Highly Nickel-Loaded γ-Alumina Composites for a Radiofrequency-Heated, Low-Temperature CO2 Methanation Scheme.

In this work, we joined highly Ni-loaded γ-Al2 O3 composites, straightforwardly prepared by impregnation methods, with an induction heating setup suited to control, almost in real-time, any temperature swing at the catalyst sites (i. e., "hot spots" ignition) caused by an exothermic reaction at the heart of the power-to-gas (P2G) chain: CO2 methanation. We have shown how the combination of a poor thermal conductor (γ-Al2 O3 ) as support for large and highly interconnected nickel aggregates together with a fast heat control of the temperature at the catalytic bed allow part of the extra-heat generated by the reaction exothermicity to be reused for maintaining the catalyst under virtual isothermal conditions, hence reducing the reactor power supply. Most importantly, a highly efficient methanation scheme for substitute natural gas (SNG) production (X CO 2 up 98 % with >99 % S CH 4 ) under operative temperatures (150-230 °C) much lower than those commonly required with traditional heating setup has been proposed. As far as sustainable and environmental issues are concerned, this approach re-evaluates industrially attractive composites (and their large-scale preparation methods) for application to key processes at the heart of P2G chain while providing robust catalysts for which risks associated to nano-objects leaching phenomena are markedly reduced if not definitively suppressed.

Playing with covalent triazine framework tiles for improved CO2 adsorption properties and catalytic performance.

The rational design and synthesis of covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) from defined dicyano-aryl building blocks or their binary mixtures is of fundamental importance for a judicious tuning of the chemico-physical and morphological properties of this class of porous organic polymers. In fact, their gas adsorption capacity and their performance in a variety of catalytic transformations can be modulated through an appropriate selection of the building blocks. In this contribution, a set of five CTFs (CTF1-5) have been prepared under classical ionothermal conditions from single dicyano-aryl or heteroaryl systems. The as-prepared samples are highly micro-mesoporous and thermally stable materials featuring high specific surface area (up to 1860 m2·g-1) and N content (up to 29.1 wt %). All these features make them highly attractive samples for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) applications. Indeed, selected polymers from this series rank among the CTFs with the highest CO2 uptake at ambient pressure reported so far in the literature (up to 5.23 and 3.83 mmol·g-1 at 273 and 298 K, respectively). Moreover, following our recent achievements in the field of steam- and oxygen-free dehydrogenation catalysis using CTFs as metal-free catalysts, the new samples with highest N contents have been scrutinized in the process to provide additional insights to their complex structure-activity relationship.

Hydrogenolysis of Dinuclear PCNR Ligated PdII µ-Hydroxides and Their Mononuclear PdII Hydroxide Analogues.

The hydrogenolysis of mono- and dinuclear PdII hydroxides was investigated both experimentally and computationally. It was found that the dinuclear µ-hydroxide complexes {[(PCNR )Pd]2 (µ-OH)}(OTf) (PCNH =1-[3-[(di-tert-butylphosphino)methyl]phenyl]-1H-pyrazole; PCNMe =1-[3-[(di-tert-butylphosphino)methyl]phenyl]-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole) react with H2 to form the analogous dinuclear hydride species {[(PCNR )Pd]2 (µ-H)}(OTf). The dinuclear µ-hydride complexes were fully characterized, and are rare examples of structurally characterized unsupported singly bridged µ-H PdII dimers. The {[(PCNMe )Pd]2 (µ-OH)}(OTf) hydrogenolysis mechanism was investigated through experiments and computations. The hydrogenolysis of the mononuclear complex (PCNH )Pd-OH resulted in a mixed ligand dinuclear species [(PCNH )Pd](µ-H)[(PCC)Pd] (PCC=a dianionic version of PCNH bound through phosphorus P, aryl C, and pyrazole C atoms) generated from initial ligand "rollover" C-H activation. Further exposure to H2 yields the bisphosphine Pd0 complex Pd[(H)PCNH ]2 . When the ligand was protected at the pyrazole 5-position in the (PCNMe )Pd-OH complex, no hydride formed under the same conditions; the reaction proceeded directly to the bisphosphine Pd0 complex Pd[(H)PCNMe ]2 . Reaction mechanisms for the hydrogenolysis of the monomeric and dimeric hydroxides are proposed.

Steric control in the metal-ligand electron transfer of iminopyridine-ytterbocene complexes.

