PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

Exploring the structures of xenon-containing crystallites

Exploring the structures of xenon-containing crystallites
2024-08-14
(Press-News.org) Noble gases have a reputation for being unreactive, inert elements, but more than 60 years ago Neil Bartlett demonstrated the first way to bond xenon. He created XePtF6, an orange-yellow solid. Because it’s difficult to grow sufficiently large crystals that contain noble gases, some of their structures — and therefore functions — remain elusive. Now, researchers have successfully examined tiny crystallites of noble gas compounds. They report structures of multiple xenon compounds in ACS Central Science.

Since Bartlett’s discovery, which is commemorated with an International Historic Chemical Landmark, hundreds of noble gas compounds have been synthesized, and some crystal structures have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. However, noble gas-containing crystals are typically sensitive to moisture in air. This chemical property makes them highly reactive and challenging to handle, requiring special techniques and equipment to grow crystals large enough for X-ray diffraction analysis. Therefore, detailed structures of that first xenon compound and several other noble gas-containing compounds have eluded researchers. Recently, another technique — 3D electron diffraction — has revealed the structures of small nanoscale crystals. These crystallites are stable in air, but the technique hasn’t been widely applied to air-sensitive compounds. So, Lukáš Palatinus, Matic Lozinšek and colleagues wanted to test 3D electron diffraction on crystallites of xenon-containing compounds.

The researchers synthesized three xenon difluoride–manganese tetrafluoride compounds, obtaining individual red crystals and pink crystalline powders. Samples were kept stable by first cooling a holder with liquid nitrogen, adding the sample and then covering the filled holder with multiple protective layers during the transfer into a transmission electron microscope. The team measured the xenon-fluoride (Xe–F) and manganese-fluoride (Mn–F) bond lengths and angles for nanometer-sized crystallites in the pink crystalline powder using 3D electron diffraction. Then the structures were compared to results the team obtained on the larger, micrometer-sized wine-red crystals by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The two methods were in good agreement, despite small differences, according to the researchers, and the results showed that the structures were:

Infinite zig zag chains for 3XeF2·2MnF4. Rings for XeF2·MnF4. Staircase-like double chains for XeF2·2MnF4. As a result of this successful demonstration of 3D electron diffraction on xenon compounds, the researchers say the technique could be used to discover the structures of XePtF6 and other challenging noble gas compounds that have evaded characterization for decades, as well as other air-sensitive substances.

The authors acknowledge funding from the Czech Science Foundation and Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency joint project within the Central European Science Partnership, the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, the Jožef Stefan Institute Director’s Fund, and the CzechNanoLab Research Infrastructure supported by Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic.

The paper’s abstract will be available on Aug. 14 at 8 a.m. Eastern time here: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acscentsci.4c00815

For more of the latest research news, register for our upcoming meeting, ACS Fall 2024. Journalists and public information officers are encouraged to apply for complimentary press registration by completing this form.

###

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS’ mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people. The Society is a global leader in promoting excellence in science education and providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple research solutions, peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, eBooks and weekly news periodical Chemical & Engineering News. ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature; however, ACS itself does not conduct chemical research. As a leader in scientific information solutions, its CAS division partners with global innovators to accelerate breakthroughs by curating, connecting and analyzing the world’s scientific knowledge. ACS’ main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

Registered journalists can subscribe to the ACS journalist news portal on EurekAlert! to access embargoed and public science press releases. For media inquiries, contact newsroom@acs.org.

Note: ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies.

Follow us: X, formerly Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

END


[Attachments] See images for this press release:
Exploring the structures of xenon-containing crystallites Exploring the structures of xenon-containing crystallites 2

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Oral cancer screening: Insights into epidemiology, risk factors, and screening programs for improved early detection

2024-08-14
Cancer is a complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, significantly impacting global health. Head and neck cancers rank as the sixth most prevalent cancers worldwide, with a higher incidence in South-central Asia. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the predominant malignancy in this category, posing a significant health concern due to its high mortality and often late-stage diagnosis. The significance of early detection and appropriate screening measures cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in improving survival rates and reducing the disease burden. Overview ...

AAAS and Chen Institute inaugurate new prize recognizing innovative applications of AI techniques

2024-08-14
In collaboration with the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is announcing the establishment of the Chen Institute and Science Prize for Al Accelerated Research. Submissions are now open for the first year of the prize, which will be awarded in 2025. The prize will recognize young researchers who apply techniques in artificial intelligence (AI) – such as machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision – to help the life sciences research community solve important problems and accelerate their work. Successful applicants will have made a fundamental advance that would not have been ...

A method that paves the way for improved fuel cell vehicles

A method that paves the way for improved fuel cell vehicles
2024-08-14
More efficient and longer-lasting fuel cells are essential for fuel cell-powered heavy-duty hydrogen vehicles to be an alternative to combustion fuelled counterparts. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have developed an innovative method to study and understand how parts of fuel cells degrade over time.  This is an important step towards the improved performance of fuel cells and them becoming commercially successful. Hydrogen is a fuel alternative that is becoming increasingly interesting for heavy-duty vehicles.  Hydrogen-powered vehicles only emit water vapour as exhaust, and if the hydrogen is produced using renewable energy, it is completely free ...

