Pyridineselenolate Complexes of Copper and Indium: Precursors to CuSe(x)() and In(2)Se(3)

Molecular precursor mediated selective synthesis of phase pure cubic InSe and hexagonal In2Se3 nanostructures: new anode materials for Li-ion batteries

Indium selenides (InSe and In₂Se₃) have earned a special place among the 2D layered metal chalcogenides owing to their nontoxic nature and favourable carrier mobility. Additionally, they are also being projected as next generation battery anodes with high theoretical lithium-ion storage capacities. While the development of indium selenide-based batteries is still in its embryonic stage, a simple and easily scalable synthetic pathway to access these materials is highly desirable for energy storage applications. This study reports a controlled synthetic route to nanometric cubic InSe and hexagonal In₂Se₃ materials through proper choice of coordinating solvents from a structurally characterized air and moisture stable single source molecular precursor: tris(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidylselenolato)indium(III). The crystal structure, phase purity, composition, morphology and band gap of the nanomaterials were thoroughly evaluated by pXRD, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), respectively. The pristine InSe and In₂Se₃ nanostructures have been employed as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Both the cells deliver reasonably high initial discharge capacities with a cyclability of 200 and 620 cycles for cubic InSe and hexagonal In₂Se₃ respectively with ∼100% coulombic efficiency.

Facile one pot synthesis of highly photoresponsive coinage metal selenides (Cu1.8Se and Ag2Se) achieved through novel Cu and Ag pyridylselenolates as molecular precursors

Copper selenide (Cu_1.8Se) and silver selenide (Ag₂Se) have garnered unprecedented attention as efficient absorber materials for cost-effective and sustainable solar cells. Phase pure preparation of these exotic materials in a nano-regime is highly desirable. This account outlines a simple and easily scalable pathway to Cu_1.8Se and Ag₂Se nanocrystals using novel complexes [Cu{2-SeC₅H₂(Me-4,6)₂N}]₄ (1), [Ag{2-SeC₅H₂(Me-4,6)₂N}]₆ (2) and [Ag{2-SeC₅H₃(Me-5)N}]₆·2C₆H₅CH₃ (3·2C₆H₅CH₃) as single source molecular precursors (SSPs). Structural studies revealed that the Cu and Ag complexes crystallize into tetrameric and hexameric forms, respectively. This observed structural diversity in the complexes has been rationalized via DFT calculations and attributed to metal-metal bond endorsed energetics. The thermolysis at relatively lower temperature in oleylamine of complex 1 afforded cubic berzelianite Cu_1.8Se and complexes 2 and 3 produced orthorhombic naumannite Ag₂Se nanocrystals. The low temperature synthesis of these nanocrystals seems to be driven by the observed preformed Cu₄Se₄ and Ag₆Se₆ core in the complexes which have close resemblance with the bulk structure of the final materials (Cu_1.8Se and Ag₂Se). The crystal structure, phase purity, morphology, elemental composition and band gap of these nanocrystals were determined from pXRD, electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), EDS and DRS-UV, respectively. The band gap of these nanocrystals lies in the range suitable for solar cell applications. Finally, these nanocrystal-based prototype photo-electrochemical cells exhibit high photoresponsivity and stability under alternating light and dark conditions.

Synthesis of photo-responsive indium selenides (InSe and In2Se3) from tris(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidylselenolato)indium(iii) as a molecular precursor

Facile and selective synthesis of phase pure photo-responsive InSe and In2Se3 nanostructures employing air-stable In[Sepym(Me-4,6)2]3 as a novel molecular precursor.

Applications of metal selenium/tellurium compounds in materials science

Metal chalcogenides are technologically important materials. Physical, chemical, electrical and mechanical properties of these materials can be fine-tuned by manipulating their shape, size and composition. Although several methods are employed for their synthesis, single-source molecular precursor route has emerged as a versatile strategy for their synthesis and in controlling shape, size and composition of the material under moderate conditions. This chapter gives a brief coverage on the design and development of single-source molecular precursors which have been employed for the preparation of metal selenide/telluride nanocrystals and for deposition of thin films. The discussion includes synthesis of transition-, main group and f-block metal chalcogenolate and/or chalcogenide clusters as precursors and their conversion into metal chalcogenides in the form of thin films and nanostructures. Precursors for ternary metal chalcogenides are also included.

