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Development and performance simulations of a soft X-ray and XUV split-and-delay unit at beamlines FL23/24 at FLASH2 for time-resolved two-color pump–probe experiments

The split-and-delay unit (SDU) at FLASH2 will be upgraded to enable the simultaneous operation of two temporally, spatially and spectrally separated probe beams when the free-electron laser undulators are operated in a two-color scheme. By means of suitable thin filters and an optical grating beam path a wide range of combinations of photon energies in the spectral range from 150 eV to 780 eV can be chosen. In this paper, simulations of the spectral transmission and performance parameters of the filter technique are discussed, along with a monochromator with dispersion compensation presently under construction.




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MuscleX: data analysis software for fiber diffraction patterns from muscle

MuscleX is an integrated, open-source computer software suite for data reduction of X-ray fiber diffraction patterns from striated muscle and other fibrous systems. It is written in Python and runs on Linux, Microsoft Windows or macOS. Most modules can be run either from a graphical user interface or in a `headless mode' from the command line, suitable for incorporation into beamline control systems. Here, we provide an overview of the general structure of the MuscleX software package and describe the specific features of the individual modules as well as examples of applications.




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Controlling cantilevered adaptive X-ray mirrors

Modeling the behavior of a prototype cantilevered X-ray adaptive mirror (held from one end) demonstrates its potential for use on high-performance X-ray beamlines. Similar adaptive mirrors are used on X-ray beamlines to compensate optical aberrations, control wavefronts and tune mirror focal distances at will. Controlled by 1D arrays of piezoceramic actuators, these glancing-incidence mirrors can provide nanometre-scale surface shape adjustment capabilities. However, significant engineering challenges remain for mounting them with low distortion and low environmental sensitivity. Finite-element analysis is used to predict the micron-scale full actuation surface shape from each channel and then linear modeling is applied to investigate the mirrors' ability to reach target profiles. Using either uniform or arbitrary spatial weighting, actuator voltages are optimized using a Moore–Penrose matrix inverse, or pseudoinverse, revealing a spatial dependence on the shape fitting with increasing fidelity farther from the mount.




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Double-edge scan wavefront metrology and its application in crystal diffraction wavefront measurements

Achieving diffraction-limited performance in fourth-generation synchrotron radiation sources demands monochromator crystals that can preserve the wavefront across an unprecedented extensive range. There is an urgent need for techniques of absolute crystal diffraction wavefront measurement. At the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF), a novel edge scan wavefront metrology technique has been developed. This technique employs a double-edge tracking method, making diffraction-limited level absolute crystal diffraction wavefront measurement a reality. The results demonstrate an equivalent diffraction surface slope error below 70 nrad (corresponding to a wavefront phase error of 4.57% λ) r.m.s. within a nearly 6 mm range for a flat crystal in the crystal surface coordinate. The double-edge structure contributes to exceptional measurement precision for slope error reproducibility, achieving levels below 15 nrad (phase error reproducibility < λ/100) even at a first-generation synchrotron radiation source. Currently, the measurement termed double-edge scan (DES) has already been regarded as a critical feedback mechanism in the fabrication of next-generation crystals.




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New achievements in orbital angular momentum beam characterization using a Hartmann wavefront sensor and the Kirkpatrick–Baez active optical system KAOS

Advances in physics have been significantly driven by state-of-the-art technology, and in photonics and X-ray science this calls for the ability to manipulate the characteristics of optical beams. Orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams hold substantial promise in various domains such as ultra-high-capacity optical communication, rotating body detection, optical tweezers, laser processing, super-resolution imaging etc. Hence, the advancement of OAM beam-generation technology and the enhancement of its technical proficiency and characterization capabilities are of paramount importance. These endeavours will not only facilitate the use of OAM beams in the aforementioned sectors but also extend the scope of applications in diverse fields related to OAM beams. At the FERMI Free-Electron Laser (Trieste, Italy), OAM beams are generated either by tailoring the emission process on the undulator side or, in most cases, by coupling a spiral zone plate (SZP) in tandem with the refocusing Kirkpatrick–Baez active optic system (KAOS). To provide a robust and reproducible workflow to users, a Hartmann wavefront sensor (WFS) is used for both optics tuning and beam characterization. KAOS is capable of delivering both tightly focused and broad spots, with independent control over vertical and horizontal magnification. This study explores a novel non-conventional `near collimation' operational mode aimed at generating beams with OAM that employs the use of a lithographically manufactured SZP to achieve this goal. The article evaluates the mirror's performance through Hartmann wavefront sensing, offers a discussion of data analysis methodologies, and provides a quantitative analysis of these results with ptychographic reconstructions.




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In situ characterization of stresses, deformation and fracture of thin films using transmission X-ray nanodiffraction microscopy. Corrigendum

Errors in variable subscripts, equations and Fig. 8 in Section 3.2 of the article by Lotze et al. [(2024). J. Synchrotron Rad. 31, 42–52] are corrected.




