X-ray crystal structures of alpha-KrF(2),[KrF][MF(6)](M=As,Sb,Bi),[Kr(2)F(3)][SbF(6).KrF(2), [Ke(2)F(3)2[SbF(6)]2.KrF(2), and [Kr(2)F(3)][AsF(6)].[KrF][AsF(6)]; synthesis and characterization of [Kr(2)F(3)][PF(6).nKrF(2); and theoretical studies of KrF(2), KrF+, Kr(2)F(3)+, and the [KrF][MF(6)](M=P,As,Sb,Bi) ion pairs

Chromium(VI) Oxyfluoride Dianions, [Cr2 O4 F6 ]2- and [CrO2 F4 ]2- ; Syntheses and Structures of [XeF5 ]2 [Cr2 O4 F6 ], [XeF5 ]2 [Cr2 O4 F6 ] ⋅ nX (X=HF, n=4; X=XeOF4 , n=2), and [XeF5 ][Xe2 F11 ][CrO2 F4 ]

The fluorobasic character of the strong oxidative fluorinator, XeF6 , and the oxidative resistance of the [XeF5 ]+ and [Xe2 F11 ]+ cations have been exploited for the syntheses of several novel Cr(VI) dianion salts. The reactions of XeF6 and CrO2 F2 in anhydrous HF and by direct fusion of the reactants in melts have yielded the first dinuclear Cr(VI) oxyfluoro-dianion salts, [XeF5 ]2 [Cr2 O4 F6 ], [XeF5 ]2 [Cr2 O4 F6 ] ⋅ 4HF, [XeF5 ]2 [Cr2 O4 F6 ] ⋅ 2XeOF4 , and mononuclear Cr(VI) oxyfluoro-dianion salt, [XeF5 ][Xe2 F11 ][CrO2 F4 ]. The salts were structurally characterized by low-temperature (LT) single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) and LT Raman spectroscopy. The [CrO2 F4 ]2- and [Cr2 O4 F6 ]2- dianions have distorted octahedral cis-dioxo Cr(VI) coordination spheres in which two F-atoms are trans to one another and two F-atoms are trans to O-atoms, where the [Cr2 O4 F6 ]2- dianion is the fluorine-bridged dimer of the [CrO2 F3 ]- anion. Quantum-chemical calculations were used to obtain the energy-minimized, gas-phase geometries, and the calculated vibrational spectra of the gas-phase dianions and their ion-pairs, which were used to aid in the vibrational frequency assignments of the crystalline salts. NBO and MEPS analyses and SCXRD show these salts are comprised of intimate ion-pairs in which their cations and anions interact through primarily electrostatic Xe- - -F σ-hole bonds.

Noble-Gas Difluoride Complexes of MOF4 (M = Mo, W); Syntheses, Structures and Bonding of NgF2·MOF4 and XeF2·2MOF4 (Ng = Kr, Xe)

The NgF 2 ∙MOF 4 (Ng = Kr, Xe; M = Mo, W) and XeF 2 ∙2MOF 4 complexes were synthesized in anhydrous HF (aHF) solvent and melts, respectively. Their single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) structures show NgF 2 ∙MOF 4 and XeF 2 ·2MOF 4 have F t -Ng-F b ---M arrangements, in which the NgF 2 ligands coordinate to MOF 4 through Ng-F b ---M bridges. The XeF 2 ligands of XeF 2 ·2MOF 4 also coordinate to F 3 OM-F b '---M'OF 4 moieties through Xe-F b ---M bridges to form F t -Xe-F b ---M(OF 3 )-F b '---M'OF 4 , where XeF 2   coordinates trans to the M=O bond and F b ' coordinates trans to the M'=O bond. The Ng-F t , Ng-F b , and M---F b bond lengths of NgF 2 ∙ n MOF 4 are consistent with MOF 4 and F 3 OM-F b '---M'OF 4 fluoride-ion affinity trends: CrOF 4 < MoOF 4 < WOF 4 ≈ F 3 OMo-F b '---Mo'OF 4 < F 3 OW-F b '---W'OF 4 . The [--(F 4 OMo)( µ 3 -F)H---H( µ -F)--] ∞ and [H 2 F][W 2 O 2 F 9 ] solvates were also synthesized in aHF and characterized by SCXRD. Quantum-chemical calculations show the M---F b bonds of NgF 2 ·MOF 4 and XeF 2 ·2MOF 4 are predominantly electrostatic, σ-hole type bonds.

Syntheses and Characterizations of the Mixed Noble-Gas Compounds, [FKrII FXeII F][AsF6 ]⋅0.5 KrII F2 ⋅2 HF, ([KrII 2 F3 ][AsF6 ])2 ⋅XeIV F4 , and XeIV F4 ⋅KrII F2

