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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 73 records · Page 4

Crystal structure of [Th 3 (Cp*) 3 (O)(OH) 3 ] 2 Cl 2 (N 3 ) 6 : a discrete molecular capsule built from multinuclear organothorium cluster cations

An unusually large and structurally complex charge-neutral polynuclear cluster, hexa-μ 2 -azido-di-μ 3 -chlorido-hexa-μ 2 -hydroxido-di-μ 3 -oxido-hexakis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)hexathorium–diethyl ether–tetrahydrofuran (1/0.56/1.44), [Th 3 (C 10 H 15 ) 6 Cl 3 (N 3 ) 6 (OH) 6 O 2 ]·0.56C 4 H 10 O·1.44C 4 H 8 O or [Th 3 (Cp*) 3 (O)(OH) 3 ] 2 Cl 2 (N 3 ) 6 ·0.56C 4 H 10 O·1.44C 4 H 8 O (Cp* = [pentamethylcyclopentadienyl]) − , has been crystallized as a mixed tetrahydrofuran/diethyl ether solvate and structurally characterized. The molecule contains a number of unusual features, the most notable being a finite yet exceptionally long cyclic metal-azido chain. These rare features are the consequence of both sterically protecting Cp* ligands and highly bridging oxide and hydroxide ligands in the same system and illustrate the interesting new possibilities that can arise from combining organometallic and solvothermal f -block element chemistry.

Kelley, Steven P.↗

Splitting of multiple hydrogen molecules by bioinspired diniobium metal complexes: a DFT study

Splitting of molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) into bridging and terminal hydrides is a common step in transition metal chemistry. In this paper, we propose a novel organometallic platform for cleavage of multiple H 2 molecules, which combines metal centers capable of stabilizing multiple oxidation states, and ligands bearing positioned pendant basic groups. Using quantum chemical modeling, we show that low-valent, early transition metal diniobium(II) complexes with diphosphine ligands featuring pendant amines can favorably uptake up to 8 hydrogen atoms, and that the energetics are favored by the formation of intramolecular dihydrogen bonds. This result suggests new possible strategies for the development of hydrogen scavenger molecules that are able to perform reversible splitting of multiple H 2 molecules.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Organometallic complexes as preferred precursors to form molecular Ir(pyalk) coordination complexes for catalysis of oxygen evolution

Our previously reported ‘blue solution’ oxygen-evolution catalyst consists of an isomeric mixture of coordination complexes containing the (pyalk)Ir IV –O–Ir IV (pyalk) core unit and is thus entirely molecular but only when formed from organometallic precursors such as Cp*Ir(pyalk)Cl or Ir(pyalk)(CO) 2 (pyalk = (2-pyridyl)-2-propanolate). We now show that attempts to form it from such obvious coordination precursors as Na[Ir(pyalk)Cl 4 ] or Na[IrCl 2 (pyalk)(O 2 CPh) 2 ], under a variety of conditions, always fail in our hands, leading to a mixture of molecular ‘blue solution’ species and IrO x nanoparticles, rather than the purely homogeneous catalyst formed from organometallic precursors. The loss of the pyalk ligand during the oxidative activation is associated with the nanoparticle generation. External chelating ligands also failed to stop the nanoparticle formation. This work implies the paradoxical conclusion that organometallic complexes are effective as catalyst precursors, even when coordination complexes are the catalytically active species, since the inner-sphere organometallic ligands, although ultimately lost or degraded, may nevertheless have a stabilizing effect sufficient to suppress undesirable nanoparticle production pathways in the activation of the catalyst precursor. Finally, a key aspect of the present study is that organometallic complexes in general may be useful catalyst precursors even if the organometallic ligands are lost in the activation process.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The crystal and coordination chemistry of neptunium in all its oxidation states: An expanded structural hierarchy of neptunium compounds

