscopic methods (FT−IR / FIR, Raman, NIR−Vis−UV, Q− / X− band EPR) and magnetic measurements. In this complex, the bromide anion occupies the apex of a slightly distorted square pyramid (τ = 0.12). The [CuBr(l−Arg)(bpy)]+ complex units exhibit a ribbon−like organization, with Cu(II) metal centers located at the corners of triangles where the shortest Cu∙∙∙Cu distance is 5.579 Å. The aromatic moieties of bpy are aligned nearly parallel leading to π···π interactions. Both, non−bonded and coordinated, Br− ions act as hydrogen−bond acceptors for guanidinium groups. Hirshfeld analysis indicated the importance of the Br∙∙∙H (17.9 − 18.4 %), O∙∙∙H (14.9−15.2 %), and H∙∙∙H (42.3−43.1 %) interactions in the molecular packing of the studied complex. Atoms in molecules (AIM) calculations indicated mainly the closed shell character for the Cu−N, Cu−O and Cu−Br coordination interactions. The G value calculated using the Q−band EPR spectra parameters g|| = 2.235 and g⊥= 2.05 is 4.7, what indicating negligible coupling and that local tetragonal axes are aligned parallel. A negative value of Weiss temperature θCW = -0.32 K indicates the presence of weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the neighboring Cu(II) ions mediated through hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking of aromatic moieties of bpy. The value of gav= 2.113 obtained from Q−band EPR spectra is consistent with that corresponding to the Curie constant (C = 0.4138 emu K mol−1), i.e.g = 2.101, and that obtained from the best fitting to the Brillouin function: g = 2.139.

Dinuclear cadmium(II) complexes with distorted octahedral/monocapped trigonal prism coordination geometries: synthesis, crystal structure, DFT/TD-DFT calculation and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Two Cd(II) complexes [Cd2(L1)2(dca)(NO3)] (1) and [Cd2(L2)2(SCN)(NO3)] (2) (HL1 = 2-methoxy-6-[(2-phenylamino-ethylimino)-methyl]-phenol; and HL2 = 2-[(2-ethylamino-ethylimino)-methyl]-6-methoxy-phenol), have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal structure analysis, IR and mass spectroscopic studies. Both the complexes 1 and 2 possess a triclinic crystal system with space group P1¯. In complex 1, geometry around one metal centre is distorted octahedral and other centre is distorted monocapped trigonal prism, whereas in complex 2, both the metal centres possess distorted octahedral geometries. Strong NH⋅⋅⋅O and weak aromatic CH⋅⋅∙O hydrogen bonding interactions in 1 and strong NH⋅⋅⋅O and NH⋅⋅⋅S hydrogen bonding in 2 results 1D and 2D supramolecular structures, respectively. Experimentally determined electronic spectral data have been compared with the calculated data obtained by DFT and TD-DFT calculation. Photocatalytic abilities of 1 and 2 have been examined by using spectroscopic technique and found that in presence of UV light both the complexes catalytically decomposed methylene blue by 54.0 % and 50.3 %, respectively.

(C8H6BrN2O)NO3: A Hybrid Nonlinear Optical Crystal With an Appropriate Birefringence

AbstractOrganic planar groups have recently been used to construct nonlinear optical materials because of their large hyperpolarizability, and then most of the products have birefringence which is unfavorable to phase matching. Here, a new organic–inorganic hybrid nonlinear optical crystal (C8H6BrN2O)NO3 is synthesized by combining the π‐conjugated organic [C8H6BrN₂O]+ cation and inorganic [NO3]− anion as the fundamental building blocks. Surprisingly, it not only shows a large second‐harmonic generation response of 3.8 times that of the commercial K2HPO4 crystals, but also has a moderate birefringence of 0.08 at 550 nm. Furthermore, it demonstrates high thermal stability up to 220 °C despite its hybrid material characteristics. Single crystal structure analysis and theoretical calculations confirm that the specific arrangement of NLO‐active [C8H6BrN₂O]+ groups with halogen branch chains and strong hydrogen bonding between two π‐conjugated groups leads to moderate birefringence and large frequency‐doubling effect. These findings provide a method to explore hybrid nonlinear optical crystals.

A Domino Protocol toward High-performance Unsymmetrical Dibenzo[d,d']thieno[2,3-b;4,5-b']dithiophenes Semiconductors.

