3-Methylpiperidinium ionic liquids.

A wide range of room temperature ionic liquids based on the 3-methylpiperdinium cation core were produced from 3-methylpiperidine, which is a derivative of DYTEK® A amine. First, reaction with 1-bromoalkanes or 1-bromoalkoxyalkanes generated the corresponding tertiary amines (Rmβpip, R = alkyl or alkoxyalkyl); further quaternisation reactions with the appropriate methylating agents yielded the quaternary [Rmmβpip]X salts (X(-) = I(-), [CF3CO2](-) or [OTf](-); Tf = -SO2CF3), and [Rmmβpip][NTf2] were prepared by anion metathesis from the corresponding iodides. All [NTf2](-) salts are liquids at room temperature.

Alkyltributylphosphonium chloride ionic liquids: synthesis, physicochemical properties and crystal structure.

A series of alkyltributylphosphonium chloride ionic liquids, prepared from tributylphosphine and the respective 1-chloroalkane, C(n)H(2n+1)Cl (where n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 or 14), is reported. This work is a continuation of an extended series of tetraalkylphosphonium ionic liquids, where the focus is on the variability of n and its impact on the physical properties, such as melting points/glass transitions, thermal stability, density and viscosity. Experimental density and viscosity data were interpreted using QPSR and group contribution methods and the crystal structure of propyl(tributyl)phosphonium chloride is detailed.

Mercuric ionic liquids: [C(n)mim][HgX3], where n = 3, 4 and X = Cl, Br.

A series of mercury(II) ionic liquids, [C(n)mim][HgX(3)], where [C(n)mim] = n-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium with n = 3, 4 and X = Cl, Br, have been synthesized following two different synthetic approaches, and structurally characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray structure analysis ([C(3)mim][HgCl(3)] (1), Cc (No. 9), Z = 4, a = 16.831(4) Å, b = 10.

In search of pure liquid salt forms of aspirin: ionic liquid approaches with acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid.

We present an ionic liquid (IL) approach towards a dual functional liquid salt form of aspirin using different pharmaceutically active cations composed of antibacterials, analgesics, local anesthetics, and antiarrhythmic drugs in combination with acetylsalicylic acid or its metabolite salicylic acid and discuss stability of these ILs in comparison to solid salts. Several low-melting or liquid salts of salicylic acid with dual functionality and promising properties were isolated and characterized; however, although such ILs with aspirin could be prepared, they suffer from limited stability and slowly decompose into the corresponding salicylate ILs when exposed to moisture.

Solid and liquid charge-transfer complex formation between 1-methylnaphthalene and 1-alkyl-cyanopyridinium bis{(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl}imide ionic liquids.

Liquid charge-transfer (CT) complexes were observed to form on contacting electron-rich aromatics with electron withdrawing group appended 1-alkyl-4-cyanopyridinium ionic liquids (ILs). Cooling below the melting point of the ionic liquid resulted in crystallisation of ionic liquid from the complex for 2-cyano and 3-cyano pyridinium isomers and in the formation of a 1 : 1 IL : aromatic crystalline CT-complex with the 4-cyanopyridinium isomer. The liquid structure of a 1 : 1 mixture of 1-methyl-4-cyanopyridinium bis{(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl}imide with 1-methylnaphthalene has been probed by neutron diffraction experiments and molecular dynamics simulations.

Ionic liquids containing boron cluster anions.

The combination of different boron cluster anions and some of the cations typically found in the composition of ionic liquids has been possible by straightforward metathetic reactions, producing new low melting point salts; the imidazolium cations have been systematically studied, [C(n)mim]+ (when [C(n)mim]+ = 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium; n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, or 18). Melting points increase in the anionic order [Co(C2B9H11)2]- < [C2B9H12]- < [B10Cl10]2- < [B12Cl12]2-. Nevertheless, alkyl chain length dramatically influences the thermal behavior, suggesting that packing inefficiency is the main cause of the existence of room temperature ionic liquids.

A new approach for the detection of ethylene using silica-supported palladium complexes.

The coordination of olefins to square-planar Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes containing 2,9-dimethylphenanthroline ( L1) often involves a change of color associated with a change of geometry at the metal center. In order to obtain suitable colorimetric detectors for ethylene gas, a series of new Pd(II) and Pt(II) compounds with a range of 2,9-disubstituted phenanthroline ligands [2,9-di- n-butyl-1,10-phenanthroline ( L2), 2,9-di- s-butyl-1,10-phenanthroline ( L3), 2,9-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline ( L4), and 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (bathocuproine, L5)] have been prepared and their reactivity toward ethylene investigated both in solution and after depositing the detector compounds on a variety of solid supports. The Pd(II) complex [PdCl 2( L2)] supported on silica undergoes a clear color change upon exposure to ethylene, while remaining stable toward air and water, and forms the basis for new simple colorimetric detectors with potential applications in ethylene pipe-leak detection and the monitoring of fruit ripening.

