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Paper des Monats
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Technical 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) consists largely of three diastereomers (α-, β-, and γ-HBCD) produced by the trans addition of bromine to cis,trans,trans-cyclododeca-1,5,9-triene (CDT). However, another seven diastereomers are theoretically possible and may be produced by trans addition of bromine across the double bonds of the other three isomers of 1,5,9-CDT. There are indications that small amounts of the minor HBCD isomers may be present in commercial HBCD mixtures or in products containing this brominated flame retardant (BFR). Such minor components may indeed derive from traces of other 1,5,9-CDTs in the cis, trans, trans starting material, however their formation may also be possible through isomerizations during the processing of this BFR or by bioisomerization subsequent to its release into the environment. Two of the seven additional diastereomers (δ- and ε-HBCD) were synthesized previously from trans,trans,trans-CDT. We now report the preparation of the remaining five diastereomers, ζ-, η-, and θ-HBCD from cis,cis,trans-CDT and ι- and κ-HBCD from cis,cis,cis-CDT, and their characterization by 1H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The availability of these further diastereomers of HBCD should aid in determining if the minor isomers are present in commercial samples of this BFR, in products containing HBCDs, or in environmental samples. We have also carried out an X-ray crystal structure determination on ε-HBCD, so that crystal structures are now available for all 10 HBCD diastereomers.
Sewage sludge and sewage sludge ashes (SSA) are produced in huge amounts at municipal waste water treatment plants (WWTP) all around the world and have become an issue for many urbanized areas. To deal with this unceasing mass flow in an ecologically and economically responsible way a comprehensive chemical and structural characterization of all types of SSA is needed. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) is one of the most promising analytical methods for this task. Although, there has been ample chemical evidence showing that many SSA contain aluminium phosphate as a major component up to now no aluminium phosphate or aluminium-rich mixed phosphate phase has been reported to be identified by XRD in a SSA produced at a mono-incineration facility. The outcome of the present com-bined XRD and Mossbauer spectroscopy investigation provides comprehensive evidence closing this gap for the first time.
The preparation and characterization of tris-pyridyl bispidine (3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) derivatives with benzimidazole and imidazole donor groups at the N-3 position of the bispidine Skeleton and their copper(II) complexes are reported. The impact of the hetaryl substituents on the configurational isomerism of piperidones and their corresponding bispidones has been studied by NMR spectroscopy, revealing the exclusive appearance in the enol form for the piperidones in solution and the trans-configuration regarding the two pyridyl substituents, as well as the sole formation of the unsymmetric exo-endo isomers for the corresponding bispidones. Thus, the bispidones are preorganized ligands for building pentacoordinated complexes, confirmed by the preparation and characterization of the corresponding Cu(II) complexes. Of the di-pyridyl piperidones with benzimidazole and imidazole substituents, and of the Cu(II) complex of the benzimidazole-containing bispidone, Crystals have become available for the analysis by X-ray diffraction, showing that the piperidones form the enol tautomers also in the solid state.
Nanocomposites based on polypropylene (PP) and organically modified ZnAl layered double hydroxides (ZnAl-LDH) were prepared by melt blending and investigated by a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS), and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS). An average number of stack size of LDH layers is calculated by analyzing the SAXS data which is close to that of pure organically modified ZnAl-LDH. Scanning microfocus SAXS investigations show that the ZnAl-LDH is homogeneously distributed in the PP matrix as stacks of 4–5 layers with an intercalated morphology. DSC and WAXS results show that the degree of crystallinity decreases linearly with the increasing content of LDH. The extrapolation of this dependence to zero estimates a limiting concentration of ca. 40% LDH where the crystallization of PP is completely suppressed by the nanofiller. The dielectric spectra of the nanocomposites show several relaxation processes which are discussed in detail. The intensity of the dynamic glass transition (β-relaxation) increases with the concentration of LDH. This is attributed to the increasing concentration of the exchanged anion dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) which is adsorbed at the LDH layers. Therefore, a detailed analysis of the β-relaxation provides information about the structure and the molecular dynamics in the interfacial region between the LDH layers and the polypropylene matrix which is otherwise dielectrically invisible (low dipole moment). As a main result, it is found that the glass transition temperature in this interfacial region is by 30 K lower than that of pure polypropylene. This is accompanied by a drastic change of the fragility parameter deduced from the relaxation map.
