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An important goal in corrosion research is to develop inexpensive and environmentally-benign corrosion inhibitors to replace commonly-used, toxic, chromate passivators. Herein, we report a high-throughput experimentation (HTE) method for fast and convenient measurement of corrosion protective activity of molecular inhibitors. This new screening method has enabled discovery of new corrosion inhibitors, consisting of carboxylates and lanthanides, exhibiting substantially lower corrosion rates compared to commonly used chromates at lower concentrations. These results have demonstrated a molecular basis for the corrosion inhibition and are applicable to problems in atmospheric corrosion.

The monoanion of dihydrogenated corannulene isolated in the form of its potassium salt, namely tris(diglyme-κ3O,O′,O′′)potassium hexacyclo[11.5.2.04,17.07,16.010,15.014,18]icosa-1,3,5,7(16),8,10(15),11,13,17-nonaenide, [K(C6H14O3)3](C20H12), has been structurally characterized for the first time. The X-ray study confirms the previous NMR spectroscopic prediction that the two H atoms are attached to the same six-membered ring to form 1,2-dihydrocorannulene, thus destroying the aromaticity of only one arene ring of the corannulene core. The direct comparison of (C20H12)−with the parent corannulene anion, (C20H10)−, is provided to illustrate the geometry perturbations caused by rim hydrogenation.

Cesium salts of mono- and doubly-reduced bowl-shaped corannulene have been prepared in the presence of different O-donors and isolated as bulk crystalline solids. Crystallization of corannulene monoanions with cesium ions from diglyme afforded green blocks of [Cs(diglyme)+(C20H10−)] (1). Its X-ray structural investigation revealed the formation of a 1D polymer built on simultaneous binding of large cesium ion to the convex and concave faces of the adjacent C20H10•− anions, with each bowl functioning in the rare η5-endo:η6-exo bridging mode. The coordination environment of the Cs+ ion is completed by a side-bound diglyme molecule. The cesium salt of corannulene dianion, C20H102−, was crystallized in the presence of dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 ether as [Cs2(dc-18-crown-6)1.52+(C20H102−)] (2). This product has a discrete linear tetranuclear structure built by aggregation of two terminal exo-hub-bound {Cs(dc-18-crown-6)(C20H102−)}− anionic moieties with the central {Cs2(dc-18-crown-6)}2+ cationic gluing block. The cesium ions of the latter, sharing one crown ether molecule, occupy the concave cavities of the doubly-charged corannulene bowls. As a result, each bowl functions in the symmetric η5-endo:η5-exo bridging mode which has not been previously seen. The bowl depths of the resulting carbanions in 1 and 2 are 0.915(15) A and 0.852(13) A, respectively, vs. that of 0.875(2) A in neutral corannulene.

Self-assembly processes of the highly reduced bowl-shaped corannulene generated by the chemical reduction with a binary combination of alkali metals, namely Li-Rb, have been investigated by variable-temperature 1H and 7Li NMR spectroscopy. The formation of several unique mixed metal sandwich products based on tetrareduced corannulene, C20H104- (14-), has been revealed followed by investigation of their dynamic transformations in solutions. Analysis of NMR data allowed to propose the mechanism of stepwise alkali metal substitution as well as to identify experimental conditions for the isolation of intermediate and final supramolecular products. As a result, two new triple-decker aggregates with a mixed Li-Rb core, [{Rb(THF)2}2]//[Li3Rb2(C20H10)2{Li+(THF)}] (2) and [{Rb(diglyme)}2]//[Li3Rb3(C20H10)2(diglyme)2]·0.5THF (3·0.5THF), have been crystallized and structurally characterized. The Li3Rb2-product has an open coordination site at the sandwich periphery and thus is considered transient on the way to the Li3Rb3-sandwich having the maximized intercalated alkali metal content. Next, the formation of the LiRb5 self-assembly with 14- has been identified by 7Li NMR as the final step in a series of dynamic transformations in this system. This product was also isolated and crystallographically characterized to confirm the LiRb5 core. Notably, all sandwiches have their central cavities, located in between the hub-sites of two C20H104- decks, occupied by an internal Li+ ion which exhibits the record high negative shift (ranging from -21 to -25 ppm) in 7Li NMR spectra. The isolation of three novel aggregates having different Li-Rb core compositions allowed us to look into the origin of the unusual 7Li NMR shifts at the molecular level. The discussion of formation mechanisms, dynamic transformations as well as unique electronic structures of these remarkable mixed alkali metal organometallic self-assemblies is provided and supported by DFT calculations.