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Correcting angular distortions in Bragg coherent X-ray diffraction imaging

Bragg coherent X-ray diffraction imaging (BCDI) has emerged as a powerful technique for strain imaging and morphology reconstruction of nanometre-scale crystals. However, BCDI often suffers from angular distortions that appear during data acquisition, caused by radiation pressure, heating or imperfect scanning stages. This limits the applicability of BCDI, in particular for small crystals and high-flux X-ray beams. Here, we present a pre-processing algorithm that recovers the 3D datasets from the BCDI dataset measured under the impact of large angular distortions. We systematically investigate the performance of this method for different levels of distortion and find that the algorithm recovers the correct angles for distortions up to 16.4× (1640%) the angular step size dθ = 0.004°. We also show that the angles in a continuous scan can be recovered with high accuracy. As expected, the correction provides marked improvements in the subsequent phase retrieval.




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Investigating the missing-wedge problem in small-angle X-ray scattering tensor tomography across real and reciprocal space

Small-angle-scattering tensor tomography is a technique for studying anisotropic nanostructures of millimetre-sized samples in a volume-resolved manner. It requires the acquisition of data through repeated tomographic rotations about an axis which is subjected to a series of tilts. The tilt that can be achieved with a typical setup is geometrically constrained, which leads to limits in the set of directions from which the different parts of the reciprocal space map can be probed. Here, we characterize the impact of this limitation on reconstructions in terms of the missing wedge problem of tomography, by treating the problem of tensor tomography as the reconstruction of a three-dimensional field of functions on the unit sphere, represented by a grid of Gaussian radial basis functions. We then devise an acquisition scheme to obtain complete data by remounting the sample, which we apply to a sample of human trabecular bone. Performing tensor tomographic reconstructions of limited data sets as well as the complete data set, we further investigate and validate the missing wedge problem by investigating reconstruction errors due to data incompleteness across both real and reciprocal space. Finally, we carry out an analysis of orientations and derived scalar quantities, to quantify the impact of this missing wedge problem on a typical tensor tomographic analysis. We conclude that the effects of data incompleteness are consistent with the predicted impact of the missing wedge problem, and that the impact on tensor tomographic analysis is appreciable but limited, especially if precautions are taken. In particular, there is only limited impact on the means and relative anisotropies of the reconstructed reciprocal space maps.




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RefXAS: an open access database of X-ray absorption spectra

Under DAPHNE4NFDI, the X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reference database, RefXAS, has been set up. For this purpose, we developed a method to enable users to submit a raw dataset, with its associated metadata, via a dedicated website for inclusion in the database. Implementation of the database includes an upload of metadata to the scientific catalogue and an upload of files via object storage, with automated query capabilities through a web server and visualization of the data and files. Based on the mode of measurements, quality criteria have been formulated for the automated check of any uploaded data. In the present work, the significant metadata fields for reusability, as well as reproducibility of results (FAIR data principles), are discussed. Quality criteria for the data uploaded to the database have been formulated and assessed. Moreover, the usability and interoperability of available XAS data/file formats have been explored. The first version of the RefXAS database prototype is presented, which features a human verification procedure, currently being tested with a new user interface designed specifically for curators; a user-friendly landing page; a full list of datasets; advanced search capabilities; a streamlined upload process; and, finally, a server-side automatic authentication and (meta-) data storage via MongoDB, PostgreSQL and (data-) files via relevant APIs.




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Development of an advanced in-line multilayer deposition system at Diamond Light Source

A state-of-the-art multilayer deposition system with a 4200 mm-long linear substrate translator housed within an ultra-high vacuum chamber has been developed. This instrument is engineered to produce single and multilayer coatings, accommodating mirrors up to 2000 mm in length through the utilization of eight rectangular cathodes. To ensure the quality and reliability of the coatings, the system incorporates various diagnostic tools for in situ thickness uniformity and stress measurement. Furthermore, the system features an annealing process capable of heating up to 700°C within the load-lock chamber. The entire operation, including pump down, deposition and venting processes, is automated through user-friendly software. In addition, all essential log data, power of sputtering source, working pressure and motion positions are automatically stored for comprehensive data analysis. Preliminary commissioning results demonstrate excellent lateral film thickness uniformity, achieving 0.26% along the translation direction over 1500 mm in dynamic mode. The multilayer deposition system is poised for use in fabricating periodic, lateral-graded and depth-graded multilayers, specifically catering to the beamlines for diverse scientific applications at Diamond Light Source.




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A distributed software system for integrating data-intensive imaging methods in a hard X-ray nanoprobe beamline at the SSRF

The development of hard X-ray nanoprobe techniques has given rise to a number of experimental methods, like nano-XAS, nano-XRD, nano-XRF, ptychography and tomography. Each method has its own unique data processing algorithms. With the increase in data acquisition rate, the large amount of generated data is now a big challenge to these algorithms. In this work, an intuitive, user-friendly software system is introduced to integrate and manage these algorithms; by taking advantage of the loosely coupled, component-based design approach of the system, the data processing speed of the imaging algorithm is enhanced through optimization of the parallelism efficiency. This study provides meaningful solutions to tackle complexity challenges faced in synchrotron data processing.