Redox reactions of K3[Fe(CN)6] during mechanochemically stimulated phase transitions of AlOOH
(2011)
Thermally induced redox reactions of K3[Fe(CN)6] (1) were investigated for a broad temperature range by thermal methods and structure analytical methods (ESR and Mößbauer spectroscopy, X-ray Powder diffraction and XANES). Based on the influence of the mechanically activated and transforming matrices 2 and 3, redox processes can be tuned to form doped Al2O3 systems which contain either isolated Fe3+ centres or redox active phases and precursors like (Al1-xFex)2O3 (4), (Al3-xFex)O4 (5), Fe3O4, Fe2O3 and Fe0. The phase Fe3C and the chemically reactive C-species were detected during the reaction of 1. The final composition of the doped products of α-Al2O3 is mainly influenced by the chemical nature of the Fe doping component, the applied temperature and time regime, and the composition of the gas phase (N2, N2/O2 or N2/H2). From the solid state chemistry point of view it is interesting that the transforming matrix (2 and 3) possesses both oxidative and protective properties and that the incorporation of the Fe species can be performed systematically.
Deciphering the sulfate attack of cementitious materials by high-resolution micro-x-ray diffraction
(2011)
The durability of cementitious materials depends, among others, on their resistance against chemical attack during the service life of a building. Here, we present an approach to analyze changes in the phase composition due to chemical attack in the form of sulfate ingress within the microstructure. Micro-X-ray (µX-ray) diffraction using synchrotron radiation in Debye–Scherrer (transmission) geometry allowed a spatial resolution of 10 µm. Phase transformations in the wake of damaging processes were observed in a detailed high-resolution imaging study. In comparison, samples containing supplementary cementitious materials were investigated and used to reconstruct the influence of different degeneration processes in detail. Additionally, reaction fronts within the bulk were localized by micro-X-ray fluorescence analysis. The experimental setup provided the possibility for analyzing the phase assemblage of a given sample without destroying the microstructure. The specimens for phase analysis are thick sections of the primary material and can be used for further microscopic analysis of the microstructure and microchemistry, e.g., scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) or Raman spectroscopy.
During the mineralisation of metal carbonates MCO3 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Mn, Cd, Pb) liquid-like amorphous intermediates emerge. These intermediates that form via a liquid/liquid phase separation behave like a classical emulsion and are stabilized electrostatically. The occurrence of these intermediates is attributed to the formation of highly hydrated networks whose stability is mainly based on weak interactions and the variability of the metal-containing pre-critical clusters. Their existence and compositional freedom are evidenced by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Liquid intermediates in non-classical crystallisation pathways seem to be more common than assumed.
Prerequisite for the rational design of functional organic materials with tailor-made electronic properties is the knowledge of the structure–property relationship for the specific class of molecules under consideration. This encouraged us to systematically study the influence of the molecular structure and substitution pattern of aromatically substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles on the electronic properties and packing motifs of these molecules and on the interplay of these factors. For this purpose, seven diphenyl-oxadiazoles equipped with methyl substituents in the ortho- and meta-position(s) were synthesized and characterized. Absorption and fluorescence spectra in solution served here as tools to monitor substitution-induced changes in the electronic properties of the individual molecules whereas X-ray and optical measurements in the solid state provided information on the interplay of electronic and packing effects. In solution, the spectral position of the absorption maximum, the size of Stokes shift, and the fluorescence quantum yield are considerably affected by ortho-substitution in three or four ortho-positions. This results in blue shifted absorption bands, increased Stokes shifts, and reduced fluorescence quantum yields whereas the spectral position and vibrational structure of the emission bands remain more or less unaffected. In the crystalline state, however, the spectral position and shape of the emission bands display a strong dependence on the molecular structure and/or packing motifs that seem to control the amount of dye–dye-interactions. These observations reveal the limited value of commonly reported absorption and fluorescence measurements in solution for a straightforward comparison of spectroscopic results with single X-ray crystallography. This underlines the importance of solid state spectroscopic studies for a better understanding of the interplay of electronic effects and molecular order.
