Magnus R. Buchner

Reactions of beryllium halides in liquid ammonia: the tetraammineberyllium cation [Be(NH3)4]2+, its hydrolysis products, and the action of Be2+ as a fluoride-ion acceptor.

The first structural characterization of the text-book tetraammineberyllium(II) cation [Be(NH(3))(4)](2+), obtained in the compounds [Be(NH(3))(4)](2)Cl(4)⋅17NH(3) and [Be(NH(3))(4)]Cl(2), is reported. Through NMR spectroscopic and quantum chemical studies, its hydrolysis products in liquid ammonia were identified. These are the dinuclear [Be(2)(μ-OH)(NH(3))(6)](3+) and the cyclic [Be(2)(μ-OH)(2)(NH(3))(4)](2+) and [Be(3)(μ-OH)(3)(NH(3))(6)](3+) cations. The latter species was isolated as the compound [Be(3)(μ-OH)(3)(NH(3))(6)]Cl(3)⋅7NH(3). NMR analysis of solutions of BeF(2) in liquid ammonia showed that the [BeF(2)(NH(3))(2)] molecule was the only dissolved species. It acts as a strong fluoride-ion acceptor and forms the [BeF(3)(NH(3))](-) anion in the compound [N(2)H(7)][BeF(3)(NH(3))]. The compounds presented herein were characterized by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis, (9)Be, (17)O, and (19)F NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, deuteration studies, and quantum chemical calculations. The extension of beryllium chemistry to the ammine system shows similarities but also decisive differences to the aquo system.

Off the Beaten Track-A Hitchhiker's Guide to Beryllium Chemistry.

This Minireview aims to give an introduction to beryllium chemistry for all less-experienced scientists in this field of research. Up to date information on the toxicity of beryllium and its compounds are reviewed and several basic and necessary guidelines for a safe and proper handling in modern chemical research laboratories are presented. Interesting phenomenological observations are described that are related directly to the uniqueness of this element, which are also put into historical context. Herein we combine the contributions and experiences of many scientist that work passionately in this field. We want to encourage fellow scientists to reconcile the long-standing reservations about beryllium and its compounds and motivate intense research on this spurned element. Who on earth should be able to deal with beryllium and its compounds if not chemists?

Stable Alkali-Metal Complexes of Hybrid Disila-Crown Ethers

The complexation ability of hybrid disilane and ethylene containing crown ether ring systems was analyzed using 1,2-disila[12]crown-4 (1), 1,2-disila[15]crown-5 (2), 1,2-disila[18]crown-6 (3), and 1,2,7,8-tetrasila[12]crown-4 (7). Alkali-metal complexes (Li(+), Na(+), K(+)) were obtained and analyzed via X-ray diffraction. The complex stability of [Li(1,2-disila[12]crown-4)](+) and [Li(1,2,7,8-tetrasila[12]crown-4)](+) was determined, in relation to the lithium complex of [12]crown-4, by density functional theory (DFT) calculations employing the BP86/def2-TZVP level of theory. In solution, the exchange of lithium cations between pure [12]crown-4 and hybrid [12]crown-4 is on even terms, as has been shown from the relative binding affinity of compounds 1 and 7 by means of dynamic proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Pyrophosphate Complexation of Tin(II) in Aqueous Solutions as Applied in Electrolytes for the Deposition of Tin and Tin Alloys Such as White Bronze

Electrodeposition of tin and tin alloys from electrolytes containing tin(II) and pyrophosphates is an important process in metal finishing, but the nature of the tin pyrophosphate complexes present in these solutions in various pH regions has remained unknown. Through solubility and pH studies, IR and (31)P and (119)Sn NMR spectroscopic investigations of solutions obtained by dissolving Sn(2)P(2)O(7) in equimolar quantities of either Na(4)P(2)O(7)·10H(2)O or K(4)P(2)O(7) the formation of anionic 1:1 complexes {[Sn(P(2)O(7))]}(n)(2n-) has now been verified and the molecular structures of the monomer (n = 1) and the dimer (n = 2) have been calculated by density functional theory (DFT) methods. Whereas the alkali pyrophosphates Na/K(4)P(2)O(7) give strongly alkaline aqueous solutions (pH ∼13), because of partial protonation of the [P(2)O(7)](4-) anion, the [Sn(P(2)O(7))](2-) anion is not protonated and the solutions of Na/K(2)[Sn(P(2)O(7))] are almost neutral (pH ∼8). The monomeric dianion appears to have a ground state with C(2v) symmetry with the Sn atom in a square pyramidal coordination and the lone pair of electrons in the apical position, while the dimer approaches C(2) symmetry with the Sn atoms in a rhombic pyramidal coordination, also with a sterically active lone pair. A comparison of experimental and calculated IR details favors the monomer as the most abundant species in solution. With an excess of pyrophosphate, 3:2 and 2:1 complexes (P(2)O(7)):(Sn) are first formed, which, in the presence of more pyrophosphate, undergo rapid ligand exchange on the NMR time scale. The structure of the 2:1 complex [Sn(P(2)O(7))(2)](6-) was calculated to have a pyramidal complexation by two 1,5-chelating pyrophosphate ligands. Neutralization of these alkaline solutions by sulfuric or sulfonic acids (H(2)SO(4), MeSO(3)H), as also practiced in electroplating, appears to afford the tin(II) hydrogen pyrophosphates [Sn(P(2)O(7)H)](-) and [Sn(H(2)P(2)O(7))](0). The molecular structures of the mononuclear model units have also been calculated and were shown to have an unsymmetrical complexation and to feature trigonal pyramidal (pseudotetrahedral) coordination. NMR observations have shown that, contrary to the results obtained for Sn(II) compounds, Sn(IV) as present in K(2)SnO(3) or its hydrated form (K(2)Sn(OH)(6)) does not form a pyrophosphate complex in aqueous solution near pH 7. There is also no interference of sulfite.

