Aryl selenonium vs. aryl sulfonium counterions in polyoxometalate chemistry: the impact of Se+ cationic centers on the photocatalytic reduction of dichromate

A selenonium organic counter ion has been used in polyoxometalate chemistry to develop a new aryl selenonium polyoxometalate (POM) hybrid, and its photocatalytic properties have been explored in comparison with an aryl sulfonium POM-hybrid counterpart for the first time. The chalcogenonium counterions, namely, methyldiphenylsulfonium trifluoromethane sulfonate (MDPST) and methyldiphenylselenonium trifluoromethane sulfonate (MDPSeT), and their octamolybdate ([Mo8O26]4-) hybrids, 1 and 2, with the general formula (C13H13X)4[Mo8O26] (where X = S for 1 and Se for 2) were synthesized and characterized. Hybrids 1 and 2 vary in their chalcogenonium cationic center (S+vs. Se+), which enabled a direct comparison of their photocatalytic properties as a function of the cationic center. The photocatalytic activities of hybrids 1 and 2 were tested using the reduction of dichromate (Cr2O72-) as a model reaction under UV irradiation. A 99% photocatalytic reduction of Cr2O72- with a rate constant of 0.0305 min-1 was achieved with hybrid 2, while only a 67% reduction with a rate constant of 0.0062 min-1 was observed with hybrid 1 in 180 minutes. The better catalytic performance of hybrid 2 may be correlated to the larger atomic radii of Se than S, which helps in better stabilizing the photogenerated electron-hole (e--h+) pair on the POM cluster by polarizing its lone pair more efficiently compared to S. The catalytic recyclability was tested for up to 4 cycles using hybrid 2, and up to 98% reduction was obtained even after the 4th cycle. Recyclability tests and control experiments also indicated the generation of some elemental Se through possible cleavage of some C-Se bonds of MDPSe under prolonged UV exposure during catalysis, and the Se thus generated was found to contribute to the catalytic reduction of dichromate. This study, therefore, opens new avenues for aryl selenonium moieties and their POM hybrids for potential catalytic applications.

Multifunctional Aryl Sulfonium Decavanadates: Tuning the Photochromic and Heterogeneous Oxidative Desulfurization Catalytic Properties Using Salicylaldehyde-type Functional Moieties on Counterions

Multifunctional materials based on polyoxovanadates (POVs) have rarely been reported. Herein, we used aryl sulfonium counterions (ASCIs) bearing a salicylaldehyde-type functionality to tune the properties of decavanadate ([V10O28]6-)-based hybrids for their application in photochromism and heterogeneous oxidative desulfurization (ODS) catalysis. The counterions FHPDS ((3-formyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)dimethylsulfonium), DFHPDS ((3,5-diformyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)dimethylsulfonium), and EFPDS ((4-ethoxy-3-formylphenyl)dimethylsulfonium) were clubbed with the decavanadate cluster to generate the hybrids (FHPDS)4[H2V10O28](H2O)4 (HY1), (DFHPDS)4[H2V10O28](H2O)3 (HY2), and (EFPDS)4[H2V10O28](H2O)6 (HY3). The photochromic properties of these hybrids were tested under 365 nm irradiation, which showed a color change from yellow to green. Different hybrids exhibited different photocoloration half-life (t1/2) values in the range of 0.77-28.38 min, suggesting the dependence of the photocoloration properties upon functional groups on the counterions. The hybrid HY2, having a 2,6-diformyl phenol moiety on the ASCI, exhibited an impressive t1/2 of 0.77 min. UP to 70% reversibility of photocoloration was achieved for the best photochromic hybrid HY2 in 48 h at 70 °C under an oxygen atmosphere. Theoretical and experimental data suggested that some of these aryl sulfonium POVs follow a different e--h+ stabilization mechanism than traditional sulfonium POM hybrids. Further, the salicylaldehyde-type ASCIs control the solubility of the decavanadate hybrids, which enables their application as heterogeneous catalysts for the selective oxidation of various sulfides. The nature of the substituents on the ASCIs also affected their catalytic activities; the counterion that facilitates the reversible V4+/V5+ switching enhances the catalytic ODS efficiency of the hybrids. Using HY2 as the catalyst, up to 99% conversion and 96% selectivity toward sulfones were achieved in dibenzothiophene (DBT) oxidation. The present study suggests a new promising approach for controlling POVs' photoresponsive and catalytic properties by using ASCIs bearing salicylaldehyde-type functional moieties.

