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DOE OSTI2013

Complexation of Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} with lanthanide(III) centers influenced by ethylene polyamines: Solvothermal syntheses, crystal structures, and optical properties of lanthanide selenidostannates

Lanthanide selenidostannates (H{sub 3}O){sub n}[Ce(tepa)(μ-1κ{sup 2}:2κ{sup 2}-Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6})]{sub n} (1), [(Yb(tepa)(μ-OH)){sub 2}(μ-1κ:2κ-Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6})]{sub n}·nH{sub 2}O (2), [Htrien]{sub 2}[(Ln(trien)(tren)){sub 2}(μ-1κ:2κ-Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6})][Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6}] (Ln=Ce(3), Nd(4)) and [(Yb(dien){sub 2}){sub 2}(μ-OH){sub 2}]Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} (5) were solvothermally prepared in different ethylene polyamines. The Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} unit connects [Ce(tepa)]{sup 3+} and [(Yb(tepa)(μ-OH)){sub 2}]{sup 4+} fragments with tetradentate μ-1κ{sup 2}Se{sup 1},Se{sup 2}:2κ{sup 2}Se{sup 5},Se{sup 6} and bidentate μ-1κSe{sup 1}:2κSe{sup 5} bridging coordination modes in tepa, to form polymers 1 and 2, respectively. It joins two [Ln(trien)(tren)]{sup 3+} fragments as a μ-1κSe{sup 1}:2κSe{sup 5} ligand to form binuclear complexes 3 and 4 in trien. Unlike the Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} units in 1–4 that bind with Ln(III) centers as Se-donor ligands, the Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} unit in 5 exists as a discrete ion. The syntheses of 1–5 show that the ethylene polyamines play an important role in the complexation of Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} ligand with Ln(III) centers. Compounds 1–5 exhibit optical band gaps in the range of 2.09–2.42 eV, which are influenced by the complexation of Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} with Ln(III) centers. - Graphical abstract: New lanthanide complexes concerning the Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} ligand were solvothermally prepared, and the effect of ethylene polyamines on the complexation of Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} with Ln(III) centers are observed. Highlights: • Lanthanide complexes concerning the selenidostannates have been solvothermally prepared in different ethylene polyamines. • A tetradentate μ-1κ{sup 2}Se{sup 1},Se{sup 2}:2κ{sup 2}Se{sup 5},Se{sup 6} and a bidentate μ-1κSe{sup 1}:2κSe{sup 5} bridging coordination modes for the Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} ligand is obtained. • The complexation of the Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} ligand with Ln(III) centers are influenced by the ethylene polyamines.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2014

Dysprosium complexes with mono-/di-carboxylate ligands—From simple dimers to 2D and 3D frameworks

Four dysprosium (Dy) single carboxylates, a formate, a propionate, a butyrate and an oxalate have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The structure of Dy(HCO{sub 2}){sub 3} (1) contains nine-fold coordinated Dy polyhedra in perfect tricapped trigonal prisms. They are linked through trigonal O atoms forming 1D pillars which are further linked together through tricapped O atoms into a 3D pillared metal organic framework. The network structure is stable up to 360 °C. The structure of [Dy{sub 2}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 3}(H{sub 2}O){sub 6}]·2.5H{sub 2}O (2) contains nine-fold coordinated Dy polyhedra linking together through μ{sub 2}-bridging oxalate anions into a 2D hexagonal layered structure. Both [Dy{sub 2}(Pr){sub 6}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}]·(HPr){sub 0.5} (3) [Pr=(C{sub 2}H{sub 5}CO{sub 2}){sup −1}] and [Dy{sub 2}(Bu){sub 6}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}] (4) [Bu=(C{sub 3}H{sub 7}CO{sub 2}){sup −1}] have similar di-nuclear structures. The Raman vibration modes of the complexes have been investigated. - Graphical abstract: Four dysprosium (Dy) complexes with formate, propionate, butyrate and oxalate ligands have been synthesized and characterized. The Dy formato complex has a 3D pillared metal organic framework and the structure is stable up to 360 °C whilst the complexes with longer alkyl chained mono-carboxylates possess similar di-nuclear structures. The Dy oxalato complex has a 2D hexagonal (honeycomb-type) structure. Their Raman vibration modes have been investigated. - Highlights: • New Dysprosium complexes with formate, propionate, butyrate and oxalate ligands. • Crystal structures range from dimers to two and three dimensional frameworks. • Vibrational modes have been investigated and correlated to the structures. • The complexes are thermal robust and stable to over 300 °C.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2017