Copper complexes of arylselenolate-based ligands: synthesis and catalytic activity in azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions

Arylselenolate-based copper complexes have been synthesized and used as pre-catalysts for azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions.

Synthesis and structural characterization of monomeric mercury(ii) selenolate complexes derived from 2-phenylbenzamide ligands

The present work describes the synthesis and structural characterization of mercury selenolate complexes derived from 2-phenylbenzamide ligands and their isolation in monomeric form for the first time.

Metal complexes with bis(2-pyridyl)diselenoethers: structural chemistry and catalysis

Bis(2-pyridyl)diselenoethers are versatile ligands for the synthesis of transition metal complexes. Some products show remarkable catalytic activities.

On the coordination chemistry of organochalcogenolates RNMe2^E− and RNMe2^E^O− (E = S, Se) onto lead(ii) and lighter divalent tetrel elements

The coordination chemistry of organochalcogenolato ligands containing hard (N, O) and soft (S, Se) atoms onto divalent Ge, Sn and Pb is explored.

Synthesis, structures and DFT calculations of 2-(4,6-dimethyl pyrimidyl)selenolate complexes of Cu(i), Ag(i) and Au(i) and their conversion into metal selenide nanocrystals

Dimethyl pyrimidylselenolates of Cu(i), Ag(i) and Au(i) were synthesized and utilized as precursors for preparation of the respective metal selenide nanocrystals.

Endogenous arene hydroxylation promoted by copper(I) cluster helicates

A novel neutral triple-stranded hexanuclear copper(I) cluster helicate [Cu(I)(6)L(3)]·2CH(3)CN derived from a thiosemicarbazone ligand could be synthesized and crystallographically characterized. The MALDI mass spectrum of this complex suggests that the tetranuclear copper(I) cluster helicate [Cu(I)(4)L(2)] is also present in solution. These copper(I) cluster helicates are capable, in the presence of O(2), of hydroxylating the arene linker of their supporting ligand strands. The resulting dinuclear complex [Cu(II)(2)L'(OH)] is formed by two copper(II) centers, a new ligand arising from the hydroxylation reaction, and one hydroxide group. The magnetic investigation of this compound shows a strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the two Cu(II) centers. The kinetic studies for the hydroxylation process show values of ΔH(≠)=-70 kJ mol(-1), similar to those mediated by the tyrosinase enzymes.

Synthesis of 1D {Cu6(μ3-SC3H6N2)4(μ-SC3H6N2)2(μ-I)2I4}n and 3D {Cu2(μ-SC3H6N2)2(μ-SCN)2}n Polymers with 1,3-Imidazolidine-2-thione: Bond Isomerism in Polymers

The reaction of copper(I) iodide with 1, 3-imidazolidine-2-thione (SC3H6N2) in a 1:2 molar ratio (M/L) has formed unusual 1D polymers, {Cu6(mu3-SC3H6N2)4(mu-SC3H6N2)2(mu-I)2I4}n (1) and {Cu6(mu3-SC3H6N2)2(mu-SC3H6N2)4(mu-I)4I2}n (1a). A similar reaction with copper(I) bromide has formed a polymer {Cu6(mu3-SC3H6N2)2(mu-SC3H6N2)4(mu-Br)4Br2}n (3a), similar to 1a, along with a dimer, {Cu2(mu-SC3H6N2)2(eta1-SC3H6N2)2Br2} (3). Copper(I) chloride behaved differently, and only an unsymmetrical dimer, {Cu2(mu-SC3H6N2)(eta1-SC3H6N2)3Cl2} (4), was formed. Finally, reactions of copper(I) thiocyanate in 1:1 or 1:2 molar ratios yielded a 3D polymer, {Cu2(mu-SC3H6N2)2(mu-SCN)2}n (2). Crystal data: 1, C9H18Cu3I3N6S3, triclinic, P, a = 9.6646(11) A, b = 10.5520(13) A, c = 12.6177(15) A, alpha = 107.239(2) degrees , beta = 99.844(2) degrees , gamma = 113.682(2) degrees , V = 1061.8(2) A(3), Z = 2, R = 0.0333; 2, C(4)H(6)CuN(3)S(2), monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 7.864(3) A, b = 14.328(6) A, c = 6.737(2) A, beta = 100.07(3) degrees , V = 747.4(5), Z = 4, R = 0.0363; 3, C12H24Br2Cu2N8S4, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 19.420(7) A, b = 7.686(3) A, c = 16.706(6) A, beta = 115.844(6) degrees , V = 2244.1(14) A(3), Z = 4, R = 0.0228; 4, C12H24Cl2Cu2N8S4, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 7.4500(6) A, b = 18.4965(15) A, c = 16.2131(14) A, beta = 95.036(2) degrees , V = 2225.5(3) A(3), Z = 4, R = 0.0392. The 3D polymer 2 exhibits 20-membered metallacyclic rings in its structure, while synthesis of linear polymers, 1 and 1a, represents an unusual example of I (1a)-S (1) bond isomerism.