Keggin Cluster Modulated Photocatalytic Activity of Aryl Sulfonium Polyoxometalate Hybrids toward Dichromate Reduction

Dichromate (Cr₂O₇^2-) ion having chromium in its +6 oxidation state is a carcinogen and a potential threat to humans and aquatic life. The photocatalytic reduction of toxic Cr(VI) species into less toxic Cr(III) is an important target in heterogeneous catalysis. In this work, the catalytic activities of a series of Keggin cluster-based aryl sulfonium polyoxometalate hybrids, (FPDS)₃[PMo₁₂O₄₀] (1), (FPDS)₃[PW₁₂O₄₀] (2), (FPDS)₄[SiMo₁₂O₄₀] (3), and (FPDS)₄[SiW₁₂O₄₀] (4), toward the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) have been analyzed and compared. Here, we used the aryl sulfonium counterions to modulate the POM cluster's solubility in water and stabilize the photogenerated e^--h⁺ pair on the cluster. All of the hybrids 1-4 catalyzed the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and their photocatalytic efficiencies followed the order hybrid 1 > hybrid 3 > hybrid 2 > hybrid 4, with the rate-constant values of 0.048, 0.0056, 0.0035, and 0.0028 min^-1, respectively. Hybrid 1 with [PMo₁₂O₄₀]^3- Keggin cluster exhibited the best photocatalytic activity in the series yielding a 99% reduction in 120 min. The reasons behind the best photocatalytic activity of hybrid 1 are identified as its low band gap, less charge recombination, and fast photoresponse. The electron-trapping analyses performed using AgNO₃ revealed electrons as the main reactive species responsible for the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI). A plausible photocatalytic mechanism has also been proposed based on electron-trapping experiments. The present study shows that aryl sulfonium Keggin hybrids can function as efficient photocatalysts for Cr(VI) reduction, and their catalytic efficiency varies with the nature of the Keggin cluster.

Substituent-Controlled Structural, Supramolecular, and Cytotoxic Properties of a Series of 2-Styryl-8-nitro and 2-Styryl-8-hydroxy Quinolines

Styryl quinolines are biologically active compounds with properties largely depending on the substituents on the styryl and quinoline rings. The supramolecular aspects of this class of compounds are rarely explored. In this study, two new series of styryl quinoline derivatives, bearing -OH and -NO₂ groups at the eighthposition of the quinoline ring and -SCH₃, -OCH₃, and -Br groups on the styryl ring, have been developed, and their structural, supramolecular, and cytotoxic properties have been analyzed. Crystallographic analyses revealed the exciting substituent-dependent structural and supramolecular features of these compounds. In general, the 8 -OH substituted derivatives (SA series) exhibited a non-planar molecular geometry having larger dihedral angles (5.75-59.3°) between the planes of the aromatic rings. At the same time, the 8 -NO₂ substituted derivatives (SB series) exhibited a more or less planar molecular geometry, as revealed by the smaller dihedral angles (1.32-3.45°) between the aromatic rings. Multiple O-H···O, C-H···O, O-H···N, and π-π stacking interactions among the molecules lead to fascinating supramolecular architectures such as hydrogen-bonded triple helices, zig-zag 1D chains, π-π stacked infinite chains, and so forth in their crystal lattice. Hirshfeld surface analyses confirmed the existence of strong π-π stacking and other weak bonding interactions in these compounds. The preliminary cytotoxic properties of SA and SB series compounds were evaluated against the human cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa cells), which further highlighted the roles of functional substituents on the aromatic rings. The SA series compounds with the -OH substituent on the quinoline ring exhibited better cytotoxicity than the SB series compounds with a -NO₂ substituent. Similarly, the electron-withdrawing group -Br on the styryl ring enhanced the cytotoxicity in both series. The IC₅₀ values were 2.52-4.69 and 2.897-10.37 μM, respectively, for the SA and SB series compounds. Compound S3A having -OH and -Br groups on the quinoline and styryl ring, respectively, exhibited the best IC₅₀ value of 2.52 μM among all the compounds tested. These findings confirm the relevance of the hydroxyl group in the eighth position of quinoline. In short, the present study attempts to provide a systematic analysis of the effects of aromatic ring substituents on the structural, supramolecular, and cytotoxic properties of styryl quinolines for the first time.