Reaction of [XeF][AsF₆ ] with excess KrF₂ at -78 °C in anhydrous HF (aHF) solvent has yielded the first mixed Kr^II /Xe^II noble-gas compound, [FKrFXeF][AsF₆ ] ⋅0.5 KrF₂ ⋅2 HF, a salt of the [FKrFXeF]⁺ cation. The potent oxidative fluorinating properties of Kr^II fluoride species resulted in oxidation of Xe^II to Xe^IV in aHF at -60 °C to form the mixed Kr^II /Xe^IV cocrystals, ([Kr₂ F₃ ][AsF₆ ])₂ ⋅XeF₄ and XeF₄ ⋅KrF₂ . Further decomposition at 22 °C resulted in oxidation of Xe^IV to Xe^VI to give the recently reported Kr^II /Xe^VI complexes, [F₅ Xe(FKrF)_n ][AsF₆ ] (n=1, 2), [F₅ Xe][AsF₆ ], and a new Kr^II /Xe^VI complex, [(F₅ Xe)₂ (μ-FKrF)(AsF₆ )₂ ], which was characterized by low-temperature (LT) Raman spectroscopy. The [FKrFXeF][AsF₆ ]⋅0.5 KrF₂ ⋅2 HF, ([Kr₂ F₃ ][AsF₆ ])₂ ⋅XeF₄  , and XeF₄ ⋅KrF₂ compounds were characterized by LT Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Quantum-chemical calculations were used to assess the bonding in [FKrFXeF]⁺ , [Kr₂ F₃ ]⁺ , and [Xe₂ F₃ ]⁺ and to aid in their vibrational assignments.

Coloring and distortion variants of the bcc packing and for the aristotypes BaAl4 and CeMg2Si2

The huge number of intermetallic structure types with many representatives calls for structural systemization. The combination of crystal chemistry with group theory is an efficient tool for such systemization and can be displayed in a concise and compact way via group-subgroup schemes. The present overview deals with such group-subgroup schemes (Bärnighausen trees) for coloring and distortion variants of the bcc packing as well as superstructures that derive from the aristotypes BaAl4 and CeMg2Si2.

Mixed Noble-Gas Compounds of Krypton(II) and Xenon(VI); [F5 Xe(FKrF)AsF6 ] and [F5 Xe(FKrF)2 AsF6 ]

The coordination chemistry of KrF₂ has been limited in contrast with that of XeF₂ , which exhibits a far richer coordination chemistry with main-group and transition-metal cations. In the present work, reactions of [XeF₅ ][AsF₆ ] with KrF₂ in anhydrous HF solvent afforded [F₅ Xe(FKrF)AsF₆ ] and [F₅ Xe(FKrF)₂ AsF₆ ], the first mixed krypton/xenon compounds. X-ray crystal structures and Raman spectra show the KrF₂ ligands and [AsF₆ ]^- anions are F-coordinated to the xenon atoms of the [XeF₅ ]⁺ cations. Quantum-chemical calculations are consistent with essentially noncovalent ligand-xenon bonds that may be described in terms of σ-hole bonding. These complexes significantly extend the XeF₂ -KrF₂ analogy and the limited chemistry of krypton by introducing a new class of coordination compound in which KrF₂ functions as a ligand that coordinates to xenon(VI). The HF solvates, [F₅ Xe(FH)AsF₆ ] and [F₅ Xe(FH)SbF₆ ], are also characterized in this study and they provide rare examples of HF coordinated to xenon(VI).

Chromium Oxide Tetrafluoride and Its Reactions with Xenon Hexafluoride; the [XeF5 ]+ and [Xe2 F11 ]+ Salts of the [CrVI OF5 ]- , [CrV OF5 ]2- , [CrV 2 O2 F8 ]2- , and [CrIV F6 ]2- Anions

Molten mixtures of XeF₆ and Cr^VI OF₄ react by means of F₂ elimination to form [XeF₅ ][Xe₂ F₁₁ ][Cr^V OF₅ ]⋅2 Cr^VI OF₄ , [XeF₅ ]₂ [Cr^IV F₆ ]⋅2 Cr^VI OF₄ , [Xe₂ F₁₁ ]₂ [Cr^IV F₆ ], and [XeF₅ ]₂ [Cr^V ₂ O₂ F₈ ], whereas their reactions in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) and CFCl₃ /aHF yield [XeF₅ ]₂ [Cr^V ₂ O₂ F₈ ]⋅2 HF and [XeF₅ ]₂ [Cr^V ₂ O₂ F₈ ]⋅2 XeOF₄ . Other than [Xe₂ F₁₁ ][M^VI OF₅ ] and [XeF₅ ][M^VI ₂ O₂ F₉ ] (M=Mo or W), these salts are the only Group 6 oxyfluoro-anions known to stabilize noble-gas cations. Their reaction pathways involve redox transformations that give [XeF₅ ]⁺ and/or [Xe₂ F₁₁ ]⁺ salts of the known [Cr^V OF₅ ]^2- and [Cr^IV F₆ ]^2- anions, and the novel [Cr^V ₂ O₂ F₈ ]^2- anion. A low-temperature Raman spectroscopic study of an equimolar mixture of solid XeF₆ and CrOF₄ revealed that [Xe₂ F₁₁ ][Cr^VI OF₅ ] is formed as a reaction intermediate. The salts were structurally characterized by LT single-crystal X-ray diffraction and LT Raman spectroscopy, and provide the first structural characterizations of the [Cr^V OF₅ ]^2- and [Cr^V ₂ O₂ F₈ ]^2- anions, where [Cr^V ₂ O₂ F₈ ]^2- represents a new structural motif among the known oxyfluoro-anions of Group 6. The X-ray structures show that [XeF₅ ]⁺ and [Xe₂ F₁₁ ]⁺ form ion pairs with their respective anions by means of Xe- - -F-Cr bridges. Quantum-chemical calculations were carried out to obtain the energy-minimized, gas-phase geometries and the vibrational frequencies of the anions and their ion pairs and to aid in the assignments of their Raman spectra.