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Electrochemical cell for synchrotron nuclear resonance techniques

Developing new materials for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries is a high priority in materials science. Such development always includes performance tests and scientific research. Synchrotron radiation techniques provide unique abilities to study batteries. Electrochemical cell design should be optimized for synchrotron studies without losing electrochemical performance. Such design should also be compatible with operando measurement, which is the most appropriate approach to study batteries and provides the most reliable results. The more experimental setups a cell can be adjusted for, the easier and faster the experiments are to carry out and the more reliable the results will be. This requires optimization of window materials and sizes, cell topology, pressure distribution on electrodes etc. to reach a higher efficiency of measurement without losing stability and reproducibility in electrochemical cycling. Here, we present a cell design optimized for nuclear resonance techniques, tested using nuclear forward scattering, synchrotron Mössbauer source and nuclear inelastic scattering.




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Comparing single-shot damage thresholds of boron carbide and silicon at the European XFEL

Xray free-electron lasers (XFELs) enable experiments that would have been impractical or impossible at conventional X-ray laser facilities. Indeed, more XFEL facilities are being built and planned, with their aim to deliver larger pulse energies and higher peak brilliance. While seeking to increase the pulse power, it is quintessential to consider the maximum pulse fluence that a grazing-incidence FEL mirror can withstand. To address this issue, several studies were conducted on grazing-incidence damage by soft X-ray FEL pulses at the European XFEL facility. Boron carbide (B4C) coatings on polished silicon substrate were investigated using 1 keV photon energy, similar to the X-ray mirrors currently installed at the soft X-ray beamlines (SASE3). The purpose of this study is to compare the damage threshold of B4C and Si to determine the advantages, tolerance and limits of using B4C coatings.




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A new dual-thickness semi-transparent beamstop for small-angle X-ray scattering

An innovative dual-thickness semi-transparent beamstop designed to enhance the performance of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments is introduced. This design integrates two absorbers of differing thicknesses side by side into a single attenuator, known as a beamstop. Instead of completely stopping the direct beam, it attenuates it, allowing the SAXS detector to measure the transmitted beam through the sample. This approach achieves true synchronization in measuring both scattered and transmitted signals and effectively eliminates higher-order harmonic contributions when determining the transmission light intensity through the sample. This facilitates and optimizes signal detection and background subtraction. This contribution details the theoretical basis and practical implementation of this solution at the SAXS station on the 1W2A beamline at the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility. It also anticipates its application at other SAXS stations, including that at the forthcoming High Energy Photon Source, providing an effective solution for high-precision SAXS experiments.




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trans-Bis[bis­(di­phenyl­phosphan­yl)methane-κ2P,P']di­chlorido­ruthenium(II): a triclinic polymorph

The title compound, [RuCl2(C25H22P2)2] or [RuCl2(dppm)2] (dppm = bis­(di­phenyl­phosphan­yl)methane, C25H22P2) crystallizes as two half-mol­ecules (completed by inversion symmetry) in space group Poverline{1} (Z = 2), with the RuII atoms occupying inversion centers at 0,0,0 and 1/2, 1/2, 1/2, respectively. The bidentate phosphane ligands occupy equatorial positions while the chlorido ligands complete the distorted octa­hedral coordination spheres at axial positions. The bite angles of the phosphane chelates are similar for the two mol­ecules [(P—Ru—P)avg. = 71.1°], while there are significant differences in the twisting of the methyl­ene backbone, with a distance of the methyl­ene C atom from the RuP4 plane of 0.659 (2) and 0.299 (3) Å, respectively, and also for the phenyl substituents for both mol­ecules due to variations in weak C—H⋯Cl inter­actions.




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Tetra­aqua­(ethane-1,2-di­amine-κ2N,N')nickel(II) naphthalene-1,5-di­sulfonate dihydrate

The reaction of ethane-1,2-di­amine (en, C2H8N2), the sodium salt of naphthalene-1,5-di­sulfonic acid (H2NDS, C10H8O6S2), and nickel sulfate in an aqueous solution resulted in the formation of the title salt, [Ni(C2H8N2)(H2O)4](C10H6O6S2)·2H2O or [Ni(en)(H2O)4](NDS)·2H2O. In the asymmetric unit, one half of an [Ni(en)(H2O)4]2+ cation and one half of an NDS2− anion, and one water mol­ecule of crystallization are present. The Ni2+ cation in the complex is positioned on a twofold rotation axis and exhibits a slight tetra­gonal distortion of the cis-NiO4N2 octa­hedron, with an Ni—N bond length of 2.0782 (16) Å, and Ni—O bond lengths of 2.1170 (13) Å and 2.0648 (14) Å. The anion is completed by inversion symmetry. In the extended structure, the cations, anions, and non-coordinating water mol­ecules are connected by inter­molecular N—H⋯O and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonding, as well as C—H⋯π inter­actions, forming a three-dimensional network.




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meso-α,α-5,15-Bis(o-nicotinamido­phen­yl)-10,20-diphen­ylporphyrin n-hexane monosolvate

The structure of the title solvated porphyrin, C56H38N8O2·C6H14, is reported. Two porphyrin mol­ecules, one ordered and one disordered n-hexane solvate mol­ecules are present in its asymmetric unit. The porphyrin macrocycle shows a characteristic saddle-shaped distortion, and the maximum deviation from the mean plane for non-hydrogen atoms is 0.48 Å. N—H⋯N, N—H⋯O, and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, as well as π–π inter­actions, are observed in the crystal structure.