Although metallic nanoparticles play an important role in the area of nanotechnology, a coherent mechanistic explanation for the evolution of the particles during their chemical synthesis has not yet been provided in many cases. To gain a profound understanding of the growth mechanism of colloidal nanoparticles, new approaches using Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS) combined with X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) are presented. This combination allows for insights into two prominent syntheses routes of gold nanoparticles (GNP): The 'slow' reaction using sodium citrate (30-90 min) as a reducing agent and the 'fast' reaction employing NaBH4 (within few seconds). In the first case data derived with the coupled XANES and SAXS suggests a four-step particle formation mechanism. For the second system a time resolution in the order of 100-200 ms was achieved by coupling a common laboratory SAXS instrument with a microstructured mixer, which allows data acquisition in a continuous-flow mode. The results indicate a coalescence driven growth process. Based on the capabilities to deduce the size, number and polydispersity of the particles, the results of both methods enable the development of mechanistic schemes explaining the different phases of particle formation and growth, thus providing a basis for improved control over the synthesis processes.
Triacetone triperoxide (TATP), an improvised explosive, is a potential security threat because of its cost-efficient synthesis and the difficulty in detecting it. A highly selective antibody could provide the necessary specificity to the detection process. To obtain antibodies, a hapten made from acetone, hydrogen peroxide, and 7-oxooctanoic acid has been designed, synthesized, and confirmed by NMR that displays the utmost similarity to the analyte. The single-crystal X-ray structures of the solvated species TATP·methanol (1:1) and the TATP derivate were determined. In both compounds, the molecules exhibit D3 symmetry and adopt a twisted boat-chair conformation. The hapten was coupled to bovine serum albumin, and mice were immunized. An immune response against TATP was elicited, and selective antibodies were detected in the mouse serum, which should be very useful for the development of a TATP biosensor system. An ELISA with a limit of detection for TATP of 65 µg L-1 is shown.
A facile approach for the synthesis of monodisperse gold nanoparticles with radii in the range of 7 to 20 nm is presented. Starting from monodisperse seeds with radii of 7 nm, produced in the first step, the addition of a defined amount of additional precursor material permits distinct size regulation and the realization of predicted nanoparticle sizes. These information were derived from ex- and in situ investigations by comprehensive small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and UV-Vis data to obtain information on the physicochemical mechanisms. The obtained mechanisms can be transferred to other seeded growth processes. Compared to similar approaches, the presented synthesis route circumvents the use of different reducing or stabilizing agents. The size of resulting nanoparticles can be varied over a large size range presented for the first time without a measurable change in the shape, polydispersity or surface chemistry. Thus, the resulting nanoparticles are ideal candidates for size dependence investigations.
The strategy of utilizing mechanochemical synthesis to obtain metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with high surface areas is demonstrated for two model systems. The compounds HKUST-1 (Cu3(BTC)2, BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) and MOF-14 (Cu3(BTB)2, BTB = 4,4',4''-benzenetribenzoate) were synthesized by ball milling and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis (DTA/DTG/MS). The specific surface area (SSA) of both compounds was characterized by nitrogen adsorption. To verify these results and to understand how the synthetic conditions influence the pore structure and the surface area, additional small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments were carried out. Our investigations confirm that this synthesis approach is a promising alternative method for distinct MOFs. This facile method leads to materials with surface areas of 1713 m²/g, which is comparable to the highest given values in the literature for the respective compounds.
As a model for spray drying the early stages of crystallization of complex molybdate catalyst precursors were monitored online in droplets levitated acoustically. Synchron X-ray scattering techniques were applied to study the drying process of a typical molybdate catalysts precursor prepared from Ni-,Fe-,Bi-nitrate, ammonium heptamolybdate and H3PO4. Comparison with diffraction patterns obtained from sessile droplets shows significant differences in the crystal growth, whereas the final crystal structure – including a Keggin-type anion – is identical in both cases. The levitated samples exhibit a decelerated growth with a large number of small crystallites at the beginning of the crystallization, whereas in case of the sessile droplets a small number of large crystallites were observed after a few minutes. The acoustic levitation using an ultrasonic trap proves to be an elegant tool to mimic spray drying and offers new possibilities in relation to the understanding of the drying process.
Ergometrinine
(2010)
The absolute configuration of ergometrinine, C19H23N3O2 {systematic name: (6aR,9S)-N-[(S)-1-hydroxypropan-2-yl]-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide}, was established based on epimerization reaction of ergometrine, which was followed by preparative HPLC. The non-aromatic ring (ring C of the ergoline skeleton) directly fused to the aromatic rings is nearly planar [maximum deviation = 0.271 (3) Å] and shows an envelope conformation, whereas ring D, involved in an intramolecular N-HN hydrogen bond, exibits a slightly distorted chair conformation. The structure displays undulating layers in the ac plane formed by O-H...O and N-H...O hydrogen bonds.
