Solvation structure and stability of [(CH3)2NH]m(NH3)n-H hypervalent clusters: ionization potentials and switching of hydrogen-atom localized site

Ionization potentials (IPs) of [(CH(3))(2)NH](m)(NH(3))(n)-H hypervalent radical clusters produced by an ArF excimer laser photolysis of dimethylamine (DMA)-ammonia mixed clusters are determined by the photoionization threshold measurements. The IPs of the DMA(1)(NH(3))(n)-H hypervalent radicals decrease rapidly with the number of ammonia up to n=4, and then its decrease rate becomes much slower for n ≥ 5. This trend is very similar to that found for NH(4)(NH(3))(n) clusters. The calculated results on the stable structures and IP as well as the observed IP for DMA(1)(NH(3))(n)-H indicate that the hydrogen atom-localized site is the NH(3) moiety for n=1, while the doubly coordinated DMA-H is favorable for n=2-4, and then 4-fold-coordinated NH(4) is again more stable for n ≥ 5. These changes are consistent with the results on the femtosecond pump-probe experiments of DMA(n)-H clusters. Switching of the hydrogen atom-localized site is ascribed to the instability of DMA-H against a hydrogen-atom dissociation.     

Magic number silicon dioxide-based clusters: laser ablation-mass spectrometric and density functional theory studies

The magic number silica clusters [(SiO(2))(n)O(2)H(3)](-) with n = 4 and 8 have been observed in the XeCl excimer laser (308 nm) ablation of various porous siliceous materials. The structural origin of the magic number clusters has been studied by the density functional theoretical calculation at the B3LYP/6-31G** level, with a genetic algorithm as a supplementary tool for global structure searching. The DFT results of the first magic number cluster are parallel to the corresponding Hartree-Fock results previously reported with only small differences in the structural parameters. Theoretical calculation predicts that the first magic number cluster (SiO(2))(4)O(2)H(4) and its anion [(SiO(2))(4)O(2)H(3)](-) will most probably take pseudotetrahedral cage-like structures. To study the structural properties of the second magic number cluster, geometries of the bare cluster (SiO(2))(8), the neutral complex cluster (SiO(2))(8)O(2)H(4), and the anionic cluster [(SiO(2))(8)O(2)H(3)](-) are fully optimized at the B3LYP/6-31G** level, and the corresponding vibrational frequencies are calculated. The DFT calculations predict that the ground state of the bare silica octamer (SiO(2))(8) has a linear chain structure, whereas the second magic number complex cluster (SiO(2))(8)O(2)H(4) and its anion [(SiO(2))(8)O(2)H(3)](-) are most probably a mixture of cubic cage-like structural isomers with an O atom inside the cage and several quasi-bicage isomers with high intercage interactions. The stabilization of these structures can also be attributed to the active participation of the group of atoms 2O and 4H (3H for the anion) in chemical bonding during cluster formation. Our theoretical calculation gives preliminary structural interpretation of the presence of the first and second magic number clusters and the absence of higher magic numbers.     

Novel structures and energy spectra of hydroxylated (SiO2)8-based clusters: searching for the magic (SiO2)8O2H3- cluster

The prominent (SiO(2))(8)O(2)H(3) (-) mass peak resulting from the laser ablation of hydroxylated silica, attributed to magic cluster formation, is investigated employing global optimization with a dedicated interatomic potential and density functional calculations. The low-energy spectra of cluster isomers are calculated for the closed shell clusters: (SiO(2))(8)OH(-) and (SiO(2))(8)O(2)H(3) (-) giving the likely global minima in each case. Based upon our calculated cluster structures and energetics, and further on the known experimental details, it is proposed that the abundant formation of (SiO(2))(8)O(2)H(3) (-) clusters is largely dependent on the high stability of the (SiO(2))(8)OH(-) ground state cluster. Both the (SiO(2))(8)O(2)H(3) (-) and (SiO(2))(8)OH(-) ground state clusters are found to exhibit cagelike structures with the latter containing a particularly unusual tetrahedrally four-coordinated oxygen center not observed before in either bulk silica or silica clusters. The bare ground state (SiO(2))(8)O(2-) cluster ion core is also found to have four tetrahedrally symmetric Si==O terminations making it a possible candidate, when combined with suitable cations, for extended cluster-based structures/materials.     

