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Todd M Alam

Publications and source records attributed to Todd M Alam.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Multi-dimensional 1H-13C HETCOR and FSLG-HETCOR NMR study of sphingomyelin bilayers containing cholesterol in the gel and liquid crystalline states.

(13)C cross polarization magic angle spinning (CP-MAS) and (1)H MAS NMR spectra were collected on egg sphingomyelin (SM) bilayers containing cholesterol above and below the liquid crystalline phase transition temperature (T(m)). Two-dimensional (2D) dipolar heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) spectra were obtained on SM bilayers in the liquid crystalline (L(alpha)) state for the first time and display improved resolution and chemical shift dispersion compared to the individual (1)H and (13)C spectra and significantly aid in spectral assignment. In the gel (L(beta)) state, the (1)H dimension suffers from line broadening due to the (1)H-(1)H homonuclear dipolar coupling that is not completely averaged by the combination of lipid mobility and MAS. This line broadening is significantly suppressed by implementing frequency switched Lee-Goldburg (FSLG) homonuclear (1)H decoupling during the evolution period. In the liquid crystalline (L(alpha)) phase, no improvement in line width is observed when FSLG is employed. All of the observed resonances are assignable to cholesterol and SM environments. This study demonstrates the ability to obtain 2D heteronuclear correlation experiments in the gel state for biomembranes, expands on previous SM assignments, and presents a comprehensive (1)H/(13)C NMR assignment of SM bilayers containing cholesterol. Comparisons are made to a previous report on cholesterol chemical shifts in dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayers. A number of similarities and some differences are observed and discussed.

Animals↗

1H NMR Detection of superparamagnetic nanoparticles at 1T using a microcoil and novel tuning circuit.

Magnetic beads containing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been shown to measurably change the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation properties of nearby protons in aqueous solution at distances up to approximately 50 microm. Therefore, the NMR sensitivity for the in vitro detection of single cells or biomolecules labeled with magnetic beads will be maximized with microcoils of this dimension. We have constructed a prototype 550 microm diameter solenoidal microcoil using focused gallium ion milling of a gold/chromium layer. The NMR coil was brought to resonance by means of a novel auxiliary tuning circuit, and used to detect water with a spectral resolution of 2.5 Hz in a 1.04 T (44.2MHz) permanent magnet. The single-scan SNR for water was 137, for a 200 micros pi/2 pulse produced with an RF power of 0.25 mW. The nutation performance of the microcoil was sufficiently good so that the effects of magnetic beads on the relaxation characteristics of the surrounding water could be accurately measured. A solution of magnetic beads (Dynabeads MyOne Streptavidin) in deionized water at a concentration of 1000 beads per nL lowered the T(1) from 1.0 to 0.64 s and the T2 * from 110 to 0.91 ms. Lower concentrations (100 and 10 beads/nL) also resulted in measurable reductions in T2 *, suggesting that low-field, microcoil NMR detection using permanent magnets can serve as a high-sensitivity, miniaturizable detection mechanism for very low concentrations of magnetic beads in biological fluids.

Dextrans↗

Thallophilic interactions in aryloxide compounds: the [Tl2(mu2-OAr)4] structural motif in (TlOAr)4 and Tl2Cu(OAr)4 compounds.

Two thallium aryloxide compounds TlOC6F5 (TlOAr(F)) and bis-3,5-TlOC6H3(CF3)2 (TlOAr') have been recrystallized from THF and crystallographically characterized in different isomeric forms. The latter compound forms a solvated tetrameric cubane, [TlOAr']4.THF, 1. The TlOAr(F) compound crystallized with a similar stoichiometry, [TlOAr(F)]4.2 THF, 2, but contains a [Tl2(mu2-OAr(F))4] unit that includes a thallophilic interaction at a distance of 3.5943(15) angstroms. Solution 205Tl and 203Tl NMR studies of 1 and 2 support the retention of a cubane structure for 1 in solution and suggest a similar structure for 2 with coupled thallium centers down to -90 degrees C. Fluorescence spectroscopy data for both compounds 1 and 2 in THF are consistent with LMCT. DFT calculations of 1, 2, and three models of the [Tl2(mu2-OAr(F))4] unit show a bonding overlap of the bridged thallium atoms in 2 and are also used to describe the bonding in 1. The structures of two heterobimetallic compounds, Tl2Cu(OAr(F))4, 4, and Tl2Cu(OAr')4, 5, with the [Tl2(mu2-OAr(F))4] structural motif and thallophilic contacts of 3.86(6) and 3.564(1) angstroms, respectively, are described. The crystal structures of the unsolvated of TlOAr(F), 2b, solvated heterobimetallic derivative Tl2Cu(OAr')4.2THF, 5b, and the monomeric (18-crown-6)TlOAr(F), 3, and 205Tl NMR spectra of TlOC6H5, 6, are also reported for comparison purposes.