NOUF6 Revisited: A Comprehensive Study of a Hexafluoridouranate(V) Salt

We have synthesized NOUF6 by direct reaction of NO with UF6 in anhydrous HF (aHF). Based on the unit cell volume and powder diffraction data, the compound was previously reported to be isotypic to O2 PtF6 , however, detailed structural data, such as the atom positions and all information that can be derived from those, were unavailable. We have therefore investigated the compound by using single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, IR, Raman, NMR, EPR, and photoluminescence spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, as well as chemical analysis, density determination, and quantum chemical calculations.

A 1D Coordination Polymer of UF5 with HCN as a Ligand

β-Uranium(V) fluoride was reacted with liquid anhydrous hydrogen cyanide to obtain a 1D coordination polymer with the composition 1∞ [UF5 (HCN)2 ], 1∞ [UF4/1 F2/2 - (HCN)2/1 ], revealed by single-crystal X-ray structure determination. The reaction system was furthermore studied by means of vibrational and NMR spectroscopy, as well as by quantum chemical calculations. The compound presents the first described polymeric HCN Lewis adduct and the first HCN adduct of a uranium fluoride.

The Interhalogen Cations [Br2F5]+ and [Br3F8]+

The synthesis and characterization of unique polyhalogen cations containing μ-bridging fluorine atoms are reported. The [Br2 F5 ]+ cation features a symmetric [F2 Br-μ-F-BrF2 ] bridge, whereas the [Br3 F8 ]+ contains asymmetric μ-F bridges. These fluoronium ions, obtained as [SbF6 ]- salts, were investigated using Raman and 19 F NMR spectroscopy, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Quantum chemical calculations were carried out for the gas-phase cations as well as for the solid-state compounds. Population analyses show the μ-F atoms to possess the most negative partial charge within the cations.

Beryllium Complexes with Bio-Relevant Functional Groups: Coordination Geometries and Binding Affinities

The coordination mode around beryllium in proteins and the binding affinity towards the peptide are unknown because there have been no coordination compounds of beryllium with ligands bearing bio-relevant functional groups. We report the first comprehensive study on Be complexes with monodentate carboxylic acids, esters, aldehydes, and alcohols. Through solution and solid-state techniques we determined that the binding affinities of Be2+ ions towards the functional groups are: carboxylate > alcohol > aldehyde > ester. Crystal structures of all the compounds have been determined including the unprecedented dodeca-nuclear macrocyclic ring structure of non-basic beryllium benzoate, which is the first example of those beryllium carboxylates. These findings enable the evaluation of potential beryllium binding sites inside proteins and is required to understand the mechanism of metal-triggered immune responses.

Formation and Properties of the Trichloroberyllate Ion

The activation of C-Cl bonds in dichloromethane and chloroform was observed by BeCl2 in the presence of PMe3 and PCy3. This leads to the formation of [Me3PCH2Cl]Cl and [Cy3PCHCl2][BeCl3]. The latter compound is the first example of a tricoordinated beryllium species with nonbulky ligands and proof of the existence and stability of the long-predicted [BeCl3]- ion. In analogy to the isoelectronic BCl3, the trichloroberyllate anion exhibits Lewis acidic behavior toward electron-pair donors and was probed for the electronic and steric influence of the Lewis base. [BeCl3]- can also act as a chloride ion donor or acceptor, leading to the formation of neutral phosphane adducts to BeCl2 and [BeCl4]2-. The existing equilibria between these species were investigated and showed high chloride mobility.