Werner Urland | |
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Born | 13 April 1944 |
Website | www |
Werner Urland (born 13 April 1944) is a German chemist whose name is imprinted in the pioneering implementation of the Angular Overlap Model (AOM: a specific paradigm for accounting metal ions in complexes or crystals [1] [2] [3] ) for the interpretation of optical and magnetic properties of rare-earth coordination compounds. [4] [5] [6] This approach receives a renewed value in the context of the vogue around the lanthanide-based new materials, such as achieving magnets at molecular scale, [7] [8] [9] or designing new phosphor materials. [10]
Werner Urland was born in Berlin on 13 April 1944. Between 1963 and 1968 he studied and graduated in chemistry in Giessen, Germany. The interval 1968-1971 was dedicated to the work of a doctoral thesis, under the supervision of Professor R. Hoppe, on ternary oxides of noble metals. The PhD stage incorporated a scholarship at University College in London, in the group of Dr. Malcolm Gerloch under the supervision of Professor Lord Jack Lewis (Jack Lewis, Baron Lewis of Newnham, where the acquaintance with the magnetic properties and specific models of coordination compounds had defined a turning point in his career. The following post-doctoral stage (1971-1974) in preparative solid-state chemistry and the return to England, at Cambridge, in the theory group directed by Prof. A. D. Buckingham, contoured an original composition of scientific interests, at the confluence of applied chemistry with the theoretical insight, aiming for understanding and predicting useful properties. Assimilating the different formation sources, Werner Urland contoured his original perspective in the magnetochemistry of rare earth compounds, the domain delineated by his habilitation treatise (1975-1980).
Between 1982 and 1986 he occupied a research position at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart. Since 1986 he has been appointed professor in Hanover, where he acted till his retirement in 2007, on a chair dedicated to special topics of inorganic chemistry. In 1996 he declined an invitation to occupy a position as professor of inorganic chemistry at the University of Vienna. Since 2011, Werner Urland occupies a senior researcher position on grants, in the group of theoretical and computational chemistry of Professor Claude Daul, at University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Presently, Werner Urland is dealing with setting up an institute in Muralto/Locarno, Switzerland, with the help of the "Fondazione Sciaroni", dedicated to theoretical approach of material sciences and property design, thus supporting experimental work by universities and industries.
In the branch dedicated to solid state chemistry, Werner Urland et al. synthesized and characterized structurally, by X-Ray crystallography, several lanthanide-chalcogenide systems with unusual anionic structures, such as PrSe2, PrSe1.9−x, CeSe1.9−x NdSe1.9 [11] [12] [13] [14] or more complex compositions, such as chalcogenide-silicates like Nd2 SeSiO4 like M 4X 3 [Si2 O 7] (M = Ce - Er; X = S, Se) [15] [16] The crystal structures of prototypic chalcogenides of trivalent lanthanides, like Ln2Se3 (Ln=Sm, Tb, Ho) were resolved., [17] [18] treating also their polymorphic manifestations [19] and the electronic structure. [20] Other solid phase systems such as lanthanide aluminium halides, LnAl3X12 (with Ln = lanthanide trivalent ions in the La-Ho series and X= Cl, Br) were considered as synthetic and structural problems. [21] [22] Another area of Werner Urland's research was contoured around the special properties of condensed systems, such as superconductivity of mixed oxide compounds, [23] [24] or ionic conductivity and dynamics of sodium and lanthanide ions in crystals like Na+/Ln3+-ß"-Al2O3 [25] [26] [27] The same systems received attention also in the respect of their magnetic properties, in relation with the determinant structural factors. [28] [29] Among other approached special properties, one may mention the treatment of bipolaron absorption in Ba1−xKxBiO3 and Ba0.6K0.4−xBiO3 materials. [30]
After a brief apprenticeship in applying standard versions of ligand field modelling to transition metal complexes, tackling single-crystal polarized spectra and magnetic anisotropy of Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes in the less usual five-coordination states, [31] Werner Urland conceived his own "trademark" devising a ligand-field potential for f electrons in the frame of Angular Overlap Model. [32] Immediate applications clarified the meaning of the parameters, taking rare-earth hydroxides and chlorides as case studies. [33] [34] Many papers developed in this domain were single authored, marking the original perspective of Werner Urland. Briefly, describing the situation of Ligand field theory, practically equivalent to Crystal Field Theory pointing that this method is more popular, often invoked in qualitative respects, for transition metal systems (coordination and solid phase compounds) [35] while for f-elements (lanthanide and actinide compounds) it is regarded as a rather specialized field, due to somewhat more complicated technical stances. [36] A conceptual drawback is the lack of chemical intuitiveness of the parameters of classical ligand field theories. There are several conventions, such as Wybourne or Stevens parameterizations [37] [38] An alternate offer was identified in the Angular Overlap Model basically developed for d-type transition metal systems [39] [40] [41] It is the merit of Werner Urland for stating the AOM version for f-type compounds, advocating for it by systematic applications acting as proof for the validity of this approach. The theoretical activity was complemented by involvement in synthetic coordination chemistry, producing new coordination compounds taken as relevant new case studies