Structural and magnetic characterization of three tetranuclear Cu(II) complexes with face-sharing-dicubane/double-open-cubane like core framework

Three novel tetranuclear copper(II) complexes namely [Cu{sub 4}(L{sup 1}){sub 4}]∙2(dmf) (1), [Cu{sub 4}(L{sup 1}){sub 4}] (2) and [Cu{sub 4}(L{sup 2}){sub 2}(HL{sup 2}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]∙2(ClO{sub 4})·6(H{sub 2}O) (3) (H{sub 2}L{sup 1}, (E)−2-((1-hydroxybutan-2-ylimino)methyl)phenol; H{sub 2}L{sup 2}, (E)−2-((1-hydroxybutan-2-ylimino)methyl)−6-methoxyphenol)) were synthesized from the self-assembly of copper(II) perchlorate and the tridentate Schiff base ligands. The structural determination reveals that crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group C2/c, whereas both the and crystallize in the triclinic system with space group P-1. and possess face-sharing dicubane core, on the other hand complex 3 has double open cubane core structure. The copper(II) ions in the cubane core are in distorted square planar geometries, and weak π…π and C–H…π interactions lead to formation of a 2D supramolecular architecture for and . At room temperature and , exhibit fluorescence with a quantum yield (Φ{sub s}) of 0.47, 0.49 and 0.38, respectively. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements in the range 2–300 K indicate an overall weak antiferromagnetic exchange coupling in all complexes. The PHI program was used to study their magnetic behaviour. In agreement with their face-sharing dicubane structure, a Hamiltonian of the type H =– J{sub 1}(S{sub 1}S{sub 2}+S{sub 1}S{sub 2’}+S{sub 1'}S{sub 2}+S{sub 1'}S{sub 2’}) – J{sub 2}S{sub 1}S{sub 1’}, where S{sub 1} = S{sub 1’} = S{sub 2} = S{sub 2’} = S{sub Cu} =1/2, was used for studying and . Simulations performed suggest magnetic exchange constants with values close to J{sub 1} =−20 cm{sup −1} and J{sub 2} =0 cm{sup -1} for these complexes. On the other hand, the spin Hamiltonian H =– J{sub 1}(S{sub 1}S{sub 4}+S{sub 2}S{sub 3}) – J{sub 2}(S{sub 1}S{sub 3}+S{sub 2}S{sub 4}) – J{sub 3}S{sub 1}S{sub 2}, where S{sub 1} = S{sub 2} = S{sub 3} = S{sub 4} = S{sub Cu} =1/2, was used to study the magnetic behaviour of the double open cubane core of and a good agreement between the experimental and simulated results was found by using the parameters g{sub 1} = g{sub 2} =2.20, g{sub 3} = g{sub 4} =2.18, J{sub 1} =−36 cm{sup -1}, J{sub 2} =−44 cm{sup -1} and J{sub 3} =0 cm{sup -1}. - Graphical abstract: Tetranuclear Cu(II) complexes with face-sharing-dicubane / double-open-cubane like core frameworks were synthesized and characterized by crystal structure and magnetic analysis. Variable temperature magnetic properties corroborate with their structural arrangement. - Highlights: • Novel tetranuclear copper(II) complexes have been structurally characterized. • Complexes possess face-sharing dicubane/double open cubane core structures. • Variable temperature magnetic measurements reveal antiferromagnetic coupling. • PHI program was used to explain the observed magnetic properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2015

Electrocatalytic oxidation of 2-mercaptoethanol using modified glassy carbon electrode by MWCNT in combination with unsymmetrical manganese (II) Schiff base complexes

