no Crystal structure of polymeric bis(3-amino-1H-pyrazole)cadmium diiodide By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-07-05 The reaction of cadmium iodide with 3-aminopyrazole (3-apz) in ethanolic solution leads to tautomerization of the ligand and the formation of crystals of the title compound, catena-poly[[diiodidocadmium(II)]-bis(μ-3-amino-1H-pyrazole)-κ2N2:N3;κ2N3:N2], [CdI2(C3H5N3)2]n or [CdI2(3-apz)2]n. Its asymmetric unit consists of a half of a Cd2+ cation, an iodide anion and a 3-apz molecule. The Cd2+ cations are coordinated by two iodide anions and two 3-apz ligands, generating trans-CdN4I2 octahedra, which are linked into chains by pairs of the bridging ligands. In the crystal, the ligand molecules and iodide anions of neighboring chains are linked through interchain hydrogen bonds into a di-periodic network. The intermolecular contacts were quantified using Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots, revealing the relative quantitative contributions of the weak intermolecular contacts. Full Article text
no Crystal structure of the 1:1 co-crystal 4-(dimethylamino)pyridin-1-ium 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonate–N,N-dimethylpyridin-4-amine By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-07-09 The asymmetric unit of the title compound is composed of two independent ion pairs of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridin-1-ium 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonate (HDMAP+·HqSA−, C7H11N2+·C9H6NO4S−) and neutral N,N-dimethylpyridin-4-amine molecules (DMAP, C7H10N2), co-crystallized as a 1:1:1 HDMAP+:HqSA−:DMAP adduct in the monoclinic system, space group Pc. The compound has a layered structure, including cation layers of HDMAP+ with DMAP and anion layers of HqSA− in the crystal. In the cation layer, there are intermolecular N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds between the protonated HDMAP+ molecule and the neutral DMAP molecule. In the anion layer, each HqSA− is surrounded by other six HqSA−, where the planar network structure is formed by intermolecular O—H⋯O and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The cation and anion layers are linked by intermolecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and C—H⋯π interactions. Full Article text
no Structural determination of oleanane-28,13β-olide and taraxerane-28,14β-olide fluorolactonization products from the reaction of oleanolic acid with SelectfluorTM By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-07-15 The X-ray crystal structure data of 12-α-fluoro-3β-hydroxyolean-28,13β-olide methanol hemisolvate, 2C30H47FO3·CH3OH, (1), and 12-α-fluoro-3β-hydroxytaraxer-28,14β-olide methanol hemisolvate, 2C30H47FO3·CH3OH, (2), are described. The fluorolactonization of oleanolic acid using SelectfluorTM yielded a mixture of the six-membered δ-lactone (1) and the unusual seven-membered γ-lactone (2) following a 1,2-shift of methyl C-27 from C-14 to C-13. Full Article text
no Crystal structure of catena-poly[[methanoldioxidouranium(VI)]-μ-2-[5-(2-oxidophenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]acetato-κ2O:O'] By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-07-12 In the title complex, [U(C10H7N3O3)O2(CH3OH)]n, the UVI cation has a typical pentagonal–bipyramidal environment with the equatorial plane defined by one N and two O atoms of one doubly deprotonated 2-[5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]acetic acid ligand, a carboxylate O atom of the symmetry-related ligand and the O atom of the methanol molecule [U—N/Oeq 2.256 (4)–2.504 (5) Å]. The axial positions are occupied by two oxide O atoms. The equatorial atoms are almost coplanar, with the largest deviation from the mean plane being 0.121 Å for one of the O atoms. The benzene and triazole rings of the tetradentate chelating–bridging ligand are twisted by approximately 21.6 (2)° with respect to each other. The carboxylate group of the ligand bridges two uranyl cations, forming a neutral zigzag chain reinforced by a strong O—H⋯O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, adjacent chains are linked into two-dimensional sheets parallel to the ac plane by C/N—H⋯N/O hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions. Further weak C—H⋯O contacts consolidate the three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. In the solid state, the compound shows a broad medium intensity LMCT transition centred around 463 nm, which is responsible for its red colour. Full Article text
no Synthesis, molecular and crystal structures of 4-amino-3,5-difluorobenzonitrile, ethyl 4-amino-3,5-difluorobenzoate, and diethyl 4,4'-(diazene-1,2-diyl)bis(3,5-difluorobenzoate) By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-07-19 The crystal structures of two intermediates, 4-amino-3,5-difluorobenzonitrile, C7H4F2N2 (I), and ethyl 4-amino-3,5-difluorobenzoate, C9H9F2NO2 (II), along with a visible-light-responsive azobenzene derivative, diethyl 4,4'-(diazene-1,2-diyl)bis(3,5-difluorobenzoate), C18H14F4N2O4 (III), obtained by four-step synthetic procedure, were studied using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The molecules of I and II demonstrate the quinoid character of phenyl rings accompanied by the distortion of bond angles related to the presence of fluorine substituents in the 3 and 5 (ortho) positions. In the crystals of I and II, the molecules are connected by N—H⋯N, N—H⋯F and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, C—H⋯F short contacts, and π-stacking interactions. In crystal of III, only stacking interactions between the molecules are found. Full Article text
no [SnF(bipy)(H2O)]2[SnF6], a mixed-valent inorganic tin(II)–tin(IV) compound By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-06 In the title compound, bis[aqua(2,2'-bipyridine)fluoridotin(II)] hexafluoridotin(IV), [SnF(C10H8N2)(H2O)]2[SnF6], an ionic mixed-valent tin(II)–tin(IV) compound, the bivalent tin atom is the center atom of the cation and the tetravalent tin atom is the center atom of the anion. With respect to the first coordination sphere, the cation is monomeric, with the tin(II) atom having a fourfold seesaw coordination with a fluorine atom in an equatorial position, a water molecule in an axial position and the two nitrogen atoms of the chelating 2,2'-bipyridine ligand in the remaining axial and equatorial positions. The bond lengths and angles of this hypervalent first coordination sphere are described by 2c–2e and 3c–4e bonds, respectively, all of which are based on the orthogonal 5p orbitals of the tin atom. In the second coordination sphere, which is based on an additional, very long tin–fluorine bond that leads to dimerization of the cation, the tin atom is trapezoidal–pyramidally coordinated. The tetravalent tin atom of the centrosymmetric anion has an octahedral coordination. The differences in its tin–fluorine bond lengths are attributed to hydrogen bonding, as the two of the four fluorine atoms are each involved in two hydrogen bonds, linking anions and cations together to form strands. Full Article text
no Synthesis and crystal structure of 1,3-bis(acetoxymethyl)-5-{[(4,6-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)amino]methyl}-2,4,6-triethylbenzene By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-13 In the crystal structure of the title compound, C26H36N2O4, the tripodal molecule exists in a conformation in which the substituents attached to the central arene ring are arranged in an alternating order above and below the ring plane. The heterocyclic unit is inclined at an angle of 79.6 (1)° with respect to the plane of the benzene ring. In the crystal, the molecules are connected via N—H⋯O bonds, forming infinite supramolecular strands. Interstrand association involves weak C—H⋯O and C—H⋯π interactions, with the pyridine ring acting as an acceptor in the latter case. Full Article text
no Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 1-[(1-octyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]-3-phenyl-1,2-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-one By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-09 In the title molecule, C25H29N5O, the dihydroquinoxaline unit is not quite planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.030 Å) as there is a dihedral angle of 2.69 (3)° between the mean planes of the constituent rings and the molecule adopts a hairpin conformation. In the crystal, the polar portions of the molecules are associated through C—H⋯O and C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds and C—H⋯π(ring) and C=O⋯π(ring) interactions, forming thick layers parallel to the bc plane and with the n-octyl groups on the outside surfaces. Full Article text
no Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of dichlorido[2-(3-cyclopentyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl-κN4)pyridine-κN]palladium(II) dimethylformamide monosolvate By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-16 This study presents the synthesis, characterization and Hirshfeld surface analysis of the title mononuclear complex, [PdCl2(C12H14N4)]·C3H7NO. The compound crystalizes in the P21/c space group of the monoclinic system. The asymmetric unit contains one neutral complex Pd(HLc-Pe)Cl2 [HLc-Pe is 2-(3-cyclopentyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)pyridine] and one molecule of DMF as a solvate. The Pd atom has a square-planar coordination. In the crystal, molecules are linked by intermolecular N—H⋯O and C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the bc plane. A Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the H⋯H contacts dominate the crystal packing with a contribution of 41.4%. The contribution of the N⋯H/H⋯N and H⋯O/O⋯H interactions is somewhat smaller, amounting to 12.4% and 5%, respectively. Full Article text
no Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 1-[6-bromo-2-(3-bromophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-30 This study presents the synthesis, characterization and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 1-[6-bromo-2-(3-bromophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one, C19H18Br2N2O. In the title compound, the pyrrolidine ring adopts a distorted envelope configuration. In the crystal, molecules are linked by intermolecular N—H⋯O, C—H⋯O and C—H⋯Br hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. In addition, pairs of molecules along the c axis are connected by C—H⋯π interactions. According to a Hirshfeld surface study, H⋯H (36.9%), Br⋯H/H⋯Br (28.2%) and C⋯H/H⋯C (24.3%) interactions are the most significant contributors to the crystal packing. Full Article text
no Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, DFT and the molecular docking studies of 3-(2-chloroacetyl)-2,4,6,8-tetraphenyl-3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-one By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-30 In the title compound, C33H29ClN2O2, the two piperidine rings of the diazabicyclo moiety adopt distorted-chair conformations. Intermolecular C—H⋯π interactions are mainly responsible for the crystal packing. The intermolecular interactions were quantified and analysed using Hirshfeld surface analysis, revealing that H⋯H interactions contribute most to the crystal packing (52.3%). The molecular structure was further optimized by density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6–31 G(d,p) level and is compared with the experimentally determined molecular structure in the solid state. Full Article text
no Three-dimensional alkaline earth metal–organic framework poly[[μ-aqua-aquabis(μ3-carbamoylcyanonitrosomethanido)barium] monohydrate] and its thermal decomposition By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-30 In the structure of the title salt, {[Ba(μ3-C3H2N3O2)2(μ-H2O)(H2O)]·H2O}n, the barium ion and all three oxygen atoms of the water molecules reside on a mirror plane. The hydrogen atoms of the bridging water and the solvate water molecules are arranged across a mirror plane whereas all atoms of the monodentate aqua ligand are situated on this mirror plane. The distorted ninefold coordination of the Ba ions is completed with four nitroso-, two carbonyl- and three aqua-O atoms at the distances of 2.763 (3)–2.961 (4) Å and it is best described as tricapped trigonal prism. The three-dimensional framework structure is formed by face-sharing of the trigonal prisms, via μ-nitroso- and μ-aqua-O atoms, and also by the bridging coordination of the anions via carbonyl-O atoms occupying two out of the three cap positions. The solvate water molecules populate the crystal channels and facilitate a set of four directional hydrogen bonds. The principal Ba–carbamoylcyanonitrosomethanido linkage reveals a rare example of the inherently polar binodal six- and three-coordinated bipartite topology (three-letter notation sit). It suggests that small resonance-stabilized cyanonitroso anions can be utilized as bridging ligands for the supramolecular synthesis of MOF solids. Such an outcome may be anticipated for a broader range of hard Lewis acidic alkaline earth metal ions, which perfectly match the coordination preferences of highly nucleophilic nitroso-O atoms. Thermal analysis reveals two-stage dehydration of the title compound (383 and 473 K) followed by decomposition with release of CO2, HCN and H2O at 558 K. Full Article text
no Crystal structure of a tris(2-aminoethyl)methane capped carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide compound By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-30 The molecular structure of the tripodal carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide compound diethyl {[(5-[2-(diethoxyphosphoryl)acetamido]-3-{2-[2-(diethoxyphosphoryl)acetamido]ethyl}pentyl)carbamoyl]methyl}phosphonate, C25H52N3O12P3, features six intramolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions. The phosphonate groups have key bond lengths ranging from 1.4696 (12) to 1.4729 (12) Å (P=O), 1.5681 (11) to 1.5811 (12) Å (P—O) and 1.7881 (16) to 1.7936 (16) Å (P—C). Each amide group adopts a nearly perfect trans geometry, and the geometry around each phophorus atom resembles a slightly distorted tetrahedron. Full Article text
no Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, DFT optimized molecular structure and the molecular docking studies of 1-[2-(cyanosulfanyl)acetyl]-3-methyl-2,6-bis(4-methylphenyl)piperidin-4-one By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-12 The two molecules in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C23H24N2O2S, have a structural overlap with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.82 Å. The piperidine rings adopt a distorted boat conformation. Intra- and intermolecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds are responsible for the cohesion of the crystal packing. The intermolecular interactions were quantified and analysed using Hirshfeld surface analysis. The molecular structure optimized by density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6–311++G(d,p)level is compared with the experimentally determined molecular structure in the solid state. Full Article text
no Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 4'-cyano-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl 3-(benzyloxy)benzoate By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-12 In the title compound, C27H19O3N, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings of the biphenyl unit is 38.14 (2)° and the C—O—C—C torsion angle in the benzyloxy benzene fragment is 179.1 (2)°. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by weak C—H⋯O interactions forming S(9) chains propagating along [010]. The most important contributions to the Hirshfeld surface arise from H⋯H (32.4%) and C⋯H/H⋯C (37.0%) contacts. Full Article text
no Coupling between 2-pyridylselenyl chloride and phenylselenocyanate: synthesis, crystal structure and non-covalent interactions By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-17 A new pyridine-fused selenodiazolium salt, 3-(phenylselanyl)[1,2,4]selenadiazolo[4,5-a]pyridin-4-ylium chloride dichloromethane 0.352-solvate, C12H9N2Se2+·Cl−·0.352CH2Cl2, was obtained from the reaction between 2-pyridylselenenyl chloride and phenylselenocyanate. Single-crystal structural analysis revealed the presence of C—H⋯N, C—H⋯Cl−, C—H⋯Se hydrogen bonds as well as chalcogen–chalcogen (Se⋯Se) and chalcogen–halogen (Se⋯Cl−) interactions. Non-covalent interactions were explored by DFT calculations followed by topological analysis of the electron density distribution (QTAIM analysis). The structure consists of pairs of selenodiazolium moieties arranged in a head-to-tail fashion surrounding disordered dichloromethane molecules. The assemblies are connected by C—H⋯Cl− and C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming layers, which stack along the c-axis direction connected by bifurcated Se⋯Cl−⋯H—C interactions. Full Article text
no Crystal structure of bis(μ2-5-nonanoylquinolin-8-olato)bis[aquadichloridoindium(III)] By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-17 Crystallization of 5-nonanoyl-8-hydroxyquinoline in the presence of InCl3 in acetonitrile yields a dinuclear InIII complex crystallizing in the space group Poverline{1}. In this complex, [In2(C18H22NO2)2Cl4(H2O)2], each indium ion is sixfold coordinated by two chloride ions, one water molecule and two 8-quinolinolate ions. The crystal of the title complex is composed of two-dimensional supramolecular aggregates, resulting from the linkage of the Owater—H⋯O=C and Owater—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds as well as bifurcated Carene—H⋯Cl contacts. Full Article text
no Crystal structures of the (η2:η2-cycloocta-1,5-diene)(η6-toluene)iridium(I) cation and μ-chlorido-iridium(III) complexes of 2-(phosphinito)- and 2-(phosphinomethyl)anthraquinone ligands By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-30 When reacted in dry, degassed toluene, [Ir(COD)Cl]2 (COD = cycloocta-1,5-diene) and 2 equivalents of 2-(di-tert-butylphosphinito)anthraquinone (tBuPOAQH) were found to form a unique tri-iridium compound consisting of one monoanionic dinuclear tri-μ-chlorido complex bearing one bidentate tBuPOAQ ligand per iridium, which was charge-balanced by an outer sphere [Ir(toluene)(COD)]+ ion, the structure of which has not previously been reported. This product, which is a toluene solvate, namely, (η2:η2-cycloocta-1,5-diene)(η6-toluene)iridium(I) tri-μ-chlorido-bis({3-[(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)oxy]-9,10-dioxoanthracen-2-yl}hydridoiridium(III)) toluene monosolvate, [Ir(C7H8)(C8H12)][Ir2H2(C22H24O3P)2Cl3]·C7H8 or [Ir(toluene)(COD)][Ir(κ-P,C-tBuPOAQ)(H)]2(μ-Cl)3]·toluene, formed as small orange platelets at room temperature, crystallizing in the triclinic space group Poverline{1}. The cation and anion are linked via weak C—H⋯O interactions. The stronger intermolecular attractions are likely the offset parallel π–π interactions, which occur between the toluene ligands of pairs of inverted cations and between pairs of inverted anthraquinone moieties, the latter of which are capped by toluene solvate molecules, making for π-stacks of four molecules each. The related ligand, 2-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)-anthraquinone (tBuPCAQH), did not form crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction under analogous reaction conditions. However, when the reaction was conducted in chloroform, yellow needles readily formed following addition of 1 atm of carbon monoxide. Diffraction studies revealed a neutral, dinuclear, di-μ-chlorido complex, di-μ-chlorido-bis(carbonyl{3-[(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)oxy]-9,10-dioxoanthracen-2-yl}hydridoiridium(I)), [Ir2H2(C23H26O2P)2Cl2(CO)2] or [Ir(κ-P,C-tBuPCAQ)(H)(CO)(μ-Cl)]2, Ir2C48H54Cl2O6P2, again crystallizing in space group Poverline{1}. Offset parallel π–π interactions between anthraquinone groups of adjacent molecules link the molecules in one dimension. Full Article text
no Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (2-amino-1-methylbenzimidazole-κN3)aquabis(4-oxopent-2-en-2-olato-κ2O,O')nickel(II) ethanol monosolvate By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-22 The molecule of the title compound, [Ni(C5H7O2)2(C8H9N3)(H2O)]·C2H5OH, has triclinic (Poverline{1}) symmetry. This compound is of interest for its antimicrobial properties. The asymmetric unit comprises two independent complex molecules, which are linked by N—H⋯O and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds along [111]. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that 71.7% of intermolecular interactions come from H⋯H contacts, 17.7% from C⋯H/H⋯C contacts and 7.6% from O⋯H/H⋯O contacts, with the remaining contribution coming from N⋯H/H⋯N, C⋯N/N⋯C, C⋯C and O⋯O contacts. Full Article text
no Synthesis and crystal structure of poly[ethanol(μ-4-methylpyridine N-oxide)di-μ-thiocyanato-cobalt(II)] By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-20 Reaction of 4-methylpyridine N-oxide and Co(NCS)2 in ethanol as solvent accidentally leads to the formation of single crystals of Co(NCS)2(4-methylpyridine N-oxide)(ethanol) or [Co(NCS)2(C6H7NO)(C2H6O)]n. The asymmetric unit of the title compound consists of one CoII cation, two crystallographically independent thiocyanate anions, one 4-methylpyridine N-oxide coligand and one ethanol molecule on general positions. The cobalt cations are sixfold coordinated by one terminal and two bridging thiocyanate anions, two bridging 4-methylpyridine N-oxide coligands and one ethanol molecule, with a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. The cobalt cations are linked by single μ-1,3(N,S)-bridging thiocyanate anions into corrugated chains, that are further connected into layers by pairs of μ-1,1(O,O)-bridging 4-methylpyridine N-oxide coligands. The layers are parallel to the bc plane and are separated by the methyl groups of the 4-methylpyridine N-oxide coligands. Within the layers, intralayer hydrogen bonding is observed. Full Article text
no Synthesis, non-spherical structure refinement and Hirshfeld surface analysis of racemic 2,2'-diisobutoxy-1,1'-binaphthalene By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-24 In the racemic title compound, C28H30O2, the naphthyl ring systems subtend a dihedral angle of 68.59 (1)° and the molecular conformation is consolidated by a pair of intramolecular C—H⋯π contacts. The crystal packing features a weak C—H⋯π contact and van der Waals forces. A Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structure reveals that the most significant contributions are from H⋯H (73.2%) and C⋯H/H⋯C (21.2%) contacts. Full Article text
no Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of {2-[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]ethane-1-thiolato}chloridocadmium(II) By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-30 The title compound, [Cd(C14H16N3S)Cl] or [CdLCl] (1), where LH = 2-[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]ethane-1-thiol, was prepared and structurally characterized. The Cd2+ complex crystallizes in P21/c with a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal metal coordination geometry. Supramolecular interactions in 1 include parallel offset face-to-face interactions between inversion-related pyridyl rings and potential hydrogen bonds with chlorine or sulfur as the acceptor. Additional cooperative pyridyl–pyridyl interactions with roughly 45° tilt angles and centroid–centroid distances of less than 5.5 Å likely also contribute to the overall solid-state stability. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that H⋯H (51.2%), Cl⋯H/H⋯Cl (13.9%), C⋯H/H⋯C (12.3%) and S⋯H/H⋯S (11.8%) interactions are dominant in the solid state. Full Article text
no Synthesis and crystal structure of poly[[μ-chlorido-μ-(2,3-dimethylpyrazine)-copper(I)] ethanol hemisolvate], which shows a new isomeric CuCl(2,3-dimethylpyrazine) network By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-24 Reaction of copper(I)chloride with 2,3-dimethylpyrazine in ethanol leads to the formation of the title compound, poly[[μ-chlorido-μ-(2,3-dimethylpyrazine)-copper(I)] ethanol hemisolvate], {[CuCl(C6H8N2)]·0.5C2H5OH}n or CuCl(2,3-dimethylpyrazine) ethanol hemisolvate. Its asymmetric unit consists of two crystallographically independent copper cations, two chloride anions and two 2,3-dimethylpyrazine ligands as well as one ethanol solvate molecule in general positions. The ethanol molecule is disordered and was refined using a split model. The methyl H atoms of the 2,3-dimethylpyrazine ligands are also disordered and were refined in two orientations rotated by 60° relative to each other. In the crystal structure, each copper cation is tetrahedrally coordinated by two N atoms of two bridging 2,3-dimethylpyrazine ligands and two μ-1,1-bridging chloride anions. Each of the two copper cations are linked by pairs of bridging chloride anions into dinuclear units that are further linked into layers via bridging 2,3-dimethylpyrazine coligands. These layers are stacked in such a way that channels are formed in which the disordered solvent molecules are located. The topology of this network is completely different from that observed in the two polymorphic modifications of CuCl(2,3-dimethylpyrazine) reported in the literature [Jess & Näther (2006). Inorg. Chem. 45, 7446–7454]. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that the title compound is unstable and transforms immediately into an unknown crystalline phase. Full Article text
no Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of sulfamethoxazolium methylsulfate monohydrate By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-24 The molecular salt sulfamethoxazolium {or 4-[(5-methyl-1,2-oxazol-3-yl)sulfamoyl]anilinium methyl sulfate monohydrate}, C10H12N3O3S+·CH3O4S−·H2O, was prepared by the reaction of sulfamethoxazole and H2SO4 in methanol and crystallized from methanol–ether–water. Protonation takes place at the nitrogen atom of the primary amino group. In the crystal, N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds (water and methylsulfate anion) and intermolecular N—H⋯N interactions involving the sulfonamide and isoxazole nitrogen atoms, link the components into a tri-dimensional network, additional cohesion being provided by face-to-face π–π interactions between the phenyl rings of adjacent molecules. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to verify the contributions of the different intermolecular interactions, showing that the three most important contributions for the crystal packing are from H⋯O (54.1%), H⋯H (29.2%) and H⋯N (5.0%) interactions. Full Article text
no 8-Hydroxyquinolinium trichlorido(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid-κ3O,N,O')copper(II) dihydrate By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-24 The title compound, (C9H8NO)[CuCl3(C7H5NO4)]·2H2O, was prepared by reacting CuII acetate dihydrate, solid 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ), and solid pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (H2pydc), in a 1:1:1 molar ratio, in an aqueous solution of dilute hydrochloric acid. The CuII atom exhibits a distorted CuO2NCl3 octahedral geometry, coordinating two oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom from the tridentate H2pydc ligand and three chloride atoms; the nitrogen atom and one chloride atom occupy the axial positions with Cu—N and Cu—Cl bond lengths of 2.011 (2) Å and 2.2067 (9) Å, respectively. In the equatorial plane, the oxygen and chloride atoms are arranged in a cis configuration, with Cu—O bond lengths of 2.366 (2) and 2.424 (2) Å, and Cu—Cl bond lengths of 2.4190 (10) and 2.3688 (11) Å. The asymmetric unit contains 8-HQ+ as a counter-ion and two uncoordinated water molecules. The crystal structure features strong O—H⋯O and O—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds as well as weak interactions including C—H⋯O, C—H⋯Cl, Cu—Cl⋯π, and π–π, which result in a three-dimensional network. A Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing involving the main residues are from H⋯Cl/Cl⋯H interactions, contributing 40.3% for the anion. Weak H⋯H contacts contribute 13.2% for the cation and 28.6% for the anion. Full Article text
no Synthesis and crystal structure of 1H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine monohydrate By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-11 The title compound, a hydrate of 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole (DATA), C2H5N5·H2O, was synthesized in the presence of sodium perchlorate. The evaporation of H2O from its aqueous solution resulted in anhydrous DATA, suggesting that sodium perchlorate was required to precipitate the DATA hydrate. The DATA hydrate crystallizes in the P21/c space group in the form of needle-shaped crystals with one DATA and one water molecule in the asymmetric unit. The water molecules form a three-dimensional network in the crystal structure. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that 8.5% of the intermolecular interactions originate from H⋯O contacts derived from the incorporation of the water molecules. Full Article text
no Synthesis and crystal structure of sodium (ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[(3-methoxypropyl)phosphinodithiolate] octahydrate By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-08 The title compound, catena-poly[[triaquasodium]-di-μ-aqua-[triaquasodium]-μ-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[(3-methoxypropyl)phosphinodithiolato]], [Na2(C10H22O2P2S4)(H2O)8]n, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1. The dianionic [CH3O(CH2)3P(=S)(S—)CH2CH2P(=S)(S—)(CH2)3OCH3]2− ligand fragments are joined by a dicationic [Na2(H2O)8]2+ cluster that includes the oxygen of the methoxypropyl unit of the ligand to form infinite chains. Full Article text