Secondary ion emission induced by fission fragment impact in CO-NH(3) and CO-NH(3)-H(2)O ices: modification in the CO-NH(3) ice structure

CO-NH(3) and CO-NH(3)-H(2)O ices at 25-130 K were bombarded by (252)Cf fission fragments ( approximately 65 MeV at the target surface) and the emitted secondary ions were analyzed by time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). It is observed that the mass spectra obtained from both ices have similar patterns. The production of hybrid ions (formed from CO and NH(3) molecules) emitted from CO-NH(3) ice has already been reported by R. Martinez et al., Int. J. Mass. Spectrom. 262 (2006) 195; here, the secondary ion emission and the modifications of the CO--NH(3) ice structure during the temperature increase of the ice are addressed. These studies are expected to throw light on the sputtering from planetary and interstellar ices and the possible formation of new organic molecules in CO-NH(3)-H(2)O ice by megaelectronvolt ion bombardment. The presence of water in the CO-NH(3) ice mixture generates molecular ion series such as (NH(3))(p-q)(H(2)O)(q)CO(+) and replaces the cluster series (NH(3))(n)NH(4) (+) emission by the hybrid series (NH(3))(I-i)(H(2)O)(i=1, 2...I)H(+). The distribution of NH(3) and H(2)O molecules within the cluster groups indicates that ammonia and water mix homogeneously in the icy condensate at T = 25 K. The desorption yield distribution of the cluster series (NH(3))(n)NH(4) (+) is described by the sum of two exponential functions: one, slow-decreasing, attributed to the fragmentation of the solid target into clusters; and another, fast-decreasing, due to a local sublimation followed by recombination of ammonia molecules. The analysis of the time-temperature dependence of these two yield components gives information on the formation process of molecular ions, the transient composition of the ice target and structural changes of the ice. Data suggest that the amorphous and porous structure of the NH(3) ice, formed by the condensation of the CO--NH(3) gas at T = 25 K, survives CO sublimation until the occurrence of a phase transition around 80 K, which produces a more fragile ice structure.     

Ionization of methane clusters in helium nanodroplets

The electron ionization of helium droplets doped with methane clusters is investigated for the first time using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The dominant ion products ejected into the gas phase are the unprotonated (CH(4))(n)(+) cluster ions along with the protonated ions, CH(5)(+)(CH(4))(n-1). The mass spectra show clear evidence for magic numbers, which are broadly consistent with icosahedral shell closings. However, unusual features were observed, including different magic numbers for CH(5)(+)(CH(4))(n-1) (n=55, 148) when compared to (CH(4))(n)(+) (n=54, 147). Possible interpretations for some of these differences are proposed. Products of the type [C(2)H(x)(CH(4))(n)](+), which result from ion-molecule chemistry, are also observed and these too show clear magic number features. Finally, we report the first observation of (CH(4))(n)(2+) dications from methane clusters. The threshold for dication survival occurs at n≥70 and is in good agreement with a liquid droplet model for fission of multiply charged ions. Furthermore, we present evidence showing that these dications are formed by an unusual two-step mechanism which is initiated by charge transfer to generate a monocation and is then followed by Penning ionization to generate a dication.     