A systematic study of reactions between Cp*2Yb(THF) (Cp* = η5-C5Me5, 1) and iminopyridine ligands (IPy = 2,6-iPr2C6H3N[double bond, length as m-dash]CH(C5H3N-R), R = H (2a), 6-C4H3O (2b), 6-C4H3S (2c), 6-C6H5 (2d)) featuring similar electron accepting properties but variable denticity and steric demand, has provided a new example of steric control on the redox chemistry of ytterbocenes. The reaction of the unsubstituted IPy 2a with 1, either in THF or toluene, gives rise to the paramagnetic species Cp*2YbIII(IPy)˙- (3a) as a result of a formal one-electron oxidation of the YbII ion along with IPy reduction to a radical-anionic state. The reactions of 1 with substituted iminopyridines 2b-d, bearing aryl or hetero-aryl dangling arms on the 6 position of the pyridine ring occur in a non-coordinating solvent (toluene) only and afford coordination compounds of a formally divalent ytterbium ion, coordinated by neutral IPy ligands Cp*2YbII(IPy)0 (3b-d). The X-ray diffraction studies revealed that 2a-c act as bidentate ligands; while the radical-anionic IPy in 3a chelates the YbIII ion with both nitrogens, neutral IPy ligands in 3b and 3c participate in the metal coordination sphere through the pyridine nitrogen and O or S atoms from the furan or thiophene moieties, respectively. Finally, in complex 3d the neutral IPy ligand formally adopts a monodentate coordination mode. However, an agostic interaction between the YbII ion and an ortho C-H bond of the phenyl ring has been detected. Imino-nitrogens in 3b-d are not involved in the metal coordination. Variable temperature magnetic measurements on 3a are consistent with a multiconfigurational ground state of the Yb ion and suggest that the largest contribution arises from the 4f13-radical configuration. For complexes 3b and 3c the data of magnetic measurements are indicative of a YbII-closed shell ligand electronic distribution. Complex 3d is characterized by a complex magnetic behavior which does not allow for an unambiguous estimation of its electronic structure. The results are rationalized using DFT and CSSCF calculations. Unlike diazabutadiene analogues, 3a does not undergo a solvent mediated metal-ligand electron transfer and remains paramagnetic in THF solution. On the other hand, complexes 3b-d readily react with THF to afford 1 and free IPy 2b-d.

Combined therapies with nanostructured carbon materials: there is room still available at the bottom.

The progress of the chemistry of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene derivatives [mainly graphene oxide (GO)] has produced a number of technologically advanced drug delivery systems (DDS) that have been used in the field of nanomedicine, mostly in studies related to oncology. However, such a demanding field of research requires continuous improvements in terms of efficiency, selectivity and versatility. The loading of two, or more, bioactive components on the same nanoparticle offers new possibilities for treating cancer, efficiently addressing issues related both to biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. Nanostructured carbon materials (NCM), with their high surface area, their efficient cellular membrane crossing and their chemical versatility are ideal candidates for easy hetero-decoration and exploitation as advanced DDS. This review describes the achievements obtained in this area focusing on those studies in which two or more active components were loaded onto the DDS.

Ammonia Borane Dehydrogenation Catalyzed by (κ4-EP3)Co(H) [EP3 = E(CH2CH2PPh2)3; E = N, P] and H2 Evolution from Their Interaction with NH Acids.

Two Co(I) hydrides containing the tripodal polyphosphine ligand EP3, (κ4-EP3)Co(H) [E(CH2CH2PPh2)3; E = N (1), P (2)], have been exploited as ammonia borane (NH3BH3, AB) dehydrogenation catalysts in THF solution at T = 55 °C. The reaction has been analyzed experimentally through multinuclear (11B, 31P{1H}, 1H) NMR and IR spectroscopy, kinetic rate measurements, and kinetic isotope effect (KIE) determination with deuterated AB isotopologues. Both complexes are active in AB dehydrogenation, albeit with different rates and efficiency. While 1 releases 2 equiv of H2 per equivalent of AB in ca. 48 h, with concomitant borazine formation as the final "spent fuel", 2 produces 1 equiv of H2 only per equivalent of AB in the same reaction time, along with long-chain poly(aminoboranes) as insoluble byproducts. A DFT modeling of the first AB dehydrogenation step has been performed, at the M06//6-311++G** level of theory. The combination of the kinetic and computational data reveals that a simultaneous B-H/N-H activation occurs in the presence of 1, after a preliminary AB coordination to the metal center. In 2, no substrate coordination takes place, and the process is better defined as a sequential BH3/NH3 insertion process on the initially formed [Co]-NH2BH3 amidoborane complex. Finally, the reaction of 1 and 2 with NH-acids [AB and Me2NHBH3 (DMAB)] has been followed via VT-FTIR spectroscopy (in the -80 to +50 °C temperature range), with the aim of gaining a deeper experimental understanding of the dihydrogen bonding interactions that are at the origin of the observed H2 evolution.