Unsymmetric organic semiconductors have many advantages such as good solubility, rich intermolecular interactions for potential various optoelectronic applications. However, their synthesis is more challenging due to intricate structures thus normally suffering tedious synthesis. Herein, we report a trisulfur radical anion (S3⋅-) triggered domino thienannulation strategy for the synthesis of dibenzo[d,d']thieno[2,3-b;4,5-b']dithiophenes (DBTDTs) using readily available 1-halo-2-ethynylbenzenes as starting materials. This domino protocol features no metal catalyst and the formation of six C-S and one C-C bonds in a one-pot reaction. Mechanistic study revealed a unique domino radical anion pathway. Single crystal structure analysis of unsymmetric DBTDT shows that its unique unsymmetric structure endows rich and multiple weak S⋅⋅⋅S interactions between molecules, which enables the large intermolecular transfer integrals of 86 meV and efficient charge transport performance with a carrier mobility of 1.52 cm2 V-1 s-1. This study provides a facile and highly efficient synthetic strategy for more high-performance unsymmetric organic semiconductors.

A Domino Protocol toward High‐performance Unsymmetrical Dibenzo[d,d′]thieno[2,3‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophenes Semiconductors

AbstractUnsymmetric organic semiconductors have many advantages such as good solubility, rich intermolecular interactions for potential various optoelectronic applications. However, their synthesis is more challenging due to intricate structures thus normally suffering tedious synthesis. Herein, we report a trisulfur radical anion (S3⋅−) triggered domino thienannulation strategy for the synthesis of dibenzo[d,d′]thieno[2,3‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophenes (DBTDTs) using readily available 1‐halo‐2‐ethynylbenzenes as starting materials. This domino protocol features no metal catalyst and the formation of six C−S and one C−C bonds in a one‐pot reaction. Mechanistic study revealed a unique domino radical anion pathway. Single crystal structure analysis of unsymmetric DBTDT shows that its unique unsymmetric structure endows rich and multiple weak S⋅⋅⋅S interactions between molecules, which enables the large intermolecular transfer integrals of 86 meV and efficient charge transport performance with a carrier mobility of 1.52 cm2 V−1 s−1. This study provides a facile and highly efficient synthetic strategy for more high‐performance unsymmetric organic semiconductors.

A molybdenum-ciprofloxacin complex with an isopolyoxometalate having DNA binding and antibacterial activity

In this study, an antibacterial complex based on the quinolone antibacterial drug ciprofloxacin (CF) and a polyoxometalate was synthesized, Mo2O5(CF)2(CFd)2(β-Mo8O26)·5H2O (1). Complex 1 was characterized by elemental analysis and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Single-crystal structural analysis revealed that 1 was made of β-Mo8 clusters, binuclear molybdenum clusters Mo2O5(CF)2(CFd)2, and water molecules. The antibacterial activity of 1 has been tested against three microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis strains); the antibacterial activities of 1 were higher than those of free CF at the same mass amounts. The interaction between 1 and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated using Uv-vis spectroscopy to determine the binding constants. The results indicated that intercalation is the probable mode of action, with 1 demonstrating higher binding constants (K b) to CT-DNA (1.8 × 105 M−1) compared to pure CF (4.9 × 104 M−1). These findings show that the implementation of molybdate for ciprofloxacin modification resulted in the formation of a metal complex with enhanced antibacterial activity over CF and significantly improving its binding affinity to DNA.

Exploring the physicochemical properties of a new mixed halide 1D hybrid material Zn(C2H8N2)Br1.41Cl0.59 with a non-centrosymmetric structure: Promising material for nonlinear applications

Colorless crystals of a new mixed halide hybrid material, Zn(C2H8N2)Br1.41Cl0.59, were synthesized by the slow evaporation method at room temperature. The crystal structure, thermal behavior, and optical analysis were analyzed to characterize this complex. The crystal structure study revealed that this compound adopts the orthorhombic system and crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric space group Ima2. Its one-dimensional structure is built from infinite wavy chains of [Zn(C2H8N2)Br1.41Cl0.59]n propagating along the crystallographic a-axis, which are interconnected through NH···Br/Cl hydrogen bonds. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that this complex remains stable up 251 °C, decomposing in a single step to yield zinc oxide (ZnO) as final product. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed an endothermic peak at 195 °C, indicating that the title compound undergoes a phase transition at this temperature. Additionally, the material's suitability for optical application was assessed through UV–Visible absorption and non-linear optical (NLO) techniques. The determined band gap energy of 4.5 eV suggests that this new complex can be classified as a semiconductor material closely resembling an insulator. Furthermore, the second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of the grown crystal was analyzed using the Kurtz-Perry powder technique. The IR and Raman spectra confirm the results obtained from X-ray single-crystal structural analyses.