Allyl Compounds↗

Magnetic alignment of aqueous CTAB in nematic and hexagonal liquid crystalline phases investigated by spin-1 NMR.

Spin-1 NMR has been used to characterize the magnetically aligned nematic and hexagonal liquid crystalline phases of aqueous cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). A nematic/hexagonal biphasic region has been identified for the first time in this system. The nematic phase is characterized by an order parameter of smaller magnitude and greater temperature dependence. Magnetic alignment kinetic rates of the two phases differ greatly, with the nematic phase showing magnetic alignment much faster than the hexagonal phase. Equilibration has been monitored over time by measuring the change in quadrupole splitting as a function of temperature. As the sample equilibrates the temperature dependence of the splitting decreases logarithmically. This work also demonstrates how the phase and order of the liquid crystal can be manipulated during the early part of equilibration.

Anisotropy↗

Distinguishing individual lipid headgroup mobility and phase transitions in raft-forming lipid mixtures with 31P MAS NMR.

A model membrane system composed of egg sphingomyelin (SM), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), and cholesterol was studied with static and magic angle spinning (31)P NMR spectroscopy. This model membrane system is of significant biological relevance since it is known to form lipid rafts. (31)P NMR under magic angle spinning conditions resolves the SM and DOPC headgroup resonances allowing for extraction of the (31)P NMR parameters for the individual lipid components. The isotropic chemical shift, chemical shift anisotropy, and asymmetry parameter can be extracted from the spinning side band manifold of the individual components that form liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered domains. The magnitude of the (31)P chemical shift anisotropy and the line width is used to determine headgroup mobility and monitor the gel-to-gel and gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transitions of SM as a function of temperature in these mixtures. Spin-spin relaxation measurements are in agreement with the line width results, reflecting mobility differences and some heterogeneities. It will be shown that the presence of DOPC and/or cholesterol greatly impacts the headgroup mobility of SM both above and below the liquid crystalline phase transition temperature, whereas DOPC displays only minor variations in these lipid mixtures.

Cholesterol↗

Solid-state structural characterization of a rigid framework of lacunary heteropolyniobates.

In our ongoing investigations of heteropolyniobate chemistry, a phase featuring decorated, A-type trivacant alpha-Keggin ions linked by their charge-balancing sodium cations has been isolated and structurally characterized. This is the first heteropolyniobate reported that has a true lacunary structure type. Na15[(PO2)3PNb9O34] x 22 H2O (1) [triclinic space group P1 (No. 2); a = 12.242 (2) A, b = 12.291 (3) A, c = 22.056 (4) A; alpha = 93.12 (3) degrees, beta = 99.78 (3) degrees, gamma = 119.84 (3) degrees; Z = 4, V = 2799.2 (10) A3] is composed of bilayers of the heteropolyanions alternating with layers of hydrated Na+ cations. Sodium cations also bridge the clusters within their layers through Na-O(t)-Nb, Na-O(b)-Nb2, and Na-O(t)-P bonds (t = terminal and b = bridging). This phase is poorly soluble in water, suggesting that it is more characteristic of a framework of linked heteropolyanions rather than a water-soluble heteropolyanion salt. Two-dimensional solid-state 23Na multiple-quantum magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR of 1 reveals five distinctive chemical and structural environments for sodium, which agrees with the crystallographic data. The 23Na and 1H MAS NMR studies further illustrate the rigid and immobile nature of this framework of cations and anions.

Journal Article↗

Tribasic lead maleate and lead maleate: synthesis and structural and spectroscopic characterizations.

We report on the synthesis and structure of tribasic lead maleate hemihydrate ([Pb4O3]C2H2(CO2)2.(1/2)H2O, TRIMAL) and lead maleate (PbC2H2(CO2)2, PBMAL). The structure of [Pb4O3]C2H2(CO2)2.(1/2)H2O, solved ab initio from X-ray powder diffraction data, consists of infinite slabs of edge-sharing OPb4 tetrahedra, of composition [Pb4O3], running along the c axis and linked together into a three-dimensional network by tetradentate maleate anionic ligands. The structure of PbC2H2(CO2)2, solved from single crystal diffraction data, is lamellar and contains double layers of heptacoordinated lead atoms, bonded only to the oxygen atoms of the maleate ligands. In both compounds, lead is in the oxidation state 2+ and the coordination polyhedra around the Pb2+ exhibit a hemidirected geometry and are strongly distorted as a result of the lone pair of electrons. The absence of protons on the acidic portion of the maleate moieties was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and by 1H MAS and 1H-13C CP MAS NMR experiments. The two compounds were further characterized using chemical and thermogravimetric analyses.