Chemical Functionalization of Carbon Nanomaterials: Bridging the Gap between Simple Carriers and Smart (Metal-free) Catalysts.

The last few years have witnessed a wonderful technological renaissance that boosted the development of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) doped with light heteroelements and featuring hierarchical porous architectures as valuable metal-free catalysts for a number of key industrial transformations. To date, several approaches to their synthesis have been developed, although many of them lack any real control of the final doping and composition. In contrast, chemical functionalization offers a unique and powerful tool to tailor CNMs' chemical and electronic surface properties as a function of their downstream application in catalysis. Different catalytic processes (hydrolysis/esterification/transesterification reactions, C-C bond forming reactions, CO2 derivatization into products of added value and electrochemical oxygen reduction reactions (ORR)) can be conveniently promoted by these materials. In addition, selected examples from this series offer a valuable platform for the in-depth comprehension of the underlying reaction mechanisms. This perspective article offers an overview on the main examples of ad hoc chemically decorated CNMs successfully exploited as metal-free catalysts, highlighting at the same time the importance of the surface chemistry control for the design of more active, metal-free and single-phase heterogeneous catalysts.

Aziridine-Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: Robust and Versatile Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction and Knoevenagel Condensation.

This paper describes the exohedral N-decoration of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with NH-aziridine groups via [2 + 1] cycloaddition of a tert-butyl-oxycarbonyl nitrene followed by controlled thermal decomposition of the cyclization product. The chemical grafting with N-containing groups deeply modifies the properties of the starting MWCNTs, generating new surface microenvironments with specific base (Brønsted) and electronic properties. Both of these features translate into a highly versatile single-phase heterogeneous catalyst (MW@NAz) with remarkable chemical and electrochemical performance. Its surface base character promotes the Knoevenagel condensation with activity superior to that of related state of the art N-doped and N-decorated carbon nanomaterials; the N-induced electronic surface redistribution drives the generation of high-energy surface "C" sites suitable for O2 activation and its subsequent electrochemical reduction (ORR).

A Hetero-Bifunctional Spacer for the Smart Engineering of Carbon-Based Nanostructures.

Efforts have been made in recent years to develop novel functionalisation protocols aimed at imparting multimodality and improved properties to complex carbon-based nanostructures. The incorporation of cleavable bonds to the nanomaterial surface for the controlled release (or exchange) of specific molecules under appropriate chemical and biological settings is relatively unexplored. The design and synthesis of a hetero-bifunctional linker joining a "cleavable" disulfide moiety for the covalent anchoring of a wide range of thiol end-capped (bio)molecules and a "clickable" terminal acetylene group is described. The strategy is based on the well-established copper-mediated acetylene-azide coupling reaction between the acetylene linker and single-walled carbon nanotubes decorated with phenylazido pendant arms. As a result, easily "post-derivatisable" and traceable nanostructured platforms containing a linking group potentially available for a wide range of biological probes are prepared and completely characterised.

A Hetero-Bifunctional Spacer for the Smart Engineering of Carbon-Based Nanostructures.

Invited for this month's cover are collaborators from four different Italian research groups, three at the National Research Council (ICCOM, IFAC, and ISOF) and one at the University of Florence. The cover picture shows a representative cartoon of engineered 1D carbon nanomaterials and their effective surface decoration with (bio)molecules and fluorescent markers. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201402391.

Metal-to-ligand alkyl migration inducing carbon-sulfur bond cleavage in dialkyl yttrium complexes supported by thiazole-containing amidopyridinate ligands: synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity in the intramolecular hydroamination reaction.