Highlights: • High electocatalytic efficiency and stability of modified hybrid electrode GC/MWCNTs/MnSaloph. • Direct reflection of catalytic activity of manganese complexes on electrocatalytic oxidation of 2-ME. • Decreasing overpotential and increasing catalytic peak current toward oxidation of 2-ME. • Deposition of range of novel substituted N{sub 2}O{sub 2} Saloph complexes of manganese(II) on GCE/MWCNT. • Enhancement of electrocatalytic oxidation activity upon electron donating substitutions on the Saloph. - Abstract: The performance of modified hybrid glassy carbon electrode with composite of carbon nanotubes and manganese complexes for the electrocatalytic oxidation of 2-mercaptoethanol is developed. GC electrode was modified using MWCNT and new N{sub 2}O{sub 2} unsymmetrical tetradentate Schiff base complexes of manganese namely Manganese Saloph complexes 1-5, with general formula Mn[(5-x-4-y-Sal)(5-x′-4-y′-Sal) Ph], where x, x′ = H, Br, NO{sub 2} and y, y′ = H, MeO. Direct immobilization of CNT on the surface of GCE is performed by abrasive immobilization, and then modified by manganese(II) complexes via direct deposition method. These novel modified electrodes clearly demonstrate the necessity of modifying bare carbon electrodes to endow them with the desired behavior and were identified by HRTEM. Also complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, MS, UV–vis and IR spectroscopy. Modified hybrid GC/MWCNT/MnSaloph electrode exhibits strong and stable electrocatalytic activity towards the electrooxidation of 2-mercaptoethanol molecules in comparison with bare glassy carbon electrode with advantages of very low over potential and high catalytic current. Such ability promotes the thiol’s electron transfer reaction. Also, electron withdrawing substituent on the Saloph was enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation activity.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Selective deuteration of an RNA:RNA complex for structural analysis using small-angle scattering

The structures of RNA:RNA complexes regulate many biological processes. Despite their importance, protein-free RNA:RNA complexes represent a tiny fraction of experimentally determined structures. Here, we describe a joint small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS) approach to structurally interrogate conformational changes in a model RNA:RNA complex. Using SAXS, we measured the solution structures of the individual RNAs and of the overall RNA:RNA complex. With SANS, we demonstrate, as a proof of principle, that isotope labeling and contrast matching (CM) can be combined to probe the bound state structure of an RNA within a selectively deuterated RNA:RNA complex. Furthermore, we show that experimental scattering data can validate and improve predicted AlphaFold 3 RNA:RNA complex structures to reflect its solution structure. In conclusion, our work demonstrates that in silico modeling, SAXS, and CM-SANS can be used in concert to directly analyze conformational changes within RNAs when in complex, enhancing our understanding of RNA structure in functional assemblies.

HIV-1 dimerization initiation site↗

DOE OSTI2011

Thermodynamic, spectroscopic, and computational studies of lanthanide complexation with Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acide: temperature effect and coordination modes

Stability constants of two DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) complexes with lanthanides (ML2- and MHL-, where M stands for Nd and Eu and L stands for diethylenetriaminepentaacetate) at 10, 25, 40, 55, and 70 degrees C were determined by potentiometry, absorption spectrophotometry, and luminescence spectroscopy. The enthalpies of complexation at 25 degrees C were determined by microcalorimetry. Thermodynamic data show that the complexation of Nd3þ and Eu3þ with DTPA is weakened at higher temperatures, a 10-fold decrease in the stability constants of ML2- and MHL- as the temperature is increased from 10 to 70 degrees C. The effect of temperature is consistent with the exothermic enthalpy of complexation directly measured by microcalorimetry. Results by luminescence spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that DTPA is octa-dentate in both the EuL2- and EuHL- complexes and, for the first time, the coordination mode in the EuHL- complex was clarified by integration of the experimental data and DFT calculations. In the EuHL- complex, the Eu is coordinated by an octa-dentate H(DTPA) ligand and a water molecule, and the protonation occurs on the oxygen of a carboxylate group.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2011

Synthesis, structure, and properties of a T-shaped 14-electron stiboranyl-gold complex.