Syntheses, Structures, and Bonding of NgF2 ⋅CrOF4 , NgF2 ⋅2CrOF4 (Ng=Kr, Xe), and (CrOF4 )∞

The noble-gas difluoride adducts, NgF₂ ⋅CrOF₄ and NgF₂ ⋅2CrOF₄ (Ng=Kr and Xe), have been synthesized and structurally characterized at low temperatures by Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The low fluoride ion affinity of CrOF₄ renders it incapable of inducing fluoride ion transfer from NgF₂ (Ng=Kr and Xe) to form ion-paired salts of the [NgF]⁺ cations having either the [CrOF₅ ]^- or [Cr₂ O₂ F₉ ]^- anions. The crystal structures show the NgF₂ ⋅CrOF₄ adducts are comprised of F_t -Ng-F_b - - -Cr(O)F₄ structural units in which NgF₂ is weakly coordinated to CrOF₄ by means of a fluorine bridge, F_b , in which Ng-F_b is elongated relative to the terminal Ng-F_t bond. In contrast with XeF₂ ⋅2MOF₄ (M=Mo or W) and KrF₂ ⋅2MoOF₄ , in which the Lewis acidic, F₄ (O)M- - -F_b - - -M(O)F₃ moiety coordinates to Ng through a single M- - -F_b -Ng bridge, both fluorine ligands of NgF₂ coordinate to CrOF₄ molecules to form F₄ (O)Cr- - -F_b -Ng-F_b - - -Cr(O)F₄ adducts in which both Ng-F_b bonds are only marginally elongated relative to the Ng-F bonds of free NgF₂ . Quantum-chemical calculations show that the Cr-F_b bonds of NgF₂ ⋅CrOF₄ and NgF₂ ⋅2CrOF₄ are predominantly electrostatic with a small degree of covalent character that accounts for their nonlinear Cr- - -F_b -Ng bridge angles and staggered O-Cr- - -F_b -Ng-F_t dihedral angles. The crystal structures and Raman spectra of two CrOF₄ polymorphs have also been obtained. Both are comprised of fluorine-bridged chains that are cis- and trans-fluorine-bridged with respect to oxygen.

A Homoleptic KrF2 Complex, [Hg(KrF2 )8 ][AsF6 ]2 ⋅2 HF

The reaction of Hg(AsF₆ )₂ with a large molar excess of KrF₂ in anhydrous HF has afforded the first homoleptic KrF₂ coordination complex of a metal cation, [Hg(KrF₂ )₈ ][AsF₆ ]₂ ⋅2 HF. The [Hg(KrF₂ )₈ ]²⁺ dication is well-isolated in the low-temperature crystal structure of its HF-solvated [AsF₆ ]^- salt, and consists of eight KrF₂ molecules that are terminally coordinated to Hg²⁺ by means of Hg-F(KrF) bonds to form a slightly distorted, square-antiprismatic coordination sphere around mercury. The Raman spectrum of [Hg(KrF₂ )₈ ]²⁺ was assigned with the aid of calculated gas-phase vibrational frequencies. Computational studies indicate that both electrostatic and orbital interactions are important for metal-ligand bonding and provide insight into the geometry of the [Hg(KrF₂ )₈ ]²⁺ cation and the nature of noble-gas difluoride ligand bonding.

Reactive p-block cations stabilized by weakly coordinating anions

The chemistry of the p-block elements is a huge playground for fundamental and applied work. With their bonding from electron deficient to hypercoordinate and formally hypervalent, the p-block elements represent an area to find terra incognita. Often, the formation of cations that contain p-block elements as central ingredient is desired, for example to make a compound more Lewis acidic for an application or simply to prove an idea. This review has collected the reactive p-block cations (rPBC) with a comprehensive focus on those that have been published since the year 2000, but including the milestones and key citations of earlier work. We include an overview on the weakly coordinating anions (WCAs) used to stabilize the rPBC and give an overview to WCA selection, ionization strategies for rPBC-formation and finally list the rPBC ordered in their respective group from 13 to 18. However, typical, often more organic ion classes that constitute for example ionic liquids (imidazolium, ammonium, etc.) were omitted, as were those that do not fulfill the - naturally subjective -"reactive"-criterion of the rPBC. As a rule, we only included rPBC with crystal structure and only rarely refer to important cations published without crystal structure. This collection is intended for those who are simply interested what has been done or what is possible, as well as those who seek advice on preparative issues, up to people having a certain application in mind, where the knowledge on the existence of a rPBC that might play a role as an intermediate or active center may be useful.

Krypton oxides under pressure

Under high pressure, krypton, one of the most inert elements is predicted to become sufficiently reactive to form a new class of krypton compounds; krypton oxides. Using modern ab-initio evolutionary algorithms in combination with Density Functional Theory, we predict the existence of several thermodynamically stable Kr/O species at elevated pressures. In particular, our calculations indicate that at approx. 300 GPa the monoxide, KrO, should form spontaneously and remain thermo- and dynamically stable with respect to constituent elements and higher oxides. The monoxide is predicted to form non-molecular crystals with short Kr-O contacts, typical for genuine chemical bonds.

High-pressure stabilization of argon fluorides

On account of the rapid development of noble gas chemistry in the past half-century both xenon and krypton compounds can now be isolated in macroscopic quantities. The same does not hold true for the next lighter group 18 element, argon, which forms only isolated molecules stable solely in low temperature matrices or supersonic jet streams. Here we present theoretical investigations into a new high-pressure reaction pathway, which enables synthesis of argon fluorides in bulk and at room temperature. Our hybrid DFT calculations (employing the HSE06 functional) indicate that above 60 GPa ArF2-containing molecular crystals can be obtained by a reaction between argon and molecular fluorine.