Synthetic methods for the coordination of the monoanionic bis[2-(diisopropylphosphino)-4-methylphenyl]amido (PNP) ligand framework to the cerium(III) cation have been developed and applied for the isolation of a series of {(PNP)Ce} and {(PNP)2Ce} type complexes. The structures of the complexes were studied by X-ray diffraction and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. We found that the cerium(III) ion can induce the elimination of one of the iPr groups at phosphorus to yield a new dianionic PNP tridentate framework (PNP-iPr) featuring a phosphido-donor functionality, which is bound to the cerium ion with the shortest known Ce−P bond of 2.7884(14) A for molecular compounds. The reaction of the complex [(PNP)Ce{N(SiMe3)2}2] (1) with Ph2CO gave the Ce-bound product of C−C coupling, -N(SiMe3)SiMe2CH2-CPh2O−, through the C−H bond activation of a SiMe3 group. 31P NMR spectroscopy was used to estimate the presence of a vacant coordination position at the cerium ion in the CeIII–PNP complexes by the examination of the δ(31P) shift recorded both in non-polar (C6D6) and polar ([D8]THF) solvents. Moreover, 31P NMR spectroscopy was also found to be a useful tool for the estimation of the Ce−P bond distances in {(PNP)CeIII} and {(PNP)2CeIII} systems. Electrochemical and computational studies for 1 and its lanthanum analogue containing a redox-innocent metal center revealed the stabilization of the CeIII oxidation state by the PNP ligand.

A series of alkali metal capped cerium(IV) imido complexes, [M(solv)x][Ce═N(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)(TriNOx)] (M = Li, K, Rb, Cs; solv = TMEDA, THF, Et2O, or DME), was isolated and fully characterized. An X-ray structural investigation of the cerium imido complexes demonstrated the impact of the alkali metal counterions on the geometry of the [Ce═N(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)(TriNOx)]- moiety. Substantial shortening of the Ce═N bond was observed with increasing size of the alkali metal cation. The first complex featuring an unsupported, terminal multiple bond between a Ce(IV) ion and a ligand fragment was also isolated by encapsulation of a Cs+ counterion with 2.2.2-cryptand. This complex shows the shortest recorded Ce═N bond length of 2.077(3) A. Computational investigation of the cerium imido complexes using DFT methods showed a relatively larger contribution of the cerium 5d orbital than the 4f orbital to the Ce═N bonds. The [K(DME)2][Ce═N(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)(TriNOx)] complex cleaves the Si-O bond in (Me3Si)2O, yielding the [(Me3SiO)CeIV(TriNOx)] adduct. The reaction of the rubidium capped imido complex with benzophenone resulted in the formation of a rare Ce(IV)-oxo complex, that was stabilized by a supramolecular, tetrameric oligomerization of the Ce═O units with rubidium cations.

Spirogermabifluorene (C24H16Ge, 1) and the anionic products of its reduction with alkali metals were prepared and investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A monoanionic intermediate product of the reduction, formed upon the cleavage of a Ge–C bond and proton abstraction from the solvent, was isolated in the form of the cesium salt, [Cs+(diglyme)(C12H8GeC12H9−)] (2). Structural investigation of 2 revealed the presence of a tricoordinated germanium center and complexation of the cesium cation by two aromatic moieties. The reduction of 1 with an excess of alkali metals leads to the cleavage of the second Ge–C bond with subsequent elimination of biphenyl to give the C12H8Ge2− dianion which was crystallized as the sodium adduct, [{Na+(THF)}2(C12H8Ge2−)] (3). The structural elucidation for complex 3 shows η3- and η5-coordinations of the sodium ions to the π-system of dianions. The resulting Na⋯C and Na⋯Ge contacts along with the Na⋯OTHF interactions lead to the formation of the zigzag polymeric chains in the crystal lattice of 3.

Downsizing of alkali metal belts sandwiched between triply-reduced corannulene decks allows for the fine-tune separation and magnetic coupling of C20H10˙3– radicals., The first heterobimetallic sandwich-type aggregate formed by bowl-shaped corannulene trianion-radicals, C20H10˙3–, has been synthesized using mixed-metal reduction of C20H10. The product was crystallographically characterized to reveal the self-assembly of [Cs+//(C20H10 3–)/4K+/(C20H10 3–)//Cs+], in which two triply-charged corannulene decks encapsulate a rectangle of four potassium ions (the K···K separations are 4.212(4) and 5.185(4) Å), with the exterior concave bowl cavities being selectively filled by one cesium ion each. In order to provide insights into the geometrical features and electronic structure of this novel mixed-metal organometallic self-assembly, an in-depth theoretical investigation has been carried out. Specifically, the influence of internal metal binding on the geometry and magnetic coupling of C20H10˙3– radicals is investigated for Group 1 metals. This study reveals that replacement of the sandwiched potassium ions with larger (Cs) and smaller (Li) ions allows variation of the size of the encapsulated metal belts, and thus enables tuning of the coupling of C20H10˙3– radicals.

