Modification of different zirconium propoxide precursors by diethanolamine. Is there a shelf stability issue for sol-gel applications?

Modification of different zirconium propoxide precursors with H(2)dea was investigated by characterization of the isolated modified species. Upon modification of zirconium n-propoxide and [Zr(O(n)Pr)(O(i)Pr)(3)((i)PrOH)](2) with (1/2) a mol equivalent of H(2)dea the complexes [Zr(2)(O(n)Pr)(6)(OCH(2)CH(2))(2)NH](2) (1) and [Zr(2)(O(n)Pr)(2)(O(i)Pr)(4)(OCH(2)CH(2))(2)NH](2) (2) were obtained. However, (1)H-NMR studies of these tetranuclear compounds showed that these are not time-stable either in solution or solid form. The effect of this time instability on material properties is demonstrated by light scattering and TEM experiments. Modification of zirconium isopropoxide with either (1/2) or 1 equivalent mol of H(2)dea results in formation of the trinuclear complex, Zr{eta(3)mu(2)-NH(C(2)H(4)O)(2)}(3)[Zr(O(i)Pr)(3)](2)(iPrOH)(2) (3) countering a unique nona-coordinated central zirconium atom. This complex 3 is one of the first modified zirconium propoxide precursors shown to be stable in solution for long periods of time. The particle size and morphology of the products of sol-gel synthesis are strongly dependent on the time factor and eventual heat treatment of the precursor solution. Reproducible sol-gel synthesis requires the use of solution stable precursors.

Chemistry of 2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione (Hthd) modification of zirconium and hafnium propoxide precursors.

The modification of different zirconium propoxide and hafnium propoxide precursors with 2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione (Hthd) was investigated by characterization of the isolated modified species. The complexes [Zr(OnPr)3(thd)](2), [Zr(OnPr)(OiPr)2(thd)]2, Zr(OiPr)(thd)3, [Hf(OnPr)3(thd)]2, and Hf(OiPr)(thd)3 were isolated and characterized. The structure of the n-propoxide analogue of Zr(OiPr)(thd)3 could not be refined, but its existence was clearly demonstrated by XRD and 1H NMR. The modification of the propoxide precursors involves mono- and trisubstituted intermediate compounds and does not involve a disubstituted compound; thus, the commercial product that is claimed to be "Zr(OiPr)2(thd)2" and is most commonly used for the MOCVD preparation of ZrO2 does not exist. No evidence was found for the presence of such a compound in either zirconium- or hafnium-based systems. Formation of the dimeric hydroxo-di-thd-substituted complex, [Hf(OH)(OiPr)(thd)2]2, which could be isolated only for hafnium-based systems, occurs on microhydrolysis. All heteroleptic intermediates are eventually transformed to the thermodynamically stable Zr(thd)4 or Hf(thd)4) The compounds obtained from isopropoxide precursors showed a higher stability than those with n-propoxide ligands or a combination of both types. In addition, it is important to note that residual alcohol facilitates the transformation and strongly enhances its rate. The unusually low solubility and volatility of MIV(thd)4 has been shown to be due to close packing and strong van der Waals interactions in the crystal structures of these compounds.

Stabilization and destabilization of zirconium propoxide precursors by acetylacetone.

The stabilizing and destabilizing mechanism in the action of acetylacetone on zirconium propoxide precursors is revealed; the nature of heteroleptic intermediates provides an explanation.