Flexibility in metal–organic frameworks : a basic understanding

Much has been written about the fundamental aspects of the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Still, details concerning the MOFs with structural flexibility are not comprehensively understood. However, a dramatic increase in research activities concerning rigid MOFs over the years has brought deeper levels of understanding for their properties and applications. Nonetheless, robustness and flexibility of such smart frameworks are intriguing for different research areas such as catalysis, adsorption, etc. This manuscript overviews the different aspects of framework flexibility. The review has touched lightly on several ideas and proposals, which have been demonstrated within the selected examples to provide a logical basis to obtain a fundamental understanding of their synthesis and behavior to external stimuli

Nucleophilic versus electrophilic boryl moieties: activation and application in catalysis

Els compostos de bortrivalent s’han considerat tradicionalment com a àcids de Lewis, preferint acceptar electrons més que donar-los en el curs de les reaccions, peròdarrerament han sorgit exemples a la bibliografia on el compost trivalent de bor presenta una reactivitat insòlita vers posicions electrofíliques. Aquest fet ens suggereix un nou context nucleofílic per als sintonsboril, que pot ser augmentat depenent dels substituents als quals estigui unit el bor. En aquesta tesi, volem mostrar una visió de les reactivitat soposades mitjançantl’estudi teòric de diferents compostos de bortri coordinats. A més a més també ens hem centrat en l’estudi de dues reaccions, la hidroboració trans no convencional on la unitat borilactuacom a electròfil i la -boració organo catalítica amb un diborà mixton la unitat boril actua com a nucleòfil.Boron compounds have been traditionally regarded as “Lewis Acids” preferring to accept electrons rather than donate them in the course of their reactions, but current examples of unusual reactivity between tricoordinatedboranes and electrophilic sites suggest another conceptual context for the boryl moieties, based on their nucleophilic character which can be enhanced depending on the substituents on boron. In this thesis, we aim to show an overview of these opposite reactivities through the computational study of different trivalent boron compounds. Moreover, we have also focused our attention in the study of two reactions, the non-conventional trans-hydroboration where the boryl moiety is acting as an electrophile and the organocatalytic-boration with a mixed diboron reagent where the boryl moiety is acting as a nucleophile

Studies on the Decomposition of Selected Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) and Formation of Polybrominated Dibenzo-p-dioxins and Dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and Mixed Halogenated Dibenzo-p-dioxins and Dibenzofurans (PXDD/Fs)

