Covalency in lanthanides. An X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory study of LnCl6(x-) (x = 3, 2).

Covalency in Ln-Cl bonds of Oh-LnCl6(x-) (x = 3 for Ln = Ce(III), Nd(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III); x = 2 for Ln = Ce(IV)) anions has been investigated, primarily using Cl K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT); however, Ce L3,2-edge and M5,4-edge XAS were also used to characterize CeCl6(x-) (x = 2, 3). The M5,4-edge XAS spectra were modeled using configuration interaction calculations. The results were evaluated as a function of (1) the lanthanide (Ln) metal identity, which was varied across the series from Ce to Gd, and (2) the Ln oxidation state (when practical, i.e., formally Ce(III) and Ce(IV)). Pronounced mixing between the Cl 3p- and Ln 5d-orbitals (t2g* and eg*) was observed. Experimental results indicated that Ln 5d-orbital mixing decreased when moving across the lanthanide series. In contrast, oxidizing Ce(III) to Ce(IV) had little effect on Cl 3p and Ce 5d-orbital mixing. For LnCl6(3-) (formally Ln(III)), the 4f-orbitals participated only marginally in covalent bonding, which was consistent with historical descriptions. Surprisingly, there was a marked increase in Cl 3p- and Ce(IV) 4f-orbital mixing (t1u* + t2u*) in CeCl6(2-). This unexpected 4f- and 5d-orbital participation in covalent bonding is presented in the context of recent studies on both tetravalent transition metal and actinide hexahalides, MCl6(2-) (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, U).

1-Chlorofuro[3,2-e][2,1,3]benzoxatellurazole.

The title compound, C(8)H(4)ClNO(2)Te, represents the first reported example of a benzofuran-derived 2,1,3-benzoxatellurazole derivative. While it can be formally described as a nitrosoaryltellurium monochloride, its Te-O and Te-C bond lengths of 2.1421 (14) and 2.0374 (17) Å, respectively, characterize it as a planar tricyclic aromatic containing a Te=C double bond. Its formation suggests that derivatives of 2-cyclohexenone oxime in general react with tellurium dioxide to form aryl-2,1,3-benzoxatellurazoles.

Effect of inclining strain on the crystal lattice along an extended series of lanthanide hydroxysulfates Ln(OH)SO4 (Ln = Pr-Yb, except Pm).

A series of trivalent lanthanide hydroxysulfates, Ln(OH)SO(4), (Ln = Pr through Yb, except radioactive Pm) has been synthesized via hydrothermal methods from Ln(2)(SO(4))(3)·8H(2)O by reaction with aqueous NaOH at 170 °C in Teflon lined Parr steel autoclaves, and were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy. Two types of arrangements were found in the solid state. The lighter (Ln = Pr-Nd, Sm-Gd) and heavier lanthanide(III) hydroxysulfates (Tb-Yb) are each isostructural. Both structure types exhibit the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, but the unit cell content is doubled with two crystallographically distinct LnO(8) polyhedra for the heavier lanthanide compounds. The lighter complexes maintain the coordination number 9, forming a three-dimensional extended lattice. The heavier counterparts exhibit the coordination number 8, and arrange as infinite columns of two crystallographically different LnO(8) polyhedra, while extending along the "c" axis. These columns of LnO(8) polyhedra are surrounded and separated by six columns of sulfate ions, also elongating in the "c" direction. The rigid sulfate entities seem to obstruct the closing in of the lighter LnO(9) polyhedra, and show an inclining degree of torsion into the "ac" layers. The crystal lattice of the lighter 4f complexes can sufficiently withstand the tension buildup, caused by the decreasing Ln(3+) radius, up to Gd(OH)SO(4). The energy profile of this structural arrangement then seems to exceed levels at which this structure type is favorable. The lattice arrangement of the heavier Ln-analogues seems to offer a lower energy profile. This appears to be the preferred arrangement for the heavier lanthanide hydroxysulfates, whose crystal lattice exhibits more flexibility, as the coordination sphere of these analogues is less crowded. The IR absorbance frequencies of the hydroxide ligands correlate as a function of the Ln(3+) ionic radius. This corresponds well with the X-ray single crystal analysis data.