A cyclic stiboranyl-gold complex (1) supported by two 1,8-naphthalenediyl linkers has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The gold atom of this complex adopts a T-shaped geometry and is separated from the antimony center by only 2.76 {angstrom}. Surprisingly, the trivalent gold atom of this complex is involved in an aurophilic interaction, a phenomenon typically only observed for monovalent gold complexes. This phenomenon indicates that the stiboranyl ligand possesses strong {sigma}-donating properties making the trivalent gold atom of 1 electron rich. This view is supported by DFT calculations as well as Au L{sub 3}- and Sb K-edge XANES spectra which reveal that 1 may also be described as an aurate-stibonium derivative. In agreement with this view, complex 1 shows no reactivity toward the halides Cl{sup -}, Br{sup -}, and I{sup -}. It does, however, rapidly react with F{sup -} to form an unprecedented anionic aurate fluorostiborane complex ([2]{sup -}) which has been isolated as the tetra-n-butylammonium salt. The increased coordination number of the antimony center in this anionic complex ([2]{sup -}) does not notably affect the Au-Sb separation (2.77 {angstrom}) or the geometry at the gold atom which remains T-shaped.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2024

Spectroscopic and Computational Evidence of Uranium Dihydrogen Complexes

Dihydrogen complexation, a phenomenon with robust precedent in the transition metal series, is spectroscopically detected for a uranium(III) complex and thereby extended for the first time to the 5f series. The vacant coordination site and low valence of (C 5 H 4 SiMe 3 ) 3 U prove to be key to the reversible formation of (C 5 H 4 SiMe 3 ) 3 U–H 2 (complex 1), and the paramagnetism of the f 3 center facilitates the detection of complex 1 by NMR spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the delocalization of the 5f electron density from (C 5 H 4 SiMe 3 ) 3 U onto the side-on dihydrogen ligand is crucial to complex formation, an unusual bonding situation for an actinide acid–base complex. Here, the spectroscopic and computational results are compared to those reported for lanthanide metallocenes to yield insight into the nature of–and future possibilities for–f-element dihydrogen complexation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2011

Geometry and quadratic nonlinearity of charge transfer complexes in solution: A theoretical study

In this paper, we have computed the quadratic nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of a class of weak charge transfer (CT) complexes. These weak complexes are formed when the methyl substituted benzenes (donors) are added to strong acceptors like chloranil (CHL) or di-chloro-di-cyano benzoquinone (DDQ) in chloroform or in dichloromethane. The formation of such complexes is manifested by the presence of a broad absorption maximum in the visible range of the spectrum where neither the donor nor the acceptor absorbs. The appearance of this visible band is due to CT interactions, which result in strong NLO responses. We have employed the semiempirical intermediate neglect of differential overlap (INDO/S) Hamiltonian to calculate the energy levels of these CT complexes using single and double configuration interaction (SDCI). The solvent effects are taken into account by using the self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) scheme. The geometry of the complex is obtained by exploring different relative molecular geometries by rotating the acceptor with respect to the fixed donor about three different axes. The theoretical geometry that best fits the experimental energy gaps, {beta}{sub HRS} and macroscopic depolarization ratios is taken to be the most probable geometry of the complex. Our studies show that the most probable geometry of these complexes in solution is the parallel displaced structure with a significant twist in some cases.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2014

Structure, solvation, and dynamics of Mg{sup 2+}, Ca{sup 2+}, Sr{sup 2+}, and Ba{sup 2+} complexes with 3-hydroxyflavone and perchlorate anion in acetonitrile medium: A molecular dynamics simulation study

Molecular dynamics simulations of complexes of Mg{sup 2+}, Ca{sup 2+}, Sr{sup 2+}, and Ba{sup 2+} with 3-hydroxyflavone (flavonol, 3HF) and ClO {sub 4}{sup −} in acetonitrile were performed. The united atoms force field model was proposed for the 3HF molecule using the results of DFT quantum chemical calculations. 3HF was interpreted as a rigid molecule with two internal degrees of freedom, i.e., rotation of the phenyl ring and of the OH group with respect to the chromone moiety. The interatomic radial distribution functions showed that interaction of the cations with flavonol occurs via the carbonyl group of 3HF and it is accompanied with substitution of one of the acetonitrile molecules in the cations’ first solvation shells. Formation of the cation–3HF complexes does not have significant impact on the rotation of the phenyl ring with respect to the chromone moiety. However, the orientation of the flavonol's OH-group is more sensitive to the interaction with doubly charged cations. When complex with Mg{sup 2+} is formed, the OH-group turns out of the plane of the chromone moiety that leads to rupture of intramolecular H-bond in the ligand molecule. Complexation of Ca{sup 2+}, Sr{sup 2+}, and BaClO {sub 4}{sup +} with 3HF produces two structures with different OH-positions, as in the free flavonol with the intramolecular H-bond and as in the complex with Mg{sup 2+} with disrupted H-bonding. It was shown that additional stabilization of the [MgClO{sub 4}(3HF)]{sup +} and [BaClO{sub 4}(3HF)]{sup +} complexes is determined by strong affinity of perchlorate anion to interact with flavonol via intracomplex hydrogen bond between an oxygen atom of the anion and the hydrogen atom of the 3-hydroxyl group. Noticeable difference in the values of the self-diffusion coefficients for Kt{sup 2+} from one side and ClO {sub 4}{sup −}, 3HF, and AN in the cations’ coordination shell from another side implies quite weak interaction between cation, anion, and ligands in the investigated complexes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2015