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trans-Di­chlorido­bis­[(S)-(−)-1-(4-methyl­phen­yl)ethyl­amine-κN]palladium(II)

The title complex, [PdCl2(C9H13N)2], comprises a single mol­ecule in the asymmetric unit. The PdII atom is tetra­coordinated by two N atoms from two trans-aligned organic ligands and two Cl ligands, forming a square-planar metal coordination environment. The distances from the ortho-H atoms on the phenyl ring to the central PdII atom fall within the range 4.70–5.30 Å, precluding any significant intra­molecular Pd⋯H inter­actions.




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Di­chlorido­(4,7-dimeth­oxy-1,10-phenanthroline-κ2N,N')zinc(II)

In the title complex, [ZnCl2(C14H12N2O2)], the ZnII atom is located on a twofold rotation axis and is fourfold coordinated by two chlorido ligands and a bidentate 4,7-meth­oxy-1,10-phenanthroline ligand in a distorted tetra­hedral environment. Weak π–π stacking inter­actions between adjacent 4,7-dimeth­oxy-1,10-phenanthroline rings [centroid-to-centroid distances = 3.5969 (11) and 3.7738 (11) Å] contribute to the alignment of the complexes in layers parallel to (overline{2}01).




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Synthesis and structure of trans-bis­(4-amino-3-nitro­benzoato-κO)bis­(4-amino-3-nitro­benzoic acid-κO)di­aqua­manganese(II) dihydrate

The manganese title complex, [Mn(C7H5N2O4)2(C7H6N2O4)2(H2O)2]·2H2O, is one of the first 4-amino 3-nitro­benzoic acid (4 A3NBA) monoligand metal complexes to be synthesized. It crystallizes in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P21/n with the complex mol­ecules located on inversion centers. Four 4 A3NBA ligand mol­ecules are monodentately coordinated by the Mn2+ ion through the carb­oxy­lic oxygen atoms while the other two positions of the inner coordination sphere are occupied by water mol­ecules, giving rise to a distorted octa­hedron, and two water mol­ecules are in the outer coordination sphere. There are two intra­molecular hydrogen bonds in the complex mol­ecule. The first is of the common N—H⋯O=N type, while the second is a rarely occurring very strong hydrogen bond in which a common proton is shared by two uncoordinated oxygen atoms of neighboring carboxyl­ate groups. In the crystal, an intricate system of inter­molecular hydrogen bonds links the complex mol­ecules into a three-dimensional-network.




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(4-Butyl-1-ethyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl­idene)[(1,2,5,6-η)-cyclo­octa-1,5-diene](tri­phenyl­phosphane)rhodium(I) tetra­fluorido­borate

In the title triazole-based N-heterocyclic carbene rhodium(I) cationic complex with a tetra­fluorido­borate counter-anion, [Rh(C8H12)(C8H15N3)(C18H15P)]BF4, which crystallizes with two cations and two anions in the asymmetric unit, the Rh center has a distorted square-planar coordination geometry with expected bond distances. Several nonclassical C—H⋯F hydrogen-bonding inter­actions help to consolidate the packing. Two of the F atoms of one of the anions are disordered over adjacent sites in a 0.814 (4):0.186 (4) ratio.




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Bis[2,6-bis­(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine-κ3N,N',N'']nickel(II) bis­(tri­fluoro­methane­sulfonate) diethyl ether monosolvate

In the title complex, [Ni(C19H13N5)2](CF3SO3)2·(CH3CH2)2O, the central NiII atom is sixfold coordinated by three nitro­gen atoms of each 2,6-bis­(2-benzimidazol­yl)pyridine ligand in a distorted octa­hedral geometry with two tri­fluoro­methane­sulfonate ions and a mol­ecule of diethyl ether completing the outer coordination sphere of the complex. Hydrogen bonding contributes to the organization of the asymmetric units in columns along the a axis generating a porous supra­molecular structure. The structure was refined as a two-component twin with a refined BASF value of 0.4104 (13).




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(2,2'-Bi­pyridine-κ2N,N')(4,4'-dimeth­oxy-2,2'-bipyridine-κ2N,N')palladium(II) bis­(tri­fluoro­meth­anesulfonate)

In the title complex salt, [Pd(C10H8N2)(C12H12N2O2)](CF3SO3)2, the palladium(II) atom is fourfold coordinated by two chelating ligands, 2,2'-bi­pyridine and 4,4'-dimeth­oxy-2,2'-bi­pyridine, in a distorted square-planar environment. In the crystal, weak π–π stacking inter­actions between the 2,2'-bi­pyridine rings [centroid-to-centroid distances = 3.8984 (19) Å] and between the 4,4'-dimeth­oxy-2,2'-bi­pyridine rings [centroid-to-centroid distances = 3.747 (18) Å] contribute to the alignment of the complex cations in columns parallel to the b-axis direction.




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Aqua­bis­(2,2'-bi­pyridine-κ2N,N')(isonicotinamide-κN)ruthenium(II) bis­(trifluoromethanesulfonate)

In the title complex, [Ru(C10H8N2)2(C6H6N2O)(H2O)](CF3SO3)2, the central RuII atom is sixfold coordinated by two bidentate 2,2'-bi­pyridine, an isonic­otinamide ligand, and a water mol­ecule in a distorted octa­hedral environment with tri­fluoro­methane­sulfonate ions completing the outer coordination sphere of the complex. Hydrogen bonding involving the water mol­ecule and weak π–π stacking inter­actions between the pyridyl rings in adjacent mol­ecules contribute to the alignment of the complexes in columns parallel to the c axis.