The cyclic "silver-diphos" motif [Ag2(mu-diphosphine)2]2+ as a synthon for building up larger structures.

The dinuclear, cyclic structural motif [Ag2(diphosphine)2](2+), here termed the "silver-diphos" motif, previously observed in many diphosphine-silver complexes, has been investigated as a synthon for building up larger structures such as coordination cages and polymers. A series of ligands containing one to four meta-substituted diphosphine groups, attached via a central core, has been synthesized from the corresponding fluoroarenes by reaction with KPPh2. Upon reaction with silver salts, the target synthon is adopted by meta-substituted diphosphines 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (L1), 2,6-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzonitrile (L2), and 3,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzamide (L3), each of which gives a single species in solution consistent with the expected dimeric complexes [Ag2L2(anion)2].

Liquid structure of the ionic liquid, 1-methyl-4-cyanopyridinium bis{(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl}imide determined from neutron scattering and molecular dynamics simulations.

The liquid structure of 1-methyl-4-cyanopyridinium bis{(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl}imide, a prototypical ionic liquid containing an electron-withdrawing group on the cation, has been investigated at 368 K. Experimental neutron scattering combined with empirical potential structure refinement analysis of the data and classical molecular dynamics simulations have been used to probe the liquid structure in detail. Both techniques generated highly consistent results that provide valuable validation of the force fields and refinement approaches.

Metamorphosis of a butterfly: synthesis, structural, thermal, magnetic and DFT characterisation of a ferromagnetically coupled tetranuclear copper(II) complex.

The reaction in water of Cu(OH)(2) with 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) and (NH(4))(2)HPO(4) in a 4 : 4 : 2 molar ratio under an inert atmosphere leads to the formation of a tetranuclear copper(II) complex of formula {[(H(2)O)(2)Cu(4)(bipy)(4)(mu(4)-PO(4))(2)(mu(2)-OH)] x 0.5 HPO(4) x 15.5 H(2)O}, 1, with butterfly topology.

Synthesis and structural and magnetic characterization of {[(phen)(2)Ni](2)(micro-P(2)O(7))} . 27H(2)O and {[(phen)(2)Mn](2)(micro-P(2)O(7))} . 13H(2)O: rare examples of coordination complexes with the pyrophosphate ligand.

The reaction in water of M(II) [M = Ni or Mn] with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and sodium pyrophosphate (Na4P2O7) in a 2:4:1 stoichiometry resulted in the crystallization of dinuclear complexes featuring the heretofore rare bridging pyrophosphate. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed the complexes to be {[(phen)2Ni]2(micro-P2O7)} . 27H2O (1) and {[(phen)2Mn]2(micro-P2O7)} .

Structure and solvation in ionic liquids.

This Account describes experimental data used to understand the structure of ionic liquids and solute-solvent interactions of both molecular solutes and dissolved metal complexes. In general, the structures of the ionic liquids determined from experimental data show good agreement with both simulated structures and solid-state structures. For all ionic liquids studied, strong charge ordering is found leading to long-range order even in the presence of a solute.

Rational design of a dual-mode optical and chemical prodrug.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the rational design and behaviour of the first dual-mode optical and chemical prodrug, exemplified by an acetyl salicylic acid-based system.

Methods: A cyclic 1,4-benzodioxinone prodrug was synthesised by reaction of 3,5-dimethoxybenzoin and acetyl salicoyl chloride with pyridine. After purification by column chromatography and recrystallization, characterization was achieved using infrared and NMR spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction.

Thermodynamics, structure, and dynamics in room temperature ionic liquids: the case of 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]).

A detailed investigation of the phase diagram of 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF(6)]) is presented on the basis of a wide set of experimental data accessing thermodynamic, structural, and dynamical properties of this important room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL). The combination of quasi adiabatic, continuous calorimetry, wide angle neutron and X-ray diffraction, and quasi elastic neutron scattering allows the exploration of many novel features of this material. Thermodynamic and microscopic structural information is derived on both glassy and crystalline states and compared with results that recently appeared in the literature allowing direct information to be obtained on the existence of two crystalline phases that were not previously characterized and confirming the view that RTILs show a substantial degree of order (even in their amorphous states), which resembles the crystalline order.

Relaxation processes in room temperature ionic liquids: the case of 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate.