Poly[[tetraaquadi-µ(4)-glutarato-µ(2)-terephthalato-dineodymium(III)] heptadecahydrate].

The title compound, [Nd(2)(C(5)H(6)O(4))(2)(C(8)H(4)O(4))(H(2)O)(4)]·17H(2)O, obtained via hydrothermal reaction of Nd(2)O(3) with glutaric acid and terephthalic acid, assembles as a three-dimensional open framework with ten-coordinate Nd-O polyhedra. The asymmetric part of the unit cell contains half a glutarate anion, a quarter of a terephthalate dianion, half an Nd(III) cation, one coordinated water molecule and 4.25 solvent water molecules. Each [NdO(10)] coordination polyhedron is comprised of six O atoms originating from four glutarate anions, two others from a terephthalate carboxylate group, which coordinates in a bidentate fashion, and two from water molecules. The Nd-O distances range from 2.4184 (18) to 2.7463 (18) Å. The coordination polyhedra are interconnected by the glutarate anions, extending as a two-dimensional layer throughout the bc plane. Individual two-dimensional layers are interlinked via terephthalate anions along the a axis. This arrangement results in rectangular-shaped cavities with interstices of approximately 3.5 × 6 × 6.5 Š(approximately 140 Å(3)), which are occupied by water molecules. The Nd(III) cations, terephthalate anions, glutarate anions and one of the interstitial water molecules are located on special crystallographic positions. The Nd-terephthalate-Nd units are located across twofold rotation axes parallel to [100], with the Nd(III) cations located directly on these axes. In addition, the terephthalate anion is bisected by a crystallographic mirror plane perpendicular to that axis, thus creating an inversion centre in the middle of the aromatic ring. The glutarate ligand is bisected by a crystallographic mirror plane perpendicular to (001). One of the solvent water molecules lies on a site of 2/m symmetry, and the symmetry-imposed disorder of its H atoms extends to the H atoms of the other four solvent water molecules, which are disordered over two equally occupied and mutually exclusive sets of positions.

(Acetato-κ2O,O')dihydroxidoytterbium(III) hemihydrate.

The title compound, [Yb(C(2)H(3)O(2))(OH)(2)]·0.5H(2)O, was obtained via hydrothermal reaction of Yb(CH(3)COO)(3)·H(2)O with NaOH at 443 K. The compound forms two-dimensional layers with six crystallographically independent Yb(III) atoms. Four of these form YbO(8) coordination polyhedra, while the coordination number of the remaining two Yb(III) atoms is 7. Five of these coordination polyhedra are interconnected mainly via hydroxide groups, as they build a narrow inner layer that extends infinitely within the ab plane. The sixth Yb(III) atom resides outside this inner layer and builds a terminal YbO(8) coordination polyhedron on the layer surface. Its coordination environment comprises four carboxylate O atoms belonging to three different acetate entities, three hydroxide groups and one water molecule. Adjacent layers experience weak interactions via hydrogen bonds. The Yb-O distances lie in the range 2.232 (4)-2.613 (5) Å.

Investigation of the structural properties of an extended series of lanthanide bis-hydroxychlorides Ln(OH)(2)Cl (Ln = Nd-Lu, except Pm and Sm).

The trivalent lanthanide bis-hydroxychloride compounds, Ln(OH)(2)Cl, (Ln = Nd through Lu, with the exception of Pm and Sm) have been prepared by hydrothermal synthesis starting with LnCl(3).nH(2)O. These compounds were synthesized at temperatures not exceeding the melting point of the Teflon liners in the Parr autoclaves ( approximately 220 degrees C). The compounds obtained were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, diffuse reflectance, FT-IR, and FT-Raman spectroscopies. Most of the lanthanide(III) bis-hydroxychlorides are isostructural and generally crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/m. The bis-hydroxychlorides of the heavier lanthanide(III) atoms with smaller ionic radii also crystallize in the orthorhombic crystal system. Apparently hydrogen bonds between the OH groups and the Cl atoms connect the layers in the "c" direction. These H-bonds seem to be the driving force for the angle beta of the monoclinic complexes to decrease with decreasing ionic radius of the Ln(III) ion and also for tying the layers together more strongly. As a result of this behavior, the structure of the heavier 4f analogues significantly resembles that of their orthorhombic counterparts. The heavier lanthanide bis-hydroxychlorides preferentially crystallize in the orthorhombic modification. The IR absorbance and Raman frequencies of the hydroxide ligands correlate as a function of the central lanthanide(III) ionic radius. This observation is corroborated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) structural data. These compounds are quite insoluble in near-neutral and basic aqueous solutions, but soluble in acidic solutions. It is expected that the analogue actinide bis-hydroxychlorides exhibit similar behavior and that this may have important implications in the immobilization and safe disposal of nuclear waste.