On the origin of donor O–H bond weakening in phenol-water complexes

Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy has been used to investigate intermolecular interactions in a series of binary O–H⋯O hydrogen bonded phenol-water complexes where water is the common acceptor. The interaction at the binding site has been tuned by incorporating multiple fluorine substitutions at different aromatic ring sites of the phenol moiety. The spectral effects for the aforesaid chemical changes are manifested in the infrared spectra of the complexes as systematic increase in spectral shift of the phenolic O–H stretching fundamental (Δν{sub O–H}). While ν{sub O–H} bands of the monomers of all the fluorophenols appear within a very narrow frequency range, the increase in Δν{sub O–H} of the complexes from phenol to pentafluorophenol is very large, nearly 90%. The observed values of Δν{sub O–H} do not show a linear correlation with the total binding energies (ΔE{sub b}) of the complexes, expected according to Badger-Bauer rule. However, in the same Δν{sub O–H} vs ΔE{sub b} plot, nice linear correlations are revealed if the complexes of ortho-fluorophenols are treated separately from their meta/para-substituted analogues. The observations imply that in spite of having the same binding site (O–H⋯O) and the same chemical identities (phenolic), the complexes of ortho and non-ortho fluorophenols do not belong, from the viewpoint of detailed molecular interactions, to a homologous series. Linear correlations of Δν{sub O–H} are, however, observed with respect to the electrostatic component of ΔE{sub b} as well as the quantum mechanical charge transfer interaction energy (E{sub CT}). From quantitative viewpoint, the latter correlation along with the associated electronic structure parameters appears more satisfactory. It has also been noted that the observed Δν{sub O–H} values of the complexes display a linear relationship with the aqueous phase pK{sub a} values of the respective phenol derivatives.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2011

SO2-Binding Properties of Cationic η6,η1-NCN-Pincer Arene Ruthenium Platinum Complexes: Spectroscopic and Theoretical Studies

The SO2-binding properties of a series of η6,η1-NCN-pincer ruthenium platinum complexes have been studied by both UV-visible spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. When an electronwithdrawing [Ru(C5R5)]+ fragment (R = H or Me) is η6-coordinated to the phenyl ring of the NCNpincer platinum fragment (cf. [2]+ and [3]+, see scheme 1), the characteristic orange coloration (pointing to η1- SO2 binding to Pt) of a solution of the parent NCN-pincer platinum complex 1 in dichloromethane upon SO2-bubbling is not observed. However, when the ruthenium center is η6- coordinated to a phenyl substituent linked in para-position to the carbon-to-platinum bond, i.e. complex [4]+, the SO2-binding property of the NCN-platinum center seems to be retained, as bubbling SO2 into a solution of the latter complex produces the characteristic orange color. We performed theoretical calculations at the MP2 level of approximation and TD-DFT studies, which enabled us to interpret the absence of color change in the case of [2]+ as an absence of coordination of SO2 to platinum. We analyze this absence or weaker SO2-coordination in dichloromethane to be a consequence of the relative electron-poorness of the platinum center in the respective η6- ruthenium coordinated NCN-pincer platinum complexes, that leads to a lower binding energy and an elongated calculated Pt-S bond distance. We also discuss the effects of electrostatic interactions in these cationic systems, which also seems to play a destabilizing role for complex [2(SO2)]+.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2011

