Gemischtvalente Bromoaurate(I,III) und ihre Mößbauer-Spektren / Mixed Valent Bromo Aurates(I.III) and their Mößbauer Spectra

New nonstoichiometric cesium bromo aurates(I,III) Cs1+x(AuBr4)(AuBr2, Br3,Br)x have been synthesized, in which the almost equally shaped anions AuBr3- and Br3- can interchange themselves. The compounds crystallize in a disordered cubic perovskite structure with a = 547.5 pm or in a tetragonal superstructure with a 16-fold perovskite cell (a = 1553, c = 1099 pm). The investigations show that other bromoaurates as the previously reported "Cs2AgAuBr6" can contain perceptible amounts of Br3- ions also. The IR and 197Au Mössbauer spectra of the new bromoaurates and of Cs2AuoBr6 are discussed

Pressure-induced hysteresis in the high spin [Formula: see text] low spin transition in bis(2,4-bis(pyridin-2-yl)thiazole) iron(II) tetrafluoroborate

Studies of the spin transition behavior of the mononuclear compound [Fe(pythiaz)(2)](BF(4))(2) have been carried out under hydrostatic pressures up to 9.13 kbar in the 5-300 K temperature range. Under ambient pressure this compound exhibits an approximately half-step (incomplete) HS [Formula: see text] LS transition with T(1/2) = 146 K without any thermal hysteresis. At pressures up to 4.5 kbar the behavior remains similar but with an upward displacement of T(1/2) and a slight decrease in the residual high spin fraction at low T. Application of higher pressures resulted in an almost complete two-step spin transition with several unusual pressure effects. Along with the expected pressure dependence of T(1/2) the surprising appearance of hysteresis in the spin transition curves was observed. It is suggested that the likely origin of this unprecedented behavior is a pressure-induced structural change.

Study of thermal spin crossover in [Fe(II)(isoxazole)(6)](BF(4))(2) with Mössbauer spectroscopy

(57)Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy of the mononuclear [Fe(II)(isoxazole)(6)](BF(4))(2) compound has been studied to reveal the thermal spin crossover of Fe(II) between low-spin (S = 0) and high-spin (S = 2) states. A temperature-dependent spin transition curve has been constructed with the least-square fitted data obtained from the Mössbauer spectra measured at various temperatures in the 240-60 K range during the cooling and heating cycle. The compound exhibits a temperature-dependent two-step spin transition phenomenon with T(SCO) (step 1) = 92 and T(SCO) (step 2) = 191 K. The compound has three high-spin Fe(II) sites at the highest temperature of study; among them, two have slightly different coordination environments. These two Fe(II) sites are found to undergo a spin transition, while the third Fe(II) site retains the high-spin state over the whole temperature range. Possible reasons for the formation of the two steps in the spin transition curve are discussed. The observations made from the present study are in complete agreement with those envisaged from earlier magnetic and structural studies made on [Fe(II)(isoxazole)(6)](BF(4))(2), but highlights the nature of the spin crossover mechanism.

57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy predicts superstructure for K0.08[Cu(II)(N,N'app)Cl]2[Fe(III)(CN)6].0.92H3O.3H2O

The compound [Cu(N,N'app)Cl](2)[Fe(CN)(6)].xH(2)O, with N,N'app being bis(N,N'-3-aminopropylpiperazine), was prepared and its structure determined by single crystal X-ray analysis, confirming a ratio of two copper complexes to one iron complex; (57)Fe Mössbauer spectra showed three quadrupole doublets typical of iron(iii) low spin species which call for the presence of a superstructure.

