Reactions of Hexanuclear Niobium and Tantalum Halide Clusters with Mercury(II) Halides. I. Synthesis and structures of the semiconducting compounds [M6Br12(H2O)6][HgBr4] � 12H2O, M?Nb, Ta

Transparent functional nanocomposite films based on octahedral metal clusters: synthesis by electrophoretic deposition process and characterization

Transparent optical thin films have recently attracted a growing interest for functional window applications. In this study, highly visible transparent nanocomposite films with ultraviolet (UV)-near-infrared (NIR)-blocking capabilities are reported. Such films, composed of Mo6 and Nb6 octahedral metal atom clusters (MC) and polymethylmethacrylate polymer (PMMA), were prepared by electrophoretic deposition on indium tin oxide-coated glass (ITO glass). PMMA was found to improve both the chemical and physical stability of Mo6 and Nb6 MCs, resulting in a relatively homogeneous distribution of the clusters within the PMMA matrix, as seen by microstructural observations. The optical absorption spectrum of these transparent MC@polymer nanocomposite films was marked by contributions from their Mo6 and Nb6-based clusters (absorption in the UV range) and from the ITO layer on silica glass (absorption in the NIR range). Mo6@PMMA nanocomposite films also exhibited excellent photoluminescence properties, which were preserved even after exposure to 50°C at a relative humidity of 70% for one month. These films cumulate high transparency in the visible range with remarkable UV-NIR blocking properties and represent interesting candidates for functional glass application.

Solid-state NMR/NQR and first-principles study of two niobium halide cluster compounds

Two hexanuclear niobium halide cluster compounds with a [Nb6X12](2+) (X=Cl, Br) diamagnetic cluster core, have been studied by a combination of experimental solid-state NMR/NQR techniques and PAW/GIPAW calculations. For niobium sites the NMR parameters were determined by using variable Bo field static broadband NMR measurements and additional NQR measurements. It was found that they possess large positive chemical shifts, contrary to majority of niobium compounds studied so far by solid-state NMR, but in accordance with chemical shifts of (95)Mo nuclei in structurally related compounds containing [Mo6Br8](4+) cluster cores. Experimentally determined δiso((93)Nb) values are in the range from 2,400 to 3,000 ppm. A detailed analysis of geometrical relations between computed electric field gradient (EFG) and chemical shift (CS) tensors with respect to structural features of cluster units was carried out. These tensors on niobium sites are almost axially symmetric with parallel orientation of the largest EFG and the smallest CS principal axes (Vzz and δ33) coinciding with the molecular four-fold axis of the [Nb6X12](2+) unit. Bridging halogen sites are characterized by large asymmetry of EFG and CS tensors, the largest EFG principal axis (Vzz) is perpendicular to the X-Nb bonds, while intermediate EFG principal axis (Vyy) and the largest CS principal axis (δ11) are oriented in the radial direction with respect to the center of the cluster unit. For more symmetrical bromide compound the PAW predictions for EFG parameters are in better correspondence with the NMR/NQR measurements than in the less symmetrical chlorine compound. Theoretically predicted NMR parameters of bridging halogen sites were checked by (79/81)Br NQR and (35)Cl solid-state NMR measurements.

Soluble μ-Fibridged niobium clusters: synthesis and crystal structures of (Et4N)6[Nb6Fi6Bri6(NCS)a6]Br2and Cs1.6K2.4[Nb6Fi6Ii6(NCS)a6]

Two new anions [Nb(6)F(i)(6)X(i)(6)(NCS)(a)(6)](4-)(X = Br, I) based on octahedral niobium clusters with edge-bridging F ligands have been prepared by reaction of Cs(3)Nb(6)F(6)Br(12) and Cs(4)Nb(6)F(8.5)I(9.5) with aqueous solution of KSCN. The anions were isolated as (Et(4)N)(6)[Nb(6)F(6)Br(6)(NCS)(6)]Br(2) (1)and Cs(1.6)K(2.4)[Nb(6)F(6)I(6)(NCS)(6)] (2) salts.