How air-powered computers can prevent blood clots

How air-powered computers can prevent blood clots
2024-08-14
A new, air-powered computer sets off alarms when certain medical devices fail. The invention is a more reliable and lower-cost way to help prevent blood clots and strokes — all without electronic sensors. Described in a paper in the journal Device, the computer not only runs on air, but also uses air to issue warnings. It immediately blows a whistle when it detects a problem with the lifesaving compression machine it is designed to monitor. Intermittent pneumatic compression or IPC devices are leg sleeves that fill with air periodically and ...

Fear of appearing prejudiced can inhibit accurate performance feedback to women

2024-08-14
PULLMAN, Wash. – Evaluators who want to avoid appearing prejudiced may overcorrect and give women inflated performance feedback, new research indicates, which is a practice that could ultimately hinder their ability to improve and advance. A Washington State University-led research team investigated the connection between overly positive performance reviews and “protective paternalism,” the belief that women need to be handled carefully and shielded from harm. While it may be well-intentioned, ...

Chromatin structure plays a key role in canine social behavior evolution

Chromatin structure plays a key role in canine social behavior evolution
2024-08-14
A new study on dogs found that chromatin's spatial structure has a significant role in the evolution of social behavior. Chromatin, the compact form of DNA, not only packages genetic material but also plays a crucial role in gene regulation. This study demonstrates that both the linear sequence of DNA and its three-dimensional configuration are linked to friendly behavior shaped by dog domestication, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying social traits. Behavioral traits such as sociability are influenced by numerous genes, their interactions, environmental factors, and individual life experiences. Because ...

Work-related stress may increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm

2024-08-14
Research Highlights: Adults in white-collar jobs in Canada with high job strain and for whom significant efforts are met with low rewards (such as low salary or recognition) may face a 97% increased risk for developing the irregular heart rhythm condition known as atrial fibrillation, or AFib or AF, compared to workers not exposed to these work stressors. Separately, high job strain alone was associated with an 83% higher risk of developing AFib, and effort-reward imbalance alone was associated with a 44% greater risk. Recognizing and addressing these stressors at work may be an effective strategy ...

Massive biomolecular shifts occur in our 40s and 60s, Stanford Medicine researchers find

2024-08-14
If it’s ever felt like everything in your body is breaking down at once, that might not be your imagination. A new Stanford Medicine study shows that many of our molecules and microorganisms dramatically rise or fall in number during our 40s and 60s. Researchers assessed many thousands of different molecules in people from age 25 to 75, as well as their microbiomes — the bacteria, viruses and fungi that live inside us and on our skin — and found that the abundance of most molecules ...

Study reveals that memories of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns predict declines in psychological well-being of children and adolescents

2024-08-14
The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures to prevent contagion resulted in extensive disruptions in children’s and adolescents’ everyday lives. A new study in Child Development from the Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, University of California, Riverside and University of California, Davis in the United States, investigated personal memories (i.e., memories for episodes experienced in one’s own life) about the first lockdown in Denmark in Spring 2020 among children and adolescents and how this may have impacted their psychological well-being over the following year.  For context, in ...

Severe menopause symptoms may take toll on brain health

2024-08-14
CLEVELAND, Ohio (August 14, 2024)—With more than 24 million people globally living with dementia without a cure in sight, there is a lot of focus on ways to prevent and delay cognitive impairment. A new study suggests that severe menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and depression can negatively affect cognitive function in postmenopausal women. Results of the study are published online today in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society. In conjunction with our aging population, dementia diagnoses are on the rise. It ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

Rare combination of ovarian tumors found in one patient

AI-driven clinical recommendations may aid physician decision making to improve quality of care

Artificial intelligence has potential to aid physician decisions during virtual urgent care

ACP and Annals of Internal Medicine present breaking scientific news at ACP’s Internal Medicine Meeting 2025

New study reveals polymers with flawed fillers boost heat transfer in plastics

Signs identified that precede sudden arrhythmic death syndrome in young people

Discovery of bacteria's defence against viruses becomes a piece of the puzzle against resistance

Pre-eclampsia is associated with earlier onset and higher incidence of cardiovascular risk factors

Warwick astronomers discover doomed pair of spiralling stars on our cosmic doorstep

Soil conditions significantly increase rainfall in world’s megastorm hotspots

NK cells complexed with bispecific antibody yield high response rates in patients with lymphoma

Planetary health diet and mediterranean diet associated with similar survival and sustainability benefits

Singapore launches national standard to validate antimicrobial disinfectant products

Molecular stool test could improve detection of tuberculosis in adults with HIV

Suspected fibrocartilaginous embolus in Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus)

Enhancing heat transfer using the turbulent flow of viscoelastic fluids

Exercise as an anti-ageing intervention to avoid detrimental impact of mental fatigue

UMass Amherst Nursing Professor Emerita honored as ‘Living Legend’

New guidelines aim to improve cystic fibrosis screening

Picky eaters by day, buffet by night: Butterfly, moth diets sync to plant aromas

Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Leanne Redman honored with the E. V. McCollum Award from the American Society for Nutrition

CCNY physicists uncover electronic interactions mediated via spin waves

Researchers’ 3D-printing formula may transform future of foam

Nurture more important than nature for robotic hand

Drug-delivering aptamers target leukemia stem cells for one-two knockout punch

New study finds that over 95% of sponsored influencer posts on Twitter were not disclosed

New sea grant report helps great lakes fish farmers navigate aquaculture regulations

Strain “trick” improves perovskite solar cells’ efficiency

How GPS helps older drivers stay on the roads

Estrogen and progesterone stimulate the body to make opioids

[Press-News.org] Exploring the structures of xenon-containing crystallites