Scientists from the Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry (IPCE) of the Russian Academy of Sciences have for the first time synthesized a unique complex compound of technetium with trichloroacetic anhydride. Its molecular structure is a ring of nine technetium atoms, some of which are in an unusual oxidation state of +4.5. This discovery may find application in medicine, quantum computing, and cryogenic technologies.
The compound was obtained by a solvothermal method from a solution of technetium acid. During the synthesis, technetium atoms were sequentially reduced, forming an oligomeric chain, which then closed into a ring. The researchers used X-ray diffraction analysis, IR and UV spectroscopy, as well as thermogravimetry to study the properties of the new substance.
Rings with an odd number of metal atoms are very interesting compounds. They are much less common than those with an even number. If these rings are formed by atoms of only one metal, for example, technetium, then the atoms in it must be in different oxidation states. We obtained a compound, determined its structural formula, which is now included in the Cambridge Database.
The compound demonstrates exceptional solubility in 20 different solvents and is stable up to 130°C. Further heating produces technetium carbonyl.
Our work with this compound is just beginning, - summarized Mikhail Volkov. – It is difficult to study, including because of its very good solubility. We will continue to work and find a way to recrystallize this compound in order to better study its properties.
Technetium compounds with trichloroacetic anhydride can be useful in various fields. In particular, they can be used to create memory elements in devices. In addition, molecular refrigerators can be used as refrigerants in cryogenic research. In biomedicine, they are of interest for the treatment of cancer, since the temperature difference between cancerous and healthy cells plays an important role in tumor growth. Molecular refrigerators can also control the temperature of individual cells in the body, preventing them from overheating and transitioning to a cancerous state.
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