Rare metal-ion metathesis of a tetrahedral Zn(ii) core of a noncentrosymmetric (3,4)-connected 3D MOF.

An SHG-active noncentrosymmetric (3,4)-connected Zn(ii)-organic framework, {[Zn2(4-abpt)(3,4-pydc)2]·2DMAc·3MeOH·H2O}n (1-Zn), was synthesized using a mixed-ligand system. The 1-Zn framework undergoes metal metathesis, with the complete exchange of the tetrahedrally coordinated ZnII ions with CuII ions while retaining the integrity of the network.

High-Temperature, High-Pressure Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of an Acentric Borate Fluoride: Ba2B5O9F·0.5H2O.

A new borate fluoride, Ba2B5O9F·0.5H2O, has been synthesized by high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal method, characterized by a combination of techniques and its structure determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric space group P4̅ n2 (No. 118) and powder SHG measurements were performed to confirm the absence of a center of symmetry. Its crystal structure is formed of a new fundamental building block which shares oxygen atoms with neighboring blocks to form a 3D borate framework with 12- and 8-ring channels where the Ba2+ cations, F- anions, and water molecules are located. The structure is compared with those of minerals and synthetic borate fluoride and chlorides with similar framework compositions. The 11B MAS NMR experimental results are in accord with those from crystal structure analysis and the resonances in the spectrum are assigned. The presence of water was confirmed by IR spectroscopy, and its content and the thermal decomposition products were determined by thermogravimetric analysis and powder X-ray diffraction.

Titanosilicates with Strong Phase-Matched Second Harmonic Generation Responses.

The search for new and efficient nonlinear optical (NLO) materials has been an active research because of their technological importance in laser applications. Although a large number of frequency-doubling oxides, phosphates, borates, and fluoride-containing borates were found, no transition-metal silicate with useful NLO properties has been reported. We have now synthesized and grown crystals of two new titanosilicates, Li2K4[(TiO)Si4O12] and Li2Rb4[(TiO)Si4O12], by using a flux and supercritical hydrothermal method. Their unique 3D framework structures contain highly compressed TiO5 square pyramids which are arranged one over the other to form infinite ···Ti-O···Ti-O straight chains with alternating short and long Ti-O distances. These two materials meet the requirements for efficient second harmonic generation including lack of center of inversion symmetry, large susceptibility, phase matching, transmitting at wavelengths of interest, resistant to laser damage, and thermally stable. These attributes make them very attractive for frequency-doubling materials.

Structural characteristics and non-linear optical behaviour of a 2-hydroxynicotinate-containing zinc-based metal-organic framework.

Materials with non-linear optical (NLO) properties play an important role in the construction of electronic devices for optical communications, optical data processing and data storage. With this aim in mind, a Zn(II)-based metal-organic framework {[Zn2(nica)2(bpy)1.5(H2O)]×0.5(bpy)×3H2O}n (1), was synthesized using 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy) and a potentially bidentate ligand, 2-hydroxynicotinic acid (H2nica) with a salicylate binding moiety. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that compound 1 crystallized in the orthorhombic space group Fdd2 and was composed of a three dimensional porous framework. Since Fdd2 belonged to a class of non-centrosymmetric space groups, we therefore investigated the non-linear optical behaviour of compound 1. Photoluminescence studies revealed that compound 1 exhibited a blue light emission with a maxima at 457 nm.

Spectroscopic study of the I2 formation from the photolysis of iodomethanes (CHI3, CH2I2, CH3I, and CH2ICl) at different wavelengths.

Emission spectra following the photolysis of iodomethanes (CHI3, CH2I2, CH3I, and CH2ICl) at 266 nm were recorded in a slow flow cell. In addition to emission from the electronically excited species including CH (A(2)Δ, B(2)Σ(-), and C(2)Σ(+)), C2 (d(3)Πg), and atomic iodine ((4)P(o)), a series of emission bands was observed in the 12,000-19,000 cm(-1) region. The dominant structure of these emission bands was verified as the I2 B(3)Π(+)(0,u)-X(1)Σ(+)g emission at the 532 nm excitation, and the observed I2 was formed from collisions between iodine atoms generated from the C-I bond dissociation in these iodomethanes. The I2 emission spectra following the photolysis of CH2I2 at different wavelengths were acquired, and the threshold energy for the first C-I bond cleavage was determined to be 208 ± 1 kJ mol(-1). We also obtained the emission spectra of pure I2 at several visible excitation wavelengths for comparison with those from the photolysis of iodomethanes, and a least-squares global fit of the observed I2 emission bands yields more accurate anharmonicity parameters for the vibrational structure in the I2 B-X transition.