The saturation of the gas phase acidity of nHF/AlF3 and nHF/GeF4 (n = 1–6) superacids caused by increasing the number of surrounding HF molecules

The acidic strength of selected Brønsted/Lewis superacids is evaluated on the basis of theoretical calculations carried out at the QCISD/6-311++G(d,p) level.

Br2F7− and Br3F10−: peculiar anions showing μ2- and μ3-bridging F-atoms

RbCl and CsCl react with BrF₃ yielding the corresponding decafluoridotribromates(iii), MBr₃F₁₀ (M = Rb, Cs), which were structurally characterized for the first time.

Interlayer coupling in two-dimensional titanium carbide MXenes

The interlayer coupling in Ti_n+1C_nT₂(n= 1 and 2, T = OH, O and F) is significantly stronger than van der Waals bonding, as evidenced by the fact that binding energies are 2–6 times those of graphite and MoS₂from first-principles calculations.

Noble-gas difluoride complexes of mercury(II): the syntheses and structures of Hg(OTeF5)2·1.5NgF2 (Ng = Xe, Kr) and Hg(OTeF5)2

The synthesis of high-purity Hg(OTeF5)2 has resulted in its structural characterization in the solid state by Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and in solution by (19)F NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of Hg(OTeF5)2 (-173 °C) consists of discrete Hg(OTeF5)2 units having gauche-conformations that interact through long Hg---O and Hg---F intramolecular contacts to give a chain structure. The Lewis acidity of Hg(OTeF5)2 toward NgF2 (Ng = Xe, Kr) was investigated in SO2ClF solvent and shown to form stable coordination complexes with NgF2 at -78 °C. Both complexes were characterized by low-temperature Raman spectroscopy (-155 °C) and single-crystal XRD. The complexes are isostructural and are formulated as Hg(OTeF5)2·1.5NgF2. The Hg(OTeF5)2 units of Hg(OTeF5)2·1.5NgF2 also have gauche-conformations and are linked through bridging NgF2 molecules, also resulting in chain structures. These complexes represent the only examples of coordination compounds where NgF2 coordinates to mercury in a neutral covalent compound and the only example of mercury coordinated to KrF2. Moreover, the Hg(OTeF5)2·1.5KrF2 complex is the only KrF2 complex known to contain a bridging KrF2 ligand. Energy-minimized gas-phase geometries and vibrational frequencies for the model compounds, [Hg(OTeF5)2]3 and [Hg(OTeF5)2]3·2NgF2, were obtained and provide good approximations of the local environments of Hg(OTeF5)2 and NgF2 in the crystal structures of Hg(OTeF5)2 and Hg(OTeF5)2·1.5NgF2. Assignments of the Raman spectra of Hg(OTeF5)2 and Hg(OTeF5)2·1.5NgF2 are based on the calculated vibrational frequencies of the model compounds. Natural bond orbital analyses provided the associated bond orders, valencies, and natural population analysis charges.

[Li(XeF2)n](AF6) (A = P, As, Ru, Ir), the first xenon(II) compounds of lithium. Synthesis, Raman spectrum, and crystal structure of [Li(XeF2)3](AsF6)

The reactions between compounds of the type MAF6 (M = alkali metal; A = P, As, V, Ru, Ir, Sb, Nb, Ta) and xenon difluoride were studied in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride solvent. The coordination products [M(XeF2)n]AsF6 were only observed in the case of LiAF6 (A = P, As, Ru, Ir), and the crystal structure of [Li(XeF2)3]AsF6 was determined (monoclinic space group P21 with a = 6.901(9) Å, b = 13.19(2) Å, c = 6.91(1) Å, β = 91.84(2)°, and Z = 2). The coordination sphere of lithium is comprised of six F atoms. The compound series was also characterized by Raman spectroscopy.

Xe3OF3(+), a precursor to a noble-gas nitrate; syntheses and structural characterizations of FXeONO2, XeF2·HNO3, and XeF2·N2O4

Xenon fluoride nitrate has been synthesized by reaction of NO(2)F with [FXeOXeFXeF][AsF(6)] at -50 °C. It was characterized in SO(2)ClF and CH(3)CN solutions by low-temperature (14)N, (19)F, and (129)Xe NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by low-temperature Raman spectroscopy (-160 °C) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (-173 °C). The reactions were carried out using natural abundance and (18)O-enriched [FXeOXeFXeF][AsF(6)] and (15)NO(2)F to aid in the vibrational assignments of FXeONO(2) and to establish the likely reaction pathway. Raman spectroscopy showed that FXe(16)ON((16)O(18)O) was formed, along with XeF(2) and [NO(2)][AsF(6)], when an excess of N(16)O(2)F reacted with [FXe(18)OXeFXeF][AsF(6)]. A reaction mechanism consistent with these findings is discussed. The crystal structure consists of well-separated FXeONO(2) molecules which display no significant intermolecular interactions, providing geometric parameters that are in good agreement with the gas-phase values determined from quantum-chemical calculations. Decomposition of solid FXeONO(2) is proposed to occur by three reaction pathways to give XeF(2), Xe, O(2), N(2)O(5), N(2)O(4), and NO(2)F. Attempts to synthesize FXeONO(2) and Xe(ONO(2))(2) by reaction of XeF(2) with HNO(3) in SO(2)ClF solution below -30 °C led to XeF(2)·HNO(3). The structure of XeF(2)·HNO(3) includes a hydrogen bond between HNO(3) and a fluorine atom of XeF(2), as well as an interaction between the xenon atom and an oxygen atom of HNO(3), leading to a crystal lattice comprised of layered sheets. A molecular addition compound between XeF(2) and N(2)O(4) crystallized from liquid N(2)O(4) below 0 °C. The crystal structure of XeF(2)·N(2)O(4) displayed weak interactions between the xenon atom of XeF(2) and the oxygen atoms of N(2)O(4). Quantum-chemical calculations have been used to assign the vibrational spectra of FXeONO(2), XeF(2)·HNO(3), and XeF(2)·N(2)O(4) and to better understand the nature of the interactions of HNO(3) and N(2)O(4) with XeF(2). The synthesis of [XeONO(2)][AsF(6)] was attempted by the reaction of FXeONO(2) with excess liquid AsF(5) between -78 and -50 °C, but resulted in slow formation of [NO(2)][AsF(6)], Xe, and O(2). Thermodynamic calculations show that the pathways to [XeONO(2)][AsF(6)] formation and decomposition are exothermic and spontaneous under standard conditions and at -78 °C.