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Bis[μ-bis­(pyridin-2-yl)methanone oxime-κ3N:,N',N'']bis­[di­acetato-κ2O,O';κO-zinc(II)]

The structure of the title complex, [Zn2(C2H3O2)4(C11H9N3O)2], is triclinic containing half of the mol­ecule in the asymmetric unit. Each zinc atom is coordinated to a pyridyl and oxime nitro­gen from one di-2-pyridyl ketone oxime (dpko) ligand and a third nitro­gen from the other dpko pyridyl ring. Additionally, each zinc is coordinated to two acetato anions, one of which is bidentate and the other monodentate. The uncoordinated oxygen of the monodentate acetato group is involved in a hydrogen bond with the oxime hydrogen. The packing in the crystal is assisted by weak C—H⋯O inter­actions between acetato groups and neighboring pyridyl rings.




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10-Bromo-N,N-di­phenyl­anthracen-9-amine

In the title compound, C26H18BrN, the dihedral angles between the anthracene ring system and the phenyl rings are 89.51 (14) and 74.03 (15)°. In the extended structure, a weak C—H⋯Br inter­action occurs, which generates [100] chains, but no significant π–π or C—H⋯π inter­actions are observed.




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{N-[1-(2-Oxidophen­yl)ethyl­idene]-dl-alaninato}(pentane-1,5-di­yl)silicon(IV)

The title SiIV complex, C16H21NO3Si, is built up by a tridentate dinegative Schiff base ligand bound to a sila­cyclo­hexane unit. The coordination geometry of the penta­coordinated SiIV atom is a distorted trigonal bipyramid. The presence of the sila­cyclo­hexane ring in the complex leads to an unusual coordination geometry of the SiIV atom with the N atom from the Schiff base ligand and an alkyl-C atom in apical positions of the trigonal bipyramid. There is a disorder of the methyl group at the imine bond with two orientations resolved for the H atoms [major orientation = 0.55 (3)]. In the crystal, C—H⋯O inter­actions are found within corrugated layers of mol­ecules parallel to the ab plane.




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2-Ferrocenyl-2-[(2-ferrocenylethen­yl)(morpholin-4-yl)meth­yl]-1,3-di­thiol­ane

The mol­ecular structure of 2-ferrocenyl-2-[(2-ferrocenylethen­yl)(morpholin-4-yl)meth­yl]-1,3-di­thiol­ane, [Fe2(C5H5)2(C19H21NOS2)] or C29H31Fe2NOS2, has the ferrocenyl fragments in a trans disposition with respect to the vinyl group. One of the methyl­ene groups is disordered over two sites with occupancies of 0.782 (13):0.218 (13). In the crystal, cyclo­penta­dienyl-C—H⋯O(morpholin­yl) inter­actions feature within helical chains parallel to the c-axis direction. The chains are connected by methyl­ene- and cyclo­penta­dienyl-C—H⋯O(cyclo­penta­dien­yl) inter­actions.




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trans-Di­bromido­tetra­kis­(5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-κN2)manganese(II)

The title compound, trans-di­bromido­tetra­kis­(5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-κN2)manganese(II), [MnBr2(C4H6N2)4] or [Mn(3-MePzH)4Br2] (1) crystallizes in the triclinic Poverline{1} space group with the cell parameters a = 7.6288 (3), b = 8.7530 (4), c = 9.3794 (4) Å and α = 90.707 (4), β = 106.138 (4), γ = 114.285 (5)°, V = 542.62 (5) Å3, T = 120 K. The asymmetric unit contains only half the mol­ecule with the manganese atom is situated on a crystallographic inversion center. The 3-MePzH ligands are present in an AABB type manner with two methyl groups pointing up and the other two down. The supra­molecular architecture is characterized by several inter­molecular C—H⋯N, N—H⋯Br, and C—H⋯π inter­actions. Earlier, a polymorphic structure of [Mn(3-MePzH)4Br2] (2) with a similar geometry and also an AABB arrangement for the pyrazole ligands was described [Reedijk et al. (1971). Inorg. Chem. 10, 2594–2599; a = 8.802 (6), b = 9.695 (5), c = 7.613 (8) Å and α = 105.12 (4), β = 114.98 (4), γ = 92.90 (3)°, V = 558.826 (5) Å3, T = 295 K]. A varying supra­molecular pattern was reported, with the structure of 1 featuring a herringbone type pattern while that of structure 2 shows a pillared network type of arrangement along the a axis. A nickel complex [Ni(3-MePzH)4Br2] isomorphic to 1 and the analogous chloro derivatives of FeII, CoII and CuII are also known.




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Ethidium benzoate methanol monosolvate

In the title salt solvate (systematic name: 8-amino-5-ethyl-6-phenyl­phenanthridin-5-ium benzoate methanol monosolvate), C21H20N3+·C6H5CO2−·CH3OH, two ethidium cations, C21H20N3+, dimerize about a twofold axis through π–π inter­actions [inter-centroid separation = 3.6137 (4) Å]. The benzoate anions are connected through hydrogen bonding with the –NH2 groups of the ethidium cations and the –OH group of the MeOH mol­ecule. The MeOH mol­ecule also accepts a hydrogen bond from the –NH2 group of the ethidium cation. The result is a one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded chain along the b-axis direction.