Synthesis, structures and properties of new hybrid solids containing ruthenium complexes and polyoxometalates

Two new organic-inorganic hybrid solids containing Keggin ions and ruthenium complexes have been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, UV-vis, luminescence, X-ray, and TG analysis. In KNa[Ru(bpy){sub 3}]{sub 2}[H{sub 2}W{sub 12}O{sub 40}]{center_dot}8H{sub 2}O (1), the [Ru(bpy){sub 3}]{sup 2+} (bpy=2,2 Prime -bipyridine) complex ions are located in between the infinite one-dimensional double-chains formed by adjacent Keggin anions [H{sub 2}W{sub 12}O{sub 40}]{sup 6-} linked through {l_brace}KO{sub 7}{r_brace} and {l_brace}NaO{sub 6}{r_brace} polyhedra, while in K{sub 6}[Ru(pzc){sub 3}]{sub 2}[SiW{sub 12}O{sub 40}] Bullet 12H{sub 2}O (2), the [Ru(pzc){sub 3}]{sup -} (pzc=pyrazine-2-carboxylate) complex anions are confined by layered networks of the [SiW{sub 12}O{sub 40}]{sup 4-} clusters connected by potassium ions. Both compounds exhibit three-dimensional frameworks through noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds and anion Midline-Horizontal-Ellipsis {pi} interactions. Additionally, compound 1 shows strong luminescence at 604 nm in solid state at room temperature. - Graphical abstract: Two three-dimensional framework solids are constructed from polyoxoanions and ruthenium-organic complexes through noncovalent interactions. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Triangle Ru complexes form hybrid solids with polyoxometalates. Black-Right-Pointing-Triangle Anion Midline-Horizontal-Ellipsis {pi} interaction between polyoxometalates and metal complexes was observed. Black-Right-Pointing-Triangle Noncovalent interactions play an important role in the assembly of solids. Black-Right-Pointing-Triangle The hybrid solid shows luminescence properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2022

Conjugated Polyelectrolyte-Based Complex Fluids as Aqueous Exciton Transport Networks

The ability to assemble artificial systems that mimic aspects of natural light-harvesting functions is fascinating and attractive for materials design. Given the complexity of such a system, a simple design pathway is desirable. Here, we argue that associative phase separation of oppositely charged conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) can provide such a path in an environmentally benign medium: water. We find that complexation between an exciton–donor and acceptor CPE leads to formation of a complex fluid. We interrogate exciton transfer from the donor to the acceptor CPE within the complex fluid and find that transfer is highly efficient. We also find that excess molecular ions can tune the modulus of the inter-CPE complex fluid. Even at high ion concentrations, CPEs remain complexed with significantly delocalized electronic wavefunctions. In conclusion, our work lays the rational foundation for complex, tunable aqueous light-harvesting systems via the intrinsic thermodynamics of associative phase separation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2021

Half‐sandwich ruthenium complex with a very low overpotential and excellent activity for water oxidation under acidic conditions

Abstract Molecular catalysts are acknowledged for the ability to design reaction sites within well‐defined structures to achieve high catalytic activities. However, in many cases, molecular catalysts undergo structural changes to some other form(s), which are finally the real catalysts. Here, we report two half‐sandwich ruthenium complexes; [Ru([9]aneN3)(bpy)Cl] + 3 and [Ru([9]aneN3)(pic)OH 2 ] 2+ 4 , based on the macrocyclic 1,4,7‐triazacyclononane ([9]aneN3) ligand for water oxidation (WO). The two complexes have similar core but different ancillary ligands, which greatly affected their stability as well as activity for WO. Complex 3 retained high stability and excellent activity (turnover number [TON] = 1250) in chemical WO and first‐order reaction kinetics with respect to [Ce IV ] with a calculated rate constant ( k cat ) of 34.59 s −1 . Further, the complex demonstrated very low overpotential of ~210 mV in electrochemical WO. At an overpotential of only 400 mV, turnover frequency (TOF) of complex 3 was electrochemically estimated to be 131.2 s −1 . In contrast, complex 4 underwent picolinate ligand dissociation, as a deactivation pathway, to form the tri‐aqua derivative. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to explain the dissociation mechanism of picolinate ligand in complex 4 , which happens through a stepwise dissociation mechanism.