We report structures of 388 neptunium-bearing crystal structures are sorted into an expanded structural hierarchy and examined. The majority of structures contain Np(V) (149), Np(VI) (99), or Np(IV) (91) whereas structures containing Np(II), Np(III), Np(VII), or more than one oxidation state are rare. Coordination geometry of Np(V) and Np(VI) compounds is dominated by the approximately linear neptunyl cation. Actinyl–actinyl interactions (AAIs) are most prevalent in Np(V) compounds and are observed in 48% of these extended structures. Prismatic coordination geometries are commonly observed in Np(IV) compounds. Np(III) organometallic complexes display a variety of coordination modes. Coordination chemistry of Np(VII) compounds is dominated by the tetra-oxido core. Updated average bond length values are provided for Np(IV), Np(V), Np(VI), and Np(VII) compounds and updated bond valence parameters for Np(IV) are reported. A graphical notation system for neptunyl structures coordinated by organic ligands was developed to facilitate discussion and identify similarities between neptunyl compounds coordinated by oxyanions and neptunyl compounds coordinated by organic ligands.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

An Allyl Uranium(IV) Sandwich Complex: Are ϕ Bonding Interactions Possible?

Abstract A method to explore head‐to‐head ϕ back‐bonding from uranium f‐orbitals into allyl π* orbitals has been pursued. Anionic allyl groups were coordinated to uranium with tethered anilide ligands, then the products were investigated by using NMR spectroscopy, single‐crystal XRD, and theoretical methods. The (allyl)silylanilide ligand, N ‐((dimethyl)prop‐2‐enylsilyl)‐2,6‐diisopropylaniline (LH), was used as either the fully protonated, singly deprotonated, or doubly deprotonated form, thereby highlighting the stability and versatility of the silylanilide motif. A free, neutral allyl group was observed in UI 2 (L1) 2 ( 1 ), which was synthesized by using the mono‐deprotonated ligand [K][ N ‐((dimethyl)prop‐2‐enyl)silyl)‐2,6‐diisopropylanilide] (L1). The desired homoleptic sandwich complex U[L2] 2 ( 2 ) was prepared from all three ligand precursors, but the most consistent results came from using the dipotassium salt of the doubly deprotonated ligand [K] 2 [ N ‐((dimethyl)propenidesilyl)‐2,6‐diisopropylanilide] (L2). This allyl‐based sandwich complex was studied by using theoretical techniques with supporting experimental spectroscopy to investigate the potential for phi (ϕ) back‐bonding. The bonding between U IV and the allyl fragments is best described as ligand‐to‐metal electron donation from a two carbon fragment‐localized electron density into empty f‐orbitals.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Characterization of paramagnetic states in an organometallic nickel hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst

Abstract Significant progress has been made in the bioinorganic modeling of the paramagnetic states believed to be involved in the hydrogen redox chemistry catalyzed by [NiFe] hydrogenase. However, the characterization and isolation of intermediates involved in mononuclear Ni electrocatalysts which are reported to operate through a Ni I/III cycle have largely remained elusive. Herein, we report a Ni II complex (NCHS2)Ni(OTf)2, where NCHS2 is 3,7-dithia-1(2,6)-pyridina-5(1,3)-benzenacyclooctaphane, that is an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with turnover frequencies of ~3,000 s −1 and a overpotential of 670 mV in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid. This electrocatalyst follows a hitherto unobserved HER mechanism involving C-H activation, which manifests as an inverse kinetic isotope effect for the overall hydrogen evolution reaction, and Ni I /Ni III intermediates, which have been characterized by EPR spectroscopy. We further validate the possibility of the involvement of Ni III intermediates by the independent synthesis and characterization of organometallic Ni III complexes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Reactivity of pi-complexes of Ti, V, and Nb towards dithioacetic acid: Synthesis and structure of novel metal sulfur-containing complexes

In order to use sulfur-containing resources economically and with minimal environmental damage, it is important to understand the desulfurization processes. Hydrodesulfurization, for example, is carried out on the surface of a heterogeneous metal sulfide catalyst. Studies of simple, soluble inorganic systems provide information regarding the structure and reactivity of sulfur-containing compounds with metal complexes. Further, consistent with recent trends in materials chemistry, many model compounds warrant further study as catalyst precursors. The reactivity of low-valent organometallic sandwich pi-complexes toward dithiocarboxylic acids is described. For example, treatment of bisbenzene vanadium with CH3CSSH affords a divanadium tetrakis(dithioacetate) complex. The crystallographically determined V-V bond distance, 2.800(2), is nearly the same as the V-V bond distance in a V(mu-nu squared-S2)2V' unit in the mineral patonite (VS4)n. The stability of the V2S4 core in the dimer is demonstrated by evidence of V2S4(+) in the mass spectrum (70 eV, solid probe) of the vanadium dimer. Several other systems relevant to HDS catalysis are also discussed.