Modulation of photocatalytic properties through counter-ion substitution: tuning the bandgaps of aromatic sulfonium octamolybdates for efficient photo-degradation of rhodamine B

Modulating the photocatalytic properties of polyoxometalate-organic hybrids through counterion substitution is a less explored concept. In this study, a new series of aromatic sulfonium counterions (ASCs) having the general formula X-C₆H₄-S(Me₂)⁺, where X represents different functional substituents such as -H, -Cl, -Me, and -CHO at the para-position of the sulfonium moiety on a benzene ring, have been used for fine-tuning the optical bandgaps and adsorption properties of octamolybdate [Mo₈O₂₆]^4- hybrids for photocatalytic dye degradation applications. The photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) is used as a model reaction, which follows pseudo-first-order kinetics exhibiting counterion-dependent degradation rate constants. The hybrid catalyst bearing a -CHO substituent on the ASC showed the lowest bandgap (2.91 eV) and the highest degradation rate constant (0.0141 min^-1) of the series. A possible mechanism of photocatalytic dye degradation by hybrids involving the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been proposed, supported by radical scavenging studies. The intermediates formed during the photodegradation of RhB were analyzed and identified using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The present study reveals a new strategy for tuning the photocatalytic properties of hybrids using differently functionalized ASCs and opens up new avenues for novel POM-hybrids as potential photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications.

Post-functionalization through covalent modification of organic counter ions: a stepwise and controlled approach for novel hybrid polyoxometalate materials

Post-functionalization of Class I type polyoxometalate-organic hybrids through covalent modification of the organic counter ions in a step-wise and controlled manner is reported for the first time. The properties of the post-functionalized hybrids have been studied and compared with those of their parent hybrids revealing marked differences in properties.

Cocrystals/salt of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid and utilizing Hirshfeld surface calculations for acid–aminopyrimidine synthons

Revisit of acid–aminopyrimidine synthons to explore the robustness in presence of linear hetrotetramer and heterotrimer synthon.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of rac-2-[2-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-3,4-di-hydro-2H-1-benzo-pyran-4-yl-idene]hydrazine-1-carbo-thio-amide

In the title compound, C16H14N3OSCl, a Schiff base derivative of a thio-semicarbazide with a flavanone, the 4-chlorophenyl ring is inclined to the benzene ring of the chromane ring system by 30.72 (12)°. The pyran ring has an envelope conformation with the methine C atom as the flap. The mean plane of the thio-urea unit is twisted with respect to the benzene ring of the chromanone ring system, subtending a dihedral angle of 19.78 (19)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by two pairs of N-H⋯S hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers enclosing R 2 2(8) ring motifs, which are linked to form ribbons propagating along the b-axis direction. The inter-molecular contacts in the crystal have been analysed using Hirshfeld surface analysis.

Facile Synthesis of an Organic Solid State Near-Infrared-Emitter with Large Stokes Shift via Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer

An organic solid-state near-infrared (NIR)-emitter (λ_em = 738 nm) exhibiting large Stokes shift (Δλ = 293 nm) through the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer phenomenon has been synthesized and characterized. The present discovery points to the possibility of achieving a new family of solid-state NIR emitters starting from simple aldehyde and amine precursors.

Aromatic sulfonium polyoxomolybdates: tuning the photochromic properties through substitutions on the counter ion moiety

A series of aromatic sulfonium Keggin hybrids have been developed which exhibited excellent photochromic properties under UV irradiation. The photo-coloration speed of these hybrids could be fine-tuned by changing the substituents on the sulfonium counter ion moiety.

Polyarylenesulfonium Salt as a Novel and Versatile Nonchemically Amplified Negative Tone Photoresist for High-Resolution Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Applications

The present report demonstrates the potential of a polyarylenesulfonium polymer, poly[methyl(4-(phenylthio)-phenyl)sulfoniumtrifluoromethanesulfonate] (PAS), as a versatile nonchemically amplified negative tone photoresist for next-generation lithography (NGL) applications starting from i-line (λ ∼ 365 nm) to extreme ultraviolet (EUV, λ ∼ 13.5 nm) lithography. PAS exhibited considerable contrast (γ), 0.08, toward EUV and patterned 20 nm features successfully.

A chemosensor for micro- to nano-molar detection of Ag+ and Hg2+ ions in pure aqueous media and its applications in cell imaging

The synthesis and characterization of a simple thiourea-based Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ sensor is reported.

Multifunctional Zn(II) Complexes: Photophysical Properties and Catalytic Transesterification toward Biodiesel Synthesis

Using 4-substituted derivatives of phenol-based compartmental Schiff-base hydroxyl-rich ligand, four multifunctional binuclear Zn(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. The photophysical properties of these complexes were explored in the solid state, in solutions, and in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix, which revealed their good potential as tunable solid state emitters. Some of these complexes acted as efficient catalysts for the transesterification of esters and canola oil showing their potential in biodiesel generation. Mechanistic investigations using ESI-MS revealed that the transesterification catalyzed by these complexes proceeds through two types of acyl intermediates.