no Crystal structure of a hydrogen-bonded 2:1 co-crystal of 4-nitrophenol and 4,4'-bipyridine By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-08 In the title compound, C10H8N2·2C6H5NO3, 4-nitrophenol and 4,4'-bipyridine crystallized together in a 2:1 ratio in the space group P21/n. There is a hydrogen-bonding interaction between the nitrogen atoms on the 4,4'-bipyridine molecule and the hydrogen atom on the hydroxyl group on the 4-nitrophenol, resulting in trimolecular units. This structure is a polymorph of a previously reported structure [Nayak & Pedireddi (2016). Cryst. Growth Des. 16, 5966–5975], which differs mainly due to a twist in the 4,4'-bipyridine molecule. Full Article text
no Crystal structures of two different multi-component crystals consisting of 1-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-6,7-dimethoxyisoquinoline and fumaric acid By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-11 Two different multi-component crystals consisting of papaverine [1-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-6,7-dimethoxyisoquinoline, C20H21NO4] and fumaric acid [C4H4O4] were obtained. Single-crystal X-ray structure analysis revealed that one, C20H21NO4·1.5C4H4O4 (I), is a salt co-crystal composed of salt-forming and non-salt-forming molecules, and the other, C20H21NO4·0.5C4H4O4 (II), is a salt–co-crystal intermediate (i.e., in an intermediate state between a salt and a co-crystal). In this study, one state (crystal structure at 100 K) within the salt–co-crystal continuum is defined as the ‘intermediate’. Full Article text
no Crystal structure of (μ2-7-{[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino-1κ3N,N',N'']methyl}-5-chloroquinolin-8-olato-2κN;1:2κ2O)trichlorido-1κCl,2κ2Cl-dizinc(II) By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-15 The title compound, [Zn2(C22H18ClN4O)Cl3], is a dinuclear zinc(II) complex with three chlorido ligands and one pentadentate ligand containing quinolin-8-olato and bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine groups. One of the two ZnII atom adopts a tetrahedral geometry and coordinates two chlorido ligands with chelate coordination of the N and O atoms of the quinolin-8-olato group in the ligand. The other ZnII atom adopts a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal geometry, and coordinates one chlorido-O atom of the quinolin-8-olato group and three N atoms of the bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine unit. In the crystal, two molecules are associated through a pair of intermolecular C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a dimer with an R22(12) ring motif. Another intermolecular C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bond forms a spiral C(8) chain running parallel to the [010] direction. The dimers are linked by these two intermolecular C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, generating a ribbon sheet structure in ac plane. Two other intermolecular C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds form a C(7) chain along the c-axis direction and another C(7) chain generated by a d-glide plane. The molecules are cross-linked through the four intermolecular C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional network. Full Article text
no Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and DFT and molecular docking studies of 6-cyanonaphthalen-2-yl 4-(benzyloxy)benzoate By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-22 In the title compound, C25H17NO3, the torsion angle associated with the phenyl benzoate group is −173.7 (2)° and that for the benzyloxy group is −174.8 (2)° establishing an anti-type conformation. The dihedral angles between the ten-membered cyanonaphthalene ring and the aromatic ring of the phenyl benzoate and the benzyloxy fragments are 40.70 (10) and 87.51 (11)°, respectively, whereas the dihedral angle between the aromatic phenyl benzoate and the benzyloxy fragments is 72.30 (13)°. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by weak C—H⋯O interactions forming S(4) chains propagating parallel to [010]. The packing is consolidated by three C—H⋯π interactions and two π–π stacking interactions between the aromatic rings of naphthalene and phenyl benzoate with centroid-to-centroid distances of 3.9698 (15) and 3.8568 (15) Å, respectively. Intermolecular interactions were quantified using Hirshfeld surface analysis. The molecular structure was further optimized by density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6–311+ G(d,p) level, revealing that the energy gap between HOMO and LUMO is 3.17 eV. Molecular docking studies were carried out for the title compound as a ligand and SARS-Covid-2(PDB ID:7QF0) protein as a receptor giving a binding affinity of −9.5 kcal mol−1. Full Article text
no Salts of 2-amino-5-iodopyridinium By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-31 Reaction of 2-amino-5-iodopyridine (5IAP) with concentrated HBr at room temperature yielded 2-amino-5-iodopyridinium bromide, C5H6IN2+·Br− or (5IAPH)Br. The complex formed pale-yellow crystals, which exhibit significant hydrogen bonding between the amino and pyridinium N—H donors and bromide ion acceptors. Halogen bonding is also observed. Similarly, reaction of 5IAP with cobalt(II) chloride in mixed HCl/HBr in 1-propanol yielded 2-amino-5-iodopyridinium (2-amino-5-iodopyridine-κN1)bromido/chlorido(0.51/2.48)cobalt(II), (C5H6IN2)[CoBr0.51Cl2.48(C5H5IN2)] or (5-IAPH)[(5IAP)CoCl2.48Br0.51], as blue block-shaped crystals. Two of the three halide positions exhibit mixed occupancy [Cl/Br = 0.797 (5):0.203 (5) and 0.689 (6):0.311 (6)], while the third position is occupied solely by a chloride ion. Extensive hydrogen and halogen bonding is observed. Full Article text
no Crystal structures and photophysical properties of mono- and dinuclear ZnII complexes flanked by triethylammonium By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-24 Two new zinc(II) complexes, triethylammonium dichlorido[2-(4-nitrophenyl)-4-phenylquinolin-8-olato]zinc(II), (C6H16N){Zn(C21H13N2O3)Cl2] (ZnOQ), and bis(triethylammonium) {2,2'-[1,4-phenylenebis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenolato}bis[dichloridozinc(II)], (C6H16N)2[Zn2(C20H14N2O2)Cl4] (ZnBS), were synthesized and their structures were determined using ESI–MS spectrometry, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the ligands 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-4-phenylquinolin-8-ol (HOQ) and N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzene-1,4-diamine (H2BS) were deprotonated by triethyl-amine, forming the counter-ion Et3NH+, which interacts via an N—H⋯O hydrogen bond with the ligand. The ZnII atoms have a distorted trigonal–pyramidal (ZnOQ) and distorted tetrahedral (ZnBS) geometries with a coordination number of four, coordinating with the ligands via N and O atoms. The N atoms coordinating with ZnII correspond to the heterocyclic nitrogen for the HOQ ligand, while for the H2BS ligand, it is the nitrogen of the imine (CH=N). The crystal packing of ZnOQ is characterized by C—H⋯π interactions, while that of ZnBS by C—H⋯Cl interactions. The emission spectra showed that ZnBS complex exhibits green fluorescence in the solid state with a small band-gap energy, and the ZnOQ complex does exhibit non-fluorescence. Full Article text