Alternariol
(2010)
In the title compound (systematic name: 3,7,9-trihydroxy-1-methyl-6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-one), C14H10O5, the methyl group is shifted out of the molecular plane due to a steric collision, thus causing a slight twist of the benzene rings. The molecular structure is stabilized by an intramolecular O-H...O hydrogen bond, generating an S(6) ring. In the crystal, molecules are connected by intermolecular O-H...O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network.
The crystallization of nifedipine was studied by means of synchrotron-X-ray diffraction, single-crystal X-ray structural analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The results of slow evaporation (24 h in minimum) using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are presented. Since fast crystallization processes (typically minutes) in different solvents always led to the final formation of the thermodynamically most stable α-polymorph of nifedipine, we observed a novel pseudo-polymorph due to slow crystallization from DMSO. The single-crystal X-ray structure of the solvated species nifedipine·DMSO (1:1) is reported for the first time. In addition, the crystallization process on surfaces was followed by means of light microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Different diffractions pattern and Raman spectra were observed for crystals grown from stock solution and those obtained by drying the solution on soda lime silicate surfaces.
A combination of two analytical methods, time-resolved X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy, is presented as a novel tool for crystallization studies. An acoustic levitator was employed as sample environment. This setup enables the acquisition of XRD and Raman data in situ simultaneously within a 20 s period and hence permits investigation of polymorphic phase transitions during the crystallization process in different solvents (methanol, ethanol, acetone, dichloromethane, acetonitrile). These real time measurements allow the determination of the phase content from the onset of the first crystalline molecular assemblies to the stable system. To evaluate the capability of this approach, the setup was applied to elucidate the crystallization process of the polymorphic compound nifedipine. The results indicate the existence of solvent-dependent transient phases during the crystallization process. The quality of the data allowed the assignment of the lattice constants of the hitherto unknown crystal structure of the β-polymorph.
A great challenge in the production of nanoparticles with defined sizes and properties is to control their growth in situ. We developed a dedicated combined small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) setup to monitor nanoparticle formation in solution. The capabilities of simultaneously deriving particle sizes and oxidation states of atoms/ions are illustrated for the formation of spherical gold nanoparticles by the reduction of hydrogen tetrachloroaureate (HAuCl4). Particles with initial radii of 4.60 ± 0.10 nm and final radii of 5.67 ± 0.10 nm were produced in a levitated droplet with a volume of 4 µL. An ethylene oxide/propylene oxide triblock copolymer PEO-PPO-PEO (Pluronic F-127) functions as reducing agent and colloidal stabilizer. XANES shows in situ how the gold was reduced in the droplet from Au(III) to Au(0), and simultaneously SAXS recorded the size distribution of the formed nanoparticles. It is shown that the final particle number is reached quickly. Thereafter, only the particles sizes increase. Comparison of XANES and SAXS shows that the quantity of Au(0) is higher than the quantity of gold located in the nanoparticles while the particles are growing. Finally, all the Au(0) is found in the nanoparticles. We tentatively attribute this finding to the pseudo crown ether effect of the polymer surfactant that kinetically stabilizes gold atoms when formed from gold ions within their protecting cavity. A simple burst mechanism for the gold nanoparticle formation is the consequence. The possibility of an inhomogeneous particles structure with an enhanced density near the particle surface is discussed.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) were prepared by the homogeneous mixing of continuous flows of an aqueous tetrachloroauric acid solution and a sodium borohydride solution applying a microstructured static mixer. The online characterization and screening of this fast process (~2 s) was enabled by coupling a micromixer operating in continuous-flow mode with a conventional in-house small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) setup. This online characterization technique enables the time-resolved investigation of the growth process of the nanoparticles from an average radius of ca. 0.8 nm to about 2 nm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a continuous-flow SAXS setup for time-resolved studies of nanoparticle formation mechanisms that does not require the use of synchrotron facilities. In combination with X-ray absorption near edge structure microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy the obtained data allow the deduction of a two-step mechanism of gold nanoparticle formation. The first step is a rapid conversion of the ionic gold precursor into metallic gold nuclei, followed by particle growth via coalescence of smaller entities. Consequently it could be shown that the studied synthesis serves as a model system for growth driven only by coalescence processes.