Spin crossover of ferric complexes with catecholate derivatives. Single-crystal X-ray structure, Magnetic and Mössbauer investigations

Complexes of general formula [(TPA)Fe(R-Cat)]X.nS were synthesised with different catecholate derivatives and anions (TPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, R-Cat2- = 4,5-(NO2)2-Cat2- denoted DNC(2-); 3,4,5,6-Cl4-Cat2- denoted TCC2-; 3-OMe-Cat(2-); 4-Me-Cat(2-) and X = BPh4-; NO3-; PF6-; ClO4-; S = solvent molecule). Their magnetic behaviours in the solid state show a general feature along the series, viz., the occurrence of a thermally-induced spin crossover process. The transition curves are continuous with transition temperatures ranging from ca. 84 to 257 K. The crystal structures of [(TPA)Fe(DNC)]X (X = PF6-; BPh4-) and [(TPA)Fe(TCC)]X.nS (X = PF6-; NO3- and n= 1, S = H2O; ClO4- and n= 1, S = H2O; BPh4- and n= 1, S = C3H6O) were solved at 100 (or 123 K) and 293 K. For those two systems, the characteristics of the [FeN(4)O(2)] coordination core and those of the dioxolene ligands appear to be consistent with a prevailing Fe(III)-catecholate formulation. This feature is in contrast with the large quantum mixing between Fe(III)-catecholate and Fe(II)-semiquinonate forms recently observed with the more electron donating simple catecholate dianion. The thermal spin crossover process is accompanied by significant changes of the molecular structures as shown by the average variation of the metal-ligand bond distances which can be extrapolated for a complete spin conversion from ca. 0.123 to 0.156 A. The different space groups were retained in the low- and high-temperature phases.

Jarosite and Hematite at Meridiani Planum from Opportunity's Mössbauer Spectrometer

Mossbauer spectra measured by the Opportunity rover revealed four mineralogical components in Meridiani Planum at Eagle crater: jarosite- and hematite-rich outcrop, hematite-rich soil, olivine-bearing basaltic soil, and a pyroxene-bearing basaltic rock (Bounce rock). Spherules, interpreted to be concretions, are hematite-rich and dispersed throughout the outcrop. Hematitic soils both within and outside Eagle crater are dominated by spherules and their fragments. Olivine-bearing basaltic soil is present throughout the region. Bounce rock is probably an impact erratic. Because jarosite is a hydroxide sulfate mineral, its presence at Meridiani Planum is mineralogical evidence for aqueous processes on Mars, probably under acid-sulfate conditions.

Mineralogy at Gusev Crater from the Mossbauer Spectrometer on the Spirit Rover

Mössbauer spectra measured on Mars by the Spirit rover during the primary mission are characterized by two ferrous iron doublets (olivine and probably pyroxene) and a ferric iron doublet (tentatively associated to nanophase ferric iron oxide). Two sextets resulting from nonstoichiometric magnetite are also present, except for a coating on the rock Mazatzal, where a hematite-like sextet is present. Greater proportions of ferric-bearing phases are associated with undisturbed soils and rock surfaces as compared to fresh rock surfaces exposed by grinding. The ubiquitous presence of olivine in soil suggests that physical rather than chemical weathering processes currently dominate at Gusev crater.

Large orbital moments and internal magnetic fields in lithium nitridoferrate(I)

The iron nitridometalates Li2[(Li(1-x)Fe(I)(x))N] display ferromagnetic ordering and spin freezing. Large magnetic moments up to 5.0mu(B)/Fe are found in the magnetization. In Mössbauer effect studies huge hyperfine magnetic fields up to 696 kOe are observed at specific Fe sites. These extraordinary fields and moments originate in an unusual ligand field splitting for those Fe species leading [within local spin density approximation (LSDA)] to a localized orbitally degenerate doublet. Including spin-orbit interaction and strong intra-atomic electron correlation (LDA+SO+U) gives rise to a large orbital momentum.