no Crystal structure of bis{5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl]-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ido}nickel(II) methanol disolvate By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-31 The unit cell of the title compound, [Ni(C16H10ClN6)2]·2CH3OH, consists of a neutral complex and two methanol molecules. In the complex, the two tridentate 2-(3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-6-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine ligands coordinate to the central NiII ion through the N atoms of the pyrazole, pyridine and triazole groups, forming a pseudooctahedral coordination sphere. Neighbouring tapered molecules are linked through weak C—H(pz)⋯π(ph) interactions into monoperiodic chains, which are further linked through weak C—H⋯N/C interactions into diperiodic layers. The intermolecular contacts were quantified using Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots, revealing the relative contributions of the contacts to the crystal packing to be H⋯H 32.8%, C⋯H/H⋯C 27.5%, N⋯H/H⋯N 15.1%, and Cl⋯H/H⋯Cl 14.0%. The average Ni—N bond distance is 2.095 Å. Energy framework analysis at the HF/3–21 G theory level was performed to quantify the interaction energies in the crystal structure. Full Article text
no The cadmium oxidotellurates(IV) Cd5(TeO3)4(NO3)2 and Cd4Te5O14 By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-11-05 Monoclinic single crystals of Cd5(TeO3)4(NO3)2 (space group P21/c), pentacadmium tetrakis[oxidotellurate(IV)] dinitrate, and of Cd4Te5O14 (space group C2/c), tetracadmium pentaoxidotellurate(IV), were obtained under the same hydrothermal conditions. Whereas the crystal structure of Cd5(TeO3)4(NO3)2 is distinctively layered, that of Cd4Te5O14 exhibits a tri-periodic framework. In Cd5(TeO3)4(NO3)2, the three CdII atoms have coordination numbers (CN) of 7, 6 and 6. The two types of [CdO6] and the [CdO7] polyhedra [bond lengths range from 2.179 (3) to 2.658 (2) Å] share corners and edges, resulting in layers extending parallel to (100). Both TeIV atoms are coordinated by three oxygen atoms in a trigonal–pyramidal shape. The oxygen atoms of the isolated [TeO3] groups [bond lengths range from 1.847 (3) to 1.886 (3) Å] all are part of the cadmium–oxygen layer. The electron lone pairs ψ of the TeIV atoms are directed away from the layer on both sides. The available interlayer space is co-occupied by the nitrate group, which is directly connected with two of its O atoms to the layer whereas the third O atom is solely bonded to the N atom and points towards the adjacent layer. In Cd4Te5O14, all three unique CdII atoms are coordinated by six oxygen atoms, considering Cd—O distances from 2.235 (2) to 2.539 (2) Å. By edge- and corner-sharing, the distorted [CdO6] polyhedra form an open framework that is partially filled with three different stereochemically active TeIV atoms. All of them exhibit a CN of 4, with Te—O bonds in a range from 1.859 (2) to 2.476 (2) Å. The corresponding [TeO4] units are linked to each other by corner- and edge-sharing, forming infinite helical 1∞[Te10O28] chains extending parallel to [203]. The connectivity in the chains can be described as (⋯–⋄–⋄=⋄–⋄–⋄–⋄–⋄=⋄–⋄–⋄–⋯)n where ‘⋄’ denotes a [TeO4] unit, ‘–’ a linkage via corners and ‘=’ a linkage via edges. Such a structural motif is unprecedented in the crystal chemistry of oxidotellurate(IV) compounds. Full Article text
no Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of bis(benzoylacetonato)(ethanol)dioxidouranium(VI) By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-11-05 A new uranium metal–organic complex salt, [U(C10H9O2)2O2(C2H6O)], with benzoyl acetone, namely, bis(benzoylacetonato)(ethanol)dioxidouranium(VI), was synthesized. The compound has monoclinic P21/n symmetry. The geometry of the seven-coordinate U atom is pentagonal bipyramidal, with the uranyl oxygen atoms in apical positions. In the complex, the ligands bind to the metal through oxygen atoms. Additional weak O—H⋯O contacts between the cations and anions consolidate the three-dimensional arrangement of the structure. On the Hirshfeld surface, the largest contributions come from the short contacts such as van der Waals forces, including H⋯H, O⋯H and C⋯H. Interactions including C⋯C and O⋯C contacts were also observed; however, their contribution to the overall cohesion of the crystal structure is minor. A packing analysis was performed to check the strength of the crystal packing. Full Article text
no Synthesis and structure of pentakis(2-aminopyridinium) nonavanado(V)tellurate(VI) By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-12-01 In the title compound, (C5H7N2)5[TeV9O28], the tellurium and vanadium atoms are statistically disordered over two of the ten metal-atom sites in the [TeV9O28]5– heteropolyanion. The anions stack along [100] and are extended into a three-dimensional supramolecular network through N—H⋯O and weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the self-assembled 2-aminopyridinium pentamers, which are linked by C—H⋯π and π–π stacking interactions. The most important contributions to the Hirshfeld surface arise from O⋯H/H⋯O (54.8%), H⋯H (17.8%) and C⋯H/H⋯C (13.4%) contacts. Full Article text
no Reducing heat load density with asymmetric and inclined double-crystal monochromators: principles and requirements revisited By journals.iucr.org Published On :: The major principles and requirements of asymmetric and inclined double-crystal monochromators are re-examined and presented to guide their design and development for significantly reducing heat load density and gradient on the monochromators of fourth-generation synchrotron light sources and X-ray free-electron lasers. Full Article text
no The use of ethanol as contrast enhancer in Synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast imaging leads to heterogeneous myocardial tissue shrinkage: a case report By journals.iucr.org Published On :: In this work, we showed that the use of ethanol to increase image contrast when imaging cardiac tissue with synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast imaging (X-PCI) leads to heterogeneous tissue shrinkage, which has an impact on the 3D organization of the myocardium. Full Article text
no Development and testing of a dual-frequency, real-time hardware feedback system for the hard X-ray nanoprobe beamline of the SSRF By journals.iucr.org Published On :: we introduce a novel approach for a real-time dual-frequency feedback system, which has been firstly used at the hard X-ray nanoprobe beamline of SSRF. The BiBEST can then efficiently stabilize X-ray beam position and stability in parallel, making use of different optical systems in the beamline. Full Article text
no Enhancing the Efficiency of a Wavelength-Dispersive Spectrometer based upon a Slit-less Design Using a Single-Bounce Monocapillary By journals.iucr.org Published On :: A slit-less wavelength-dispersive spectrometer design using a single-bounce monocapillary that aligns the sample on the Rowland circle, enhancing photon throughput and maintaining resolution. The compact design supports flexibility and reconfiguration in facilities without complex beamline infrastructure, significantly improving detection efficiency. Full Article text