Amelogenin nanoparticles in suspension: Deviations from spherical shape and pH-dependent aggregation
(2010)
It is well-known that amelogenin self-assembles to form nanoparticles, usually referred to as amelogenin nanospheres, despite the fact that not much is known about their actual shape in solution. In the current paper, we combine SAXS and DLS to study the three-dimensional shape of the recombinant amelogenins rP172 and rM179. Our results show for the first time that amelogenins build oblate nanoparticles in suspension using experimental approaches that do not require the proteins to be in contact with a support material surface. The SAXS studies give evidence for the existence of isolated amelogenin nano-oblates with aspect ratios in the range of 0.45-0.5 at pH values higher than pH 7.2 and show an aggregation of these nano-oblates at lower pH values. The role of the observed oblate shape in the formation of chain-like structures at physiological conditions is discussed as a key factor in the biomineralization of dental enamel.
The sequence of reactions accompanying the thermochemical treatment of an iron- and aluminium-bearing sewage sludge ash was ascertained by investigating two systematic series of samples. The ash was thermochemically treated in a lab-scale rotary furnace after mixing it with a chlorine-donor, either CaCl2 or MgCl2. Within each of these two sample series only a single process parameter, the reaction temperature, was varied, namely between 350 and 1050°C. It was found, that among the numerous crystalline phases present in the raw ash only quartz and hematite continue to exist after thermochemical treatments carried out at 1050°C, whereas all other components undergo at least one decomposition-recrystallization cycle. Some of the components re-crystallize even several times. It was proved that the restructuring of the calcium- and phosphorus-bearing mineral phases proceeds via the formation of chlorspodioside, Ca2PO4Cl. The influence of the type of chlorine-donor on the final product was elucidated in detail and - to the best of our knowledge - for the first time crystalline AlPO4 was found in a sewage sludge ash and its decomposition was investigated, too.
Diffraction of hard synchrotron radiation as well as constant-wavelength and time-of-flight neutron diffraction were used for the structural characterization of a silicon carbide powder having extremely low levels of chemical impurities, high perfection of the crystalline lattice and a grain size of up to 150 µm. The presence of three polytypes was ascertained and the ratios of their mass fractions were determined to be w15R : w6H = 0.002,3(8) and w4H : w6H = 0.000,6(2).
The spherical gold nanoparticle reference materials RM 8011, RM 8012, and RM 8013, with a nominal radius of 5, 15, and 30 nm, respectively, have been available since 2008 from NIST. These materials are recommended as standards for nanoparticle size measurements and for the study of the biological effects of nanoparticles, e.g., in pre-clinical biomedical research. We report on determination of the size distributions of these gold nanoparticles using different small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) instruments. Measurements with a classical Kratky type SAXS instrument are compared with a synchrotron SAXS technique. Samples were investigated in situ, positioned in capillaries and in levitated droplets. The number-weighted size distributions were determined applying model scattering functions based on (a) Gaussian, (b) log-normal, and (c) Schulz distributions. The mean radii are 4.36 ± 0.04 nm (RM 8011), 12.20 ± 0.03 nm (RM 8012), and 25.74 ± 0.27 nm (RM 8013). Low polydispersities, defined as relative width of the distributions, were detected with values of 0.067 ± 0.006 (RM 8011), 0.103 ± 0.003, (RM 8012), and 0.10 ± 0.01 (RM 8013). The results are in agreement with integral values determined from classical evaluation procedures, such as the radius of gyration (Guinier) and particle volume (Kratky). No indications of particle aggregation and particle interactions-repulsive or attractive-were found. We recommend SAXS as a standard method for a fast and precise determination of size distributions of nanoparticles.
A new setup is presented which enables simultaneous wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS/SAXS) and Raman spectroscopic experiments during the synthesis of Mo-based mixed oxide catalyst precursors at the µ-spot beamline at the Berliner Elektronenspeicherring-Gesellschaft für Synchrotronstrahlung (BESSY). Furthermore, we report about the separate monitoring of the same reactions under comparable conditions by simultaneous combined ATR/UVvis/Raman spectroscopic measurements. For testing the performance of both experimental setups two syntheses were described comprising the precipitation of metal molybdates by mixing solutions of metal nitrates and ammonium heptamolybdate. Additionally, the effect of H3PO4 admixture on precipitation was investigated. The combined evaluation of spectroscopic and WAXS/SAXS data allows the discrimination between different molybdate species appearing in solution and precipitate. Furthermore, these molybdate species could be assigned to separate phases of different crystallinity.