o-Hydroxylmethylphenylchalcogens: Synthesis, Intramolecular Nonbonded Chalcogen···OH Interactions, and Glutathione Peroxidase-like Activity

[Structure: see text]. The synthesis and characterization of a series of organochalcogen (Se, Te) compounds derived from benzyl alcohol 13 are described. The synthesis of the key precursor dichalcogenides 15, 22, and 29 was achieved by the ortho-lithiation route. Selenide 18 was obtained by the reaction of the dilithiated derivative 14 with Se(dtc)2. Oxidation of 15 and 22 with H2O2 afforded the corresponding cyclic ester derivatives 17 and 24, respectively. Oxidation of selenide 18 with H2O2 affords the spirocyclic compound 19. The presence of intramolecular interactions in dichalcogenides 15 and 22 has been proven by single-crystal X-ray studies. The cyclic compounds 17 and 19 have also been characterized by single-crystal X-ray studies. GP(X)-like antioxidant activity of selenium compounds has been evaluated by the coupled bioassay method. Density functional theory calculations at the mPW1PW91 level on ditelluride 22 have identified a fairly strong nonbonding interaction between the hydroxy oxygen and tellurium atom. The second-order perturbation energy obtained through NBO analysis conveys the involvement of n(O) --> sigma(Te-Te) orbital overlap in nonbonding interaction. Post wave function analysis with the Atoms in Molecules (AIM) method identified distinct bond critical point in 15 and 22 and also indicated that the nonbonding interaction is predominantly covalent. Comparison between diselenide 15 and ditelluride 22 using the extent of orbital interaction as well as the value of electron density at the bond critical points unequivocally established that a ditelluride could be a better acceptor in nonbonding interaction, when the hydroxy group acts as the donor.

Intramolecular Interactions between Chalcogen Atoms: Organoseleniums Derived from 1-Bromo-4-tert-butyl-2,6-di(formyl)benzene

[structure: see text] The synthesis and characterization of a series of low-valent organoselenium compounds derived from 1-bromo-4-tert-butyl-2,6-di(formyl)benzene (22) is described. The synthesis of diselenide 25 was achieved by the lithiation route whereas bis(4-tert-butyl-2,6-di(formyl)phenyl) diselenide (26) was synthesized by treating 22 with disodium diselenide. A series of monoselenides (27, 28, and 29) was obtained by facile nucleophilic substitution of bromine in 22, using the corresponding selenolates as nucleophiles. The halogenation reactions of bis(4-tert-butyl-2,6-di(formyl)phenyl) diselenide (26) did not afford the corresponding selenenyl halides but resulted in the isolation of an unexpected cyclic selenenate ester 34 as a product. The selenide 32 was synthesized by the treatment of dimethoxymethyl diselenide with trilithiated 2-bromo-5-tert-butyl-N,N'-di(phenyl)isophthalamide. The existence of potential Se...O intramolecular nonbonding interactions was examined by IR, (1)H, and (77)Se NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and computational studies. The X-ray crystal structures of 26 and 27, having two ortho formyl groups, reveal the absence of any Se...O interactions. However, the Se...O interactions were observed in the selenenate ester 34 where one of the formyl groups has been utilized for the selenenate ring formation. The crystal structures of 26 and 27 exhibited intermolecular short-range C-H...Se interactions (hydrogen bonding). Although there are four heteroatoms in carbamoyl moieties ortho to selenium capable of forming a five-membered ring on intramolecular coordination, no such intramolecular Se...X (X = N, O) interaction was observed in the crystal structure of 32. The density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G* level predicted that for all the diformyl systems (47a-c, 48a-c), the anti,anti conformer (when both formyl oxygen atoms point away from the selenium) is more stable. This preference was found to be reversed in the monoformyl-substituted systems (50a,b, 51a,b), where the syn conformer (when formyl oxygen is near the selenium) is energetically more favorable than the anti conformer.