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are bromine-bearing hydrocarbons added or applied to materials to increase their fire resistance. As thermal treatment or recycling activities are common disposal methods for BFR-laden objects, it is essential to determine the precise decomposition chemistry of BFRs at elevated temperatures, and their transformation pathways into hazardous pollutants. Sunlight can trigger the photodecomposition of BFRs, either during the life cycle of treated objects, or when emitted to the environment after disposal. Therefore, knowledge of the geometric and electronic structures of BFRs is of chief importance when tracking their fate in the ambient environment. Although BFR decomposition mainly occurs in a condensed phase, gas phase reactions also contribute significantly to their overall decay and subsequent fragmentation into brominated pollutants. Thermal degradation of BFRs often proceeds in the presence of bromine atoms which inhibit complete combustion. Therefore, under thermal conditions such as smouldering, municipal waste incineration, pyrolysis, thermal recycling, uncontrolled burning and fires, BFRs degrade to form brominated products of incomplete combustion (BPICs). Thermal degradation of BFRs produces potent precursors to polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs). Co-combustion of BFR-containing objects with a chlorine source (e.g., polyvinyl chlorides) results in the emission of significant concentrations of mixed halogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (i.e., PXDD/Fs; X = Br, Cl). In this thesis, we investigated the thermochemical parameters of bromochlorophenols (BCPhs) and the photodecomposition properties of major BFRs and their derived brominated phenols (BPhs). We scrutinised the formation of brominated and non-brominated products that evolved during the thermal decomposition of major BFR i.e., tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBA), through experimental measurements coupled with accurate quantum chemical calculations. We acquired thermo-kinetic parameters as well as mechanistic routes pertinent to the destruction of TBBA. We illustrated reaction networks for the synthesis of PXDD/Fs from BPhs and chlorinated phenols (CPhs). Similarly, we described pathways leading to the formation of PBDFs and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) from brominated benzenes (BBzs). We critically reviewed the literature on BFR thermal decomposition with specific foci on underlying mechanisms, decomposition products, the influence of the polymeric matrix, metallic content and operational conditions. As BCPhs are direct building blocks for the formation of PXDD/Fs, we computed the thermochemical parameters of their complete series. We calculated standard enthalpies of formation, entropies, heat capacities and bond dissociation enthalpies (BDHs) of O-H bonds for the complete series of BCPhs. Values of the acid dissociation constant (pKa) were estimated based on an accurate thermodynamic cycle incorporating solvation and protonation energies. Calculated values of BDHs of O-H bonds in BCPhs vary slightly with the change in degree and pattern of halogenation. Gibbs energies of solvation of BCPhs in water are highly exergonic, with their values increasing with the degree of halogen substitution. Values of pKa dictate that BCPhs characterised by high degrees of halogenation display stronger acidity and dissociate more easily in aqueous media (i.e., they are stronger acids than lower substituted phenols). Photolysis and photochemical decomposition are important channels for the degradation of halogenated organic pollutants in the environment. Therefore, we performed density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDFT) calculations in order to derive the photodecomposition properties of major deployed BFRs and congeners of BPhs in both gaseous and aqueous media. We clarified the effect of degree and pattern of bromination on the photodebromination of selected brominated aromatic compounds based on several molecular descriptors; namely, geometries of the ground (S0) and electronically first excited (S1) states, values of the HOMO-LUMO energy gap (EH-L) and atomic charges on bromine atoms (qBr). Molecules exhibit different geometries in the S0 and S1 states and C-Br bonds elongate upon S0 → S1 transitions. In agreement with the recent findings on PBDEs, we found that the photoreactivity of bromine atoms in investigated BFRs and BPhs followed the sequence of ortho > meta > para. The bromine atom connected to the ortho-position holds the highest positive atomic charge and, thus, experiences the greatest lengthening of C-Br bonds in the S1 state, in both gaseous and an aqueous media, prompting their reductive debromination. Excitation energies decrease linearly with increasing numbers of bromine substituents, and congeners with a high degree of bromination photodecompose more readily than lower brominated isomers. Computed values of EH-L for major BFRs and their non-brominated molecules inferred that the number of bromine substituents and the nature of the structure (aromatic/non-aromatic) contributes significantly towards the photoreactivity of molecules. We conducted gas phase thermal decomposition of TBBA using a laboratory-scale tubular reactor. Our main focus was to identify pollutants arising in the temperature range of 673 – 1123 K following evaporation of TBBA in the gas phase. The identification and quantitation involved the use of a gas chromatograph – triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (GC-QQQMS) instrument, functioning in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and total ion current (TIC) modes. Product analysis revealed that thermal decomposition of TBBA commenced at 723 K. The major decomposition products were HBr, di-tribrominated bisphenols, benzene, phenol, mono-tribrominated congeners of benzene and phenol, brominated and non-brominated alkylated benzenes, benzofuran, bromobenzofuran, dibenzofuran, bromine substituted polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), biphenyl and biphenylene. We observed that, most of the decomposition products evolved in trivial concentrations at a temperature of 773 K and peaked at around 923 – 973 K. Higher temperatures favour the generation of non-brominated products. In this chapter, we have performed quantum chemical calculations to derive the degradation pathways of TBBA and to illustrate routes for the formation of brominated and non-brominated species. We constructed formation mechanisms related to the emission of PBDD/Fs in systems involving BFRs. In particular, we investigated formation corridors of (i) PXDD/Fs from the coupling reactions of 2-chlorophenoxy (2-CPhxy) and 2-bromophenoxy (2-BPhxy) radicals, (ii) PBDFs and PBDEs synthesis from the condensation reaction of monobromobenzene (MBBz) and a 2-BPhxy radical. The coupling reactions of 2-BPhxy and 2-CPhxy radicals produce keto-ether (through the additions of a phenoxy O at ortho C(H), C(Cl) and C(Br) sites) and diketo (at ortho positions to C–C bridges) structures. Keto-ethers act as direct intermediates for the formation of dioxin moieties such as dibenzo-p-dioxin (DD), 1-monochlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1-MCDD), 1-monobromodibenzo-p-dioxin (1-MBDD), 1-bromo-6-chlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1-B,6-CDD) and 1-bromo-9-chlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1-B,9-CDD) molecules. Diketo adducts initiate the formation of furan species, i.e., 4-monochlorodibenzofuran (4-MCDF), 4-monobromodibenzofuran (4-MBDF) and 4-bromo-6-chlorodibenzofuran (4-B,6-CDF) compounds, through interconversion and rearrangement reactions. We found that, these mechanisms of formation, commencing from halogenated phenoxy radicals, are largely insensitive to patterns and degrees of halogenation on meta and para sites. It follows that, our developed mechanistic and kinetic factors of reactions involving 2-BPhxy and 2-CPhxy should also apply to higher halogenated phenoxy radicals. We explored the initial oxidative decomposition pathways of monobromobenzene (MBBz) in the generation of BPhxy radicals and examined the possible dimerisation reactions of MBBz and 2-BPhxy. It was found that, the coupling of MBBz and 2-BPhxy results in the generation of twelve pre-PBDF intermediates, of which four can also serve as building blocks for the synthesis of PBDEs. The resonance-stabilised structure of the o-BPhxy radical accumulates more spin density character on its phenoxy O atom (30.9 %) in reference to ortho-C and para-C sites. Thus, the formation of the pre-PBDE/pre-PBDF structures via O/o-C couplings advances faster, as it requires lower activation enthalpies (79.2 – 84.9 kJ mol-1) than the pre-PBDF moieties, which arise via pairing reactions involving o-C(H or Br)/o-C(H or Br) sites (97.2 – 180.2 kJ mol-1). Kinetic analysis indicates that the O/o-C pre-PBDE/pre-PBDF adducts self-eject the out-of-plane H atoms to produce PBDEs, rather than undergo a three-step mechanism that forms PBDFs. Since the formation mechanisms of PBDFs and PBDDs are typically only sensitive to the bromination at ortho positions, the results reported herein also apply to higher brominated isomers of BBzs. Overall, this thesis provides novel and comprehensive information on the thermochemical properties of the complete series of BCPhs (potential precursors to PXDD/Fs) and the electronic/structural characteristics of BFRs and their derived BPhs, with regards to their photodecomposition. To gain an insight into the degradation of TBBA once it has evaporated, this thesis examines the pure gas phase decomposition of TBBA and suggests mechanisms by which the experimentally-detected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are generated. Furthermore, this thesis explores the role of BPhs and CPhs as building blocks for the formation of PXDD/Fs, and computes their parameters. We also elucidate reaction pathways and thermo-kinetic parameters for PBDFs and PBDEs produced by the oxidation of BBzs

