Formation of 2-hexene by cationic dimerization of propene: an ab initio and density functional theory study

The formation of a 2-hexene radical cation from a propene radical cation and a neutral propene molecule is investigated by means of ab initio UHF and spin projected MP2 calculations, as well as the SVWN and B3LYP levels of density functional theory. A stable addition complex, with loose CC bonds, is found. To proceed from the addition complex to the product, a locally planar transition state must be passed, with a migrating hydrogen located half-way between the donating and the accepting carbon atoms. At the highest computational levels considered, PMP2/6-31G(d,p)//MP2/3-21G and B3LYP/6-31G(d,p), this transition state lies approximately 11 and 13 kcal/mol, respectively, above the addition complex. The high barrier is believed to be one reason why radical cation oligomerization of propene has not been detected experimentally, in contrast to the case of ethene, where the corresponding barrier is only a few kcal/mol. Received: 17 December 1996 / Accepted: 12 May 1997     

Proton and sodium ion affinities of glycine and its sodium salt in the gas phase. Ab initio calculations

The energies of protonation and Na⁺ cationization of glycine (GLY) and its (GLY ? H + Na) salt in the gas phase were calculated using ab inltio calculations. The proton affinity of GLY, valued at the MP2/6–31G*//3-21G level, is 937 kJ mol^?1. The amino function is confirmed to be the most favourable site of protonation: ‘proton affinities’ of the carbonyl and hydroxyl functions are calculated to be 75 and 180 kJ mol^?1, respectively, lower than that of NH₂ at the MP2/6-31G*//3–21G level. Calculations performed up to the MP2/6–31G*//3–21G level give the Na⁺ affinity of GLY as 189 kJ mol^?1 and the H⁺ and Na⁺ affinities of (GLY – H + Na) as 1079 and 298 kJ mol^?1, respectively. The geometries of all neutral and protonated species optimized with the 3–21G basis set are described. Both H* and Na⁺ cations complex preferably between the nitrogen atom and the carbonyl oxygen atom, leading to pseudo-five-membered ring structures in which Na? O and Na? N bonds lengths are greater than 2 Å.     

Theoretical study of hydrogen-bonded formaldehyde complexes

The hydrogen-bonded complexes involving formaldehyde and a series of proton donors of varying strengths, have been investigated at different levels of ab initio MO theory. The structures of the studied complexes were SCF optimized at the 6-31G basis set level. The binding energy was estimated employing basis set superposition correction, zero-point vibrations and MP2 correlation contribution at the different basis set: STO-3G; 6-31G; MP2/6-31G; 6-31G**; MP2/6-31G**; 6-311G(2d, 2p) and MP2/6-311G(2d, 2p). Linear relationships were found of the calculated binding energy with: the calculated shift in the carbonyl stretching frequency, the changes in carbonyl bond length and the optimum value of hydrogen-bond distance; furthermore the calculations confirm a parallel trend between the proton-donor ability and the strength of the hydrogen bond.     

Calculated structures and relative stabilities of furoxan,some 1,2-dinitrosoethylenes and other isomers

The structures and relative stabilities of furoxan and some of its isomers, e.g., the 1,2-dinitrosoethylenes, have been determined by means of ab initio Hartee–Fock and Møller–Plesset calculations. Geometries were optimized at the HF/3-21G, HF/6-31G* and MP2/6-31G* levels, and subsequently used for computing MP2/6-31G*, MP3/6-31G*, and MP4/6-31G* energies. The results are markedly affected by the inclusion of electronic correlation, which renders three of the isomers unstable. It also emphasizes the importance of a zwitterionic contribution to the structure of furoxan, which promotes ring-opening through a cis 1,2-dinitrosoethylene intermediate/transition state that has an MP4/6-31G*//MP2/6-31G* energy that is 31.6 kcal/mol above furoxan.     

Quantum chemical study of silicon pentacoordination in (Aroyloxymethyl)trifluorosilanes and their analogs

Pentacoordinated silicon compounds of the series 4-XC₆H₄C(O)O(CH₂)_mSi(CH₃)_3-nF_n (m = 1, 2; n= 1,2,3) with an intramolecular 0→Si bond are studied by ab initia and semiempirical (AMI) quantum chemical methods. The results are compared with published experimental data. The C₆H₅C(O)OCH₂SiF₃ molecule is calculated in an RHF approximation using the 6–31G*basis set. The total energy of the molecule for its geometry optimization is calculated by the MP2 method including electron correlation. This leads to considerably improved agreement between the calculated coordination energy (25.3 kJ/mole) and the experimental value (28.5 kJ/mole). The geometry and the dipole moment calculated by both ab initio (HF/6-31G*//HF/6-31G*, MP2/6-31G*//MP2/6-31G*) methods and by the AMI method are in satisfactory agreement with the experimental data.     

