Magnetic Structure, Single-Crystal to Single-Crystal Transition, and Thermal Expansion Study of the (Edimim)[FeCl4] Halometalate Compound.

This contribution addresses standing questions about the nature and consequences of the ion self-assembly and magnetic structures, as well as the molecular motion of the crystalline structure as a function of the temperature, in halometalate materials based on imidazolium cation. We present the magnetic structure and magnetostructural correlations of 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrachloridoferrate, (Edimim)[FeCl4], resolved by neutron diffraction studies. Single-crystal, synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and powder neutron diffraction techniques have been combined to follow the temperature evolution on its crystallographic structure from 2 K close to its melting point (340 K). In this sense, slightly above room temperature (307 K) (Edimim)[FeCl4] presents a single-crystal to single-crystal transition (SCSC), from phase I (space group P21/n) to phase II (P21/m), accompanied by a notable increase in the disorder of the imidazolium cation, as well as in the metal complex anion. The temperature evolution and solid-phase transitions of the presented compound were followed in detail by synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (SXPD), which confirms the occurrence of another phase transition at 330 K, phase III (P21/m), the crystal structure of which was elucidated from the SXPD pattern. Moreover, this material presents an anisotropic thermal expansion with a switch from axial positive to negative thermal expansion coefficients as the temperature is raised above the first phase transition, which has been correlated with the molecular motion of the imidazolium-based molecules, producing not only a shortening of the counterion···counterion distances but also the occurrence of different quasi-isoenergetic crystal structures as a function of the temperature.

Tuning the structure and magnetic behavior of Ni-Ir-based nanoparticles in ionic liquids.

We report on a simple preparation of extremely small diameter (ca. 2 nm) Ni-Ir-based NPs using Ni(COD)2 and [Ir(COD)OCH3]2 in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BMIm·NTf2). The prepared NPs had either core-shell-like or alloy-like structures with the presence of Ni,Ir-oxides, depending on the synthetic approach. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and magnetic measurements are combined to describe the influence of nanostructure on the magnetic behavior of these nanosystems. The present findings reveal that the alloy NPs display a disordered magnetic state, similar to a spin glass (SG)-like system (Tf = 7.2 K). Core-shell NPs are formed by a magnetically blocked/unblocked core with a magnetically disordered shell as deduced from the two magnetic responses peaking at TB = 75 K and Tf = 5.8 K. Coupling at the core-shell interface leads to an exchange bias revealed at low temperature as horizontal shifts in the hysteresis loops of 0.12 kOe at 2 K.

3D Magnetically Ordered Open Supramolecular Architectures Based on Ferrimagnetic Cu/Adenine/Hydroxide Heptameric Wheels.

The present work provides two new examples of supramolecular metal-organic frameworks consisting of three-dimensional extended noncovalent assemblies of wheel-shaped heptanuclear [Cu7(µ-H2O)6(µ3-OH)6(µ-adeninato-κN3:κN9)6](2+) entities. The heptanuclear entity consists of a central [Cu(OH)6](4-) core connected to six additional copper(II) metal centers in a radial and planar arrangement through the hydroxides. It generates a wheel-shaped entity in which water molecules and µ-κN3:κN9 adeninato ligands bridge the peripheral copper atoms. The magnetic characterization indicates the central copper(II) center is anti-ferromagnetically coupled to external copper(II) centers, which are ferromagnetically coupled among them leading to an S = 5/2 ground state. The packing of these entities is sustained by π-π stacking interactions between the adenine nucleobases and by hydrogen bonds established among the hydroxide ligands, sulfate anions, and adenine nucleobases. The sum of both types of supramolecular interactions creates a rigid synthon that in combination with the rigidity of the heptameric entity generates an open supramolecular structure (40-50% of available space) in which additional sulfate and triethylammonium ions are located altogether with solvent molecules. These compounds represent an interesting example of materials combining both porosity and magnetic relevant features.

Dynamically slow solid-to-solid phase transition induced by thermal treatment of DimimFeCl4 magnetic ionic liquid.

The results reported here represent the first direct experimental observations supporting the existence of a solid-to-solid phase transition induced by thermal treatment in magnetic ionic liquids (MILs). The phase transitions of the solid phases of 1,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrachloroferrate, DimimFeCl4, are closely related to its thermal history. Two series of solid-to-solid phase transitions can be described in this MIL: (i) from room temperature (RT) phase II [space group (s.g.) = P21] to phase I-a [s.g. = P212121] via thermal quenching or via fast cooling at T > 2 K min(-1); (ii) from phase I-a to phase I-b [s.g. = P21/c] when the temperature was kept above 180 K for several minutes. The latter involves a slow translational and reorientational dynamical process of both the imidazolium cation and the tetrachloroferrate anion and has been characterized using synchrotron and neutron powder diffraction and DFT (density functional theory) studies. The transition is also related to the modification of the super-exchange pathways of low-temperature phases which show a overall antiferromagnetic behavior. A combination of several experimental methods such as magnetometry, Mössbauer and muon spectroscopy together with polarized and non-polarized neutron powder diffraction has been used in order to characterize the different features observed in these phases.