Journal Article↗

Speciation in the AlCl3/SO2Cl2 catholyte system.

The fundamental chemical behavior of the AlCl(3)/SO(2)Cl(2) catholyte system was investigated using (27)Al NMR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Three major Al-containing species were found to be present in this catholyte system, where the ratio of each was dependent upon aging time, concentration, and/or storage temperature. The first species was identified as [Cl(2)Al(mu-Cl)](2) in equilibrium with AlCl(3). The second species results from the decomposition of SO(2)Cl(2) which forms Cl(2)(g) and SO(2)(g). The SO(2)(g) is readily consumed in the presence of AlCl(3) to form the crystallographically characterized species [Cl(2)Al(mu-O(2)SCl)](2) (1). For 1, each Al is tetrahedrally (T(d)) bound by two terminal Cl and two mu-O ligands whereas, the S is three-coordinated by two mu-O ligands and one terminal Cl. The third molecular species also has T(d)-coordinated Al metal centers but with increased oxygen coordination. Over time it was noted that a precipitate formed from the catholyte solutions. Raman spectroscopic studies show that this gel or precipitate has a component that was consistent with thionyl chloride. We have proposed a polymerization scheme that accounts for the precipitate formation. Further NMR studies indicate that the precipitate is in equilibrium with the solution.

Journal Article↗

Synthesis, structural characterization, and molecular modeling of dodecaniobate keggin chain materials.

Four new isostructural one-dimensional dodecaniobate Keggin materials, Na12[Ti2O2][TNb12O40] x xH2O and Na10[Nb2O2][TNb12O40] x xH2O with T = (Si or Ge), have been synthesized hydrothermally using a Lindqvist-ion salt, Na7[Nb6O19H] x 15H2O, as the precursor. Their structure, consisting of chains of Keggin ions [TNb12O40]16- linked by [Ti2O2]4+ or [Nb2O2]6+ bridges, was solved ab initio from powder diffraction data. The location of the charge-balancing sodium atoms and the water molecules was further investigated by molecular simulations. These compounds were also characterized by IR and solid-state 1H, 29Si, and 23Na MAS NMR spectroscopies. The structural relationships between these and related phases based on similar Keggin ion building units are discussed.

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Cadmium amido alkoxide and alkoxide precursors for the synthesis of nanocrystalline CdE (E = S, Se, Te).

The synthesis and characterization of a family of alternative precursors for the production of CdE nanoparticles (E = S, Se, and Te) is reported. The reaction of Cd(NR2)2 where NR2 = N(SiMe3)2 with n HOR led to the isolation of the following: n = 1 [Cd(mu-OCH2CMe3)(NR2)(py)]2 (1, py = pyridine), Cd[(mu-OC6H3(Me)(2)-2,6)2Cd(NR2)(py)]2 (2), [Cd(mu-OC6H3(CHMe2)(2)-2,6)(NR2)(py)]2 (3), [Cd(mu-OC6H3(CMe3)(2)-2,6)(NR2)(py)]2 (4), [Cd(mu-OC6H2(NH2)(3)-2,4,6)(NR2)(py)]2 (5), and n = 2 [Cd(mu-OC6H3(Me)(2)-2,6)(OC6H3(Me)(2)-2,6)(py)2]2 (6), and [Cd(mu-OC6H3(CMe3)(2)-2,6)(OC6H3(CMe3)(2)-2,6)(THF)]2 (7). For all but 2, the X-ray crystal structures were solved as discrete dinuclear units bridged by alkoxide ligands and either terminal -NR2 or -OR ligands depending on the stoichiometry of the initial reaction. For 2, a trinuclear species was isolated using four mu-OR and two terminal -NR2 ligands. The coordination of the Cd metal center varied from 3 to 5 where the higher coordination numbers were achieved by binding Lewis basic solvents for the less sterically demanding ligands. These complexes were further characterized in solution by 1H, 13C, and 113Cd NMR along with solid-state 113Cd NMR spectroscopy. The utility of these complexes as "alternative precursors" for the controlled preparation of nanocrystalline CdS, CdSe, and CdTe was explored. To synthesize CdE nanocrystals, select species from this family of compounds were individually heated in a coordinating solvent (trioctylphosphine oxide) and then injected with the appropriate chalcogenide stock solution. Transmission electron spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy were used to characterize the resultant particles.