Deacetyl tenuazonic acid
(2009)
The supermolecular mechanism of the template-mediated oxidative polymerization of pyrrole is investigated in detail. It is shown for the first time that 2,5-bis(pyrrol-2-yl)pyrrolidyl complexes with aromatic sulfonic acids such as %#946;-naphtalenesulfonic acid or para-toluenesulfonic acid are formed in the early polymerization step. The crystalline acidbase complexes are isolated and their crystal structures are analyzed. A 2,5-bis(pyrrol-2-yl)pyrrolidyl cation is common to both complexes and forms an inner salt with the sulfonic acid anion. As concluded from NMR investigations the synthesis using sulfonic acids results in a high stereo selectivity with respect to the trans conformation of the pyrrolidyl ring compared with the classical synthesis routine of this compound using hydrochloric acid. The needle-like crystals of the complexes act as hard templates during the next step of the polymerization and result in tubular morphologies of the polypyrrole.
The title compounds Zn2[S2CN(n-C4H9)2]4 1 and Zn2[(S(SO)CN(n-C4H9)2)(S2CN(n-C4H9)2)]2 3 build mixed crystals in the ratio 0.42: 0.58. Each compound forms dimers, in which the monomer moieties are related via a two-fold axis, coinciding with that of the monoclinic space group C2/c. The lattice parameters are a = 23.581(9), b = 17.112(5), c = 16.372(9) Å, and β = 128.33(3)°.
Crystallization processes under different conditions are of fundamental interest in chemistry, pharmacy, and medicine. Therefore, we have studied the formation of micro- and nanosized crystals using water-caffeine (1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione) solutions under ambient conditions as a relevant model system. When droplets of an aqueous caffeine solution evaporate and eventually dry on surfaces (glass, polystyrene, and polyester), stable coffee tabletop rings with a perimeter of typically 3 mm are formed after 20 to 50 min. Using a micro focus X-ray beam available at the BESSY µSpot-beamline, the fine structure of different caffeine needles can be distinguished. Unexpectedly, both crystal modifications (α- and β-caffeine) are present, but locally separated in these rings. Furthermore, AFM studies reveal the presence of even smaller particles on a nanometer length scale. To eliminate influences of surface irregularities from the crystallization process, acoustic levitation of liquid samples was employed. Such levitated droplets are trapped in a stable position and only surrounded by air. The solvent in an ultrasonically levitated drop evaporates completely, and the resulting crystallization of caffeine was followed in situ by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. In this case, the diffraction pattern is in accordance with pure α-caffeine and does not indicate the formation of the room temperature polymorph β-caffeine. Hence, our investigations open new vistas that may lead to a controlled formation of cocrystals and novel polymorphs of micro- and nanocrystalline materials, which are of relevance for fundamental studies as well as for pharmaceutical and medical applications.
We report on the online coupling of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (A4F) with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for the detection of nanoparticles. The A4F was used to fractionate superparamagnetic maghemite nanoparticles, which were prepared continuously with a micromixer. The outlet of the A4F was directly coupled to a flow capillary of a SAXSess instrument (Kratky type of camera). SAXS curves were recorded in a 1 s time interval. This was possible by using intense synchrotron radiation. The radii of gyration of the nanoparticles, as determined from Guinier plots, increased from 2 to 6 nm with increasing fractionation time of the A4F. A more detailed analysis of the scattering curves revealed that the particles were cylindrical in shape (nanorods), which we attributed to the micromixing preparation technique. The radii of the nanorods increased only slightly from 1.2 to 1.7 nm with increasing fractionation time, while the lengths increased strongly from 7.0 to 30.0 nm. The volume distribution of the nanorods was determined and described by Schultz-Zimm and log-normal distributions. Nanorod volumes increased from 45 to 263 nm³, corresponding to molar masses of 140 × 10³ to 820 × 10³ g mol-1. We propose A4F-SAXS coupling as a new method for analysis of nanoparticles of complex composition in solution. It allows precise online determination of the particles shape and size distributions. This method can be applied to mixtures of nanoparticles of arbitrary shapes and sizes (1-100 nm). Moreover, the total time needed for fractionation and online SAXS data recording is usually only 20 min.