A rare example of a krypton difluoride coordination compound: [BrOF2][AsF6] x 2 KrF2

The synthesis of [BrOF(2)][AsF(6)] x 2 KrF(2), its structural characterization, and bonding are described in this study. Although several KrF(2) adducts with transition metal centers have been previously reported, none have been crystallographically characterized. The solid-state Raman spectrum of [BrOF(2)][AsF(6)] x 2 KrF(2) has been assigned with the aid of quantum-chemical calculations. The low-temperature (-173 degrees C) X-ray crystal structure of [BrOF(2)][AsF(6)] x 2 KrF(2) consists of isolated molecular units and represents an example of KrF(2) coordinated to a main-group atom. The coordination geometry around the BrOF(2)(+) cation renders the free valence electron lone pair more compact than in free BrOF(2)(+). The KrF(2) ligands are coordinated trans to the fluorine atoms of BrOF(2)(+) with the AsF(6)(-) anion coordinated trans to oxygen. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and electron localization function (ELF) analyses have been carried out in order to define the nature of the bonding in the complex. A significant amount of charge (0.25 e) is transferred to BrOF(2)(+) from the two KrF(2) ligands (0.10 e each) and from the AsF(6)(-) anion (0.05 e). Significant polarization also occurs within the KrF(2) ligands, which enhances the anionic characters of the fluorine bridges. The interaction energy is mostly governed by the electrostatic interaction of the positively charged bromine atom with the surrounding fluorine atoms.

XeOF2, F2OXeN identical with CCH3, and XeOF2.nHF: rare examples of Xe(IV) oxide fluorides

The syntheses of XeOF2, F2OXeNCCH3, and XeOF2.nHF and their structural characterizations are described in this study. All three compounds are explosive at temperatures approaching 0 degrees C. Although XeOF2 had been previously reported, it had not been isolated as a pure compound. Xenon oxide difluoride has now been characterized in CH3CN solution by 19F, 17O, and 129Xe NMR spectroscopy. The solid-state Raman spectra of XeOF2, F2OXeNCCH3, and XeOF2.nHF have been assigned with the aid of 16O/18O and 1H/2H enrichment studies and electronic structure calculations. In the solid state, the structure of XeOF2 is a weakly associated, planar monomer, ruling out previous speculation that it may possess a polymeric chain structure. The geometry of XeOF2 is consistent with a trigonal bipyramidal, AX2YE2, VSEPR arrangement that gives rise to a T-shaped geometry in which the two free valence electron lone pairs and Xe-O bond domain occupy the trigonal plane and the Xe-F bond domains are trans to one another and perpendicular to the trigonal plane. Quantum mechanical calculations and the Raman spectra of XeOF2.nHF indicate that the structure likely contains a single HF molecule that is H-bonded to oxygen and also weakly F-coordinated to xenon. The low-temperature (-173 degrees C) X-ray crystal structure of F2OXeNCCH3 reveals a long Xe-N bond trans to the Xe-O bond and a geometrical arrangement about xenon in which the atoms directly bonded to xenon are coplanar and CH3CN acts as a fourth ligand in the equatorial plane. The two fluorine atoms are displaced away from the oxygen atom toward the Xe-N bond. The structure contains two sets of crystallographically distinct F2OXeNCCH3 molecules in which the bent Xe-N-C moiety lies either in or out of the XeOF2 plane. The geometry about xenon is consistent with an AX2YZE2 VSEPR arrangement of bond pairs and electron lone pairs and represents a rare example of a Xe(IV)-N bond.

Synthesis of [F3S⋮NXeF][AsF6] and Structural Study by Multi-NMR and Raman Spectroscopy, Electronic Structure Calculations, and X-ray Crystallography