Testibiopalladite, PdSbTe: A Valid Mineral and Sb-Analogue of Michenerite

Abstract Testibiopalladite was reported from two unnamed deposits in China by Anonymous (1974) to be ideally PdSbTe. The description of the mineral included an indexed X-ray powder diffraction pattern, space group determination, electron probe micro-analyses, reflectance, and micro-indentation hardness measurements. This description was published without prior submission to the IMA, which was the norm at the time before China became a member. It is unknown as to why the Commission for New Minerals and Mineral Names (CMNMN) did not examine and vote on the mineral as had been done for all other Chinese mineral descriptions published at the time. It is surprising because the chairman of the CMNMN at the time had reviewed the mineral (Fleischer et al. 1976) and concluded it was a valid species, i.e., the Sb analogue of michenerite (PdBiTe). Further, the same article included a description of “hexastibiopanickelite” which was voted on and rejected by the CMNMN in 1976. From 1981 to 2021 there were many papers published reporting testibiopalladite from several deposits in different countries (e.g., Hudson et al. 1978, Chen et al., 1993, Stepanets et al. 2019, 2020), as well as a single-crystal structure analysis of synthetic PdSbTe which confirmed the assigned space group (Foecker & Jeitschko 2001). The published data (e.g., Barkov et al. 2002, Liang et al. 2019, 2023) suggest that testibiopalladite is a valid mineral species, ideally PdSbTe, and is the Sb analogue of michenerite, PdBiTe, both crystallizing in space group P213. Both the name testibiopalladite and the mineral, ideally PdSbTe, were approved by the Commission of New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (CNMNC-IMA), Nomenclature Voting Proposal 23-H. Liang et al. (2019, 2023) studied samples from the type locality (Yangliuping deposit, PRC) that are to be considered as a neotype.

Stabilization of Pr4+ in Silicates─High-Pressure Synthesis of PrSi3O8 and Pr2Si7O18.

The reaction between PrO2 and SiO2 was investigated at various pressure points up to 29 GPa in a diamond anvil cell using laser heating and in situ single-crystal structure analysis. The pressure points at 5 and 10 GPa produced Pr2III(Si2O7), whereas Pr4IIISi3O12 and Pr2IV(O2)O3 were obtained at 15 GPa. Pr4IIISi3O12 can be interpreted as a high-pressure modification of the still unknown orthosilicate Pr4III(SiO4)3. PrIVSi3O8 and Pr2IVSi7O18 that contain praseodymium in its rare + IV oxidation state were identified at 29 GPa. After the pressure was released from the reaction chamber, the Pr(IV) silicates could be recovered, indicating that they are metastable at ambient pressure. Density functional theory calculations of the electronic structure corroborate the oxidation state of praseodymium in both PrIVSi3O8 and Pr2IVSi7O18. Both silicates are the first structurally characterized representatives of Pr4+-containing salts with oxoanions. All three silicates contain condensed networks of [SiO6] octahedra which is unprecedented in the rich chemistry of lanthanoid silicates.

Tailoring raloxifene into single-component molecular crystals possessing multilevel stimuli-responsive room-temperature phosphorescence

Simultaneously achieving room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) and multiple-stimuli responsiveness in a single-component system is of significance but remains challenging. Crystallization has been recognized to be a workable strategy to fulfill the above task. However, how the molecular packing mode affects the intersystem crossing and RTP lifetime concurrently remains unclear so far. Herein, four economic small-molecular compounds, analogues of the famous drug raloxifene (RALO), are facilely synthesized and further explored as neat single-component and stimuli-responsive RTP emitters via crystallization engineering. Thanks to their simple structures and high ease to crystallize, these raloxifene analogues function as models to clarify the important role of molecular packing in the RTP and stimuli-responsiveness properties. Thorough combination of the single-crystal structure analysis and theoretical calculations clearly manifests that the tight antiparallel molecular packing mode is the key point to their RTP behaviors. Interestingly, harnessing the controllable and reversible phase transitions of the two polymorphs of RALO-OAc driven by mechanical force, solvent vapor, and heat, a single-component multilevel stimuli-responsive platform with tunable emission color is established and further exploited for optical information encryption. This work would shed light on the rational design of multi-stimuli responsive RTP systems based on single-component organics.