no Fast nanoscale imaging of strain in a multi-segment heterostructured nanowire with 2D Bragg ptychography By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-02-01 Developing semiconductor devices requires a fast and reliable source of strain information with high spatial resolution and strain sensitivity. This work investigates the strain in an axially heterostructured 180 nm-diameter GaInP nanowire with InP segments of varying lengths down to 9 nm, simultaneously probing both materials. Scanning X-ray diffraction (XRD) is compared with Bragg projection ptychography (BPP), a fast single-projection method. BPP offers a sufficient spatial resolution to reveal fine details within the largest segments, unlike scanning XRD. The spatial resolution affects the quantitative accuracy of the strain maps, where BPP shows much-improved agreement with an elastic 3D finite element model compared with scanning XRD. The sensitivity of BPP to small deviations from the Bragg condition is systematically investigated. The experimental confirmation of the model suggests that the large lattice mismatch of 1.52% is accommodated without defects. Full Article text
no The Pixel Anomaly Detection Tool: a user-friendly GUI for classifying detector frames using machine-learning approaches By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-02-12 Data collection at X-ray free electron lasers has particular experimental challenges, such as continuous sample delivery or the use of novel ultrafast high-dynamic-range gain-switching X-ray detectors. This can result in a multitude of data artefacts, which can be detrimental to accurately determining structure-factor amplitudes for serial crystallography or single-particle imaging experiments. Here, a new data-classification tool is reported that offers a variety of machine-learning algorithms to sort data trained either on manual data sorting by the user or by profile fitting the intensity distribution on the detector based on the experiment. This is integrated into an easy-to-use graphical user interface, specifically designed to support the detectors, file formats and software available at most X-ray free electron laser facilities. The highly modular design makes the tool easily expandable to comply with other X-ray sources and detectors, and the supervised learning approach enables even the novice user to sort data containing unwanted artefacts or perform routine data-analysis tasks such as hit finding during an experiment, without needing to write code. Full Article text
no A note on the Hendrickson–Lattman phase probability distribution and its equivalence to the generalized von Mises distribution By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-02-16 Hendrickson & Lattman [Acta Cryst. (1970), B26, 136–143] introduced a method for representing crystallographic phase probabilities defined on the unit circle. Their approach could model the bimodal phase probability distributions that can result from experimental phase determination procedures. It also provided simple and highly effective means to combine independent sources of phase information. The present work discusses the equivalence of the Hendrickson–Lattman distribution and the generalized von Mises distribution of order two, which has been studied in the statistical literature. Recognizing this connection allows the Hendrickson–Lattman distribution to be expressed in an alternative form which is easier to interpret, as it involves the location and concentration parameters of the component von Mises distributions. It also allows clarification of the conditions for bimodality and access to a simplified analytical method for evaluating the trigonometric moments of the distribution, the first of which is required for computing the best Fourier synthesis in the presence of phase, but not amplitude, uncertainty. Full Article text
no Neural network analysis of neutron and X-ray reflectivity data incorporating prior knowledge By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-03-31 Due to the ambiguity related to the lack of phase information, determining the physical parameters of multilayer thin films from measured neutron and X-ray reflectivity curves is, on a fundamental level, an underdetermined inverse problem. This ambiguity poses limitations on standard neural networks, constraining the range and number of considered parameters in previous machine learning solutions. To overcome this challenge, a novel training procedure has been designed which incorporates dynamic prior boundaries for each physical parameter as additional inputs to the neural network. In this manner, the neural network can be trained simultaneously on all well-posed subintervals of a larger parameter space in which the inverse problem is underdetermined. During inference, users can flexibly input their own prior knowledge about the physical system to constrain the neural network prediction to distinct target subintervals in the parameter space. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated in various scenarios, including multilayer structures with a box model parameterization and a physics-inspired special parameterization of the scattering length density profile for a multilayer structure. In contrast to previous methods, this approach scales favourably when increasing the complexity of the inverse problem, working properly even for a five-layer multilayer model and a periodic multilayer model with up to 17 open parameters. Full Article text
no Novel high-efficiency 2D position-sensitive ZnS:Ag/6LiF scintillator detector for neutron diffraction By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-05-10 Scintillator-based ZnS:Ag/6LiF neutron detectors have been under development at ISIS for more than three decades. Continuous research and development aim to improve detector capabilities, achieve better performance and meet the increasingly demanding requirements set by neutron instruments. As part of this program, a high-efficiency 2D position-sensitive scintillator detector with wavelength-shifting fibres has been developed for neutron-diffraction applications. The detector consists of a double scintillator-fibre layer to improve detection efficiency. Each layer is made up of two orthogonal fibre planes placed between two ZnS:Ag/6LiF scintillator screens. Thin reflective foils are attached to the front and back scintillators of each layer to minimize light cross-talk between layers. The detector has an active area of 192 × 192 mm with a square pixel size of 3 × 3 mm. As part of the development process of the double-layer detector, a single-layer detector was built, together with a prototype detector in which the two layers of the detector could be read out separately. Efficiency calculations and measurements of all three detectors are discussed. The novel double-layer detector has been installed and tested on the SXD diffractometer at ISIS. The detector performance is compared with the current scintillator detectors employed on SXD by studying reference crystal samples. More than a factor of 3 improvement in efficiency is achieved with the double-layer wavelength-shifting-fibre detector. Software routines for further optimizations in spatial resolution and uniformity of response have been implemented and tested for 2D detectors. The methods and results are discussed in this manuscript. Full Article text