Pressure- and temperature-induced valence tautomeric interconversion in a o-dioxolene adduct of a cobalt-tetraazamacrocycle complex

An electronic switch at the molecular level has been realized by using a class of ionic compounds of the formula [Co(L)(diox)]Y (L = tetraazamacrocyclic ligand, Y = mononegative anion). Such compounds undergo temperature- and pressure-induced intramolecular one-electron transfer equilibria. The transition temperature of interconversion varies with the nature of the counterions Y (Y = PF6, BPh4, I). Surprisingly the effect of the anion on the transition temperature is not only governed by its volume but also by its coulombic interaction.

Carbon nanotube bags: catalytic formation, physical properties, two-dimensional alignment and geometric structuring of densely filled carbon tubes

The catalytic CVD synthesis, using propyne as carbon precursor and Fe(NO3)3 as catalyst precursor inside porous alumina, gives carbon nanotube (CNT) bags in a well-arranged two-dimensional order. The tubes have the morphology of bags or fibers, since they are completely filled with smaller helicoidal CNTs. This morphology has so far not been reported for CNTs. Owing to the dense filling of the outer mother CNTs with small helicoidal CNTs, the resulting CNT fibers appear to be stiff and show no sign of inflation, as sometimes observed with hollow CNTs. The fiber morphology was observed by raster electron microscopy (REM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The carbon material is graphitic as deduced from spectroscopic studies (X-ray diffraction, Raman and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS)). From Mössbauer studies, the presence of two different oxidation states (Fe0 and FeIII) of the catalyst is proven. Geometric structuring of the template by two different methods has been studied. Inkjet catalyst printing shows that the tubes can be arranged in defined areas by a simple and easily applied technique. Laser-structuring creates grooves of nanotube fibers embedded in the alumina host. This allows the formation of defined architectures in the microm range. Results on hydrogen absorption and field emission properties of the CNT fibers are reported.

The stable diiron(2.5) complex ion [(NC)(5)Fe(mu-tz)Fe(CN)5](5-), tz = 1,2,4,5-tetrazine, and its neighboring oxidation states

The conceptually simple mixed-valent diiron compound (NEt(4))(5)[(NC)(5)Fe(mu-tz)Fe(CN)(5)] with the 1,2,4,5-tetrazine (tz) bridging ligand was obtained as a thermally and air-stable material that displays large and highly variable electrochemical comproportionation constants between about 10(8) (in water) and 10(19.0) (in acetonitrile). Strong metal-metal interaction is also evident from spectroscopic results obtained for the solid and for the dissolved species. The rather intense intervalence charge-transfer band occurs around 2400 nm; infrared and Mössbauer spectra reveal the high spectroscopic symmetry of the system according to an (Fe(2.5))(2) formulation. DFT calculations on the [(NC)(5)Fe(mu-tz)Fe(CN)(5)](6-) ion confirm the presence of very low-lying pi(tz) and high-lying d(Fe) orbitals.

Electronic relaxation phenomena following (57)Co(EC)(57)Fe nuclear decay in [Mn(II)(terpy)2](ClO4)2.(1/2)H2O and in the spin crossover complexes [Co(II)(terpy)2]X2.nH2O (X = Cl and ClO4): a Mössbauer emission spectroscopic study