Neutral Y(III) dialkyl complexes supported by tridentate N(-) ,N,N monoanionic methylthiazole- or benzothiazole-amidopyridinate ligands have been prepared and completely characterized. Studies on their stability in solution revealed progressive rearrangement of the coordination sphere in the benzothiazole-containing system through an unprecedented metal-to-ligand alkyl migration and subsequent thiazole ring opening. Attempts to synthesize hydrido species from the dialkyl precursor led to the generation of a dimeric yttrium species stabilized by a trianionic N(-) ,N,N(-) ,S(-) ligand as the result of metal-to-ligand hydride migration with chemoselective thiazole ring opening and subsequent dimerization through intermolecular addition of the residual YH group to the imino fragment of a second equivalent of the ring-opened intermediate. DFT calculations were used to elucidate the thermodynamics and kinetics of the process, in support of the experimental evidence. Finally, all isolated yttrium complexes, especially their cationic forms prepared by activation with the Lewis acid Ph3 C(+) [B(C6 F5 )4 ](-) , were found to be good candidate catalysts for intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization reactions. Their catalytic performance with a number of primary and secondary amino alkenes was assessed.

Cationic Group-IV pincer-type complexes for polymerization and hydroamination catalysis.

Neutral Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) dimethyl complexes stabilized by unsymmetrical dianionic {N,C,N'} pincer ligands have been prepared from their corresponding bis-amido complexes upon treatment with AlMe3. Their structure consists of a central ó-bonded aryl donor group (C) capable of forming robust M-C bonds with the metal center, enforced by the synergic effect of both the coordination of peripheral donor groups (N) and the chelating rigid structure of the {N,C,N} ligand framework. Such a combination translates into systems having a unique balance between stability and reactivity. These Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) dimethyl complexes were converted in situ into cationic species [M(IV){N⁻,C⁻,N}Me][B(C6F5)4] which are active catalysts for the room temperature (r.t.) intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization of primary and secondary aminoalkenes as well as for the high temperature ethylene-1-octene copolymerizations.

Cationic Group-IV pincer-type complexes for polymerization and hydroamination catalysis.

Neutral Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) dimethyl complexes stabilized by unsymmetrical dianionic {N,C,N'} pincer ligands have been prepared from their corresponding bis-amido complexes upon treatment with AlMe3. Their structure consists of a central σ-bonded aryl donor group (C) capable of forming robust M-C bonds with the metal center, enforced by the synergic effect of both the coordination of peripheral donor groups (N) and the chelating rigid structure of the {N,C,N} ligand framework. Such a combination translates into systems having a unique balance between stability and reactivity. These Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) dimethyl complexes were converted in situ into cationic species [M(IV){N(-),C(-),N}Me][B(C6F5)4] which are active catalysts for the room temperature (r.t.) intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization of primary and secondary aminoalkenes as well as for the high temperature ethylene-1-octene copolymerizations.

Photothermally activated hybrid films for quantitative confined release of chemical species.

Illuminating films of a porous chitosan matrix containing gold nanorods and thermosensitive micelles loaded with a chemical stimulates local photothermal conversion of the gold nanorods. The heat produced activates the ejection of the chemical from the micelles (see scheme), and causes the transient permeabilization of adjacent cell membranes, resulting in a selective cellular uptake of the released chemical with control over spatiotemporal parameters and dosage.

Group IV organometallic compounds based on dianionic "pincer" ligands: synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity in intramolecular hydroamination reactions.

Neutral Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) diamido complexes stabilized by unsymmetrical dianionic N,C,N' pincer ligands have been prepared through the simplest and convenient direct metal-induced Caryl-H bond activation. Simple ligand modification has contributed to highlight the non-innocent role played by the donor atom set in the control of the cyclometallation kinetics. The as-prepared bis-amido catalysts were found to be good candidates for the intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization of primary aminoalkenes. The ability of these compounds to promote such a catalytic transformation efficiently (by providing, in some cases, fast and complete substrate conversion at room temperature) constitutes a remarkable step forward toward catalytic systems that can operate at relatively low catalyst loading and under milder reaction conditions. Kinetic studies and substrate-scope investigations, in conjunction with preliminary DFT calculations on the real systems, were used to elucidate the effects of the substrate substitution on the catalyst performance and to support the most reliable mechanistic path operative in the hydroamination reaction.

"Click" on tubes: a versatile approach towards multimodal functionalization of SWCNTs.