Ruthenium

Ruthenium is a precious metal not widely known to non-scientists. It is a target of much research, however. It is used in computer hard drives, the tips of fountain pens, and as a catalyst to purify car exhaust, among other uses. This book presents information and research on the properties and applications of ruthenium, including potential uses in phytochemical functions and anticancer activity

Phosphate Esters, Thiophosphate Esters and Metal Thiophosphates as Lubricant Additives

Phosphate esters, thiophosphate esters and metal thiophosphates have been used as lubricant additives for over 50 years. While their use has been extensive, a detailed knowledge of how they work has been a much more recent development. In this paper, the use of phosphate esters and thiophosphate esters as anti-wear or extreme pressure additives is reviewed with an emphasis on their mechanism of action. The review includes the use of alkyl phosphates, triaryl phosphates and metal containing thiophosphate esters. The mechanisms of these materials interacting with a range of iron and steel based bearing material are examined

The Tribology and Chemistry of Phosphorus‐Containing Lubricant Additives

Phosphate esters, thiophosphate esters and metal thiophosphates have been used as lubricant additives for over 50 years. Recently, phosphorus‐containing ionic liquids have emerged as a new class of lubricant additives. While the use of phosphorus compounds has been extensive, a detailed knowledge of how they work has been a much more recent development. In this chapter, the use of phosphate esters, thiophosphate esters, metal thiophosphates and phosphorus‐containing ionic liquids as antiwear or extreme pressure additives is discussed. The primary emphasis will be on how they form a protective film, which is both durable and reduces friction. The first part of the chapter discusses the use of alkyl phosphates, triaryl phosphates and metal‐containing thiophosphate esters with primarily iron‐ and steel‐based bearing materials. The second part of the chapter examines phosphorus‐containing ionic liquids and the challenges posed by new bearing materials with different surface chemistries

Organometallic Materials: Ferroceno[\u3cem\u3ec\u3c/em\u3e]thiophenes and 1,2-Bisthienylmetallocenes