Growth dynamics and intracluster reactions in Ni+(CO2)n complexes via infrared spectroscopy

Ni(+)(CO(2))(n), Ni(+)(CO(2))(n)Ar, Ni(+)(CO(2))(n)Ne, and Ni(+)(O(2))(CO(2))(n) complexes are generated by laser vaporization in a pulsed supersonic expansion. The complexes are mass-selected in a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer and studied by infrared resonance-enhanced photodissociation (IR-REPD) spectroscopy. Photofragmentation proceeds exclusively through the loss of intact CO(2) molecules from Ni(+)(CO(2))(n) and Ni(+)(O(2))(CO(2))(n) complexes, and by elimination of the noble gas atom from Ni(+)(CO(2))(n)Ar and Ni(+)(CO(2))(n)Ne. Vibrational resonances are identified and assigned in the region of the asymmetric stretch of CO(2). Small complexes have resonances that are blueshifted from the asymmetric stretch of free CO(2), consistent with structures having linear Ni(+)-O=C=O configurations. Fragmentation of larger Ni(+)(CO(2))(n) clusters terminates at the size of n=4, and new vibrational bands assigned to external ligands are observed for n> or =5. These combined observations indicate that the coordination number for CO(2) molecules around Ni(+) is exactly four. Trends in the loss channels and spectra of Ni(+)(O(2))(CO(2))(n) clusters suggest that each oxygen atom occupies a different coordination site around a four-coordinate metal ion in these complexes. The spectra of larger Ni(+)(CO(2))(n) clusters provide evidence for an intracluster insertion reaction assisted by solvation, producing a metal oxide-carbonyl species as the reaction product.     

Oxygen Abstraction Reactions of N-Substituted Hydroxamic Acids with Molybdenum(V) and Vanadium(III) and -(IV) Compounds

A wide range of N-substituted mono- and dihydroxamic acids undergo oxygen abstraction on reaction with V(III), V(IV), and Mo(V) compounds to form hydroxamates of V(V) and Mo(VI) respectively together with the corresponding amides and diamides. The molybdenyl and vanadyl hydroxamates form metal-oxygen clusters under FABMS conditions. The X-ray crystal structures of [MoO(2){CH(3)(CH(2))(n)()C(O)N(C(6)H(5))O}(2) (1 and 2) (n = 4, 5) show monomeric structures with structural trans effects and consequent weakening of the Mo-O(ligand) bonds which may account for the tendency to form clusters in FABMS. In constrast, the electrospray MS of the vanadyl dihydroxamates, VO(OH)[PhN(O)C(O)(CH(2))(n)()C(O)N(O)Ph] (n = 3, 5) and VO(OH)[p-CH(3)C(6)H(4)N(O)C(O) (CH(2))(n)()C(O)N(O)C(6)H(4)-CH(3)) (n = 2, 4) show the presence of dimers in solution.     

Structural rearrangements and magic numbers in reactions between pyridine-containing water clusters and ammonia

Molecular cluster ions H(+)(H(2)O)(n), H(+)(pyridine)(H(2)O)(n), H(+)(pyridine)(2)(H(2)O)(n), and H(+)(NH(3))(pyridine)(H(2)O)(n) (n = 16-27) and their reactions with ammonia have been studied experimentally using a quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Abundance spectra, evaporation spectra, and reaction branching ratios display magic numbers for H(+)(NH(3))(pyridine)(H(2)O)(n) and H(+)(NH(3))(pyridine)(2)(H(2)O)(n) at n = 18, 20, and 27. The reactions between H(+)(pyridine)(m)(H(2)O)(n) and ammonia all seem to involve intracluster proton transfer to ammonia, thus giving clusters of high stability as evident from the loss of several water molecules from the reacting cluster. The pattern of the observed magic numbers suggest that H(+)(NH(3))(pyridine)(H(2)O)(n) have structures consisting of a NH(4)(+)(H(2)O)(n) core with the pyridine molecule hydrogen-bonded to the surface of the core. This is consistent with the results of high-level ab initio calculations of small protonated pyridine/ammonia/water clusters.     