The valence states of the nucleogenic (57)Fe arising from the nuclear disintegration of radioactive (57)Co by electron capture decay, (57)Co(EC)(57)Fe, have been studied by Mössbauer emission spectroscopy (MES) in the (57)Co-labeled systems: [(57)Co/Co(terpy)(2)]Cl(2).5H(2)O (1), [(57)Co/Co(terpy)(2)](ClO(4))(2).(1)/(2)H(2)O (2), and [(57)Co/Mn(terpy)(2)](ClO(4))(2). (1)/(2)H(2)O (3) (terpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine). The compounds 1, 2, and 3 were labeled with ca. 1 mCi of (57)Co and were used as the Mössbauer sources at variable temperatures between 300 K and ca. 4 K. [Fe(terpy)(2)]X(2) is a diamagnetic low-spin (LS) complex, independent of the nature of the anion X, while [Co(terpy)(2)]X(2) complexes show gradual spin transition as the temperature is varied. The Co(II) ion in 1 "feels" a somewhat stronger ligand field than that in 2; as a result, 83% of 1 stays in the LS state at 321 K, while in 2 the high-spin (HS) state dominates at 320 K and converts gradually to the LS state with a transition temperature of T(1/2) approximately 180 K. Variable-temperature Mössbauer emission spectra for 1, 2, and 3 showed only LS-(57)Fe(II) species at 295 K. On lowering the temperature, metastable HS Fe(II) species generated by the (57)Co(EC)(57)Fe process start to grow at ca. 100 K in 1, at ca. 200 K in 2, and at ca. 250 K in 3, reaching maximum values of 0.3 at 20 K in 1, 0.8 at 50 K in 2, and 0.86 at 100 K in 3, respectively. The lifetime of the metastable HS states correlates with the local ligand field strength, and this is in line with the "inverse energy gap law" already successfully applied in LIESST relaxation studies.

Metallorganic routes to nanoscale iron and titanium oxide particles encapsulated in mesoporous alumina: formation, physical properties, and chemical reactivity

Iron and titanium oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized in parallel mesopores of alumina by a novel organometallic "chimie douce" approach that uses bis(toluene)iron(0) (1) and bis(toluene)titanium(0) (2) as precursors. These complexes are molecular sources of iron and titanium in a zerovalent atomic state. In the case of 1, core shell iron/iron oxide particles with a strong magnetic coupling between both components, as revealed by magnetic measurements, are formed. Mössbauer data reveal superparamagnetic particle behavior with a distinct particle size distribution that confirms the magnetic measurements. The dependence of the Mössbauer spectra on temperature and particle size is explained by the influence of superparamagnetic relaxation effects. The coexistence of a paramagnetic doublet and a magnetically split component in the spectra is further explained by a distribution in particle size. From Mössbauer parameters the oxide phase can be identified as low-crystallinity ferrihydrite oxide. In agreement with quantum size effects observed in UV-visible studies, TEM measurements determine the size of the particles in the range 5-8 nm. The particles are mainly arranged alongside the pore walls of the alumina template. TiO2 nanoparticles are formed by depositing 2 in mesoporous alumina template. This produces metallic Ti, which is subsequently oxidized to TiO2 (anatase) within the alumina pores. UV-visible studies show a strong quantum confinement effect for these particles. From UV-visible investigations the particle size is determined to be around 2 nm. XPS analysis of the iron- and titania- embedded nanoparticles reveal the presence of Fe2O3 and TiO2 according to experimental binding energies and the experimental line shapes. Ti4+ and Fe3+ are the only oxidation states of the particles which can be determined by this technique. Hydrogen reduction of the iron/iron-oxide nanoparticles at 500 degrees C under flowing H2/N2 produces a catalyst, which is active towards formation of carbon nanotubes by a CVD process. Depending on the reaction conditions, the formation of smaller carbon nanotubes inside the interior of larger carbon nanotubes within the alumina pores can be achieved. This behavior can be understood by means of selectively turning on and off the iron catalyst by adjusting the flow rate of the gaseous carbon precursor in the CVD process.

Synthesis, crystal structure, EXAFS, and magnetic properties of catena [mu-tris(1,2-bis(tetrazol-1-yl)propane-N1,N1')iron(II)] bis(perchlorate). First crystal structure of an iron(II) spin-crossover chain compound