A magnetic ionic liquid based on tetrachloroferrate exhibits three-dimensional magnetic ordering: a combined experimental and theoretical study of the magnetic interaction mechanism.

A new magnetic ionic liquid (MIL) with 3D antiferromagnetic ordering has been synthetized and characterized. The information obtained from magnetic characterization was supplemented by analysis of DFT calculations and the magneto-structural correlations. The result gives no evidence for direct iron-iron interactions, corroborating that the 3D magnetic ordering in MILs takes place via super-exchange coupling containing two diamagnetic atoms intermediaries.

Anion-π and halide-halide nonbonding interactions in a new ionic liquid based on imidazolium cation with three-dimensional magnetic ordering in the solid state.

We present the first magnetic phase of an ionic liquid with anion-π interactions, which displays a three-dimensional (3D) magnetic ordering below the Néel temperature, TN = 7.7 K. In this material, called Dimim[FeBr4], an exhaustive and systematic study involving structural and physical characterization (synchrotron X-ray, neutron powder diffraction, direct current and alternating current magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, heat capacity, Raman and Mössbauer measurements) as well as first-principles analysis (density functional theory (DFT) simulation) was performed. The crystal structure, solved by Patterson-function direct methods, reveals a monoclinic phase (P21 symmetry) at room temperature with a = 6.745(3) Å, b = 14.364(3) Å, c = 6.759(3) Å, and ß = 90.80(2)°. Its framework, projected along the b direction, is characterized by layers of cations [Dimim](+) and anions [FeBr4](-) that change the orientation from layer to layer, with Fe···Fe distances larger than 6.7 Å. Magnetization measurements show the presence of 3D antiferromagnetic ordering below TN with the existence of a noticeable magneto-crystalline anisotropy. From low-temperature neutron diffraction data, it can be observed that the existence of antiferromagnetic order is originated by the antiparallel ordering of ferromagnetic layers of [FeBr4](-) metal complex along the b direction. The magnetic unit cell is the same as the chemical one, and the magnetic moments are aligned along the c direction. The DFT calculations reflect the fact that the spin density of the iron ions spreads over the bromine atoms. In addition, the projected density of states (PDOS) of the imidazolium with the bromines of a [FeBr4](-) metal complex confirms the existence of the anion-π interaction. Magneto-structural correlations give no evidence for direct iron-iron interactions, corroborating that the 3D magnetic ordering takes place via superexchange coupling, the Fe-Br···Br-Fe interplane interaction being defined as the main exchange pathway.

Series of 2D heterometallic coordination polymers based on ruthenium(III) oxalate building units: synthesis, structure, and catalytic and magnetic properties.

A series of 2D ruthenium-based coordination polymers with hcb-hexagonal topology, {[K(18-crown-6)]3[M(II)3(H2O)4{Ru(ox)3}3]}n (M(II) = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3), Cu (4), Zn (5)), has been synthesized through self-assembly reaction. All compounds are isostructural frameworks that crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/c. The crystal packing consists of a 2D honeycomb-like anionic mixed-metal framework intercalated by [K(18-crown-6)](+) cationic template. Dehydration processes take place in the range 40-200 °C exhibiting two phase transitions. However, the spontaneous rehydration occurs at room temperature. Both hydrated and dehydrated compounds were tested as Lewis acids heterogeneous catalysts in the acetalyzation of benzaldehyde achieving high yields with the possibility to be recovered and reused. All the investigated materials do not show any long-range magnetic ordering down to 2 K. However, the Fe-based compound 2 presents a magnetic irreversibility in the ZFC-FC magnetization data below 5 K, which suggest a spin-glass-like behavior, characterized also by short-range ferromagnetic correlations. The coercive field increases as the temperature is lowered below 5 K, reaching a value of 1 kOe at 2 K. Alternating current measurements obtained at different frequencies confirm the freezing process that shows weak frequency dependence, being characteristic of a system exhibiting competing magnetic interactions.

A new partially deprotonated mixed-valence manganese(II,III) hydroxide-arsenate with electronic conductivity: magnetic properties of high- and room-temperature sarkinite.