Observations of different core water cluster ions Y-(H2O)n (Y = O2, HOx, NOx, COx) and magic number in atmospheric pressure negative corona discharge mass spectrometry

Reliable mass spectrometry data from large water clusters Y(-)(H(2)O)(n) with various negative core ions Y(-) such as O(2)(-), HO(-), HO(2)(-), NO(2)(-), NO(3)(-), NO(3)(-)(HNO(3))(2), CO(3)(-) and HCO(4)(-) have been obtained using atmospheric pressure negative corona discharge mass spectrometry. All the core Y(-) ions observed were ionic species that play a central role in tropospheric ion chemistry. These mass spectra exhibited discontinuities in ion peak intensity at certain size clusters Y(-)(H(2)O)(m) indicating specific thermochemical stability. Thus, Y(-)(H(2)O)(m) may correspond to the magic number or first hydrated shell in the cluster series Y(-)(H(2)O)(n). The high intensity discontinuity at HO(-)(H(2)O)(3) observed was the first mass spectrometric evidence for the specific stability of HO(-)(H(2)O)(3) as the first hydrated shell which Eigen postulated in 1964. The negative ion water clusters Y(-)(H(2)O)(n) observed in the mass spectra are most likely to be formed via core ion formation in the ambient discharge area (760 torr) and the growth of water clusters by adiabatic expansion in the vacuum region of the mass spectrometers (≈1 torr). The detailed mechanism of the formation of the different core water cluster ions Y(-)(H(2)O)(n) is described.     

Methyl Tin(IV) derivatives of HOTeF(5) and HN(SO(2)CF(3))(2): a solution multinuclear NMR study and the X-ray crystal structures of (CH(3))(2)SnCl(OTeF(5)) and [(CH(3))(3)Sn(H(2)O)(2)][N(SO(2)CF(3))(2)

The new tin(IV) species (CH(3))(2)SnCl(OTeF(5)) was prepared via either the solvolysis of (CH(3))(3)SnCl in HOTeF(5) or the reaction of (CH(3))(3)SnCl with ClOTeF(5). It was characterized by NMR and vibrational spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. (CH(3))(2)SnCl(OTeF(5)) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n (a = 5.8204(8) A, b =10.782(1) A, c =15.493(2) A, beta = 91.958(2) degrees, V = 971.7(2) A(3), Z = 4). NMR spectroscopy of (CH(3))(3)SnX, prepared from excess Sn(CH(3))(4) and HX (X = OTeF(5) or N(SO(2)CF(3))(2)), revealed a tetracoordinate tin environment using (CH(3))(3)SnX as a neat liquid or in dichloromethane-d(2) (CD(2)Cl(2)) solutions. In acetone-d(6) and acetonitrile-d(3) (CD(3)CN) solutions, the tin atom in (CH(3))(3)SnOTeF(5) was found to extend its coordination number to five by adding one solvent molecule. In the strong donor solvent DMSO, the Sn-OTeF(5) bond is broken and the (CH(3))(3)Sn(O=S(CH(3))(2))(2)(+) cation and the OTeF(5)(-) anion are formed. (CH(3))(3)SnOTeF(5) and (CH(3))(3)SnN(SO(2)CF(3))(2) react differently with water. While the Te-F bonds in the OTeF(5) group of (CH(3))(3)SnOTeF(5) undergo complete hydrolysis that results in the formation of [(CH(3))(3)Sn(H(2)O)(2)](2)SiF(6), (CH(3))(3)SnN(SO(2)CF(3))(2) forms the stable hydrate salt [(CH(3))(3)Sn(H(2)O)(2)][N(SO(2)CF(3))(2)]. This salt crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c (a = 7.3072(1) A, b =13.4649(2) A, c =16.821(2) A, beta = 98.705(1) degrees, V = 1636.00(3) A(3), Z = 4) and was also characterized by NMR and vibrational spectroscopy.     