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Bis[2,3-bis­(thio­phen-2-yl)pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazine]­silver(I) perchlorate methanol disolvate

The title compound, [Ag(C15H9N3S2)2]ClO4·2CH3OH, is monoclinic. The AgI atom is coordinated by pyrido N atoms and is two-coordinate; however, the AgI atom has nearby O atoms that can be assumed to be weakly bonded – one from the perchlorate anion and one from the methanol solvate molecule. One of the thienyl groups on a 2,3-bis­(thio­phen-2-yl)pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazine is flipped disordered and was refined to occupancies of 68.4 (6) and 31.6 (6)%.




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mer-Bis(quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde 4-ethyl­thio­semicarbazonato)nickel(II) methanol 0.33-solvate 0.67-hydrate

In the title compound, [Ni(C13H13N4S)2]·0.33CH3OH·0.67H2O, the NiII atom is coordinated by two tridentate quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde 4-ethyl­thio­semi­car­ba­zonate ligands in a distorted octa­hedral shape. At 100 K, the crystal symmetry is monoclinic (space group P21/n). A mixture of water and methanol crystallizes with the title complex, and one of the ethyl groups in the coordinating ligands is disordered over two positions, with an occupancy ratio of 58:42. There is inter­molecular hydrogen bonding between the solvent mol­ecules and the amine and thiol­ate groups in the ligands. No other significant inter­actions are present in the crystal packing.




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(SC,RS)-Bromido­(N-{4-methyl-1-[(4-methyl­phenyl)sul­fan­yl]­pentan-2-yl}-N'-(pyridin-2-yl)imidazol-2-yl­idene)palladium(II) bromide

The mol­ecule of the title NCNHCS pincer N-heterocyclic carbene palladium(II) complex, [PdBr(C21H25N3S)]Br, exhibits a slightly distorted square-planar coordination at the palladium(II) atom, with the five-membered chelate ring nearly planar. The six-membered chelate ring adopts an envelope conformation. Upon chelation, the sulfur atom becomes a stereogenic centre with an RS configuration induced by the chiral carbon of the precursor imidazolium salt. There are intra­molecular C—H⋯Br—Pd hydrogen bonds in the structure. The two inter­stitial Br atoms, as the counter-anion of the structure, are both located on crystallographic twofold axes and are connected to the complex cations via C—H⋯·Br hydrogen bonds.




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trans-Di­chlorido­bis­(secnidazole-κN3)copper(II)

The use of acetic acid (HOAc) in a reaction between CuCl2·2H2O and secnid­azole, an active pharmaceutical ingredient useful in the treatment against a variety of anaerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, affords the title complex, [CuCl2(C7H11N3O3)2]. This compound was previously synthesized using ethanol as solvent, although its crystal structure was not reported [Betanzos-Lara et al. (2013). Inorg. Chim. Acta, 397, 94–100]. In the mol­ecular complex, the Cu2+ cation is situated at an inversion centre and displays a square-planar coordination environment. There is a hydrogen-bonded framework based on inter­molecular O—H⋯Cl inter­actions, characterized by H⋯Cl separations of 2.28 (4) Å and O—H⋯Cl angles of 175 (3)°. The resulting supra­molecular network is based on R22(18) ring motifs, forming chains in the [010] direction.




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(5-Fluoro-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetra­hydro­pyrimidin-1-ido-κN1)(1,4,8,11-tetra­aza­cyclo­tetra­decane-κ4N)zinc(II) perchlorate

In the structure of the title complex, [Zn(C4H2FN2O2)(C10H24N4)]ClO4, the zinc(II) ion forms coordination bonds with the four nitro­gen atoms of cyclam (1,4,8,11-tetra­aza­cyclo­tetra­decane or [14]aneN4) as well as with the nitro­gen atom of a deprotonated 5-fluoro­uracil ion (FU−). Cyclam adopts a trans-I type conformation within this structure. The coordination structure of the zinc(II) ion is a square pyramid with a distorted base plane formed by the four nitro­gen atoms of the cyclam. FU− engages in inter­molecular hydrogen bonding with neighboring FU− mol­ecules and with the cyclam mol­ecule.




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Chlorido­(2-{(2-hy­droxy­eth­yl)[tris­(hy­droxy­meth­yl)meth­yl]amino}­ethano­lato-κ5N,O,O',O'',O''')copper(II)

The title complex, [Cu(C8H18NO5)Cl] or [Cu(H4bis-tris­)Cl], was obtained starting from the previously reported [Cu(H5bis-tris­)Cl]Cl compound. The deprotonation of the amino­polyol ligand H5bis-tris {[bis­(2-hy­droxy­eth­yl)amino]­tris­(hy­droxy­meth­yl)methane, C8H19NO5} promotes the formation of a very strong O—H⋯O inter­molecular hydrogen bond, characterized by an H⋯O separation of 1.553 (19) Å and an O—H⋯O angle of 178 (4)°. The remaining hy­droxy groups are also engaged in hydrogen bonds, forming R22(8), R44(16), R44(20) and R44(22) ring motifs, which stabilize the triperiodic supra­molecular network.