for ligand field interpretation of magnetic properties. A series consisting in individual octahedral units [LnCl6]3−, [42] [43] [44] is interesting by the intrinsic simplicity of these complexes, once is known that lanthanide complexes are usually adopting higher coordination numbers, the hexa-coordination being enforced mostly by the doping regime, in solid lattices, such as elpasolites (a variety of Halide minerals with ABM2X3 stoichiometry). The magnetic properties of [LnCl6]3− complexes (with pyridinium counter ions) were analysed in the non-trivial details of the causal role of the ligand field effects. In the same spirit, a detailed attention was devoted to the relatively simple lanthanide pentakis nitrato complexes, starting from the synthesis stage [45] continued into the instrumental and theoretical characterization. The Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of the pentakis nitrato ytterbate(III), [Yb(NO3)5]2− [46] was recorded and modelled, the ligand field treatment being based also on advanced neutron spectroscopy measurements. [47] A peculiar manifestation, discovered in the light of the developed methodologies, was the first report of level crossing in ligand field diagrams, tuned by external pressure. [48] [49] [50] A systematic attention was devoted to the magnetism determined by lanthanide ions in solid compounds like the ternary oxides, CsLnO2 [51] [52] or Cs2MLnX6 elpasolite type systems, with various combination of (M = Na, K, Rb) alkaline metal ions and (X=F, Cl, Br) halides, for several Ln(III) rare earth cases. [53] [54] [55] Werner Urland proved the ligand field as the determinant for the pattern of magnetic susceptibility dependences on temperature, often mistakenly attributed to inter-center exchange coupling. A distinct branch of investigation concerned the unusual ferromagnetic Gd(III)-Gd(III) exchange coupling recorded in newly synthesized homo-polynuclear complexes of gadolinium with various carboxylates (acetate, fluoro- and chloro- substituted acetate) as bridging ligand. [56] [57] [58]
Following the retirement in 2007 from Hannover professorship, Werner Urland resumed the scientific activity as guest senior researcher in the group of Professor Claude Daul at University of Fribourg (Switzerland), where he proposed a topic related to the so-called "Warm-White Light", namely the improvement of blue-type Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) towards the better resemblance to the sunlight spectrum by coating with appropriate phosphors based on lanthanide doped materials. The topic represents a hot relevance in the context of the trends of eliminating traditional incandescent light bulbs, for the sake of energy saving new technologies . This technological challenge is underlined by the award of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics "for the invention of efficient blue light-emitting diodes, which has enabled bright and energy-saving white light sources" to Shuji Nakamura, Isamu Akasaki and Hiroshi Amano and by the declaration of 2015 as International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies, (IYL 2015). Hybridizing Werner's Urland expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of rare earth materials with a computation and analysis methodology due to C. Daul and M. Atanasov, [59] altogether with methodological knowledge of external collaborators of the group, a series of works was produced, dealing with the analysis and prediction form first principles of the key factors in the luminescence of relevant lanthanide ions in various environments. [60] [61] [62] [63] [64] The modelling is based on a set of algorithmic steps abbreviated as LFDFT, [65] consisting in non-routine calculations in the frame of Density Functional Theory (DFT) followed by the analysis in the frame of Ligand Field Theory. The issue of first principles calculations on rare-earth systems is non-trivial, because of special features of the f-shell, such as the shielded and weakly interacting nature, that poses technical and conceptual difficulties, in relation to modern methods of quantum chemistry. [66] The specific problem of the modelling the luminescence of rare-earth systems called the need of extending the ligand field phenomenology, from its one-shell status (dedicated to d or f electrons) to a two-shell Hamiltonian (quantum mechanics), comprising simultaneously the d and f shells, because the involved optical transitions have inter-shell nature. Also recently, Werner Urland, entered the terrain of actinide chemistry, explaining intriguing magnetic behaviour due strong ligand field on uranium(IV) ions in thiophosphates and silicates. [67] [68] The whole deal underlines the validity and renewed value of Werner Urland's early ideas about the theoretical and practical aspects emerging from the chemistry and physics of f-elements.
Indium(III) bromide, (indium tribromide), InBr3, is a chemical compound of indium and bromine. It is a Lewis acid and has been used in organic synthesis.
There are three sets of Indium halides, the trihalides, the monohalides, and several intermediate halides. In the monohalides the oxidation state of indium is +1 and their proper names are indium(I) fluoride, indium(I) chloride, indium(I) bromide and indium(I) iodide.
The nitridoborates are chemical compounds of boron and nitrogen with metals. These compounds are typically produced at high temperature by reacting hexagonal boron nitride with metal nitrides or by metathesis reactions involving nitridoborates. A wide range of these compounds have been made involving lithium, alkaline earth metals and lanthanides, and their structures determined using crystallographic techniques such as X-ray crystallography. Structurally one of their interesting features is the presence of polyatomic anions of boron and nitrogen where the geometry and the B–N bond length have been interpreted in terms of π-bonding.