The salt, [F3S(triple bond)NXeF][AsF6], has been synthesized by the reaction of [XeF][AsF6] with liquid N(triple bond)SF3 at -20 degrees C. The Xe-N bonded cation provides a rare example of xenon bound to an inorganic nitrogen base in which nitrogen is formally sp-hybridized. The F3S(triple bond)NXeF+ cation was characterized by Raman spectroscopy at -150 degrees C and by 129Xe, 19F, and 14N NMR spectroscopy in HF solution at -20 degrees C and in BrF5 solution at -60 degrees C. Colorless [F3S(triple bond)NXeF][AsF6] was crystallized from HF solvent at -45 degrees C, and its low-temperature X-ray crystal structure was determined. The Xe-N bond is among the longest Xe-N bonds known (2.236(4) A), whereas the Xe-F bond length (1.938(3) A) is significantly shorter than that of XeF2 but longer than in XeF+ salts. The Xe-F and Xe-N bond lengths are similar to those of HC(triple bond)NXeF+, placing it among the most ionic Xe-N bonds known. The nonlinear Xe-N-S angle (142.6(3)o) contrasts with the linear angle predicted by electronic structure calculations and is attributed to close N...F contacts within the crystallographic unit cell. Electronic structure calculations at the MP2 and DFT levels of theory were used to calculate the gas-phase geometries, charges, bond orders, and valencies of F3S(triple bond)NXeF+ and to assign vibrational frequencies. The calculated small energy difference (7.9 kJ mol-1) between bent and linear Xe-N-S angles also indicates that the bent geometry is likely the result of crystal packing. The structural studies, natural bond orbital analyses, and calculated gas-phase dissociation enthalpies reveal that F3S(triple bond)NXeF+ is among the weakest donor-acceptor adducts of XeF+ with an Xe-N donor-acceptor interaction that is very similar to that of HC(triple bond)NXeF+, but considerably stronger than that of F3S(triple bond)NAsF5. Despite the low dissociation enthalpy of the donor-acceptor bond in F3S(triple bond)NXeF+, 129Xe, 19F, and 14N NMR studies reveal that the F3S(triple bond)NXeF+ cation is nonlabile at low temperatures in HF and BrF5 solvents.

Syntheses of [F5TeNH3][AsF6], [F5TeN(H)Xe][AsF6], and F5TeNF2 and Characterization by Multi-NMR and Raman Spectroscopy and by Electronic Structure Calculations: The X-ray Crystal Structures of α- and β-F5TeNH2, [F5TeNH3][AsF6], and [F5TeN(H)Xe][AsF6]

The salt, [F5TeN(H)Xe][AsF6], has been synthesized in the natural abundance and 99.5% 15N-enriched forms. The F5TeN(H)Xe+ cation has been obtained as the product of the reactions of [F5TeNH3][AsF6] with XeF2 (HF and BrF5 solvents) and F5TeNH2 with [XeF][AsF6] (HF solvent) and characterized in solution by 129Xe, 19F, 125Te, 1H, and 15N NMR spectroscopy at -60 to -30 degrees C. The orange [F5TeN(H)Xe][AsF6] and colorless [F5TeNH3][AsF6] salts were crystallized as a mixture from HF solvent at -35 degrees C and were characterized by Raman spectroscopy at -165 degrees C and by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of the low-temperature phase, alpha-F5TeNH2, was obtained by crystallization from liquid SO2 between -50 and -70 degrees C and is fully ordered. The high-temperature phase, beta-F5TeNH2, was obtained by sublimation at room temperature and exhibits a 6-fold disorder. Decomposition of [F5TeN(H)Xe][AsF6] in the solid state was rapid above -30 degrees C. The decomposition of F5TeN(H)Xe+ in HF and BrF5 solution at -33 degrees C proceeded by fluorination at nitrogen to give F5TeNF2 and Xe gas. Electronic structure calculations at the Hartree-Fock and local density-functional theory levels were used to calculate the gas-phase geometries, charges, Mayer bond orders, and Mayer valencies of F5TeNH2, F5TeNH3+, F5TeN(H)Xe+, [F5TeN(H)Xe][AsF6], F5TeNF2, and F5TeN2- and to assign their experimental vibrational frequencies. The F5TeN(H)Xe+ and the ion pair, [F5TeN(H)Xe][AsF6], systems were also calculated at the MP2 and gradient-corrected (B3LYP) levels.

Syntheses and X-ray Crystal Structures of α- and β-[XeO2F][SbF6], [XeO2F][AsF6], [FO2XeFXeO2F][AsF6], and [XeF5][SbF6]·XeOF4 and Computational Studies of the XeO2F+ and FO2XeFXeO2F+ Cations and Related Species

Reactions of XeO2F2 with the strong fluoride ion acceptors, AsF5 and SbF5, in anhydrous HF solvent give rise to alpha- and beta-[XeO2F][SbF6], [XeO2F][AsF6], and [FO2XeFXeO2F][AsF6]. The crystal structures of alpha-[XeO2F][SbF6] and [XeO2F][AsF6] consist of trigonal-pyramidal XeO2F+ cations, which are consistent with an AXY2E VSEPR arrangement, and distorted octahedral MF6- (M = As, Sb) anions. The beta-phase of [XeO2F][SbF6] is a tetramer in which the xenon atoms of four XeO2F+ cations and the antimony atoms of four SbF6- anions are positioned at alternate corners of a cube. The FO2XeFXeO2F+ cations of [FO(2)XeFXeO2F][AsF6] are comprised of two XeO2F units that are bridged by a fluorine atom, providing a bent Xe- - -F- - -Xe arrangement. The angle subtended by the bridging fluorine atom, a xenon atom, and the terminal fluorine atom of the XeO2F group is bent toward the valence electron lone-pair domain on xenon, so that each F- - -XeO2F moiety resembles the AX(2)Y(2)E arrangement and geometry of the parent XeO2F2 molecule. Reaction of XeF6 with [H3O][SbF6] in a 1:2 molar ratio in anhydrous HF predominantly yielded [XeF5][SbF6].XeOF4 as well as [XeO2F][Sb2F11]. The crystal structure of the former salt was also determined. The energy-minimized, gas-phase MP2 geometries for the XeO2F+ and FO2XeFXeO2F+ cations are compared with the experimental and calculated geometries of the related species IO2F, TeO2F-, XeO2(OTeF5)+, XeO2F2, and XeO2(OTeF5)2. The bonding in these species has been described by natural bond orbital and electron localization function analyses. The standard enthalpies and Gibbs free energies for reactions leading to XeO2F+ and FO2XeFXeO2F+ salts from MF5 (M = As, Sb) and XeO2F2 were obtained from Born-Haber cycles and are mildly exothermic and positive, respectively. When the reactions are carried out in anhydrous HF at low temperatures, the salts are readily formed and crystallized from the reaction medium. With the exception of [XeO2F][AsF6], the XeO2F+ and FO2XeFXeO2F+ salts are kinetically stable toward dissociation to XeO2F2 and MF5 at room temperature. The salt, [XeO2F][AsF6], readily dissociates to [FO2XeFXeO2F][AsF6] and AsF5 under dynamic vacuum at 0 degree C. The decompositions of XeO2F+ salts to the corresponding XeF+ salts and O2 are exothermic and spontaneous but slow at room temperature.

