Theology and Prayer: Ignatian Discernment as Theological Methodology

If we conceive of theology as prayerful thought, then the relationship of the prayerful element and the thoughtful element is not straightforward: this thesis argues that the difficulties become apparent when we examine the specifics of a particular prayer practice and ask how it can be brought into the work of a theologian. The prayer practice explored in this thesis is Ignatian discernment. It is argued that this practice is not confined to individual vocational choices but is an ongoing practice that can guide the work of a theologian. This thesis further argues that Ignatian discernment: is already a place where prayer and rigorous thought co-exist; is a specific form of prayer which is, notwithstanding this specificity, epistemologically and even methodologically plural; promotes an active receptivity to all experience; and is a way of interpreting that experience that approaches it with a degree of caution and epistemic humility. This thesis argues that the ongoing practice of discernment should retain a Christological focus that can discipline Christian theology to keep to its proper task of following Christ to God’s greater glory. This thesis also argues that the critical thrust of Heidegger’s later thought is directed against our pervasive misrelation to everything as meaningless resource. This misrelation is itself grounded in the Nietzschean ontotheology which holds sway in present times. The response to it, found in the constructive movement of Heidegger’s later thought, requires a way of thinking akin to a spiritual discipline, rather than a metaphysics which proposes a particular relationship between God and being. It is argued that Ignatian discernment can resist this misrelation as a spiritual discipline which is, in a number of important respects, analogous to ways of thinking contemplated by Heidegger’s response.

Structures of tetrasilylmethane derivatives (XMe2Si)2C(SiMe3)2 (X = H, Cl, Br) in the gas phase, and their dynamic structures in solution

The structures of the molecules (XMe2Si)2C(SiMe3)2, where X = H, Cl, Br, have been determined by gas electron diffraction (GED) using the SARACEN method of restraints, with all analogues existing in the gas phase as mixtures of C1- and C2-symmetric conformers. Variable temperature 1H and 29Si solution-phase NMR studies, as well as 13C NMR and 1H/29Si NMR shift correlation and 1H NMR saturation transfer experiments for the chlorine and bromine analogues, are reported. At low temperatures in solution there appear to be two C1 conformers and two C2 conformers, agreeing with the isolated-molecule calculations used to guide the electron diffraction refinements. For (HMe2Si)2C(SiMe3)2 the calculations indicated six conformers close in energy, and these were modeled in the GED refinement

Heteroleptic actinocenes: a thorium(iv)-cyclobutadienyl-cyclooctatetraenyl-di-potassium-cyclooctatetraenyl complex.

From Europe PMC via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: ppub 2020-06-01, epub 2020-06-10Publication status: PublishedFunder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; Grant(s): EP/M027015/1, EP/P001386/1Despite the vast array of η n -carbocyclic C5-8 complexes reported for actinides, cyclobutadienyl (C4) remain exceedingly rare, being restricted to six uranium examples. Here, overcoming the inherent challenges of installing highly reducing C4-ligands onto actinides when using polar starting materials such as halides, we report that reaction of [Th(η8-C8H8)2] with [K2{C4(SiMe3)4}] gives [{Th(η4-C4[SiMe3]4)(μ-η8-C8H8)(μ-η2-C8H8)(K[C6H5Me]2)}2{K(C6H5Me)}{K}] (1), a new type of heteroleptic actinocene. Quantum chemical calculations suggest that the thorium ion engages in π- and δ-bonding to the η4-cyclobutadienyl and η8-cyclooctatetraenyl ligands, respectively. Furthermore, the coordination sphere of this bent thorocene analogue is supplemented by an η2-cyclooctatetraenyl interaction, which calculations suggest is composed of σ- and π-symmetry donations from in-plane in- and out-of-phase C[double bond, length as m-dash]C 2p-orbital combinations to vacant thorium 6d orbitals. The characterisation data are consistent with this being a metal-alkene-type interaction that is integral to the bent structure and stability of this complex

Steric control of redox events in organo-uranium chemistry: synthesis and characterisation of U(V) oxo and nitrido complexes

The synthesis and molecular structures of a U(V) neutral terminal oxo complex and a U(V) sodium uranium nitride contact ion pair are described. The synthesis of the former is achieved by the use of tBuNCO as a mild oxygen transfer reagent, whilst that of the latter is via the reduction of NaN3. Both mono-uranium complexes are stabilised by the presence of bulky silyl substituents on the ligand framework that facilitate a 2e- oxidation of a single U(III) centre. In contrast, when steric hindrance around the metal centre is reduced by the use of less bulky silyl groups, the products are di-uranium, U(IV) bridging oxo and (anionic) nitride complexes, resulting from 1e- oxidations of two U(III) centres. SQUID magnetometry supports the formal oxidation states of the reported complexes. Electrochemical studies show that the U(V) terminal oxo complex can be reduced and the [U(IV)O]- anion was accessed via reduction with K/Hg, and structurally characterised. Both the nitride complexes display complex electrochemical behaviour but each exhibits a quasi-reversible oxidation at ca. -1.6 V vs Fc+/0

Structural diversity in alkali metal and alkali metal magnesiate chemistry of the bulky 2,6-diisopropyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)anilino ligand

Bulky amido ligands are precious in s-block chemistry since they can implant complementary strong basic and weak nucleophilic properties within compounds. Recent work has shown the pivotal importance of the base structure with enhancement of basicity and extraordinary regioselectivities possible for cyclic alkali metal magnesiates containing mixed n-butyl/amido ligand sets. This work advances alkali metal and alkali metal magnesiate chemistry of the bulky aryl-silyl amido ligand [N(SiMe3)(Dipp)] (Dipp = 2,6-iPr2-C6H3). Infinite chain structures of the parent sodium and potassium amides are disclosed, adding to the few known crystallographically characterised unsolvated s-block metal amides. Solvation by PMDETA or TMEDA gives molecular variants of the lithium and sodium amides; whereas for potassium, PMDETA gives a molecular structure but TMEDA affords a novel, hemi-solvated infinite chain. Crystal structures of the first magnesiate examples of this amide in [MMg{N(SiMe3)(Dipp)}2(μ-nBu)]∞ (M = Na or K), are also revealed though these breakdown to their homometallic components in donor solvent as revealed through NMR and DOSY studies

Designing the Macrocyclic Dimension in Main Group Chemistry

Outside the confines and well-established domain of organic chemistry, the systematic building of large macromolecular arrangements based on non-carbon elements represents a significant and exciting challenge. Our aim in the past two decades has been to develop robust synthetic methods to construct new types of main group architectures in a methodical way, principles of design that parallel those used in the organic arena. This concept article addresses the fundamental thermodynamic and kinetic problems involved in the design and synthesis of main group macrocycles and looks to future developments of macromolecules in this area, as well as new applications in coordination chemistry.ERC. Grant Number: 291280 EU. Grant Number: RYC-2015-1903