A comparison of semiempirical and ab initio transition states for HF elimination in unimolecular decompositions

The transition states for unimolecular HF elimination from a series of methylene halides and vinyl halides have been located and properly characterized at the AM 1, MNDO , PM 3, RHF /6-311G (d, p), and MP 2/6-311G (d, p) levels. Whereas the semiempirical MO methods deal well with the structures of the stable molecules, the structural differences between the ab initio and semiempirical transition states are considerably larger. The AM 1 and PM 3 activation energies appear to be relatively more accurate. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Proton affinity of proline and modified prolines using the kinetic method: role of the conformation investigated by ab initio calculations

The proton affinities of proline, cis-3-methylproline and cis-3-ethylproline have been measured by the kinetic method using an ion trap instrument; the values obtained are 936, 940.5, and 943 kJ mol(-1), respectively. The experimental values are consistent with those obtained by high-level ab initio calculations (B3LYP/6-31+G*//B3LYP/6-31G* and B3P86/6-31+G*//B3LYP/6-31G*). Several conformations of neutral and protonated proline were considered, in particular the endo and exo ring structure and the position of the carboxyl group. These results show the importance of the position of the hydrogen atom of the carboxyl group in determining the most stable protonated proline structure.     

Protolytic properties of cyanic and thiocyanic acids and their isoforms

The electronic structure of HOCN, HSCN, HNCO, and HNCS molecules and [OCN]^? and [SCN]^? anions has been studied by ab initio calculations at HF/6-31G(d), HF/6-31G(d, p), MP2/6-31G(d)//HF/6-31G(d), and MP2/6-31G(d, p)//HF/6-31G(d, p) levels of theory. The HNCO and HNCS molecules are shown to have higher thermodynamic stability than HOCN and HSCN, respectively. The protolyte strength series are substantiated: HSCN > HOCN, HNCS > HNCO, HOCN > HNCO, HSCN > HNCS. Computations including electron correlation [MP2/6-31G(d)//HF/6-31G(d) and MP2/6-31G(d, p)//HF/6-31G (d, p)] reproduce the general sequence of proton-donor properties: HSCN > HOCN > HNCS > HNCO, which coincides with the hydrophobicity series for the compounds. The relative proton-donor capacity of these acids in water solutions is generally governed by the electronic structure and by the size of their molecules and [OCN]^? and [SCN]^? anions, but not by medium effects.     

Temperature‐dependent conformational analysis of cyclononane: An ab initio study

Quantum chemical methods were used for the theoretical determination of the conformational population for the relevant conformers of cyclononane, i.e., TBC, TCB, TCC, and M4 (or C1), which have been previously investigated experimentally through detailed examination of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum. Our best Gibbs free energy result, evaluated with MP4(SDTQ)/6‐31G(d,p)//MP2/6‐31G(d,p) energy differences and MP2/6‐31G(d,p) thermal corrections, lead to a temperature‐dependent population in excellent agreement with the experimental results based on the analysis of the low temperature ¹³C NMR spectrum. The nice agreement with experiment is achieved using MP2 harmonic frequencies for the evaluation of vibration partition functions within the standard statistic thermodynamics formalism. Theoretical temperature‐dependent infrared (IR) and ¹³C NMR spectra were simulated and compared with experimental data, which confirmed the ab initio conformational population reported here. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007     

Quantum-Chemical Study on Positional Selectivity in the Trimethylsilylation and Sulfonation of Pyrrole and <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Alkylpyrroles

Positional selectivity (α:β ratio) of electrophilic substitution in pyrrole, N-methylpyrrole, and N-tert-butylpyrrole was analyzed by ab initio [RHF/6-31G(d), MP2/6-31G(d)//RHF/6-31G(d)] and DFT [B3LYP/6-31G(d)] calculations of some σ-complexes derived from the substrates. The results of calculations with the use as model electrophilic species of trimethylsilyl cation [MP2/6-31G(d)//RHF/6-31G(d) and B3LYP/6-31G(d)] and SO₃ molecule [B3LYP/6-31G(d)] instead of proton are fairly consistent with the experimental data, according to which trimethylsilylation of pyrrole and its N-substituted derivatives with trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, as well as sulfonation with pyridine-sulfur trioxide complex, gives the corresponding β-substituted products.     