no Synthesis and in-depth structure determination of a novel metastable high-pressure CrTe3 phase By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-05-24 This study reports the synthesis and crystal structure determination of a novel CrTe3 phase using various experimental and theoretical methods. The average stoichiometry and local phase separation of this quenched high-pressure phase were characterized by ex situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and total scattering. Several structural models were obtained using simulated annealing, but all suffered from an imperfect Rietveld refinement, especially at higher diffraction angles. Finally, a novel stoichiometrically correct crystal structure model was proposed on the basis of electron diffraction data and refined against powder diffraction data using the Rietveld method. Scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) measurements verified the targeted 1:3 (Cr:Te) average stoichiometry for the starting compound and for the quenched high-pressure phase within experimental errors. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)–EDX was used to examine minute variations of the Cr-to-Te ratio at the nanoscale. Precession electron diffraction (PED) experiments were applied for the nanoscale structure analysis of the quenched high-pressure phase. The proposed monoclinic model from PED experiments provided an improved fit to the X-ray patterns, especially after introducing atomic anisotropic displacement parameters and partial occupancy of Cr atoms. Atomic resolution STEM and simulations were conducted to identify variations in the Cr-atom site-occupancy factor. No significant variations were observed experimentally for several zone axes. The magnetic properties of the novel CrTe3 phase were investigated through temperature- and field-dependent magnetization measurements. In order to understand these properties, auxiliary theoretical investigations have been performed by first-principles electronic structure calculations and Monte Carlo simulations. The obtained results allow the observed magnetization behavior to be interpreted as the consequence of competition between the applied magnetic field and the Cr–Cr exchange interactions, leading to a decrease of the magnetization towards T = 0 K typical for antiferromagnetic systems, as well as a field-induced enhanced magnetization around the critical temperature due to the high magnetic susceptibility in this region. Full Article text
no Tracking copper nanofiller evolution in polysiloxane during processing into SiOC ceramic By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-06-18 Polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) remain at the forefront of research for a variety of applications including ultra-high-temperature ceramics, energy storage and functional coatings. Despite their wide use, questions remain about the complex structural transition from polymer to ceramic and how local structure influences the final microstructure and resulting properties. This is further complicated when nanofillers are introduced to tailor structural and functional properties, as nanoparticle surfaces can interact with the matrix and influence the resulting structure. The inclusion of crystalline nanofiller produces a mixed crystalline–amorphous composite, which poses characterization challenges. With this study, we aim to address these challenges with a local-scale structural study that probes changes in a polysiloxane matrix with incorporated copper nanofiller. Composites were processed at three unique temperatures to capture mixing, pyrolysis and initial crystallization stages for the pre-ceramic polymer. We observed the evolution of the nanofiller with electron microscopy and applied synchrotron X-ray diffraction with differential pair distribution function (d-PDF) analysis to monitor changes in the matrix's local structure and interactions with the nanofiller. The application of the d-PDF to PDC materials is novel and informs future studies to understand interfacial interactions between nanofiller and matrix throughout PDC processing. Full Article text
no Implications of size dispersion on X-ray scattering of crystalline nanoparticles: CeO2 as a case study By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-05-31 Controlling the shape and size dispersivity and crystallinity of nanoparticles (NPs) has been a challenge in identifying these parameters' role in the physical and chemical properties of NPs. The need for reliable quantitative tools for analyzing the dispersivity and crystallinity of NPs is a considerable problem in optimizing scalable synthesis routes capable of controlling NP properties. The most common tools are electron microscopy (EM) and X-ray scattering techniques. However, each technique has different susceptibility to these parameters, implying that more than one technique is necessary to characterize NP systems with maximum reliability. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) is mandatory to access information on crystallinity. In contrast, EM or small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is required to access information on whole NP sizes. EM provides average values on relatively small ensembles in contrast to the bulk values accessed by X-ray techniques. Besides the fact that the SAXS and WAXS techniques have different susceptibilities to size distributions, SAXS is easily affected by NP–NP interaction distances. Because of all the variables involved, there have yet to be proposed methodologies for cross-analyzing data from two techniques that can provide reliable quantitative results of dispersivity and crystallinity. In this work, a SAXS/WAXS-based methodology is proposed for simultaneously quantifying size distribution and degree of crystallinity of NPs. The most reliable easy-to-access size result for each technique is demonstrated by computer simulation. Strategies on how to compare these results and how to identify NP–NP interaction effects underneath the SAXS intensity curve are presented. Experimental results are shown for cubic-like CeO2 NPs. WAXS size results from two analytical procedures are compared, line-profile fitting of individual diffraction peaks in opposition to whole pattern fitting. The impact of shape dispersivity is also evaluated. Extension of the proposed methodology for cross-analyzing EM and WAXS data is possible. Full Article text
no MatchMaps: non-isomorphous difference maps for X-ray crystallography By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-05-17 Conformational change mediates the biological functions of macromolecules. Crystallographic measurements can map these changes with extraordinary sensitivity as a function of mutations, ligands and time. A popular method for detecting structural differences between crystallographic data sets is the isomorphous difference map. These maps combine the phases of a chosen reference state with the observed changes in structure factor amplitudes to yield a map of changes in electron density. Such maps are much more sensitive to conformational change than structure refinement is, and are unbiased in the sense that observed differences do not depend on refinement of the perturbed state. However, even modest changes in unit-cell properties can render isomorphous difference maps useless. This is unnecessary. Described here is a generalized procedure for calculating observed difference maps that retains the high sensitivity to conformational change and avoids structure refinement of the perturbed state. This procedure is implemented in an open-source Python package, MatchMaps, that can be run in any software environment supporting PHENIX [Liebschner et al. (2019). Acta Cryst. D75, 861–877] and CCP4 [Agirre et al. (2023). Acta Cryst. D79, 449–461]. Worked examples show that MatchMaps `rescues' observed difference electron-density maps for poorly isomorphous crystals, corrects artifacts in nominally isomorphous difference maps, and extends to detecting differences across copies within the asymmetric unit or across altogether different crystal forms. Full Article text