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High-speed 1H MAS NMR investigations of the weathered surface of a phosphate glass.

Solid-state high-speed 1H MAS NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate the weathered surface of a potassium aluminum phosphate (KAP) glass exposed to a humid environment (30K2O10Al2O360P2O5, mol%). Through the combination of spin-spin relaxation and double quantum (DQ) filtering it was possible to resolve seven or eight different proton environments within the weathered surface of the KAP glass. Two-dimensional (2D) DQ and 2D NOESY NMR correlation experiments were performed to probe the spatial proximity of these different proton species. These 1H-1H correlation experiments helped confirm the spectral assignments. The analysis of these different 1H environments provides additional information about the chemical processes that occur at the weathered glass surface.

Journal Article↗

Synthesis and characterization of a series of rubidium alkoxides and rubidium-titanium double alkoxides.

This report investigates the structural aspects of the products isolated from the reactions of a series of titanium alkoxides [[Ti(OR)4]n n = 2, OR = OCH2C(CH3)3 (ONep) (1); n = 1, OC6H3(CH3)2-2,6 (DMP) (2)] with rubidium alkoxides [[Rb(OR)]infinity where OR = (ONep) (3), (DMP) (4), and OC6H3(CH(CH3)2)2-2,6 (DIP) (5)]. The resultant double alkoxides were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction to be [Rb(mu-ONep)4(py)Ti(ONep)]2 (6), [Rb(mu-DMP)Ti(DMP)4]infinity (7), and [Rb(mu-DMP)2(mu-ONep)2Ti(ONep)]infinity (8). Compound 1 is the previously reported dinculear species with trigonal bipyramidal Ti metal centers whereas compound 2 is a monomer with a tetrahedral Ti center. Suitable X-ray quality crystals of 3 were not isolated. Compounds 4 and 5 demonstrate extended polymeric networks with Rb coordination ranging from two to five utilizing terminal mu- and mu3-OR ligands and pi-interactions of neighboring OAr ligands. The double alkoxide 6 revealed a simple tetranuclear structure with mu-ONep acting as the bridge, terminal ONep ligands on the Ti, and one terminal py on the Rb. For 7 and 8, the pi-interaction facilitated the formation of extended polymeric systems. All complexes were further characterized by FT-IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy.

Journal Article↗

Multinuclear NMR investigations of the oxygen, water, and hydroxyl environments in sodium hexaniobate.

Solid-state (1)H, (17)O MAS NMR, (1)H-(93)Nb TRAPDOR NMR, and (1)H double quantum 2D MAS NMR experiments were used to characterize the oxygen, water, and hydroxyl environments in the monoprotonated hexaniobate material, Na(7)[HNb(6)O(19)].15H(2)O. These solid-state NMR experiments demonstrate that the proton is located on the bridging oxygen of the [Nb(6)O(19)](8-) cluster. The solid-state NMR results also show that the NbOH protons are spatially isolated from similar protons, but undergo proton exchange with the water species located in the crystal lattice. On the basis of double quantum (1)H MAS NMR measurements, it was determined that the water species in the crystal lattice have restricted motional dynamics. Two-dimensional (1)H-(17)O MAS NMR correlation experiments show that these restricted waters are preferentially associated with the bridging oxygen. Solution (17)O NMR experiments show that the hydroxyl proton is also attached to the bridging oxygen for the compound in solution. In addition, solution (17)O NMR kinetic studies for the hexaniobate allowed the measurement of relative oxygen exchange rates between the bridging, terminal, and hydroxyl oxygen and the oxygen of the solvent as a function of pH and temperature. These NMR experiments are some of the first investigations into the proton location, oxygen and proton exchange processes, and water dynamics for a base stable polyoxoniobate material, and they provide insight into the chemistry and reactivity of these materials.

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A general synthetic procedure for heteropolyniobates.