Copper-selenium interactions: influence of alkane spacer and halide anion in the synthesis of unusual polynuclear copper(I) complexes with bis(diphenylselenophosphinyl)alkanes

The reactions of copper(I) halides with bis(diphenylselenophosphinyl)alkanes, namely Ph(2)P(Se)-(CH(2))(n)-P(Se)Ph(2) [n = 1-4], in acetonitrile are described. The ligand 1,3-bis(diphenylselenophosphinyl)propane [dppp-Se,Se] with copper(I) bromide and copper(I) iodide formed two unusual infinite coordination polymers, namely [Cu(2)Br(2)(mu(2)-dppp-Se-Se)(2)](n), 1, and [Cu(3)I(3)(mu(2)-dppp-Se,Se)(2)](n), 2. Selenium bridged dinuclear complexes, [Cu(2)Br(2)((mu(3)-dppm-Se,Se)(2)], 3, and [Cu(2)I(2)(dppm-Se,Se)(2)], 4, were formed using 1,1-bis(diphenylselenophosphinyl)methane [dppm-Se,Se]. Similarly, 1,2-bis(diphenylselenophosphinyl)ethane [dppe-Se,Se] and 1,4-bis(diphenylselenophosphinyl)butane [dppb-Se,Se] formed complexes, Cu(2)Br(2)(dppe-Se,Se)(2), 5, and Cu(2)I(2)(dppb-Se,Se), 6. These have been characterized with the help of analytical data, infrared spectroscopy, and, for compounds 1-3, X-ray crystallography. Compound 2, [Cu(3)I(3(dppp-Se,Se)(2)](n), has two dppp-Se,Se molecules coordinating to two copper(I) atoms of the dinuclear Cu(mu-I)(2)Cu core in unidentate fashion, with two pendant Ph(2)P(Se)- moieties in trans orientation, and one of these groups is coordinated to another copper(I) iodide moiety, thus forming the repeat unit (A), -CuI(mu-dppp-Se,Se)Cu(mu-I)(2)Cu(mu-dppp-Se,Se)-. This repeat unit (A) combined with another unit, and this process continued and finally formed the infinite polymer 2. In this polymer, the mononuclear CuISe(2) and dinuclear Cu(2)(mu-I)(2)Se(2) cores have distorted trigonal planar geometries around Cu centers. The Cu(2)...Cu(2)* separation of 2.643(1) A is less than twice the van der Waals radius of Cu, 2.80 A. The structure of polymer 1 is similar to that of 2, except that it has only mononuclear trigonal planar CuBrSe(2) units bridged by Se atoms of dppp-Se,Se ligand, and the repeat unit is -CuBr(mu(2)-dppp-Se,Se)CuBr(mu(2)(-)dppp-Se,Se)-. The formation of zigzag one-dimensional copper(I) coordination polymers (1 and 2), with trigonal planar copper(I) centers, provides the first examples of this type in tertiary phosphine chalcogenide chemistry. In contrast, the decrease in methylene chain length, from -(CH(2))(3)- to -(CH(2))-, resulted in chelation by the dppm-Se,Se ligand, forming CuBr(dppm-Se,Se), which dimerized via Se donor atoms and formed [Cu(2)Br(2)(mu(3)-dppm-Se,Se)(2)], 3. It has a relatively less common central kernel, Cu(mu-Se)(2)Cu, and each Cu atom is further bonded to one terminal Br and one Se atoms, and the geometry around each Cu center is distorted tetrahedral (bond angles, ca. 101-121 degrees).