Metastable decompositions of gem-dialkoxyalkanes upon electron impact. III. Diethoxymethane (CH(2)(OCH(2)CH(3))(2))

Unimolecular metastable decomposition of diethoxymethane (CH(2)(OCH(2)CH(3))(2), 1) upon electron impact has been investigated by means of mass-analyzed ion kinetic energy (MIKE) spectrometry and theD-labeling technique in conjunction with thermochemistry. The m/z 103 ion ([M - H](+) : CH(OCH(2)CH(3)) = O(+)CH(2)CH(3)) decomposes into the m/z 47 ion (protonated formic acid, CH(OH) = O(+)H) by consecutive losses of two C(2)H(4) molecules via an m/z 75 ion. The resulting product ion at m/z 47 further decomposes into the m/z 29 and 19 ions by losses of H(2)O and CO, respectively, via an 1,3-hydroxyl hydrogen transfer, accompanied by small kinetic energy release (KER) values of 1.3 and 18.8 meV, respectively. When these two elimination reactions are suppressed by a large isotope effect, however, another 1,1-H(2)O elimination with a large KER value (518 meV) is revealed. The m/z 89 ion ([M - CH(3)](+) : CH(2)(OCH(2)CH(3))O(+) = CH(2)) decomposes into the m/z 59 ion (CH(3)CH(2)O(+) = CH(2)) by losing CH(2)O in the metastable time window. The source-generated m/z 59 ion ([M - OCH(2)CH(3)](+) : CH(2) = O(+)CH(2)CH(3)) decomposes into the m/z 41 (CH(2) = CH(+)CH(2)) and m/z 31 (CH(2) = O(+)H) ions by losses of H(2)O and C(2)H(4), respectively, with considerable hydrogen scrambling prior to decomposition. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electron interaction with nitromethane embedded in helium droplets: attachment and ionization measurements

Results of a detailed study on electron interactions with nitromethane (CH(3)NO(2)) embedded in helium nanodroplets are reported. Anionic and cationic products formed are analysed by mass spectrometry. When the doped helium droplets are irradiated with low-energy electrons of about 2 eV kinetic energy, exclusively parent cluster anions (CH(3)NO(2))(n)(-) are formed. At 8.5 eV, three anion cluster series are observed, i.e., (CH(3)NO(2))(n)(-), [(CH(3)NO(2))(n)-H](-), and (CH(3)NO(2))(n)NO(2)(-), the latter being the most abundant. The results obtained for anions are compared with previous electron attachment studies with bare nitromethane and nitromethane condensed on a surface. The cation chemistry (induced by electron ionization of the helium matrix at 70 eV and subsequent charge transfer from He(+) to the dopant cluster) is dominated by production of methylated and protonated nitromethane clusters, (CH(3)NO(2))(n)CH(3)(+) and (CH(3)NO(2))(n)H(+).     

Mid-infrared characterization of the NH4 +(H2O)n clusters in the neighborhood of the n=20 "magic" number

Vibrational predissociation spectra are reported for size-selected NH4+ (H2O)n clusters (n=5-22) in the 2500-3900 cm(-1) region. We concentrate on the sharp free OH stretching bands to deduce the local H-bonding configurations of water molecules on the cluster surface. As in the spectra of the protonated water clusters, the free OH bands in NH4+ (H2O)n evolve from a quartet at small sizes (n<7), to a doublet around n=9, and then to a single peak at the n=20 magic number cluster, before the doublet re-emerges at larger sizes. This spectral simplification at the magic number cluster mirrors that found earlier in the H+(H2O)n clusters. We characterize the likely structures at play for the n=19 and 20 clusters with electronic structure calculations. The most stable form of the n=20 cluster is predicted to have a surface-solvated NH4+ ion that lies considerably lower in energy than isomers with the NH4+ in the interior.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and optical properties of [Ag(UO2)3(OAc)9][Zn(H2O)4(CH3CH2OH)2]: a novel compound containing closed-shell 3d10, 4d10 and 5d10 metal ions

[Ag(UO(2))(3) (OAc)(9)][Zn(H(2)O)(4)(CH(3)CH(2)OH)(2)] (, OAc = CH(3)COO(-)) crystallized from an ethanol solution and its structure was determined by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and X-ray crystallography; it is composed of [Zn(H(2)O)(4)(CH(3)CH(2)OH)(2)](2+) cations and [Ag(UO(2))(3)(OAc)(9)](2-) anions in which triuranyl [(UO(2))(OAc)(3)](3) clusters are linked by the Ag ion.     