The heteropolyanions of W, Mo, and V, which have found numerous applications, are formed simply by acidification of solutions of their oxoanions. Under similar conditions, these oxoanion precursors are not available for Nb, and Nb-oxo chemistry is dominated by formation of the Lindquist ion [Nb6O19]8- only. However, heteropolyniobate formation is favored in hydrothermal reactions of aqueous, alkaline precursor mixtures. Here we give two examples of heteropolyniobates formed by this general reaction type: K12[Ti2O2][SiNb12O40].16H2O [1], which contains chains of silicododecaniobate Keggin ions, and Na14[H2Si4Nb16O56].45.5H2O [2], a new heteropolyanion structure type.

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Chemistry of a novel family of tridentate alkoxy tin(II) clusters.

The chemical interconversions observed for a novel family of trihydroxymethyl ethane (THME-H(3)) ligated Sn(II) compounds have been determined using single-crystal X-ray and (119)Sn NMR experiments. (mu-THME)(2)Sn(3) (1) was isolated from the reaction of 3 equiv of [Sn(NR(2))(2)](2) (R = SiMe(3)) with 4 equiv of THME as a unique trinuclear species capped above and below the plane of Sn atoms by two THME ligands. Upon reaction with "Sn(NR(2))(2)", compound 1 rearranged to yield another novel molecule [(mu-THME)Sn(2)(NR(2))](2) (2). Compound 2 could also be formed directly from the stoichiometric mixture of THME-H(3) and [Sn(NR(2))(2)](2). Further studies revealed that 1 would also rearrange in the presence of Sn(OR)(2) to form [(mu-THME)Sn(2)(mu-OR)](2) [OR = OMe (3), OCH(2)Me (4), OCH(2)CH(Me)CH(2)CH(3) (5), OCH(2)CMe(3) (6, ONep), OC(6)H(5) (7, not structurally characterized), OC(6)H(4)Me-3 (8), OC(6)H(4)Me-2 (9), OC(6)H(3)(Me)(2)-2,6 (10), OC(6)H(3)(CHMe(2))(2)-2,6 (11). Additionally, 3-11 could by synthesized from the reaction of 2 and the appropriate H-OR. (119)Sn solution NMR studies of 2-11, in THF-d(8), indicate that an equilibrium between the parent complex and its disassociation products (1 and the free parent Sn alkoxy or amide precursor) exists at room temperature. This is a likely reason behind the ease of interconversion observed for 1. The generality of this exchange was further verified through the reaction of 1 with [Ti(mu-ONep)(ONep)(3)](2), which led to the isolation of (mu-ONep)(2)Sn(3)(mu-THME)(2)Ti(ONep)(2) (12). For 12, the solid-state structure was maintained in solution with no indication of an equilibrium.

Journal Article↗

Hydrolysis of tin(II) neo-pentoxide: syntheses, characterization, and X-ray structures of [Sn(ONep)(2)](infinity), Sn(5)(mu(3)-O)(2)(mu-ONep)(6), and Sn(6)(mu(3)-O)(4)(mu-ONep)(4) where ONep = OCH(2)CMe(3).

The reaction of [Sn(NMe(2))(2)](2) (1) with 4 equiv of HOCH(2)CMe(3) (HONep) leads to the isolation of [Sn(ONep)(2)](infinity) (2). Each Sn atom is four coordinated with mu-ONep ligands bridging the metal centers; however, if the free electrons of the Sn(II) metal center are considered, each Sn center adopts a distorted trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) geometry. Through (119)Sn NMR experiments, the polymeric compound 2 was found to be disrupted into smaller oligomers in solution. Titration of 2 with H(2)O led to the identification of two unique hydrolysis products characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction as Sn(5)(mu(3)-O)(2)(mu-ONep)(6) (3) and Sn(6)(mu(3)-O)(4)(mu-ONep)(4) (4). Compound 3 consists of an asymmetrical molecule that has five Sn atoms arranged in a square-based pyramidal geometry linked by four basal mu-ONep ligands, two facial mu(3)-O, and two facial mu-ONep ligands. Compound 4 was solved in a novel octahedral arrangement of six Sn cations with an asymmetric arrangement of mu(3)-O and mu-ONep ligands that yields two square base pyramidal and four pyramidal coordinated Sn cations. These compounds were further identified by multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, (17)O, and (119)Sn) solid-state MAS and high resolution, solution NMR experiments. Because of the complexity of the compounds and the accessibility of the various nuclei, 2D NMR experiments were also undertaken to elucidate the solution behavior of these compounds. On the basis of these studies, it was determined that while the central core of the solid-state structures of 3 and 4 is retained, dynamic ligand exchange leads to more symmetrical molecules in solution. Novel products 3 and 4 lend structural insight into the stepwise hydrolysis of Sn(II) alkoxides.