Synthesis and characterization of salts containing the BrO(3)F(2)(-) anion; a rare example of a bromine(VII) species

The BrO(3)F(2)(-) anion has been prepared by reaction of BrO(3)F with the fluoride ion donors KF, RbF, CsF, [N(CH(3))(4)][F], and NOF. The BrO(3)F(2)(-) anion is only the fourth Br(VII) species to have been isolated in macroscopic quantities, and it is one of only three oxide fluorides that possess D(3)(h)() symmetry, the others being XeO(3)F(2) and OsO(3)F(2). The fluoride ion acceptor properties of BrO(3)F contrast with those of ClO(3)F, which does not react with the strong fluoride ion donor [N(CH(3))(4)][F] to form the analogous ClO(3)F(2)(-) salt. The single-crystal X-ray structures of [NO](2)[BrO(3)F(2)][F] and [N(CH(3))(4)][BrO(3)F(2)] confirm the D(3)(h)() symmetry of the BrO(3)F(2)(-) anion and provide accurate Br-O (1.593(3)-1.610(6) A) and Br-F (1.849(5)-1.827(4) A) bond lengths. The salt, [NO](2)[BrO(3)F(2)][F], is fully ordered, crystallizing in the monoclinic space group, C2/c, with a = 9.892(3) A, b = 12.862(4) A, c = 10.141(4) A, beta = 90.75(2) degrees , V = 12460(7) A(3), Z = 4, and R(1) = 0.0671 at -173 degrees C, whereas [N(CH(3))(4))][BrO(3)F(2)] exhibits a 2-fold disorder of the anion, crystallizing in the tetragonal space group, P4/nmm, with a = 8.5718(7) A, c = 5.8117(6) A, V = 427.02(7) A(3), Z = 2, and R(1) = 0.0314 at -173 degrees C. The (19)F chemical shift of [N(CH(3))(4))][BrO(3)F(2)] in CH(3)CN is 237.0 ppm and is more deshielded than those of the previously investigated Br(VII) species, BrO(3)F and BrF(6)(+). The vibrational frequencies of the BrO(3)F(2)(-) anion were determined by use of Raman and infrared spectroscopy and were assigned with the aid of electronic structure calculations and by analogy with the vibrational assignments reported for XeO(3)F(2) and OsO(3)F(2). The internal and symmetry force constants of BrO(3)F(2)(-) were determined by use of general valence force field and B-matrix methods, respectively, and are compared with those of XeO(3)F(2), OsO(3)F(2), and the unknown ClO(3)F(2)(-) anion. The instability of ClO(3)F(2)(-) relative to BrO(3)F(2)(-) has been investigated by electronic structure calculations and rationalized in terms of atomic charges, Mayer bond orders, and Mayer valencies, and the enthalpies of fluoride ion attachment to BrO(3)F and ClO(3)F.

Synthesis, structural characterization, and computational study of the strong oxidant salt [XeOTeF5][Sb(OTeF5)6].SO2ClF

The strong oxidant salt [XeOTeF(5)][Sb(OTeF(5))(6)].SO(2)ClF has been synthesized by reaction of stoichiometric amounts of Xe(OTeF(5))(2) and Sb(OTeF(5))(3) in SO(2)ClF solution at -78 degrees C and characterized in SO(2)ClF solution by low-temperature (17)O, (19)F, (121)Sb, (125)Te, and (129)Xe NMR spectroscopy, showing the Xe...O donor-acceptor bond XeOTeF(5)(+).SO(2)ClF adduct-cation to be labile at temperatures as low as -80 degrees C. The salt crystallizes from SO(2)ClF as [XeOTeF(5)][Sb(OTeF(5))(6)].SO(2)ClF, and the low-temperature crystal structure was obtained: triclinic, P, a = 9.7665(5) A, b = 9.9799(4) A, c = 18.5088(7) A, alpha = 89.293(2) degrees , beta = 82.726(2) degrees , gamma = 87.433(3) degrees , V = 1787.67(13) A(3), Z = 2, and R(1) = 0.0.0451 at -173 degrees C. Unlike MF(6)(-) in [XeF][MF(6)] (e.g., M = As, Sb, Bi) and [XeOTeF(5)][AsF(6)], the Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) anion is significantly less basic and does not interact with the coordinately unsaturated xenon(II) cation. Rather, the XeOTeF(5)(+) cation and weak Lewis base, SO(2)ClF, interact by coordination of an oxygen atom of SO(2)ClF to xenon [Xe...O, 2.471(5) A]. The XeOTeF(5)(+).SO(2)ClF adduct-cation has also been studied by low-temperature Raman spectroscopy, providing frequencies that have been assigned to adducted SO(2)ClF. The solid-state Raman spectra of XeOTeF(5)(+).SO(2)ClF and Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) have been assigned with the aid of electronic structure calculations. In addition to optimized geometries and vibrational frequencies, theoretical data, including gas-phase donor-acceptor bond energies, natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses, and topological analyses based on electron localization functions (ELF), provide descriptions of the bonding in XeOTeF(5)(+).SO(2)ClF and related systems. The quantum mechanical calculations provided consistent trends for the relative strengths of the Xe...O donor-acceptor bond in XeOTeF(5)(+).SO(2)ClF and ion-pair bonds in [XeL][MF(6)] (L = F, OTeF(5); M = As, Sb), with the Xe...O bond of XeOTeF(5)(+).SO(2)ClF being the weakest in the series.

