Sonolysis of metal β-diketonates in alkanes

The kinetics of metal β-diketonates sonolysis was studied in hexadecane solutions using a UV/VIS spectrophotometric technique. The following complexes were prepared and studied: Cu(HFAA) 2, Cu(DPM) 2, Fe(ACAC) 3, Ni(DPM) 2, Er(DPM) 3, Nd(DPM) 3, Th(DPM) 4, UO 2(BTFA) 2 · TOPO, and Np(HFAA) 4, where HHFAA is hexafluoroacetylacetone, HDPM is dipivaloylmethane, HACAC is acetylacetone, HBTFA is benzoyltrifluoroacetone, and TOPO is trioctylphosphine oxide. Sonolysis was performed under the following conditions: ultrasonic frequency 22 kHz, intensity of ultrasound 3–5 W cm −2, temperature 70–92 °C, Ar atmosphere. The kinetic behavior of the studied complexes are interpreted using a two-site model of the sonochemical processes. In the case of metal β-diketonates with high vapor pressure the sonochemical reactions tend to occur in the gaseous phase of the cavitating bubbles. The sonolysis of less volatile complexes first occur in the liquid reaction zone surrounding the bubbles. Sonication of the studied complexes results in the formation of X-ray amorphous products consisted of a mixture of metal β-diketonates partial degradation products. Heating of as-prepared sonication products in air yields nanocrystalline oxides of corresponding metals.