Reactions Between Chalcogen Donors and Dihalogens/Interalogens: Typology of Products and Their Characterization by FT-Raman Spectroscopy

Formation of extended polyiodides at large cation templates

By studying the structures of (μ-1,4,10,13-tetrathia-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane)bis[iodidopalladium(II)] diiodide penta(diiodine), [Pd2I2(C12H26N2S4)](I)2·5I2 or [Pd2I2([18]aneN2S4)](I)2·(I2)5, and 4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazoniabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane triiodide iodide hemipenta(diiodine) dichloromethane monosolvate, C18H38N2O62+·I3-·I-·2.5I2·CH2Cl2 or [H2([2.2.2]cryptand)](I3)(I)(I2)2.5·CH2Cl2, we confirm the structural variety of extended polyiodides achievable upon changing the shape, charge and dimensions of the cation template, by altering the synthetic strategy adopted and/or the experimental conditions. Although it is still often difficult to characterize discrete [I2m+n]n- polyiodides higher than I3- on the basis of structural parameters, such as I-I bond distances, FT-Raman spectroscopy appears to identify them as aggregates of I2, I- and (symmetric or slightly asymmetric) I3- building blocks linked by I...I interactions of varying strengths. However, because FT-Raman spectroscopy carries no information about the topological features of extended polyiodides, the two techniques should therefore be applied in combination to enhance the analysis of this kind of compounds.

Bromine Assisted MnO2 Dissolution Chemistry: Toward a Hybrid Flow Battery with Energy Density of over 300 Wh L-1

Mn²⁺ /Mn³⁺ redox pair has been considered as a promising cathode for high energy density batteries, due to its attractive features of high redox potential, solubility and outstanding kinetics. However, the disproportionation side reaction of Mn³⁺ , which results in accumulation of "dead" MnO₂ limits its reversibility and further energy density. Herein, a novel catholyte based on mixture of Mn²⁺ and Br^- was proposed for flow batteries with high energy density and long cycle life. In the design, the "dead" MnO₂ can be fully discharged via Br^- by a chemical-electrochemical reaction. Coupled with Cd/Cd²⁺ as anode, the assembled Bromine-Manganese flow battery (BMFB) demonstrates a high energy efficiency of 76 % at 80 mA cm^-2 with energy density of 360 Wh L^-1 . The battery assembled with silicotungstic acid as anode could continuously run for over 2000 cycles at 80 mA cm^-2 . With high power density, energy density and durability, the BMFB shows great potential for large-scale energy storage.

Reactions of N-heterocyclic carbene-based chalcogenoureas with halogens: a diverse range of outcomes

We have investigated the reactions of chalcogenoureas derived from N-heterocyclic carbenes, referred to here as [E(NHC)], with halogens. Depending on the structure of the chalcogenourea and the identity of the halogen, a diverse range of reactivity was observed and a corresponding range of structures was obtained. Cyclic voltammetry was carried out to characterise the oxidation and reduction potentials of these [E(NHC)] species; selenoureas were found to be easier to oxidise than the corresponding thioureas. In some cases, a correlation was found between the oxidation potential of these compounds and the electronic properties of the corresponding NHC. The reactivity of these chalcogenoureas with different halogenating reagents (Br₂, SO₂Cl₂, I₂) was then investigated, and products were characterised using NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray analyses elucidated the solid-state coordination types of the obtained products, showing that a variety of possible adducts can be obtained. In some cases, we were able to extrapolate a structure/activity correlation to explain the observed trends in reactivity and oxidation potentials.

Noncovalent Bonds, Spectral and Thermal Properties of Substituted Thiazolo[2,3-b][1,3]thiazinium Triiodides

The interrelation between noncovalent bonds and physicochemical properties is in the spotlight due to the practical aspects in the field of crystalline material design. Such study requires a number of similar substances in order to reveal the effect of structural features on observed properties. For this reason, we analyzed a series of three substituted thiazolo[2,3-b][1,3]thiazinium triiodides synthesized by an iodocyclization reaction. They have been characterized with the use of X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Various types of noncovalent interactions have been considered, and an S…I chalcogen bond type has been confirmed using the electronic criterion based on the calculated electron density and electrostatic potential. The involvement of triiodide anions in the I…I halogen and S…I chalcogen bonding is reflected in the Raman spectroscopic properties of the I–I bonds: identical bond lengths demonstrate different wave numbers of symmetric triiodide vibration and different values of electron density at bond critical points. Chalcogen and halogen bonds formed by the terminal iodine atom of triiodide anion and numerous cation…cation pairwise interactions can serve as one of the reasons for increased thermal stability and retention of iodine in the melt under heating.

Transition metal mediated formation of dicationic diselenides stabilised by N-heterocyclic carbenes: designed synthesis

Designed syntheses of dicationic diselenides have been developed by (i) reduction of dihaloselones (routes A and B) and (ii) by oxidation of selone adducts of metal halides (route C).

Raman spectroscopy study of new thia- and oxazinoquinolinium triodides

New polyiodides of thia- and oxa-zinoquinolinium derivatives were characterized using Raman spectroscopy and periodic 3D calculations of the Raman intensities. Polarized Raman spectra of the oriented crystals revealed the features of spatial organization in the polyiodide-anion chains.