The inorganic imides are compounds containing an ion composed of nitrogen bonded to hydrogen with formula HN2−. Organic imides have the NH group, and two single or one double covalent bond to other atoms. The imides are related to the inorganic amides (H2N−), the nitrides (N3−) and the nitridohydrides (N3−•H−).
The telluride iodides are chemical compounds that contain both telluride ions (Te2−) and iodide ions (I−). They are in the class of mixed anion compounds or chalcogenide halides.
Nitride fluorides containing nitride and fluoride ions with the formula NF4-. They can be electronically equivalent to a pair of oxide ions O24-. Nitride fluorides were discovered in 1996 by Lavalle et al. They heated diammonium technetium hexafluoride to 300 °C to yield TcNF. Another preparation is to heat a fluoride compound with a nitride compound in a solid state reaction. The fluorimido ion is F-N2- and is found in a rhenium compound.
Sulfidostannates, or thiostannates are chemical compounds containing anions composed of tin linked with sulfur. They can be considered as stannates with sulfur substituting for oxygen. Related compounds include the thiosilicates, and thiogermanates, and by varying the chalcogen: selenostannates, and tellurostannates. Oxothiostannates have oxygen in addition to sulfur. Thiostannates can be classed as chalcogenidometalates, thiometallates, chalcogenidotetrelates, thiotetrelates, and chalcogenidostannates. Tin is almost always in the +4 oxidation state in thiostannates, although a couple of mixed sulfides in the +2 state are known,
A chloride nitride is a mixed anion compound containing both chloride (Cl−) and nitride ions (N3−). Another name is metallochloronitrides. They are a subclass of halide nitrides or pnictide halides.
Caesium ozonide (CsO3) is an oxygen-rich compound of caesium. It is an ozonide, meaning it contains the ozonide anion (O3−). It can be formed by reacting ozone with caesium superoxide:
Rubidium ozonide is an oxygen rich compound of rubidium. It is an ozonide, meaning it contains the ozonide anion (O3−).
Lanthanum phosphide is an inorganic compound of lanthanum and phosphorus with the chemical formula LaP.
Arsenide bromides or bromide arsenides are compounds containing anions composed of bromide (Br−) and arsenide (As3−). They can be considered as mixed anion compounds. They are in the category of pnictidehalides. Related compounds include the arsenide chlorides, arsenide iodides, phosphide bromides, and antimonide bromides.
An iodide nitride is a mixed anion compound containing both iodide (I−) and nitride ions (N3−). Another name is metalloiodonitrides. They are a subclass of halide nitrides or pnictide halides. Some different kinds include ionic alkali or alkaline earth salts, small clusters where metal atoms surround a nitrogen atom, layered group 4 element 2-dimensional structures, and transition metal nitrido complexes counter-balanced with iodide ions. There is also a family with rare earth elements and nitrogen and sulfur in a cluster.
Carbide chlorides are mixed anion compounds containing chloride anions and anions consisting entirely of carbon. In these compounds there is no bond between chlorine and carbon. But there is a bond between a metal and carbon. Many of these compounds are cluster compounds, in which metal atoms encase a carbon core, with chlorine atoms surrounding the cluster. The chlorine may be shared between clusters to form polymers or layers. Most carbide chloride compounds contain rare earth elements. Some are known from group 4 elements. The hexatungsten carbon cluster can be oxidised and reduced, and so have different numbers of chlorine atoms included.
Carbide bromides are mixed anion compounds containing bromide and carbide anions. Many carbide bromides are cluster compounds, containing on, two or more carbon atoms in a core, surrounded by a layer of metal atoms, encased in a shell of bromide ions. These ions may be shared between clusters to form chains, double chains or layers.
Carbide iodides are mixed anion compounds containing iodide and carbide anions. Many carbide iodides are cluster compounds, containing one, two or more carbon atoms in a core, surrounded by a layer of metal atoms, and encased in a shell of iodide ions. These ions may be shared between clusters to form chains, double chains or layers.
Iodide hydrides are mixed anion compounds containing hydride and iodide anions. Many iodide hydrides are cluster compounds, containing a hydrogen atom in a core, surrounded by a layer of metal atoms, encased in a shell of iodide.
Europium compounds are compounds formed by the lanthanide metal europium (Eu). In these compounds, europium generally exhibits the +3 oxidation state, such as EuCl3, Eu(NO3)3 and Eu(CH3COO)3. Compounds with europium in the +2 oxidation state are also known. The +2 ion of europium is the most stable divalent ion of lanthanide metals in aqueous solution. Many europium compounds fluoresce under ultraviolet light due to the excitation of electrons to higher energy levels. Lipophilic europium complexes often feature acetylacetonate-like ligands, e.g., Eufod.
Gadolinium diiodide is an inorganic compound, with the chemical formula of GdI2. It is an electride, with the ionic formula of Gd3+(I−)2e−, and therefore not a true gadolinium(II) compound. It is ferromagnetic at 276 K with a saturation magnetization of 7.3 B; it exhibits a large negative magnetoresistance (~70%) at 7 T near room temperature. It can be obtained by reacting gadolinium and gadolinium(III) iodide at a high temperature:
Seleninyl fluoride is an oxyfluoride of selenium with the chemical formula SeOF2.