Duraj, Stan A.↗

Architector

Architector is a 3D chemical structure generation software package designed to take minimal 2D information about ligands and metal centers and generates chemically sensible 3D conformers and stereochemistry of the organometallic compounds. Architector is capable of high-throughput in-silico construction of s-, p-, d-, and f-block organometallic complexes. Architector represents a transformative step towards cross-periodic table computational design of metal complex chemistry.

Yang, Ping↗

Computational Investigation of the Role of Active Site Heterogeneity for aSupported Organovanadium(III) Hydrogenation Catalyst

A crucial consideration for supported heterogeneous catalysts is the nonuniformity of the active sites, particularly for supported organometallic catalysts. Standard spectroscopic techniques, such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy, reflect the nature of the most populated sites, which are often intrinsically structurally distinct from the most active catalytic sites. Additionally, with computational models, often, only a few representative structures are used to depict catalytic active sites on a surface, even though there are numerous observable factors of surface heterogeneity that contribute to the kinetically favorable active species. A previously reported study on the mechanism of a surface organovanadium-(III) catalyst [(SiO 2 )V III (Mes)(THF)] for styrene hydrogenation yielded two possible mechanisms: heterolytic cleavage and redox cycling. These two mechanistic scenarios are challenging to differentiate experimentally since the kinetic readouts of the catalyst are identical. To showcase the importance of modeling surface heterogeneity and its effect on catalytic activity, density functional theory (DFT) computational models of a series of potential active sites of [(SiO 2 )V III (Mes)(THF)] for the reaction pathways are applied in combination with kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations. Computed results were then compared to the previously reported experimental kinetic study: (1) DFT free-energy reaction pathways indicated the likely active site and pathway for styrene hydrogenation, a heterolytic cleavage pathway requiring a bare tripodal vanadium site. (2) From the kMC simulations, a mixture of different bond lengths from the support oxygen to the metal center was required to qualitatively describe the experimentally observed kinetic aspects of a supported organovanadium(III) catalyst for olefin hydrogenation. This work underscores the importance of modeling surface heterogeneity in computational catalysis.

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Use of column V alkyls in organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE)

The use of the column V-trialkyls trimethylarsenic (TMAs) and trimethylantimony (TMSb) for the organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OM-VPE) of III-V compound semiconductors is reviewed. A general discussion of the interaction chemistry of common Group III and Group V reactants is presented. The practical application of TMSb and TMAs for OM-VPE is demonstrated using the growth of GaSb, GaAs(1-y)Sb(y), Al(x)Ga(1-x)Sb, and Ga(1-x)In(x)As as examples.

Ludowise, M. J.↗

Development of an Advanced Computational Model for OMCVD of Indium Nitride

An advanced computational model is being developed to predict the formation of indium nitride (InN) film from the reaction of trimethylindium (In(CH3)3) with ammonia (NH3). The components are introduced into the reactor in the gas phase within a background of molecular nitrogen (N2). Organometallic chemical vapor deposition occurs on a heated sapphire surface. The model simulates heat and mass transport with gas and surface chemistry under steady state and pulsed conditions. The development and validation of an accurate model for the interactions between the diffusion of gas phase species and surface kinetics is essential to enable the regulation of the process in order to produce a low defect material. The validation of the model will be performed in concert with a NASA-North Carolina State University project.