Organic functionalization of carbon nanotube sidewalls is a tool of primary importance in material science and nanotechnology, equally from a fundamental and an applicative point of view. Here, an efficient and versatile approach for the organic/organometallic functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) capable of imparting multimodality to these fundamental nanostructures, is described. Our strategy takes advantage of well-established Cu-mediated acetylene-azide coupling (CuAAC) reactions applied to phenylazido-functionalized SWCNTs for their convenient homo-/heterodecoration with a number of organic/organometallic frameworks, or mixtures thereof, bearing terminal acetylene pendant arms. Phenylazido-decorated SWCNTs were prepared by chemoselective arylation of the CNT sidewalls with diazonium salts under mild conditions, and subsequently used for the copper-mediated cycloaddition protocol in the presence of terminal acetylenes. The latter reaction was performed in one step by using either single acetylene derivatives or equimolar mixtures of terminal alkynes bearing either similar functional groups (masked with orthogonally cleavable protecting groups) or easily distinguishable functionalities (on the basis of complementary analytical/spectroscopic techniques). All materials and intermediates were characterized with respect to their most relevant aspects/properties by TEM microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with MS analysis of volatiles (TG-MS), elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry (CV), Raman and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The functional loading and related chemical grafting of both primary amino- and ferrocene-decorated SWCNTs were spectroscopically (UV/Vis, Kaiser test) and electrochemically (CV) determined, respectively.

Facing unexpected reactivity paths with Zr(IV)-pyridylamido polymerization catalysts.

This work provides original insights to the better understanding of the complex structure-activity relationship of Zr(IV)-pyridylamido-based olefin polymerization catalysts and highlights the importance of the metal-precursor choice (Zr(NMe(2))(4) vs. Zr(Bn)(4)) to prepare precatalysts of unambiguous identity. A temperature-controlled and reversible σ-bond metathesis/protonolysis reaction is found to take place on the Zr(IV)-amido complexes in the 298-383 K temperature range, changing the metal coordination sphere dramatically (from a five-coordinated tris-amido species stabilized by bidentate monoanionic {N,N(-)} ligands to a six-coordinated bis-amido-mono-amino complexes featured by tridentate dianionic {N(-),N,C(-)} ligands). Well-defined neutral Zr(IV)-pyridylamido complexes have been prepared from Zr(Bn)(4) as metal source. Their cationic derivatives [Zr(IV) N(-),N,C(-)}Bn](+)[B(C(6)F(5))(4)](-) have been successfully applied to the room-temperature polymerization of 1-hexene with productivities up to one order of magnitude higher than those reported for the related Hf(IV) state-of-the-art systems. Most importantly, a linear increase of the poly(1-hexene) M(n) values (30-250 kg mol(-1)) has been observed upon catalyst aging. According to that, the major active species (responsible for the increased M(n) polymer values) in the aged catalyst solution, has been identified.

Steric control on the redox chemistry of (η5-C9H7)2Yb(II)(THF)2 by 6-aryl substituted iminopyridines.

A steric control on the reductive capacity of ytterbocenes towards iminopyridine ligands is described. The reaction of (η(5)-C(9)H(7))(2)Yb(THF)(2) with a series of 6-organyl-2-(aldimino)pyridyl ligands (IPy) takes place with the replacement of two THF molecules by one IPy unit. In contrast to the rich reductive ytterbocene chemistry described in the presence of the unsubstituted (aldimino)pyridyl ligand, all 6-aryl substituted IPys scrutinized hereafter are involved into the metal coordination as neutral bidentate {N,N} or tridentate {N,N,S; N,N,O} ligands, with no changes of the metal oxidation state in the final complexes. A series of Yb(II) metallocene complexes of general formula (η(5)-C(9)H(7))(2)Yb(II)(η(2) or η(3))[2,6-(i)Pr(2)(C(6)H(3))N=CH(C(5)H(3)N)-6-R)] have been isolated and completely characterized. The stereo-electronic role of the aryl substituents in the IPy ligands on the ytterbocene redox chemistry has also been addressed.

Intramolecular sigma-bond metathesis/protonolysis on zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) pyridylamido olefin polymerization catalyst precursors: exploring unexpected reactivity paths.

A temperature-controlled metathesis/protonolysis takes place on group 4 amidopyridinate polymerization catalyst precursors. Unraveling this unprecedented reactivity path allowed us to highlight the importance of the metal precursor choice while preparing improved catalytic structures or studying new catalytic processes.