Selenium-linked cyanobiphenyl-based liquid crystal dimers: the effects of chalcogen linkage and spacer length on the twist-bend nematic phase

ABSTRACT We synthesised selenium-linked liquid crystal dimers and examined their phase behaviour to determine the effects of chalcogen linkage and spacer length on the formation of a twist-bend nematic (NTB) phase. Two new homologous series of nonsymmetric selenoether- and ether- or thioether-linked cyanobiphenyl-based dimers (CBSenOCB and CBSenSCB, respectively) comprising an alkyl spacer chain with a carbon number (n) of 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 11 were developed. We also synthesised n = 6 and 11 of previously reported symmetrically selenoether-linked CBSenSeCB homologues. Conventional nematic (N) and NTB phases were observed for nearly all odd-n CBSenSeCB, CBSenOCB, and CBSenSCB dimers. The phase transition behaviours of the three homologous series were compared with those of the known symmetric ether-linked CBOnOCB, thioether-linked CBSnSCB, and asymmetric thioether- and ether-linked CBSnOCB dimers. Replacing ether with thioether or selenoether resulted in lower LC phase-transition temperatures, particularly for selenoether. Single-crystal structural analyses revealed that CBS3SCB and CBSe3SeCB exhibited folded U-shaped molecular shapes that were bent more than the V-shapes of CBOnOCB (n = 3 and 5) and CBS5SCB. In addition, thioether and selenoether linkages rendered the molecular forms of odd-spacer dimers in the crystals more bent.

Temperature-dependent molecular sieving of fluorinated propane/propylene mixtures by a flexible-robust metal-organic framework.

The electronics industry necessitates highly selective adsorption separation of hexafluoropropylene (C3F6) from perfluoropropane (C3F8), which poses a challenge due to their similar physiochemical properties. In this work, we present a microporous flexible-robust metal-organic framework (Ca-tcpb) with thermoregulatory gate opening, a rare phenomenon that allows tunable sieving of C3F8/C3F6. Remarkably, the temperature-dependent adsorption behavior enhances the discrimination between the larger C3F8 and the smaller C3F6, resulting in unprecedented C3F6/C3F8 selectivity (over 10,000) compared to other well-known porous materials at an optimal temperature (298 K). Dynamic breakthrough experiments demonstrate that high-purity C3F8 (over 99.999%) could be obtained from a C3F6/C3F8 (10:90) mixture under ambient conditions. The unique attributes of this material encompass exceptional adsorption selectivity, remarkable structural stability, and outstanding separation performance, positioning it as a highly promising candidate for C3F6/C3F8 separation. Single-crystal structural analysis of C3F6-loaded Ca-tcpb and theoretical calculations elucidate the host-guest interaction via multiple intermolecular interactions.

Complexation and extraction of trivalent actinides over lanthanides using highly soluble phenanthroline diamide ligands with different side chains

Although phenanthroline diamide ligands have been widely reported, their limited solubility in organic solvents and poor performance in the separation of trivalent actinides (An(III)) and lanthanides (Ln(III)) at high acidity are still clear demerits. In this study, we designed and synthesized three highly soluble phenanthroline diamide ligands with different side chains. By introducing alkyl chains and ester groups, the ligands solubility in 3-nitrotrifluorotoluene is increased to over 600 mmol/L, significantly higher than the previous reported phenanthroline diamide ligands. Based on anomalous aryl strengthening, benzene ring was incorporated to enhance ligand selectivity toward Am(III). Extraction experiments demonstrated favorable selectivity of all the three ligands towards Am(III). The optimal separation factor (SFAm/Eu) reaches 53 at 4 mol/L HNO3, representing one of the most effective separation of An(III) over Ln(III) under high acidity. Slope analysis, single crystal structure analysis, as well as titration of ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonanc confirmed the formation of 1:1 and 1:2 complex species between the metal ions and the ligands depending on the molar ratio of metal ions in the reaction mixture. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for developing phenanthroline diamide ligands for An(III)/Ln(III) separation.

Heterometallic AuI 6 AgI 6 Macrocyclic Cluster Templated by a Supramolecular Melamine Dimer.

The application of supramolecular templates in aligning atomically precise heterometal arrays is important for pursuing functional materials. Herein, we report that a bilayered supramolecular tri-deprotonated melamine dimer functions as an effective template in the construction of a heterometallic gold(I)-silver(I) macrocyclic cluster [μ6 -(C3 N6 H3 )3- ]2 -AuI 6 AgI 6 . X-ray single crystal structural analysis showed that a crown-like AuI 6 AgI 6 macrocycle is aligned around two parallelly stacked μ6 -(C3 N6 H3 )3- moieties hold together with π-π interactions. Theoretical calculations revealed that the [μ6 -(C3 N6 H3 )3- ]2 motif dominantly contributes to the near-occupied orbitals in the electronic structure, which is closely related to its luminescence properties. This work demonstrates that the supramolecular templates containing multiple symmetric binding sites may present a facile approach in the construction of functional metal clusters.