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2-(10-Bromo­anthracen-9-yl)-N-phenyl­aniline

In the title compound, C26H18BrN, the central benzene ring makes dihedral angles with its adjacent anthracene ring system and pendant benzene ring of 87.49 (13) and 62.01 (17)°, respectively. The N—H moiety is sterically blocked from forming a hydrogen bond, but weak C—H⋯π inter­actions occur in the extended structure.




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Tetra­kis(2,4,6-tri­methyl­anilido)tin(IV)

Transamination of Sn(NMe2)4 with H2NMes (Mes is 2,4,6-tri­methyl­phenyl, C9H11) led to the formation of the title compound, [Sn(C9H12N)4] or Sn(NHMes)4, which crystallizes in the tetra­gonal space group Poverline{4}21c, with four formula units per unit cell. The mol­ecular structure consists of a central tin(IV) atom, which is surrounded by four NHMes groups. Sn(NHMes)4 possesses crystallographically imposed overline{4} symmetry. The SnN4 coordination polyhedron is best described as a compressed bis­phenoid.




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2-Oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl 3,3-di­methyl­butano­ate

In the crystal of the title compound, C15H16O4, the mol­ecules are connected through C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating [100] chains, which are crosslinked by weak π–π stacking inter­actions.




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(2,5-Di­methyl­imidazole){N,N',N'',N'''-[porphyrin-5,10,15,20-tetra­yltetra­(2,1-phenyl­ene)]tetra­kis(pyridine-3-carboxamide)}manganese(II) chloro­benzene disolvate

In the title compound, [Mn(C68H44N12O4)(C5H8N2)]·2C6H5Cl, the central MnII ion is coordinated by four pyrrole N atoms of the porphyrin core in the basal sites and one N atom of the 2,5-di­methyl­imidazole ligand in the apical site. Two chloro­benzene solvent mol­ecules are also present in the asymmetric unit. Due to the apical imidazole ligand, the Mn atom is displaced out of the 24-atom porphyrin mean plane by 0.66 Å. The average Mn—Np (p = porphyrin) bond length is 2.143 (8) Å, and the axial Mn—NIm (Im = 2,5-di­methyl­imidazole) bond length is 2.171 (8) Å. The structure displays inter­molecular and intra­molecular N—H⋯O, N—H⋯N, C—H⋯O and C—H⋯N hydrogen bonding. The crystal studied was refined as a two-component inversion twin.




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(4-Butyl-1-ethyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl­idene)[(1,2,5,6-η)-cyclo­octa-1,5-diene](tri­phenyl­phosphane)iridium(I) tetra­fluorido­borate

The title compound, [Ir(C8H12)(C8H15N3)(C18H15P)]BF4, a new triazole-based N-heterocyclic carbene iridium(I) cationic complex with a tetra­fluorido­borate counter-anion, crystallizes with two cations and two anions in the asymmetric unit of space group Pc. The Ir centers of the cations have distorted square-planar conformations, formed by a bidentate (η2 + η2) cyclo­octa-1,5-diene (COD) ligand, an N-heterocyclic carbene and a tri­phenyl­phosphane ligand with the NHC carbon atom and P atom being cis. In the extended structure, non-classical C–H⋯F hydrogen bonds, one of which is notably short (H⋯F = 2.21 Å), link the cations and anions. The carbon atoms of one of the COD ligands are disordered over adjacent sites in a 0.62:0.38 ratio.




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trans-Di­aqua­tetra­kis­(tetra­hydro­furan-κO)iron(II) μ-carbonyl-tetra­deca­carbonyl­tetra­chlorido-μ-di­methyl­silanediolato-tetra­galliumtetra­iron(7 Ga–Fe)(Fe–Fe) tetra­hydro&#

The title compound, [Fe(C4H8O)4(H2O)2][Fe4Ga4(C2H6O2Si)Cl4(CO)15]·4C4H8O, consists of an iron(II) cation octa­hedrally coordinated by two water mol­ecules (trans) with four tetra­hydro­furans (THF) at equatorial sites. Two additional THF mol­ecules are hydrogen bonded to each of the water mol­ecules. The dianion of the title compound is an organometallic butterfly complex with a dimethyl siloxane core and two iron-gallium fragments. The lengths of the iron to gallium metal–metal bonds range from 2.3875 (6) to 2.4912 (6) Å.




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Poly[[μ3-2-(benzotriazol-1-yl)acetato-κ3O:O':N3]chlorido­(ethanol-κO)cobalt(II)]

In the title compound, [Co(C8H6N3O2)Cl(C2H5OH)]n, the CoII atoms adopt octa­hedral trans-CoN2O4 and tetra­hedral CoCl2O2 coordination geometries (site symmetries overline{1} and m, respectively). The bridging μ3-O:O:N 2-(benzotriazol-1-yl)acetato ligands connect the octa­hedral cobalt nodes into (010) sheets and the CoCl2 fragments link the sheets into a tri-periodic network. The structure displays O—H⋯O hydrogen bonding and the ethanol mol­ecule is disordered over two orientations.