High-pressure studies on molecular crystals - relations between structure and high-pressure behavior
(2008)
This paper summarizes attempts to understand structureproperty relationships for a large class of aromatic diphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole molecules. Starting from the investigation of the crystal structure several common packing motifs as well as characteristic differences are derived. Many different molecules show a rather planar conformation in the solid state. A stronger intermolecular twist is only observed for compounds with substituents occupying the ortho-positions of the phenyl rings. Most crystal structures are characterized by the formation of stacks leading to intense ππ acceptordonor interactions between oxadiazole and phenyl rings. High-pressure investigations result in a soft compression behavior typical for organic molecular crystals. The bulk behavior may be described by the Murnaghan equation of state with similar coefficients (bulk modulus and its pressure derivative) for nearly all investigated compounds but also for related substances. The compression shows a strong anisotropy resulting from the specific features and packing motifs of the crystal structure. This is clearly indicated by a corresponding strain analysis. Additionally to the crystal structure the Raman spectrum was also investigated under increasing pressure. The different pressure behavior of external and internal modes reflects the difference between intra- and intermolecular interactions.
Uranium(IV) sulfate in an aqueous solution and the solid state has been investigated with extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The coordination polyhedron comprises monodentate sulfate, bidentate sulfate, and water molecules. The coordination modes of sulfate in solution have been determined from the U-S distances with EXAFS. The U-S distance of 3.67 ± 0.02 Å indicates monodentate sulfate, and the U-S distance of 3.08 ± 0.02 Å indicates bidentate coordination. The obtained sulfur coordination numbers of a solution with a [SO42-]/[U4+] ratio of 40 suggest species with compositions of [U(SO4,bid)2(SO4,mon)2·nH2O]4- and [U(SO4,bid)3 (SO4,mon)2·mH2O]6-. Charge-compensating countercations or ion pairing with Na+ and NH4+ could not be detected with EXAFS. One of the solution species, [U(SO4)5H2O]6-, has been conserved in a crystal. The corresponding crystal structure of Na1.5(NH4)4.5[U(SO4)5·H2O]·H2O [space group P1, a = 9.4995(16) Å, b = 9.8903(16) Å, c = 12.744(2) Å, α = 93.669(2)°, β = 103.846(2)°, γ = 109.339(2)°] has been determined by single-crystal XRD. Two monomeric uranium(IV) sulfate complexes and three sodium units are linked in alternating rows and form a one-dimensoinal ribbon structure parallel to the a axis.
A systematic structural investigation of R-phenyl-substituted 2,2':6',2"-terpyridines, a family of mono- and bifunctional charge transfer (CT)-operated fluorescent reporters for protons and metal ions, is presented. These molecules are equipped with non-binding and analyte coordinating donor substituents R (R = CF3, H, OMe, OH, DMA, A15C5 equaling monoaza-15-crown-5) of various donor strength and display CT-controlled spectroscopic properties and communication of analytereceptor interactions. The crystal structures of the neutral fluorescent probes are compared to the structures of their terpyridine-alkylated or -protonated counterparts that represent model systems for acceptor protonation or cation coordination. The aim is here a better understanding of the complexation-induced structural and spectroscopic changes and the identification of common packing motifs of bpb-R thereby taking into account the importance of terpyridine building blocks for the construction of supramolecular systems and coordination arrays revealing ππ interactions.
New horizons of the structural characterization of stainless steel slags by X-ray powder diffraction
(2007)
Structure determination of two asymmetrically substituted oxadiazoles from powder diffraction data
(2008)
The crystal structures of the 1,3,4 oxadiazole compounds N,N-dimethyl-N-[4-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]amine (1) and 2-methyl-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (2) have been determined. In case of 1 no adequate crystals were available; therefore the structure was solved at room temperature from X-ray powder diffraction data using the method of simulated annealing. This solution is compared to a second one obtained by applying the molecular replacement method. Subsequent Rietveld refinements combined with the so called two stage method based on the data collected to 1.6 Å resolution yielded an Rwp value of 7.27% for 1. Compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121 with lattice parameters of a = 7.599(4) Å, b = 6.004(2) Å, c = 21.736(3) Å. The crystal structure of 2 was solved by means of single crystal structure analysis (monoclinic space group P21/c, a = 8.010(3) Å, b = 10.783(4) Å, c = 19.234(7) Å, β = 90.794(9)°).
The title compound [systematic name: 6-(1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-purin-7-yl)hexanoic acid monohydrate, CAS 61444-23-3], C13H18N4O4·H2O, was synthesized and crystallized from ethyl acetate. Hydrogen bonds between xanthine and water molecules contribute to the formation of layers parallel to (10).