Development of synthetic routes toward two general organometallic frameworks was undertaken. The first project involved synthetic attempts of substituted and unsubstituted ferroceno[c]thiophene while the second one was the synthesis of 1,2-dithienylmetallocenes. The long-term goal of this work is to lay the foundations for study of electronic, electrochromic, redox, and optical properties of thiophene-based materials integrated with organometallic systems such as ferrocene, ruthenocene and cymantrene. The synthetic pathway for the target molecule in the first project involved converting 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)ferrocene to 1,2-bis(thiouroniummethyl)ferrocene with thiourea under acidic conditions. Refluxing the salt in base followed by acidification resulted in 1,2-bis(mercaptomethyl)ferrocene, which is oxidized to the cyclic ferroceno[d]-1,2-dithiane. Ring contraction of cyclic dithiane gave the thioether, ferroceno[c]-2,5-dihydrothiophene. Periodate oxidation of the thioether gave ferroceno[c]-2,5-dihydrothiophene-S-oxide (1), a potential precursor for ferroceno[c]thiophene via Pummerer dehydration. Attempts to dehydrate 1 and to trap the resulting thiophene in situ indicated instability of the target compound. Synthesis of ferroceno[c]thiophene with electron-donating as well as electron-withdrawing substituents at the 2,5-positions of the thiophene ring was attempted. 1,2–Dithienylethenes and their derivatives have gained increased attention due to their exceptional photochromic property. They tend to be thermally irreversible but photochemically reversible, which is a vital for their potential use in optical memories, switches and other optoelectronic applications. Inspiration of the second project was that incorporation of 1,2-dithienyl systems into metallocenes would enhance the general properties of the molecule, including stability, fatigue resistance, solid-state reactivity and higher sensitivity. 1,2-Dithienylferrocene was successfully synthesized. The synthetic pathway for 1,2-dithienylferrocene involved the reaction of α-bromo-3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene (1) with ethyl 4-(2,5-dimethylthiophen-3-yl)-3-oxobutanoate (2) to give 2,3-diarylcyclopent-2-en-1-one (3). Compounds 1 and 2 were synthesized following literature methods. Compound 3 was then converted to its cyclopentadienide form by first reducing the ketone to alcohol using LAH, followed by dehydration and then deprotonation of the substituted cyclic diene using butyllithium to give 1,2-bis(2,5-dimethylthiophene)-2,4-cyclopentadien-1-yl)lithium (4). [Fe(fluorenyl)(Cp)] was then used as a transfer reagent and reacted with 4 to yield the target compound

The Development and Study of Surface Bound Ruthenium Organometallic Complexes

The focus of this project has been on the use of mono-diimine ruthenium organometallic complexes, of the general structure [H(Ru)(CO)(L)2(L’)2][PF6] (L=PPh3, DPPENE and L’=Bpy, DcBpy, MBpyC, Phen, AminoPhen) bound to surfaces as luminescent probes. Both biological and inorganic/organic hybrid surfaces have been studied. The complexes were characterized both bound and unbound using standard analytical techniques such as NMR, IR and X-ray crystallography, as well as through several photophysical methods as well. Initially the study focused on how the photophyscial properties of the complexes were affected by incorporation into biological membranes. It was found that by conjugating the probes to a more rigid cholesterol moiety that luminescence was conserved, compared to conjugation with a far more flexible lipid moiety, where luminescence was either lost or reduced. Both the cholesterol and lipid conjugates were able to insert into a lipid membrane, and in the more rigid environment some of the lipid conjugates regained some of their luminescence, but often blue shifted and reduced, depending on the conjugation site. Silica Polyamine Composites (SPCs) were a hybrid material developed in the Rosenberg Lab as useful metal separation materials, that could be easily modified, and had several benefits over current commercially available polymers, or inorganic materials. These SPCs also provided an opportunity for the development of a heterogeneous platform for luminescent complexes as either catalysts or sensors. Upon binding of the luminescent Ru complexes to the surface no loss, or major change in luminescence was seen, however, when bound to the rigid surface a significant increase in excited state lifetime was measured. It is likely that through binding and interacting with the surface that the complexes lost non-radiative decay pathways, resulting in the increase in lifetime, however, these interactions do not seem to affect the energy level of the MLCT band in a large way. With a better understanding of the effects of surface binding on the complexes, the study turned to possible applications, as either sensors or catalysts. Recently the bound complexes have been found to be very useful as toxic metal sensors, as the free amines left on the surface could bind toxic metal ions in close proximity leading to either a quenching or enhancement of the luminescence of the complexes, depending on the metal ion. This process was determined to be a static process, requiring the toxic metal to remain bound to the surface in order to affect the luminescence of the Ru complex. The quenching is thought to be due to a metal-centered electron-transfer reaction, in which the excited-state electron is transferred from the Ru to the toxic metal, but relaxes back to the Ru center. The enhancement of luminescence is due to the external heavy-atom effect, in which heavier atoms mixes MLCT singlet state with the triplet state through spin-orbit coupling

Ruthenium-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition reaction: scope, mechanism and applications

The ruthenium-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (RuAAC) affords 1,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles in one step and complements the more established copper-catalyzed reaction providing the 1,4-isomer. The RuAAC reaction has quickly found its way into the organic chemistry toolbox and found applications in many different areas, such as medicinal chemistry, polymer synthesis, organocatalysis, supramolecular chemistry, and the construction of electronic devices. This Review discusses the mechanism, scope, and applications of the RuAAC reaction, covering the literature from the last 10 years