On the additivity of basis set effects in some simple fluorine containing systems

The reactions F + H₂ → HF + H, HF → H + F, F → F⁺ + e^? and F + e^? → F^? were used as simple test cases to assess the additivity of basis set effects on reaction energetics computed at the MP4 level. The 6-31G and 6-311G basis sets were augmented with 1, 2, and 3 sets of polarization functions, higher angular momentum polarization functions, and diffuse functions (27 basis sets from 6-31Gd, p) to 6-31 ++ G(3df, 3pd) and likewise for the 6-311G series). For both series substantial nonadditivity was found between diffuse functions on the heavy atom and multiple polarization functions (e.g., 6-31 + G(3d, 3p) vs. 6-31 + G(d, p) and 6-31G(3d, 3p)). For the 6-311G series there is an extra nonadditivity between d functions on hydrogen and multiple polarization functions. Provided that these interactions are taken into account, the remaining basis set effects are additive to within ±0.5 kcal/mol for the reactions considered. Large basis set MP4 calculations can also be estimated to within ±0.5 kcal/mol using MP2 calculations, est. E_MP4(6-31 ++ G(3df, 3pd)) ≈ E_MP4(6-31G(d, p)) + E_MP2(6-31 ++ G(3df, 3pd)) – E_MP2(6-31G(d, p)) or E_MP4(6-31 + G(d, p) + E_MP2(6-31 ++ G(3df, 3pd)) – E_MP2(6-31 + G(d, p)) and likewise for the 6-311G series.     

Evaluation of AM1-calculated radical cation ion-neutral complexes

AM1 semiempirical molecular orbital calculations are reported for 20 ion-neutral complexes, including hydrogen-bonded complexes, presumably involved in the gas-phase unimolecular decomposition of simple organic radical cations. The systems investigated are [C₂H₄O₂]^˙+, [C₂H₅NO]^˙+, [C₂H₆O]^˙+, [C₂H₆O₂]^˙+, [C₃H₆O]^˙+, [C₃H₆O₂]^˙+, [C₃H₈O]^˙+, and [C₃H₈O₂]^˙+. The AM1 results are compared with ab initio molecular orbital calculations at different levels of theory up to MP3/6-31G(d, p)//SCF/6-31G(d) + ZPVE and the available experimental data. AM1 fails to predict some local minima and the equilibrium geometries calculated for several complexes are found to be qualitatively different from those predicted by the ab initio calculations. However, reasonable agreement is generally found for the stabilization energies of the complexes toward dissociation into their loosely bound components. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Theoretical study of light-metal tetrahydroborates

Ab initio calculations of the structural, energetic, vibrational, and magnetic characteristics of the lowest-lying structures for isolated molecules and ions of light-metal tetrahydroborates (Li, Na, Be, Mg, and Al) have been performed by the perturbation theory (MP2), quadratic configuration interaction (QCISD(T)), coupled cluster (CCSD(T)), and density functional theory (B3LYP) methods using the 6-31G*, 6-31G**, 6-311+G**, and 6-311++G** basis sets. The trends in the behavior of the structural parameters, the energies of different decomposition pathways, barriers to internal rotation of BH₄ groups, normal mode frequencies, magnetic shielding constants, and spin density distribution (in radicals) have been analyzed in various related series of these compounds. The results obtained by ab initio methods and at the DFT level are compared. The economical approximation B3LYP/6-311++G**//B3LYP/6-311+G** adequately reproduces the results obtained at the higher level of theory CCSD(T)/6-311++G*s*//MP2/6-31G* even though it requires considerably shorter CPU times and smaller amounts of memory.     

Study of hydrogen bonding interactions relevant to biomolecular structure and function

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations were used to study hydrogen bonding interactions and interatomic distances of a number of hydrogen bonded complexes that are germane to biomolecular structure and function. The calculations were carried out at the STO-3G, 3-21G, 6-31G*, and MP2/6-31G* levels (geometries were fully optimized at each level). For anionic species, 6-31 + G* and MP2/6-31 + G* were also used. In some cases, more sophisticated calculations were also carried out. Whenever possible, the corresponding enthalpy, entropy, and free energy of complexation were calculated. The agreement with the limited quantity of experimental data is good. For comparison, we also carried out semiempirical molecular orbital calculations. In general, AM1 and PM3 give lower interaction enthalpies than the best ab initio results. With regard to structural results, AM1 tends to favor bifurcated structures for O? H-O and N? HO types of hydrogen bonds, but not for hydrogen bonds involving O-H? S and S-H? O, where the usual hydrogen bond patterns are observed. Overall, AM1 geometries are in general in poor agreement with ab initio structural results. On the other hand, PM3 gives geometries similar to the ab initio ones. Hence, from the structural point of view PM3 does show some improvement over AM1. Finally, insights into the formation of cyclic or open formate–water hydrogen bonded complexes are presented. © 1992 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Redox potentials of dopamine and its supramolecular complex with aspartic acid