Flux synthesis, crystal structure, and photoluminescence of a heterometallic uranyl-europium germanate with U═O-Eu linkage: K4[(UO2)Eu2(Ge2O7)2].

Crystals of a uranyl-europium germanate, K4[(UO2)Eu2(Ge2O7)2], have been grown at high temperature from a KF-MoO3 flux and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure contains PaCl5-type chains formed of edge-sharing EuO7 pentagonal bipyramids that are connected by digermanate groups such that layers of europium germanate are formed. Neighboring layers are further linked by UO6 tetragonal bipyramids through uranyl ion oxygen atoms to generate a 3D framework with 6-ring channels where the K(+) cations are located. The structure contains an unusual heterometallic U═O-Eu linkage. Photoluminescence studies show strong red emission at room temperature. The relative intensities of the (5)D0 → (7)F1 and (5)D0 → (7)F2 transitions confirm that the europium site lacks an inversion center. All of the emission lines show similar decay curves, which can be well-fitted by a single exponential decay function with radiative lifetimes of 0.53 ± 0.03 ms. No emission is observed in the region from 450 to 550 nm typical of the uranyl cation, indicating that, upon uranyl excitation, the energy is either transferred to the Eu(3+) centers or lost to nonradiative processes.

CH2 b̃1B1-ã1A1 band origin at 1.20 µm.

The origin band in the b̃(1)B(1)-ã(1)A(1) transition of CH(2) near 1.2 µm has been recorded at Doppler-limited resolution using diode laser transient absorption spectroscopy. The assignments of rotational transitions terminating in upper state levels with K(a) = 0 and 1, were confirmed by ground state combination differences and extensive optical-optical double resonance experiments. The assigned lines are embedded in a surprisingly dense spectral region, which includes a strong hot band, b̃(0,1,0) K(a) = 0 - ã(0,1,0) K(a) = 1 sub-band lines, with combination or overtone transitions in the ã(1)A(1) state likely responsible for the majority of unassigned transitions in this region. From measured line intensities and an estimate of the concentration of CH(2) in the sample, we find the transition moment square for the 0(00) ← 1(10) transition in the b̃(1)B(1)(0,0,0)(0)-ã(1)A(1)(0,0,0)(1) sub-band is 0.005(1) D(2). Prominent b̃(1)B(1)(0,1,0)(0)-ã(1)A(1)(0,1,0)(1) hot band lines were observed in the same spectral region. Comparison of the intensities of corresponding rotational transitions in the two bands suggests the hot band has an intrinsic strength approximately 28 times larger than the origin band. Perturbations of the excited state K(a) = 0 and 1 levels are observed and discussed. The new measurements will lead to improved future theoretical modeling and calculations of the Renner-Teller effect between the ã and b̃ states in CH(2).

Spectroscopic investigation of the multiphoton photolysis reactions of bromomethanes (CHBr3, CHBr2Cl, CHBrCl2, and CH2Br2) at near-ultraviolet wavelengths.

Nascent emission and laser-induced dispersed fluorescence spectra of products or intermediates from the multiphoton photolysis reaction of bromomethanes (CHBr(3), CHBr(2)Cl, CHBrCl(2), and CH(2)Br(2)) at 266 nm were recorded in a slow flow cell. Electronically excited species including CH (A(2)Delta, B(2)Sigma(-), and C(2)Sigma(+)), C(2) (d(3)Pi(g)), and atomic Br ((4)D(J) and (4)P(J)) were observed in the nascent emission spectra. Free radicals such CHBr or CHCl were also successfully found using laser-induced dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy. The reactive intermediate, CHBr, was seen only in the photolysis of CHBr(3), whereas CHCl was only discovered when the precursor was CHBr(2)Cl or CHBrCl(2). More experiments including the power dependence and temporal waveform measurements were conducted. The present study reports the first direct measurements of the intermediate products in the multiphoton photodissociation reaction of these bromomethanes at 266 nm. Nascent emission spectra following the photolysis at longer near-ultraviolet wavelengths (280 and 355 nm) were also acquired. On the bassis of these results, the multiphoton photodissociation mechanism of these bromomethanes at 266 nm can be confirmed.