A detailed investigation on the nature of the relaxation processes occurring in a typical room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), namely, 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF(6)]), is reported. The study was conducted using both elastic and inelastic neutron scattering over a wide temperature range from 10 to 400 K, accessing the dynamic features of both the liquid and glassy amorphous states. In this study, the inelastic fixed energy scan technique has been applied for the first time to this class of materials.

Structure of ionic liquid-benzene mixtures.

Neutron diffraction has been used to investigate the structure of liquid mixtures of 1,3-dimethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate with benzene. Two concentrations of benzene were investigated, namely, 33 mol % and 67 mol %, and show similar structures in each case. The presence of benzene significantly alters the ionic liquid structure, in particular, in the cation-cation interactions, in agreement with the single-crystal structure described recently (Holbrey, J.

Liquid structure of the ionic liquid 1,3-dimethylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amide.

Neutron diffraction has been used to determine the liquid structure of 1,3-dimethylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amide ([dmim][NTf2]). Significantly smaller charge ordering is found in this liquid compared with analogous chloride and hexafluorophosphate salts due to the diffuse charge density and size of the [NTf2]- anion. This is manifested in a much larger cation-cation and cation-anion separation and an overlap of the cation-cation and cation-anion shells.

Hydrogen-bond tuning of ferromagnetic interactions: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of polynuclear copper(II) complexes incorporating p-block oxo-anions.

The reaction of copper(II) hydroxide with 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) (1 : 1) in alkaline aqueous solution (pH 14) at room temperature affords the alternating carbonate/hydroxo-bridged copper(II) polymeric chain compound {[Cu3(bipy)3(mu-OH)2(mu-CO3)2].11H2O}n, 1, as determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of 1 is built up from two similar centro-symmetric dinuclear [(bipy)Cu(mu-OH)]2 cores which link together via bridging carbonate groups to mononuclear [(bipy)Cu] fragments to form the chain.

Polynuclear complexes with bridging pyrophosphate ligands: synthesis and characterisation of {[(bipy)Cu(H2O)(mu-P2O7)Na2(H2O)6] x 4H2O}, {[(bipy)Zn-(H2O)(mu-P2O7)Zn(bipy)]2 x 14H2O} and {[(bipy)(VO)2]2(mu-P2O7)] x 5H2O}.

The reaction in water of M(II) ions (M = Cu, 1; Zn, 2; VO, 3) with 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) followed by Na4P2O7 leads to the formation of three new complexes which feature the pyrophosphate anion, P2O7(4-), as a bridging ligand. Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed 1 to be {[(bipy)Cu(H2O)(micro-P2O7)Na2(H2O)6] x 4H2O}, and 2 as a tetranuclear Zn(II) complex, {[(bipy)Zn(H2O)(micro-P2O7)Zn(bipy)]2 x 14H2O}. The structure of 1 consists of a mononuclear [(bipy)Cu(H2O)(P2O7)]2- unit that links via a pyrophosphate bridge to two Na atoms.

A new approach to combretastatin D2.

A concise and convergent route to combretastatin D2 is described together with some preliminary biological data.

Polar self-assembly: steric effects leading to polar mixed-ligand coordination cages.

We present a highly unusual example of self-assembly, specifically a polar, mixed-ligand cage which forms in preference to symmetrical homo-ligand products, and which suggests that steric effects can be exploited to obtain novel non-uniform polyhedral cages. In particular, reaction between the bulky tripodal triphosphine 2,4,6-tris(diphenylphosphino)triazine, L1, the non-bulky tripodal trinitrile 2,4,6-tris(cyanomethyl)trimethylbenzene, L2 and silver hexafluoroantimonate, AgSbF6, in a 3:1:4 ratio gives the mixed-ligand aggregate [Ag4(L1)3(L2)(SbF6)]3+, 1-SbF6, instantly as the only product in quantitative yield. The X-ray crystal structure of complex 1-SbF6 is consistent with the suspected solution-state structure.

First EXAFS studies on aurophilic interactions in solution.

EXAFS has been used to directly show the existence of Au...

Effect on pKa of metal-bound water molecules in lanthanide ion-induced cyclen "cavities".

[reaction: see text] The macrocyclic cyclen conjugates 1-4 were synthesized with the aim of forming lanthanide ion-based macrocyclic conjugates possessing deep cavities, formed upon complexation to various lanthanide ions. These complexes all possess metal-bound water molecules, where the pKa of the water molecules depends on the nature of the cavity.

A discrete dimer of coordination clusters connected through additional bridging ligands.

The combination of directionality and unsaturated metal sites in bowl-shaped coordination clusters [Ag(4)L(3)(SbF(6))](3+){L = 2,4,6-tris(diphenylphosphino)triazine} results in the formation of discrete dimers on reaction with additional bridging ligands.