Structurally authenticated, terminal lanthanide-ligand multiple bonds are rare and expected to be highly reactive. Even capped with an alkali metal cation, poor orbital energy matching and overlap of metal and ligand valence orbitals should result in strong charge polarization within such bonds. We expand on a new strategy for isolating terminal lanthanide-ligand multiple bonds using cerium(IV) complexes. In the current case, our tailored tris(hydroxylaminato) ligand framework, TriNOx(3-), provides steric protection against ligand scrambling and metal complex oligomerization and electronic protection against reduction. This strategy culminates in isolation of the first formal Ce═N bonded moiety in the complex [K(DME)2][Ce═N(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)(TriNOx)], whose Ce═N bond is the shortest known at 2.119(3) Å.

Lithium-coordinated polyaromatic anions such as tetrareduced corannulene, C(20)H(10)(4-) (1(4-)), are useful substrates to model and ultimately improve the graphitic electrodes in lithium-ion (Li(+)) batteries. Previous studies suggested that 1(4-) forms dimers encasing four Li(+) ions in solution. Here, we report a single-crystal x-ray diffraction analysis confirming the formation of a sandwich-type supramolecular aggregate with a high degree of alkali metal intercalation. In contrast to the prior model, our data reveal that five Li(+) ions are sandwiched between the two tetrareduced corannulene decks, and (7)Li nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy delineates a conserved structure in tetrahydrofuran solution. Remarkably, the sandwich is robust in both solution and solid states even in the presence of crown ethers that compete for Li(+) coordination. These results should help elucidate Li(+) intercalation motifs between curved carbon surfaces more broadly.

The first X-ray structural characterization of the triply-reduced corannulene (C20H10) reveals its ability to form a novel type of supramolecular assembly with large cesium ions, [Cs+//(C20H103–)/4Cs+/(C20H103–)//Cs+]., The first structural characterization of the transient triply-reduced state of corannulene (C20H10) is accomplished. The X-ray crystallographic study reveals that the C20H10˙3– trianions, generated by corannulene reduction with metallic cesium, form a novel type of supramolecular sandwich-type assembly, [Cs+//(C20H103–)/4Cs+/(C20H103–)//Cs+]. In the product, two triply-charged corannulene decks encapsulate a rectangle of four cesium ions with the external concave bowl cavities being filled by one cesium ion each. The structural investigation is augmented by in-depth theoretical calculations to provide insights into the geometrical features and electronic structure of this unique organometallic self-assembly.

The reaction of corannulene (C(20)H(10)) with 1,2-C(2)H(4)Hal(2) (Hal = Cl or Br) in the presence of AlCl(3) affords stable nonplanar carbocations C(20)H(10)CH(2)CH(2)Hal(+) (Hal = Cl (1) and Br (2)) with an -CH(2)CH(2)Hal moiety attached to the interior carbon atom of the bowl. In the analogous reaction with 1-bromo-2-chloroethane, the selective (up to 98%) abstraction of chloride is observed with the formation of cation 2. The molecular structures of bowl-shaped carbocations 1 and 2 crystallized as salts with AlCl(4)(-) counterions are revealed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The reaction of 2 with methanol or ethanol provides further decoration of the nonplanar polyarene upon the nucleophilic addition of alkoxy groups to the exterior carbon atom of the corannulene moiety. The (1)H NMR investigation of the corresponding products, C(20)H(10)(CH(2)CH(2)Br)(OCH(2)R) (R = H (3) and CH(3) (4)), shows the formation of intramolecular H···O and H···Br hydrogen bonds.

The intercalation of alkali metal ions into carbon-based aromatic systems is of great interest in materials science due to the increased need for stable anode materials with high capacity of energy storage. Currently, graphite, a sp2-hybirdized carbon network, is the key anode component in rechargeable Li-ion batteries. Carbon allotropes with nonplanar π-surfaces, ranging from fullerenes to nanotubes, are now under investigation as prospective anode materials. The curved carbon networks of fullerenes and nanotubes are often modeled by open bowl-shaped polyaromatic hydrocarbons, such as the smallest curved fullerene fragment, corannulene (C20H10). One of the most fascinating properties of such bowl-shaped polyarenes and fullerenes is their ability to reversibly uptake and delocalize extra electrons upon multi-electron reduction without significant rearrangement and deformation of their carbon framework [1,2]. Notably, the anode material fabricated from corannulene shows a high reversible lithium capacity (602 mAh/g). This is almost twice as high as the theoretical capacity of the commonly used fully lithiated planar graphite material (LiC6, 372 mAh/g). In our work, we target the X-ray structural elucidation of metal intercalation patterns of carbon-rich curved polyarenes with light alkali metal ions, such as Li and Na, and compare those with extended planar polyaromatic systems. Recently, we expanded this study to the light alkaline earth metal, Mg, as its atomic radius is very close to that of Li. In addition, magnesium is cost effective and abundant, and thus presents great interest in the emerging energy storage technologies.