Design, development, EUVL applications and nano mechanical properties of a new HfO2 based hybrid non-chemically amplified resist

A new HfO₂-based hybrid n-CAR resist material has been developed for EUVL applications and its nano-mechanical properties have been reported.

Recent advances in non-chemically amplified photoresists for next generation IC technology

The present article reviews the recent advances in the area of non-chemically amplified photoresists particularly for sub-30 nm nodes.

Ion mediated charge carrier transport in a novel radiation sensitive polyoxometalate–polymer hybrid

We elucidate the carrier transport mechanism in a novel polyoxometalate–polymer (POM–MAPDST) hybrid containing molybdenum transition metal.

Modulating sensitivity and detection mechanism with spacer length: a new series of fluorescent turn on chemodosimeters for Pb2+ based on rhodamine–quinoline conjugates

A series of highly selective and sensitive fluorescent turn on chemodosimeters and a chemosensor have been developed for Pb²⁺ ions based on rhodamine–quinoline conjugates.

A sandwich-type zinc complex from a rhodamine dye based ligand: a potential fluorescent chemosensor for acetate in human blood plasma and a molecular logic gate with INHIBIT function

Zn-R1 exhibits reversible binding with acetate yielding different optical and fluorescence outputs on alternate addition of zinc and acetate ions.

Synthesis, structure, self-assembly and genotoxicity evaluation of a series of Mn-Anderson cluster based polyoxometalate–organic hybrids

A new series of POM–organic hybrids have been developed which show less genotoxicity compared to the parent polyoxometalate cluster.

Self-assembly of triangular polyoxometalate–organic hybrid macroions in mixed solvents

A cartoon illustrates the self-assembly process of the “triangular” shaped hybrids with TBA as countercations in acetone–water mixed solvents.

A radiation sensitive hybrid polymer based on an Mn-Anderson polyoxometalate cluster and a UV active organic monomer: synergistic effects lead to improved photocurrent in a photoresponse device

A new radiation sensitive polyoxometalate/polymer hybrid has been developed which shows good photocurrent generation in a photoresponse device.

Self-assembled material of palladium nanoparticles and a thiacalix[4]arene Cd(ii) complex as an efficient catalyst for nitro-phenol reduction

A cadmium complex based on the thiacalix[4]arene scaffold is utilized to synthesize a material with palladium nanoparticles, which behaves as an efficient catalyst for the conversion of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol.

A uracil nitroso amine based colorimetric sensor for the detection of Cu2+ions from aqueous environment and its practical applications

Uracil nitroso amine based colorimetric chemosensor for Cu²⁺ions from a 100% aqueous environment.

Imatinib intermediate as a two in one dual channel sensor for the recognition of Cu2+and I−ions in aqueous media and its practical applications

An imatinib intermediate was developed for the colorimetric sensing of Cu²⁺ions in aqueous solution.

New triangular steroid-based A(LS)3 type gelators for selective fluoride sensing application

A new series of triangular steroid-based A(LS)₃ type gelators has been developed which exhibited selective fluoride sensing abilities. The gelation, self-assembly and anion sensing properties of these gelators could be controlled by systematically altering their molecular structures.

Exploring the interplay between ligand derivatisation and cation type in the assembly of hybrid polyoxometalate Mn-Andersons

Herein a library of hybrid Mn-Anderson polyoxometalates anions are presented: 1, [(MnMo6 O18 )((OCH2 )3 -C-(CH2 )7 CHCH2 )2 ](3-) ; compound 2, [(MnMo6 O18 )((OCH2 )3 C-NHCH2 C16 H9 )2 ](3-) ; compound 3, [(MnMo6 O18 )((OCH2 )3 C-(CH2 )7 CHCH2 )1 ((OCH2 )3 C-NHCH2 C16 H9 )1 ](3-) ; compound 4, [(MnMo6 O18 )((OCH2 )3 C-NHC(O)CH2 CHCH2 )2 ](3-) and compounds 5-9, [(MnMo6 O18 )((OCH2 )3 C-NHC(O)(CH2 )x CH3 )2 ]), where x = 4, 10, 12, 14, and 18 respectively. The compounds resulting from the cation exchange of the anions 1-9 to give TBA (a) and DMDOA (b) salts, and additionally for compounds 1, 2 and 3, tetraphenylphosphonium (PPh4 ) (c) salts, are explored at the air/water interface using scanning force microscopy, showing a range of architectures including hexagonal structures, nanofibers and other supramolecular forms. Additionally the solid-state structures for compounds 1c, 2c, 4a, 6a, 9a, are presented for the first time and these investigations demonstrate the delicate interplay between the structure of the covalently derivatised hybrid organo-clusters as well as the ion-exchange cation types.