[Fe(btzp)3](ClO4)2 (btzp = 1,2-bis(tetrazol-1-yl)propane) represents the first structurally characterized Fe(II) linear chain compound exhibiting thermal spin crossover. It shows a very gradual spin transition (T1/2 = 130 K) which has been followed by magnetic susceptibility measurements and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. The structure has been solved at 200 and 100 K by single-crystal X-ray analysis. It crystallizes in the trigonal space group P3c1 with Z = 2 Fe(II) units at both temperatures. The molecular structure consists of chains running along the c axis in which the Fe(II) ions are linked by three N4,N4' coordinating bis(tetrazole) ligands. The main difference between the two forms appears to be in the Fe-N bond lengths, which are 2.164(4) A at 200 K and 2.038(4) A at 100 K. The Fe-Fe separations are 7.422(1) A at 200 K and 7.273(1) A at 100 K. The EXAFS results are consistent with the crystal structure. In both spin states, the FeN6 octahedron is almost regular within the EXAFS resolution. The Fe-N distance is found as 2.16(2) A at 300 K and 2.00(2) A at 40 K. The absence of the "7 A peak" in the EXAFS spectra of [Fe(btzp)3](ClO4)2, in contrast with what has been observed for the [Fe(4-R-1,2,4-triazole)3]-(anion)2 chain compounds, confirms that this peak can be used as the signature of a metal alignment only when it involves a strongly enhanced multiple scattering M-M-M path, with M-M spacing less than 4 A. Irradiation with green light at 5 K has led to the population of the metastable high-spin state for the iron(II) ion. The nature of the spin-crossover behavior has been discussed on the basis of the structural features.

The Valence States of Nickel, Tin, and Sulfur in the Ternary Chalcogenide Ni(3)Sn(2)S(2)-XPS, (61)Ni and (119)Sn Mössbauer Investigations, and Band Structure Calculations

The hitherto controversial valence states of nickel and tin in the ternary chalcogenide Ni(3)Sn(2)S(2) (see structure) have been determined by photoelectron and Mössbauer spectroscopy ((61)Ni, (119)Sn). Results from band structure calculations confirmed that this shandite phase is a metal and that the approximate distribution of the valence electrons is (Ni(0))(3)(Sn(1)(II))(Sn(2)(II))(S(II-))(2).

Thermal and Light-Induced Spin Transition in the High- and Low-Temperature Structure of [Fe(0.35)Ni(0.65)(mtz)(6)](ClO(4))(2)

The thermal and light induced spin transition in [Fe(0.35)Ni(0.65)(mtz)(6)](ClO(4))(2) (mtz = 1-methyl-1H-tetrazole) was studied by (57)Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements. In addition to the spin transition of the iron(II) complexes the compound undergoes a structural phase transition. The high-temperature structure could be determined by X-ray crystallography of the isomorphous [Fe(0.25)Ni(0.75)(mtz)(6)](ClO(4))(2) complex at room temperature. The X-ray structural analysis shows this complex to be rhombohedric, space group R&thremacr;, with a = 10.865(2) Å and c = 23.65(1) Å with three molecules in the unit cell. The transition to the low-temperature structure occurs at approximately 60 K without changing the spin state of the molecules. By subsequent heating of the complex the high-temperature structure is reached again between ca. 170 and 200 K. The spin transition behavior is strongly influenced by the structural changes, and the observed spin transition curves are completely different for the high- and low-temperature phases. In the high-temperature structure a complete and gradual spin transition between 220 and 120 K (T(1/2)(gamma(HS) = 0.5) = 185 K) is detected; the high-spin (HS) state is represented by one HS doublet in the Mössbauer spectra. In the low-temperature structure a two-step transition curve is detected in the heating mode. About 36% of the molecules show a LS (low-spin) --> HS transition between ca 50 and 75 K. Then the HS fraction stays constant up to 150 K. A further increase in the high-spin fraction is observed at temperatures above 150 K. In this structural phase the HS state is represented by two different HS doublets in the Mössbauer spectra. The formation of metastable HS states by making use of the LIESST effect is only possible in the low-temperature structure. By excitation of the LS molecules with green light, two different HS states are populated which show very different relaxation behavior. One HS state shows a relaxation to the LS state even at 10 K; the other HS state shows a very slow HS --> LS relaxation at 60 K (within days), leading to the HS fraction corresponding to the thermal equilibrium value.