Resolving the different silicon clusters in Li12Si7 by 29Si and (6,7)Li solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

Structural signatures: The analysis of Si-Si and Si-Li connectivities by solid-state NMR spectroscopy allows the different types of silicon clusters to be discriminated in the model lithium silicide compound Li(12)Si(7) (see picture, Si clusters red and blue, Li ions gray). The results provide new NMR spectroscopic strategies with which to differentiate and study the structures formed in silicon-based electrode materials.

Real-time NMR studies of electrochemical double-layer capacitors.

(11)B NMR spectroscopy has been used to investigate the sorption of BF(4)(-) anions on a highly porous, high surface area carbon, and different binding sites have been identified. By implementing in situ NMR approaches, the migration of ions between the electrodes of the supercapacitors and changes in the nature of ion binding to the surface have been observed in real time.

The influence of halogen substituents on the course of hydrogallation and hydroalumination reactions.

Treatment of trimethylsilylethynylbenzene derivatives with HGaCl(2) afforded products, [C(6)H(6-x){C(H)=C(SiMe(3))GaCl(2)}(x)], in which by a very fast cis/trans-rearrangement the Ga and H atoms occupied opposite sides of the resulting C=C double bonds. The stability of the cis-forms considerably increased upon application of 1,3-dibromo- and pentafluorophenylalkyne derivatives. Two pairs of cis/trans-isomers could be characterized by crystal structure determinations and allow the direct comparison of structural parameters. For the first time an equilibrium was detected between cis- and trans-forms in solution. Treatment of 1,4-di(tert-butylalkynyl)benzene with HAlR(2) (R = CMe(3), CH(2)CMe(3)) afforded cyclophane-type molecules by the release of AlR(3). Only the neopentyl derivative could be isolated and characterized by crystal structure determination. In contrast, the dibromo compound, 1,4-Br(2)-2,5-(Me(3)CC[triple bond]C)(2)C(6)H(2), yielded the simple addition product, C(6)H(2)Br(2){C(AlR(2))=C(H)CMe(3)}(2) (R = CMe(3)). Condensation was hindered in this case by intramolecular Al-Br interactions. Surprisingly, the simple addition product was also isolated from the reaction of 1,4-(Me(3)CC[triple bond]C)(2)C(6)H(4) with the relatively small hydride HAlEt(2). Solid-state NMR spectra of the product revealed strong intermolecular Al-C interactions involving the negatively charged terminal vinylic carbon atoms, to give one-dimensional coordination polymers.