A new three-dimensional hydroxide-arsenate compound called compound 2 has been synthesized by heating (in air) of the sarkinite phase, Mn(2)(OH)AsO(4) (compound 1), with temperature and time control. The crystal structure of this high-temperature compound has been solved by Patterson-function direct methods. A relevant feature of this new material is that it is actually the first member of the adamite-type family with mixed-valence manganese(II,III) and electronic conductivity. Crystal data: a = 6.7367(5) Å, b = 7.5220(6) Å, c = 9.8117(6) Å, α = 92.410(4)°, ß = 109.840(4)°, γ = 115.946(4)°, P1̅. The unit cell content derived from Rietveld refinement is Mn(8)(O(4)H(x))(AsO(4))(4). Its framework, projected along [111], is characterized by rings of eight Mn atoms with the OH(-)/O(2-) inside the rings. These rings form an almost perfect hexagonal arrangement with the AsO(4) groups placed in between. Bond-valence analysis indicates both partial deprotonation (x ≅ 3) and the presence of Mn in two different oxidation states (II and III), which is consistent with the electronic conductivity above 300 °C from electrochemical measurements. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of compound 1 and of its high-temperature form compound 2 show the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions with stronger magnetic coupling for the high-temperature phase. Magnetization measurements of room-temperature compound 1 show a complex magnetic behavior, with a three-dimensional antiferromagnetic ordering and magnetic anomalies at low temperatures, whereas for compound 2, an ordered state is not reached. Magnetostructural correlations indicate that superexchange interactions via oxygen are present in both compounds. The values of the magnetic exchange pathways [Mn-O-Mn] are characteristic of antiferromagnetic couplings. Notwithstanding, the existence of competition between different magnetic interactions through superexchange pathways can cause the complex magnetic behavior of compound 1. The loss of three-dimensional magnetic ordering by heating of compound 1 could well be based on the presence of Mn(3+) ions (d(4)) in compound 2.

Crystal structure, magneto-structural correlation, thermal and electrical studies of an imidazolium halometallate molten salt: (trimim)[FeCl4].

A novel imidazolium halometallate molten salt with formula (trimim)[FeCl4] (trimim: 1,2,3-trimethylimidazolium) was synthetized and studied with structural and physico-chemical characterization. Variable-temperature synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (SXPD) from 100 to 400 K revealed two structural transitions at 200 and 300 K. Three different crystal structures were determined combining single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXD), neutron powder diffraction (NPD), and SXPD. From 100 to 200 K, the compound exhibits a monoclinic crystal structure with space group P21/c. At 200 K, the former crystal system and space group are retained, but a disorder in the organic cations is introduced. Above 300 K, the structure transits to the orthorhombic space group Pbcn, retaining the crystallinity up to 400 K. The study of the thermal expansion process in this temperature range showed anisotropically evolving cell parameters with an axial negative thermal expansion. Such an induction occurs immediately after the crystal phase transition due to the translational and reorientational dynamic displacements of the imidazolium cation within the crystal building. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) demonstrated that this motion implies a high and stable solid-state ionic conduction (range from 4 × 10-6 S cm-1 at room temperature to 5.5 × 10-5 S cm-1 at 400 K). In addition, magnetization and heat capacity measurements proved the presence of a three-dimensional antiferromagnetic ordering below 3 K. The magnetic structure, determined by neutron powder diffraction, corresponds to ferromagnetic chains along the a-axis, which are antiferromagnetically coupled to the nearest neighboring chains through an intricate network of superexchange pathways, in agreement with the magnetometry measurements.

Correction: Crystal structure, magneto-structural correlation, thermal and electrical studies of an imidazolium halometallate molten salt: (trimim)[FeCl4].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00245C.].

An Oxalate-Bridged Binuclear Iron(III) Ionic Liquid for the Highly Efficient Glycolysis of Polyethylene Terephthalate under Microwave Irradiation.

An oxalate-bridged binuclear iron(III) ionic liquid combined with an imidazolium based cation, (dimim)2 [Fe2 Cl4 (µ-ox)], was synthesized and characterized by a wide range of techniques. This halometallate ionic liquid was active in catalyzing the depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by glycolysis, under conventional and microwave-assisted heating conditions. Both methodologies were very selective towards the production of bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (BHET). The employment of microwave heating proved beneficial in terms of time and energy saving when compared to the use of thermal heating. Indeed, dielectric spectroscopy studies revealed that the binuclear iron-containing ionic liquid exhibits an excellent heating response under an electromagnetic field. The catalyst provided quantitative conversions to BHET in the glycolysis of post-consumer PET bottles in only 3 h through microwave heating, as compared to 80 % conversion after 24 h under conventional heating.

Pressure effects on Emim[FeCl4], a magnetic ionic liquid with three-dimensional magnetic ordering.

We report a combined study using magnetization and Raman spectroscopy on the magnetic ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrachloroferrate, Emim[FeCl4]. This material shows a long-range antiferromagnetic ordering below the Néel temperature T(N) ≈ 3.8 K. The effects of pressure on the magnetic properties have been studied using a miniature piston-cylinder CuBe pressure cell. This three-dimensional ordering is strongly influenced when hydrostatic pressure is applied. It is observed that low applied pressure is enough to modify the magnetic interactions, inducing a transition from antiferromagnetic to ferrimagnetic ordering. Raman spectroscopy measurements reveal important information about the existence of isolated [FeCl4](-) anions and the absence of dimeric [Fe2Cl7](-) units in the liquid and solid states. These features seem to suggest that the superexchange pathways responsible for the appearance of magnetic ordering are mediated through Fe-Cl-Cl-Fe. Furthermore, the liquid-solid phase transition exhibits a magnetic hysteresis near room temperature, which can be tuned by weak pressures.