Ring-borylated 15-electron and 17-electron ansa-chromocene complexes, their physical properties and molecular structures.

A detailed study of the thermal decomposition of the zwitterionic, ring-borylated ansa-chromocene hydrido carbonyl complex [Cr(CO)H{Me(4)C(2)(C(5)H(4))[C(5)H(3)B(C(6)F(5))(3)]}] (2) is described. This complex is formed in the reaction between [Cr(CO){Me(4)C(2)(C(5)H(4))(2)}] (1) and B(C(6)F(5))(3) in toluene at -78 degrees C. Above -25 degrees C, 2 decomposes to a 50:50 mixture of the low-spin, 17e Cr(III) complexes [Cr(CO){Me(4)C(2)(C(5)H(4))[C(5)H(3)B(C(6)F(5))(3)]}] (3b) and [Cr(CO){Me(4)C(2)(C(5)H(4))(2)}][HB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (4). Carbon monoxide elimination from 3 b generates high-spin, 15 e [Cr{Me(4)C(2)(C(5)H(4))[C(5)H(3)B(C(6)F(5))(3)]}] (3a), which coordinates two other electron-donating ligands, such as xylyl isocyanide, PMe3, and PPh(2)Me to form the low-spin, 17 e electron complexes 3c, 3d, and 3e, respectively. High-spin, 15 e [Cr{Me(4)C(2)(C(5)H(4))(2)}][HB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (5) is generated by heating 3 b in toluene at 100 degrees C and periodically removing the evolved CO. Efforts to isolate more than a few X-ray quality crystals of 5 were thwarted by its tendency to form an insoluble precipitate (6) with the same molecular formula. Heating the solution of 5 at 120 degrees C results in its partial conversion (ca. 28 %) to 3a, thereby allowing the formation of 3a in yields as high as 74 % from the reaction between 1 and B(C(6)F(5))(3). The X-ray crystal structures of 3 b-e and 5 are described. Cyclic voltammetry measurements on 3 a-e reveal a dramatic reduction in the redox potentials of the complexes relative to their non-borylated analogues. DFT calculations show that this is due primarily to electrostatic stabilization of the oxidized species by the negatively charged borylate group. EPR and 19F NMR spectroscopy allow 3a to be distinguished from its Lewis base adducts 3 b-e and reveal the relative affinities of different Lewis bases for the chromium.

Tetrapotassium dicarbonatodioxoperoxouranium(VI) 2.5-hydrate, K4[U(CO3)2O2(O2)].2.5H2O.

The title compound was obtained by reacting UO2 powder in 2 M K2CO3 with hydrogen peroxide. The compound contains individual [U(CO3)2O2(O2)]4- ions, which are linked via an extended network of K atoms and hydrogen bonding. The U atom is coordinated to two trans-axial O atoms and six O atoms in the equatorial plane, forming distorted hexagonal bipyramids. The carbonate ligands are bound to the U center in a bidentate manner, with U-O bond distances ranging from 2.438 (5) to 2.488 (5) A. The peroxo group forms a three-membered ring with the U atom, with U-O bond distances of 2.256 (6) and 2.240 (6) A. The U=O bond distances of 1.806 (5) and 1.817 (5) A, and an O-U-O angle of 175.3 (3) degrees are characteristic of the linear uranyl(VI) unit.