Infrared-induced reactivity of N2O on small gas-phase rhodium clusters

Far- and mid-infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy has been employed to study both the structure and surface reactivity of isolated cationic rhodium clusters with surface-adsorbed nitrous oxide, Rh(n)N(2)O(+) (n = 4-8). Comparison of experimental spectra recorded using the argon atom tagging method with those calculated using density functional theory (DFT) reveals that the nitrous oxide is molecularly bound on the rhodium cluster via the terminal N-atom. Binding is thought to occur exclusively on atop sites with the rhodium clusters adopting close-packed structures. In related, but conceptually different experiments, infrared pumping of the vibrational modes corresponding with the normal modes of the adsorbed N(2)O has been observed to result in the decomposition of the N(2)O moiety and the production of oxide clusters. This cluster surface chemistry is observed for all cluster sizes studied except for n = 5. Plausible N(2)O decomposition mechanisms are given based on DFT calculations using exchange-correlation functionals. Similar experiments pumping the Rh-O stretch in Rh(n)ON(2)O(+) complexes, on which the same chemistry is observed, confirm the thermal nature of this reaction.     

An IR study of (CO2)(+)n (n=3-8) cluster ions in the 1000-3800 cm-1 region

Infrared photodissociation (IRPD) spectra of carbon dioxide cluster ions, (CO(2))(n) (+) with n=3-8, are measured in the 1000-3800 cm(-1) region. IR bands assignable to solvent CO(2) molecules are observed at positions close to the vibrational frequencies of neutral CO(2) [1290 and 1400 cm(-1) (nu(1) and 2nu(2)), 2350 cm(-1) (nu(3)), and 3610 and 3713 cm(-1) (nu(1)+nu(3) and 2nu(2)+nu(3))]. The ion core in (CO(2))(n) (+) shows several IR bands in the 1200-1350, 2100-2200, and 3250-3500 cm(-1) regions. On the basis of previous IR studies in solid Ne and quantum chemical calculations, these bands are ascribed to the C(2)O(4) (+) ion, which has a semicovalent bond between the CO(2) components. The number of the bands and the bandwidth of the IRPD spectra drastically change with an increase in the cluster size up to n=6, which is ascribed to the symmetry change of (CO(2))(n) (+) by the solvation of CO(2) molecules and a full occupation of the first solvation shell at n=6.     

Identification of conical structures in small aluminum oxide clusters: infrared spectroscopy of (Al2O3)1-4(AlO)+

The vibrational spectroscopy of the electronically closed-shell (Al 2O 3) n (AlO) (+) cations with n = 1-4 is studied in the 530-1200 cm (-1) range by infrared predissociation spectroscopy of the corresponding ion-He atom complexes in combination with quantum chemical calculations. In all cases we find, assisted by a genetic algorithm, global minimum structures that differ considerably from those derived from known modifications of bulk alumina. The n = 1 and n = 4 clusters exhibit an exceptionally stable conical structure of C 3 v symmetry, whereas for n = 2 and n = 3, multiple isomers of lower symmetry and similar energy may contribute to the recorded spectra. A blue shift of the highest energy absorption band is observed with increasing cluster size and attributed to a shortening of Al-O bonds in the larger clusters. This intense band is assigned to vibrational modes localized on the rim of the conical structures for n = 1 and n = 4 and may aid in identifying similar, highly symmetric structures in larger ions.     