X-ray Crystal Structures of [XF6][Sb2F11] (X = Cl, Br, I); 35,37Cl, 79,81Br, and 127I NMR Studies and Electronic Structure Calculations of the XF6+ Cations

The single-crystal X-ray structures of [XF(6)][Sb(2)F(11)] (X = Cl, Br, I) have been determined and represent the first detailed crystallographic study of salts containing the XF(6)(+) cations. The three salts are isomorphous and crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with Z = 4: [ClF(6)][Sb(2)F(11)], a = 11.824(2) A, b = 8.434(2) A, c = 12.088(2) A, beta = 97.783(6) degrees , V = 1194.3(4) A(3), R(1) = 0.0488 at -130 degrees C; [BrF(6)][Sb(2)F(11)], a = 11.931(2) A, b = 8.492(2) A, c = 12.103(2) A, beta = 97.558(4) degrees , V = 1215.5(4) A(3), R(1) = 0.0707 at -130 degrees C; [IF(6)][Sb(2)F(11)], a = 11.844(1) A, b = 8.617(1) A, c = 11.979(2) A, beta = 98.915(2) degrees , V = 1207.8(3) A(3), R(1) = 0.0219 at -173 degrees C. The crystal structure of [IF(6)][Sb(2)F(11)] was also determined at -100 degrees C and was found to crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/m with Z = 4, a = 11.885(1) A, b = 8.626(1) A, c = 12.000(1) A, beta = 98.44(1), V = 1216.9(2) A(3), R(1) = 0.0635. The XF(6)(+) cations have octahedral geometries with average Cl-F, Br-F, and I-F bond lengths of 1.550(4), 1.666(11) and 1.779(6) [-173 degrees C]/1.774(8) [-100 degrees C] A, respectively. The chemical shifts of the central quadrupolar nuclei, (35,37)Cl, (79,81)Br, and (127)I, were determined for [ClF(6)][AsF(6)] (814 ppm), [BrF(6)][AsF(6)] (2080 ppm), and [IF(6)][Sb(3)F(16)] (3381 ppm) in anhydrous HF solution at 27 degrees C, and spin-inversion-recovery experiments were used to determine the T(1)-relaxation times of (35)Cl (1.32(3) s), (37)Cl (2.58(6) s), (79)Br (24.6(4) ms), (81)Br (35.4(5) ms), and (127)I (6.53(1) ms). Trends among the central halogen chemical shifts and T(1)-relaxation times of XF(6)(+), XO(4)(-), and X(-) are discussed. The isotropic (1)J-coupling constants and reduced coupling constants for the XF(6)(+) cations and isoelectronic hexafluoro species of rows 3-6 are empirically assessed in terms of the relative contributions of the Fermi-contact, spin-dipolar, and spin-orbit mechanisms. Electronic structure calculations using Hartree-Fock, MP2, and local density functional methods were used to determine the energy-minimized gas-phase geometries, atomic charges, and Mayer bond orders of the XF(6)(+) cations. The calculated vibrational frequencies are in accord with the previously published assignments and experimental vibrational frequencies of the XF(6)(+) cations. Bonding trends within the XF(6)(+) cation series have been discussed in terms of natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses, the ligand close-packed (LCP) model, and the electron localization function (ELF).

New Coordination Compounds of Cd(AsF6)2 with HF and XeF2

Two new coordination compounds of cadmium with HF and XeF2 as ligands have been synthesized. Solid white [Cd(HF)](AsF6)2 is obtained from an anhydrous HF (aHF) solution of Cd(AsF6)2. It crystallizes in a monoclinic P2(1)/c space group with a = 9.4687(14) A, b = 9.2724(11) A, c = 10.5503(18) A, beta = 104.887(7) degrees, and Z = 4. The coordination sphere of Cd consists of 7 + 2 fluorine atoms, which are in a capped trigonal-prismatic arrangement. The reaction between Cd(AsF6)2 and XeF(2 in aHF yields a solid white product at room temperature having the composition [Cd(XeF2)4](AsF6)2 after the excess XeF2 and solvent have been removed under dynamic vacuum. [Cd(XeF2)4](AsF6)2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with a = 8.6482(6) A, b = 13.5555(11) A, c = 16.6312(14) A, and Z = 4. The coordination sphere of Cd consists of eight fluorine atoms, which are at the corners of a trigonal prism with two capped side faces.