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[1-(Anthracen-9-ylmeth­yl)-1,4,7,10-tetra­aza­cyclododeca­ne]chlorido­zinc(II) nitrate

In the title salt, [ZnCl(C23H30N4)]NO3, the central ZnII atom of the complex cation is coordinated in a square-pyramidal arrangement by four nitro­gen atoms from cyclen (1,4,7,10-tetra­aza­cyclo­dodeca­ne) in the basal plane and one chlorido ligand in the apical position. The anthracene group attached to cyclen contributes to the crystal packing through inter­molecular T-shaped π inter­actions. Additionally, the nitrate anion participates in inter­molecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds with cyclen.




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Diisobutyl­ammonium tri­phenyl(2-thiolato­acetato-κ2O,S)stannate(IV)

Crystals of the title salt, (C8H20N)[Sn(C6H5)3(C2H2O2S)], comprise diisobutyl­ammonium cations and mercapto­acetato­tri­phenyl­stannate(IV) anions. The bidentate binding mode of the mercapto­acetate ligand gives rise to a five-coordinated, ionic tri­phenyl­tin complex with a distorted cis-trigonal–bipyramidal geometry around the tin atom. In the crystal, charge-assisted ammonium-N—H⋯O(carboxyl­ate) hydrogen-bonding connects two cations and two anions into a four-ion aggregate. Two positions were resolved for one of the phenyl rings with the major component having a site occupancy factor of 0.60 (3).




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[(1,2,5,6-η)-Cyclo­octa-1,5-diene](1-ethyl-4-isobutyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl­idene)(tri­phenyl­phosphane)rhodium(I) tetra­fluorido­borate

A new, cationic N-heterocyclic carbene RhI complex with a tetra­fluorido­borate counter-anion, [Rh(C8H12)(C8H15N3)(C18H15P)]BF4, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. There are two independent ion pairs in the asymmetric unit. Each complex cation exhibits a distorted square-planar conformation around the RhI atom. Bond lengths and bond angles are as expected for an Rh–NHC complex. There are several close, non-standard C—H⋯F hydrogen-bonding inter­actions between the ions. One of the tetra­fluorido­borate anions shows statistical disorder of the F atoms.




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Di­chloridotetra­kis­(3-meth­oxy­aniline)nickel(II)

The reaction of nickel(II) chloride with 3-meth­oxy­aniline yielded di­chlorido­tetra­kis­(3-meth­oxy­aniline)nickel(II), [NiCl2(C7H9NO)4], as yellow crystals. The NiII ion is pseudo-octa­hedral with the chloride ions trans to each other. The four 3-meth­oxy­aniline ligands differ primarily due to different conformations about the Ni—N bond, which also affect the hydrogen bonding. Inter­molecular N—H⋯ Cl hydrogen bonds and short Cl⋯Cl contacts between mol­ecules link them into chains parallel to the b axis.




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Bis(2-carb­oxy­quinolinium) hexa­chlorido­stan­nate(IV) dihydrate

In the hydrated title salt, (C10H8NO2)2[SnCl6]·2H2O, the tin(IV) atom is located about a center of inversion. In the crystal structure, the organic cation, the octa­hedral inorganic anion and the water mol­ecule of crystallization inter­act through O—H⋯O, N—H⋯O and O—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, supplemented by weak π–π stacking between neighboring cations, and C—Cl⋯π inter­actions.




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Poly[tris­(2-amino­butan-1-ol)copper(II) [hexa­kis-μ2-cyanido-κ12C:N-tetra­copper(I)] bis­(2-amino­butan-1-olato)aqua­copper(II) monohydrate]

The title structure, {[Cu(C4H11NO)3][Cu4(CN)6]·[Cu(C4H10NO)2(H2O)]·H2O}n, is made up of diperiodic honeycomb CuICN networks built from [Cu4(CN)6]2− units, together with two independent CuII complexes: six-coord­inate [Cu(CH3CH2CH(NH2)CH2OH)3]2+ cations, and five-coordinate [Cu(CH3CH2CH(NH2)CH2O)2·H2O] neutral species. The two CuII complexes are not covalently bonded to the CuICN networks. Strong O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the CuII complexes into pairs and the pairs are hydrogen bonded into chains along the crystallographic b axis via the hydrate water mol­ecule. In addition, O—H⋯(CN) and N—H⋯(CN) hydrogen bonds link the cations to the CuCN network. In the honeycomb polymeric moiety, all bridging cyanido ligands are disordered over two orientations, head-to-tail and tail-to-head, with occupancies for C and N atoms varying for each CN group.




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μ-Chlorido-bis­{[1-benzyl-3-(2,4,6-tri­methyl­phen­yl)imidazol-2-yl­idene-κC]silver(I)} chloride 1,2-di­chloro­ethane hemisolvate

The title compound, [Ag2(C19H20N2)4]Cl·0.5C2H4Cl2, can be readily generated by treatment of (1-benzyl-3-(2,4,6-tri­methyl­phen­yl)imidazolium chloride with sodium bis­(tri­methyl­sil­yl)amide followed by silver chloride. The mol­ecular structure of the compound was confirmed using NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal structure of the title compound at 110 K has monoclinic (P21/c) symmetry. The represented silver compound is of inter­est with respect to anti­bacterial properties and the structure displays a series of weak inter­molecular hydrogen-bonding inter­actions with the chloride counter-anion.