Cardelino, Carlos A.↗

Supported Lanthanum Borohydride Catalyzes CH Borylation Inside Zeolite Micropores

Abstract The zeolite‐supported lanthanide La(BH 4 ) x ‐HY 30 catalyzes C−H borylation of benzene with pinacolborane (HBpin), providing a complementary approach to precious, late transition metal‐catalyzed borylations. The reactive catalytic species are generated from La grafted at the Brønsted acid sites (BAS) in micropores of the zeolite, whereas silanoate‐ and aluminoate‐grafted sites are inactive under the reaction conditions. During typical catalytic borylations, conversion to phenyl pinacolborane (PhBpin) is zero‐order in HBpin concentration. A turnover number (TON) of 167 is accessed by capping external silanols, selectively grafting at BAS sites, and adding HBpin slowly to the reaction.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Mechanism of Radical Initiation in the Radical SAM Enzyme Superfamily

Radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes use a site-differentiated [4Fe-4S] cluster and SAM to initiate radical reactions through liberation of the 5'-deoxyadenosyl (5'-dAdo•) radical. They form the largest enzyme superfamily, with more than 700,000 unique sequences currently, and their numbers continue to grow as a result of ongoing bioinformatics efforts. The range of extremely diverse, highly regio- and stereo-specific reactions known to be catalyzed by radical SAM superfamily members is remarkable. The common mechanism of radical initiation in the radical SAM superfamily is the focus of this review. Most surprising is the presence of an organometallic intermediate, Ω, exhibiting an Fe–C5'-adenosyl bond. Regioselective reductive cleavage of the SAM S–C5' bond produces 5'-dAdo• to form Ω, with the regioselectivity originating in the Jahn–Teller effect. Ω liberates the free 5'-dAdo• as the catalytically active intermediate through homolysis of the Fe–C5' bond, in analogy to Co–C5' bond homolysis in B 12 , which was once viewed as biology's choice of radical generator.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Room‐Temperature Formate Ester Transfer Hydrogenation Enables an Electrochemical/Thermal Organometallic Cascade for Methanol Synthesis from CO 2

Abstract The reduction of CO 2 to synthetic fuels is a valuable strategy for energy storage. However, the formation of energy‐dense liquid fuels such as methanol remains rare, particularly under low‐temperature and low‐pressure conditions that can be coupled to renewable electricity sources via electrochemistry. Here, a multicatalyst system pairing an electrocatalyst with a thermal organometallic catalyst is introduced, which enables the reduction of CO 2 to methanol at ambient temperature and pressure. The cascade methanol synthesis proceeds via CO 2 reduction to formate by electrocatalyst [Cp*Ir(bpy)Cl] + (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine), Fischer esterification of formate to isopropyl formate catalyzed by trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (HOTf), and thermal transfer hydrogenation of isopropyl formate to methanol facilitated by the organometallic catalyst (H‐PNP)Ir(H) 3 (H‐PNP=HN(C 2 H 4 P i Pr 2 ) 2 ). The isopropanol solvent plays several crucial roles: activating formate ion as isopropyl formate, donating hydrogen for the reduction of formate ester to methanol via transfer hydrogenation, and lowering the barrier for transfer hydrogenation through hydrogen bonding interactions. In addition to reporting a method for room‐temperature reduction of challenging ester substrates, this work provides a prototype for pairing electrochemical and thermal organometallic reactions that will guide the design and development of multicatalyst cascades.

Fernández, Sergio [Department of Chemistry Univers↗

Cryptate binding energies towards high throughput chelator design: metadynamics ensembles with cluster–continuum solvation

A tiered forcefield/semiempirical/meta-GGA pipeline together with a thermodynamic scheme designed with error cancellation in mind was developed to calculate binding energies of [2.2.2] cryptate complexes of mono- and divalent cations. Stable complexes of Na, K, Rb, Ca, Zn and Pb were generated, revealing consistent cation–N lengths but highly variable cation–O lengths and an amine stacking mechanism potentially augmenting the cation size selectivity. Metadynamics, used for searching the high-dimensional potential energy surface, together with a cluster–continuum model for affordable – yet accurate – solvation modeling, enabled the discovery of more stable geometries than those previously reported. Similar solvation energy curve shapes for lone vs. coordinated ions enabled rapid solvation convergence via the cancellation of errors stemming from finite cluster sizes. In conclusion, an R 2 of 0.850 vs. experimental aqueous binding energies was obtained, validating this scheme as the backbone of a high-throughput workflow for chelator design.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