Younus, Hussein A.↗

DOE OSTI2019

PAH/PAH(CF 3 ) n Donor/Acceptor Charge‐Transfer Complexes in Solution and in Solid‐State Co‐Crystals

Abstract A solution, solid‐state, and computational study is reported of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon PAH/PAH(CF 3 ) n donor/acceptor (D/A) charge‐transfer complexes that involve six PAH(CF 3 ) n acceptors with known gas‐phase electron affinities that range from 2.11(2) to 2.805(15) eV and four PAH donors, including seven CT co‐crystal X‐ray structures that exhibit hexagonal arrays of mixed π‐stacks with 1/1, 1/2, or 2/1 D/A stoichiometries (PAH=anthracene, azulene, coronene, perylene, pyrene, triphenylene; n= 5, 6). These are the first D/A CT complexes with PAH(CF 3 ) n acceptors to be studied in detail. The nine D/A combinations were chosen to allow several structural and electronic comparisons to be made, providing new insights about controlling D/A interactions and the structures of CT co‐crystals. The comparisons include, among others, CT complexes of the same PAH(CF 3 ) n acceptor with four PAH donors and CT complexes of the same donor with four PAH(CF 3 ) n acceptors. All nine CT complexes exhibit charge‐transfer bands in solution with λ max between 467 and 600 nm. A plot of E ( λ max ) versus [ IE (donor)− EA (acceptor)] for the nine CT complexes studied is linear with a slope of 0.72±0.03 eV eV −1 . This plot is the first of its kind for CT complexes with structurally related donors and acceptors for which precise experimental gas‐phase IE s and EA s are known. It demonstrates that conclusions based on the common assumption that the slope of a CT E ( λ max ) versus [ IE − EA ] plot is unity may be incorrect in at least some cases and should be reconsidered.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2024

Elucidating the Structure of the Eu‐EDTA Complex in Solution at Various Protonation States

Abstract Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which has two amine and four carboxylate protonation sites, forms stable complexes with lanthanide ions. This work analyzes the coordination structure, in atomic resolution, of the Eu 3+ ion complexed with EDTA in all its protonation states in aqueous solution. Eu‐EDTA complexes were modeled using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using force field parameters optimized with ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. Structures from the MD simulations were used to predict extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra and compared with EXAFS measurements of the Eu 3+ aqua ion and Eu‐EDTA complexes at pH 3 and 11. This work details how Eu‐EDTA complex coordination structures change with increasing protonation of the EDTA ligand in the complex, from the tightly bound unprotonated complex to the unbinding of the fully protonated EDTA ligand from the Eu 3+ ion as both become solvated by water. Agreement between predicted and measured EXAFS spectra supports the findings from simulation.

Chemistry↗

DOE OSTI2015

Linear starch and hexanoic acid complexation evaluated by isothermal titration calorimetry

Linear starch form inclusion complexes with fatty acids through hydrophobic interaction. The complexation between starch and fatty acid is affected by many factors, such as starch degree of polymerization (DP), fatty acid structure, and complexation conditions. There is limited information on the use of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) in understanding starch‐fatty acid interactions. The effects of temperature and concentration of hexanoic acid on the complexation of debranched waxy maize starch and potato amylose were investigated using ITC. The starch samples were characterized for their molecular size distribution and iodine affinity. Potato amylose and debranched waxy maize starch displayed a major peak DP of 330 and 25, and iodine affinity of 2.9 and 13.9, respectively. The ITC titration data were fitted best to a one set of binding site model. Complexation was exothermic and spontaneous for all reactions based on changes in enthalpy of free energy (ΔG). The binding affinity ( K a ) of debranched waxy maize starch for hexanoic acid decreased with an increase in temperature from 25 to 45°C. The K a and number of binding sites ( n ) for debranched waxy maize exceeded those of potato amylose, indicating a higher complexation of debranched waxy maize for hexanoic acid. The number of binding sites ( n ) and enthalpy of binding (Δ H ) values for both starches remained independent of temperature change. The ITC results demonstrated that debranched waxy maize starch was favored over potato amylose to complex hexanoic acid.

Arijaje, Emily Oluwaseun↗