Dopamine (DA) can be oxidized to dopamine quinone (DAquinone) through a one-step, two-electron redox reaction. The electron transfer property of DA and its supramolecular complex with aspartic acid (Asp) has been investigated by the theoretical calculations. We calculated the standard redox potentials (E ^o) of DA/DAquinone at the MP2/6-31G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d,p), MP2/6-31+G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p), MP2/6-31G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p), and MP2/6-311+G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) levels. Comparing the experimental value, the redox potentials of DA/DAquinone obtained at MP2//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) and MP2//B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) levels can be considered as the upper and lower estimates. DA can form supramolecular complex (DA-Asp) with Asp through hydrogen bond (H-bond). Therefore, the values of 0.631 and 0.628 V obtained at MP2//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) and MP2//B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) levels for DA-Asp/DAquinone-Asp can be proposed as the upper and lower estimates of a probable (about 0.630 V) value of the corresponding redox potential. The calculated E ^o values of DA-Asp/DAquinone-Asp at the four theoretical levels are upper than those of DA/DAquinone, which indicates that the formation of H-bonds weaken the electron-donating ability of DA.     

The N4 molecule has an open-chain triplet C2h structure

The lowest-energy N₄ is computed ab initio to be the planar C_2h(³B_u) open-chain structure 13 . The open-chain N₄ singlet-state structures dissociate on geometry optimization. The tetraazatetrahedrane T_d structure 1 and the tetrazete D_2h structure 2 are minima at MP 2/6-31G *. However, both are higher in energy than 13 (24.1 and 21.2 Kcal/mol [UQCISD ) (T )(full)/6-311+G *//MP 2/6-31G * + ZPE (MP 2/6-31G )*, respectively]. The energy of 13 is 157.5 kcal/mol higher than that of two N₂(¹∑ molecules [UQCISD (T )(Full)/6-311+G *//MP 2/6-31G *] © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Why betaine crystallizes in high local Cs symmetry. An ab initio MO and DFT study of anhydrous betaine and betaine monohydrate

A theoretical study of the structure, charge distribution, rotational barrier and fundamental vibrations of anhydrous betaine (CH₃)₃NCH₂COO (trimethylglycine) was carried out and compared with available experimental data. Calculations were carried out at HF, MP2 and B3LYP levels using a 6-31+G(d,p) basis set. The calculated rotational barrier of the betaine carboxylic group is 40.5 kJ/mol at the MP4(SDQ)/6-311G(d,p)//HF/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory. The rotation of the carboxylic group changes the molecule from a highly symmetric (C _s ) conformation into a twisted conformation resulting in shortening of the molecule by about 50 pm. Natural population analysis (NPA) indicates intramolecular interaction between the carboxylic oxygen and the nearest methyl hydrogens resulting in internal hydrogen bonding. MP4(SDQ)/6-311G(d,p) single-point NPA calculations on a betaine monohydrate model taken from the X-ray geometry show an expected weakening in the internal hydrogen bond. Calculations explain why betaine preferentially crystallizes in high local C _s symmetry. Received: 24 March 1998 / Accepted: 3 September 1998 / Published online: 7 December 1998     

Chemical Reactivity of Oxo‐ and Aza‐γ‐lactam Rings

Different mechanisms for the alkaline hydrolysis of oxo and aza‐γ‐lactam rings have been studied by ab initio calculations at the MP2/6‐31+G*//MP2/6‐31+G* and B3LYP/6‐31+G*//B3LYP/6‐31+G* levels. The tetrahedral intermediate can undergo two different reactions, the cleavage of the C₂−N₂ bond (the classical mechanism) and the cleavage of the C₂−X₆ bond (X=O, N). Both compounds present similar energy barriers for the classical fragmentation, and show considerably lower barriers for the alternative mechanism. Because of this reactivity, the compounds studied are expected to be β‐lactamase inhibitors.     

Theoretical study of structure and basicity of some alkali metal oxides,hydroxides, and amides

Ab initio (TZV *, SBK *, and 3–21G * or 6–31G * basis sets) calculations were performed to predict the geometries and gas-phase proton affinities of Li₂O, LiOH, LiNH₂, Na₂O, NaOH, NaNH₂, K₂O, KOH, and KNH₂. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Ab initio study on the reaction mechanism of ozone with bromine atom

Ab initio calculations of the potential energy surface (PES) for the Br+O₃ reaction have been performed using the MP2, CCSD(T), and QCISD(T) methods with 6‐31G(d), 6‐311G(d), and 6‐311+G(3df). The reaction begins with a transition state (TS) when the Br atom attacks a terminal oxygen of ozone, producing an intermediate, the bromine trioxide (M), which immediately dissociates to BrO+O₂. The geometry optimizations of the reactants, products, and intermediate and transition states are carried out at the MP2/6‐31G(d) level. The reaction potential barrier is 3.09 kcal/mol at the CCSD(T)/6‐311+G(3df)//MP2 level, which shows that the bromine atom trends intensively to react with the ozone. The comparison of the Br+O₃ reaction with the F+O₃ and Cl+O₃ reactions indicates that the reactions of ozone with the halogen atoms have the similar reaction mechanism. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007