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From clusters to ionic complexes: structurally characterized thallium titanium double alkoxides.

A series of sterically varied titanium alkoxides [[Ti(OR)(4)](n)(), n = 4, OR = OCH(2)CH(3) (OEt); n = 1, OCH(CH(3))(2) (OPr(i)); n = 2, OCH(2)C(CH(3))(3) (ONep); n = 1, OC(6)H(3)(CH(3))(2)-2,6 (DMP)] were reacted with a series of thallium alkoxides [[Tl(OR)](x) (x = 4, OR = OEt, ONep; n = infinity, DMP)]. The resultant products of the [Tl(mu(3)-OEt)](4)-modified [Ti(OR)(4)](n)() (OR = OEt, OPr(i), ONep) were found by X-ray analysis to be Tl(4)Ti(2)(mu-O)(mu(3)-OEt)(8)(OEt)(2) (1), Tl(4)Ti(2)(mu-O)(mu(3)-OPr(i))(5)(mu(3)-OEt)(3)(OEt)(2) (2), and TlTi(2)(mu(3)-OEt)(2)(mu-OEt)(mu-ONep)(2)(ONep)(4) (3), respectively. The reaction of [Tl(mu(3)-OEt)](4), 12HOEt, and 4[Ti(mu-ONep)ONep)(3)](2) to generate 3 in a higher yield resulted in the isolation of TlTi(2)(mu(3)-OEt)(mu(3)-ONep)(mu-OEt)(mu-ONep)(2)(ONep)(4) (4). Compounds 1 and 2 possess an octahedral (Oh) arrangement of two Ti and four Tl metal atoms around a mu-O central oxide atom (the Tl-O distance is too long to be considered a bond). For both compounds, each Ti atom adopts a distorted Oh geometry with one terminal OEt ligand. The Tl atoms are formally 4-coordinated, adopting a distorted pyramidal geometry using four mu(3)-OR (OR = OEt or OPr(i)) ligands to complete their coordination sphere. The Tl atoms reside approximately 1.4 A below the basal plane of oxygens. In contrast to these structures, both 3 and 4 utilize ONep ligands and display reduced oligomerization yielding trinuclear complexes without oxo formation. The two Ti cations are Oh, and the single Tl cation is in a formal distorted pyramidal (PYD) arrangement. If the lone pair of the Tl cations are considered in the geometry, each Tl adopts a square base pyramidal geometry. Two terminal ONep ligands are bound to each Ti with the remainder of the molecule consisting of mu(3)- and mu-ONep ligands. The reaction of [Tl(mu(3)-ONep)](4) with two equivalents of [Ti(mu-ONep)(ONep)(3)](2) also led to the isolation of the homoleptic trinuclear complex TlTi(2)(mu(3)-ONep)(2)(mu-ONep)(3)(ONep)(4) (5) which is analogous in structure to the mixed ligand species of 3 and 4. Each Ti is Oh coordinated with six ONep ligands, and the single Tl is PYD bound by ONep ligands. A further increase in the steric bulk of the pendant ligands, using [Tl(mu-DMP)](infinity) and [Ti(mu-ONep)(ONep)(3)](2), resulted in a further decrease in the nuclearity yielding the dinuclear species TlTi(mu-DMP)(mu-ONep)(DMP)(ONep)(2) (6). For 6, the two metals are bound by a mu-ONep and a mu-DMP ligand. The Tl metal center was solved in a bent geometry while the Ti adopted a distorted trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) geometry using three ONep and two DMP ligands to fill its coordination sphere. Further increasing the steric bulk of the ancillary ligands using Ti(DMP)(4) and [Tl(mu-DMP)](infinity) led to the formation of [Tl(+)][(-)(eta(2-3)-DMP)Ti(DMP)(4)] (7). The Ti metal center is in a TBP geometry, and the "naked" Tl cation resides unencumbered by solvent molecules but was found to have a strong pi-interaction with four DMP ligands of neighboring Ti(DMP)(5)(-) anions. For this novel set of compounds, (205)Tl NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate the solution behavior of these compounds. Multiple (205)Tl resonances were observed for the solution spectra of the crystalline material of 1-6, and a broad singlet was observed for 7. The large number of minor resonances noted for these compounds was attributed to sensitivity of the Tl cation based on small variations due to ligand rearrangement. However, the major resonance noted in the (205)Tl NMR solution spectra of 1-7 are in agreement with their respective solid-state structures.

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