We have synthesized NOUF₆ by direct reaction of NO with UF₆ in anhydrous HF (aHF). Based on the unit cell volume and powder diffraction data, the compound was previously reported to be isotypic to O₂PtF₆, however, detailed structural data, such as the atom positions and all information that can be derived from those, were unavailable. We have therefore investigated the compound by using single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, IR, Raman, NMR, EPR, and photoluminescence spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, as well as chemical analysis, density determination, and quantum chemical calculations.

This Minireview aims to give an introduction to beryllium chemistry for all less-experienced scientists in this field of research. Up to date information on the toxicity of beryllium and its compounds are reviewed and several basic and necessary guidelines for a safe and proper handling in modern chemical research laboratories are presented. Interesting phenomenological observations are described that are related directly to the uniqueness of this element, which are also put into historical context. Herein we combine the contributions and experiences of many scientist that work passionately in this field. We want to encourage fellow scientists to reconcile the long-standing reservations about beryllium and its compounds and motivate intense research on this spurned element. Who on earth should be able to deal with beryllium and its compounds if not chemists?

Dieser Kurzaufsatz soll eine Einführung für alle weniger Erfahrenen auf dem Gebiet der Berylliumchemie darstellen. Aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse über die Giftigkeit des Elements und seiner Verbindungen werden rezensiert und diverse grundlegende und nötige Orientierungshilfen für die sichere und richtige Handhabung in modernen chemischen Forschungslaboren vorgestellt. Phänomenologische Beobachtungen bezüglich der Einzigartigkeit des Elements und seiner Chemie werden mitgeteilt und in den historischen Kontext gestellt. Wir fassen viele Beiträge und Erfahrungen von auf diesem Gebiet leidenschaftlich tätigen Wissenschaftlern zusammen. Es ist uns ein Herzensanliegen, dass unsere Kommilitonen die über Generationen aufgebauten Vorbehalte gegenüber Beryllium und seinen Verbindungen kritisch hinterfragen und überdenken und so eine neue Ära intensiver Forschung zu diesem verschmähten Element eingeleitet wird. Wer in aller Welt soll denn das Beryllium und seine Verbindungen sicherer und fachkundiger handhaben können als wir Chemiker?

Our attempts to synthesize the hitherto unknown binary copper(I) fluoride have led to first successes and a serendipitious result: By conproportionation of elemental copper and copper(II) fluoride in anhydrous liquid ammonia, two copper(I) fluorides were obtained as simple NH₃ complexes. One of them presents an example of ligand-unsupported “cuprophilic” interactions in an infinite [Cu₂(NH₃)₄]²⁺ chain with alternating Cu–Cu distances. We discovered that both copper(I) fluorides can easily be converted into Cu₃N at room temperature, just by applying a vacuum. Additionally, we investigated the formation mechanism of the classical synthesis route of Cu₃N that starts with CuF₂ and flowing NH₃ in the temperature range between ambient and 290 °C by means of thermal analysis and in situ neutron diffraction. The reaction proceeds at elevated temperatures through the formation of a blue and amorphous ammoniate Cu(NH₃)₂F₂, the reformation of CuF₂, and finally the redox reaction to form Cu₃N.

Alkali and alkaline earth metal tetrafluoridobromates M^IBrF₄, M^II(BrF₄)₂ (M^I = Na–Cs, M^II = Sr, Ba) can be synthesized from the respective fluorides and BrF₃. The reaction of BaF₂ with liquid BrF₃ under Freon-113 leads to the formation of Ba(BrF₄)₂ as a colorless microcrystalline powder. Here, we discuss its formation kinetics and thermodynamics. The compound crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I with a = 9.65081(11) Å, c = 8.03453(13) Å, V = 748.32(2) ų, and Z = 4 at 27 °C, and it is isotypic to Ba(AuF₄)₂. The structure contains square planar BrF₄^– anions. The compound is stable at ambient conditions excluding moisture and at temperatures up to approximately 200 °C. Solid-state computational calculations of the Raman and IR spectra are in good agreement with the experimentally obtained ones, and in combination with its powder X-ray diffraction pattern, density measurement, thermodynamics, elemental and EDXRF analyses, this shows that the compound is pure.