Flux synthesis, crystal structures, and luminescence properties of salt-inclusion lanthanide silicates: [K9F2][Ln3Si12O32] (Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd).

New salt-inclusion lanthanide silicates, [K 9F 2][Ln 3Si 12O 32] (Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd), have been synthesized using a KF-MoO 3 flux, and structurally characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. The structures of these three isostructural compounds consist of open-branched funfer silicate single layers with six-, eight-, and twelve-membered rings, which are connected via LnO 6 octahedra to form a 3-D framework. The F (-) and K (+) ions are located in the structural channels and form a F 2K 7 dimer with a structure similar to that of Cl 2O 7. The photoluminescence properties of the Eu compound have also been studied. The sharp peaks in the room-temperature emission spectrum are assigned and the relative intensities of the (5)D 0 --> (7)F 1 and (5)D 0 --> (7)F 2 transitions are consistent with the crystallography results. Crystal data for the Eu compound: triclinic, space group P1 (No. 2), a = 6.8989(2) A, b = 11.3834(4) A, c = 11.4955(4) A, alpha = 87.620(2) degrees , beta = 89.532(2) degrees , gamma = 80.221(2) degrees , and Z = 2. Crystal data for the Sm compound: The same as those for the Eu compound except a = 6.9152(6) A, b = 11.400(1) A, c = 11.531(1) A, alpha = 87.610(1) degrees , beta = 89.445(1) degrees , and gamma = 80.081(1) degrees .

Synthesis, crystal structure, magnetic and luminescence properties of KEuGe2O6: a europium cyclogermanate containing infinite chains of edge-sharing Eu-O polyhedra.

A new Eu(III) germanate, KEuGe2O6, has been synthesized by both the flux-growth method and the high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound contains parallel zigzag chains of edge-sharing Eu-O polyhedra, which are in turn linked by sharing vertices and edges with three-membered single ring Ge3O9(6-) germanate anions to form a 3-D framework structure. The magnetic and luminescence properties were also investigated. The observed chiMT value at 300 K is 4.53 emu K mol(-1), which is in good agreement with the calculated value for three Eu3+ ions. The sharp peaks in the room-temperature emission spectrum are assigned. The number of lines in the region of the 5D0-->7F0 transition and the relative intensities of the 5D0-->7F1 and 5D0-->7F2 transitions confirm the presence of two local Eu3+ environments and strongly distorted Eu3+-ligand surroundings. The reasons for the very short emission life time is discussed. The Sm and Tb analogues have also been synthesized.

Toward quartz and cristobalite: spontaneous resolution, structures, and characterization of chiral silica-mimetic silver(I)-organic materials.

An alpha-quartz-mimetic chiral coordination network of [Ag(L1)(CF3SO3)]n (L1=5,5'-bipyrimidine), after treatment with PF6- anions, undergoes a solution-state structural transformation toward [Ag(L1)(PF6)]n with a cristobalite-mimetic chiral structures. This structural transformation is accompanied by substantial enhancement in the fluorescent intensity and in the second-harmonic-generation response. The results also demonstrate an effective design strategy based on the spontaneous resolution route for the preparation of chiral architectures.

Flux synthesis, crystal structure, and luminescence properties of a new europium fluoride-silicate: K5Eu2FSi4O13.

The crystal structure and luminescence properties of flux-grown crystals of a new europium(III) fluoride-silicate, K5Eu2FSi4O13, are reported. The structure consists of octahedral dimers of the composition [Eu2O10F], which are linked by unbranched tetrasilicate chains to form a 3-D framework with 5- and 6-ring channels parallel to the b axis where the K+ cations are located. The sharp peaks in the room-temperature emission spectrum are assigned. The number of lines in the region for the 5D0-->7F0 transition and the relative intensities of the 5D0-->7F1 and 5D0-->7F2 transitions confirm the presence of two local Eu3+ environments and strongly distorted Eu3+-ligand surroundings. The room-temperature fluorescence decay curves are well fit by a single-exponential function yielding a lifetime value of about 2.0 ms. Crystal data: monoclinic, space group P21/m, a=7.1850(2) A, b=5.7981(2) A, c=18.1675(6) A, beta=92.248(2) degrees , and Z=2.

Dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy of the GeCl2 A-X transition.

The laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectrum of the GeCl(2) A-X transition at ultraviolet wavelengths (300-320 nm) was recorded in a direct current discharge supersonic free jet expansion. The excitation spectrum contains several sharp peaks and a congested diffuse structure. Dispersed fluorescence spectra following the excitation of these GeCl(2) ultraviolet bands were successfully acquired for the first time. The analysis of the dispersed fluorescence spectra reveals the detailed vibrational structure of the X (1)A(1) state. We have assigned the vibrational structures corresponding to different isotopomers (Ge(35)Cl(2), Ge(35)Cl(37)Cl, and Ge(37)Cl(2)). The vibrational fundamental frequencies were determined: 409 cm(-1) (symmetric stretch), 159 cm(-1) (bend), and 352 cm(-1) (antisymmetric stretch) for the X (1)A(1) state of GeCl(2). Vibrational parameters of the ground electronic state including vibrational frequencies, anharmonicity, and bend-stretch coupling constant were determined. Our dispersed fluorescence spectra also clarify the vibrational assignments of the hot bands and provide more experimental data for unraveling the nature of the congested diffuse structure at shorter wavelengths in the excitation spectrum.

Dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy of the CBr2A1B1-X1A1 transition.

Dispersed fluorescence spectra following the excitation of the CBr2A1B1-X1A1 2 and 2 bands at visible wavelengths were acquired in a discharge supersonic free jet expansion using an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) detector. The dispersed fluorescence spectra show signal-to-noise ratios of up to 60 and extend out to a maximum red shift frequency of 6000 cm(-1). Complete and detailed vibrational structure of the ground singlet state (X1A1) was observed. Vibrational parameters including fundamental frequencies, anharmonicities, and coupling constants were determined for the CBr2 X1A1 state. Additional vibrational structure starting at approximately 3650 cm(-1) was observed and this indicates the singlet-triplet energy gap to be >10 kcal mol(-1).

Rb3In(H2O)Si5O13: a novel indium silicate with a CdSO4-topological-type structure.

A novel indium silicate, Rb3In(H2O)Si5O13, has been synthesized using a high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure consists of five-membered rings of corner-sharing SiO4 tetrahedra connected via corner sharing to four adjacent five-membered rings to form a 3D silicate framework that belongs to the CdSO4 topological type. The InO6 octahedron shares five of its corners with five different SiO4 tetrahedra to form a 3D frame-work that delimits two types of channels to accommodate the rubidium cations. The sixth corner of InO6 is coordinated H2O. The structure is related to that of the titanium silicate ETS-10, and these are the only two metal silicates that have the CdSO4-topological-type structure. In addition, the crystal of Rb3In(H2O)Si5O13 shows an intense second harmonic generation signal. Crystal data: H2Rb3InSi5O14, monoclinic, space group Cc (No. 9), a = 9.0697(5) A, b = 11.5456(6) A, c = 13.9266(8) A, beta = 102.300(1) degrees, V = 1424.8(1) A3, and Z = 4.

New electronic spectra of the HCCl and DCCl A-X vibronic bands.

The dispersed fluorescence spectra following the excitation of several A<--X vibronic bands of HCCl and DCCl at visible wavelengths were successfully acquired in a discharge supersonic free jet expansion using an intensified charge-coupled device detector. The dispersed fluorescence spectra reveal more details of the X(1) A(') state vibrational structure in these molecules than previous reports. Dispersed fluorescence spectra of all four isotopomers (HC(35)Cl, HC(37)Cl, DC(35)Cl, and DC(37)Cl) were obtained. These dispersed fluorescence spectra exhibit the vibrational structures up to approximately 6000 cm(-1) above the zero-point level and determine the vibrational structures of HC(37)Cl and DC(37)Cl. Complete vibrational parameters including fundamental frequencies, anharmonicities, and coupling constants were determined for the HCCl/DCCl X(1) A(') state. Furthermore, perturbations from the background triplet state a(3) A(") and emission to triplet state levels were observed in the spectra. The singlet-triplet energy gap from the zero-point level could be determined to be 2167 cm(-1) (6.20+/-0.05 kcal/mol) in HCCl and to be 2187 cm(-1) (6.25+/-0.05 kcal/mol) in DCCl. Additionally, some of the A<--X excitation spectrum are reported for HCCl and DCCl.