A novel series of materials composed of arrays of vanadium oxide container molecules, [V18O42(X)] (X = H2O,Cl-, Br-): synthesis and characterization of [M2(H2N(CH2)2NH2)5][(M(H2N(CH2)2NH2)2]2V18O42(X)]. 9H2O (M = Zn,Cd)

The synthesis and characterization of the novel systems [Zn(2)(H(2)N(CH(2))(2)NH(2))(5)][(Zn(H(2)N(CH(2))(2)NH(2))(2))(2)V(18)O(42)(H(2)O)].9H(2)O (1), [Cd(2)(H(2)N(CH(2))(2)NH(2))(5)][(Cd(H(2)N(CH(2))(2)NH(2))(2))(2)V(18)O(42)(Br)].9H(2)O (2), and [Zn(2)(H(2)N(CH(2))(2)NH(2))(5)][(Zn(H(2)N(CH(2))(2)NH(2))(2))(2)V(18)O(42)(Cl)].9H(2)O (3) have been described. These materials represent a new class of solids that have been prepared by combining conventional coordination compounds with spherical polyoxovanadate clusters. The isomorphous structures of these hybrid solids consist of two-dimensional arrays of container cluster molecules [V(18)O(42)(X)] (X = H(2)O, Br-, Cl-) interlinked by the transition metal complex moieties [M(H(2)N(CH(2))(2)NH(2))(2)] (M = Zn, Cd). These compounds contain an unprecedented complex cation, [M(2)(H(2)N(CH(2))(2)NH(2))(5)](4+). Crystal data for 1: C(9)H(46)N(9)O(26)V(9)Zn(2), monoclinic space group P2(1)/m (No. 11), a = 12.3723(7) A, b = 20.9837(11) A, c = 15.8379(8) A, beta = 97.3320(10) degrees, Z = 4.     

Simulated annealing and density functional theory calculations of structural and energetic properties of the ammonium chloride clusters (NH4Cl)n, (NH4+)(NH4Cl)n, and (Cl-)(NH4Cl)n, n = 1-13

Simulated annealing Monte Carlo conformer searches using the "mag-walking" algorithm are employed to locate the global minima of molecular clusters of ammonium chloride of the types (NH(4)Cl)(n), (NH(4)(+))(NH(4)Cl)(n), and (Cl(-))(NH(4)Cl)(n) with n = 1-13. The M06-2X density functional theory method is used to refine and predict the structures, energies, and thermodynamic properties of the neutral, cation, and anion clusters. For selected small clusters, the resulting structures are compared to those obtained from a variety of models and basis sets, including RI-MP2 and B3LYP calculations. M06-2X calculations predict enhanced stability of the (NH(4)(+))(NH(4)Cl)(n) clusters when n = 3, 6, 8, and 13. This prediction corresponds favorably to anomalies previously observed in thermospray mass spectroscopy experiments. The (NH(4)Cl)(n) clusters show alternations in stability between even and odd values of n. Clusters of the type (Cl(-))(NH(4)Cl)(n) display a magic number distribution different from that of the cation clusters, with enhanced stability predicted for n = 2, 6, and 11. None of the observed cluster structures resemble the room-temperature CsCl structure of NH(4)Cl(s), which is consistent with previous work. Numerous clusters have structures reminiscent of the higher-temperature, rock-salt phase of the solid ammonium halides.     

THF/H~2O二元团簇中“幻数”现象研究

利用分子束、同步辐射光源和飞行时间质谱研究了HF/H~2O二元团簇体系,观察到了一系列组成为(THF)~n·(H~2O)~mH^+(n=2～5,m=0～n-1)离子峰,其中(THF)~n(H~2O)~n~-~2H^+(n=2～5)离子峰强为“幻数”峰。运用从头算(abinitio)分子轨道法,在HF/3-21G基组水平上对(THF)~n(H~2O)~n~-~2H^+(n=2～4)团簇几何构型进行了优化,计算结果表明团簇离子(THF)~n(H~2O)~n~-~2H^+具有较大的稳定性,解释了实验中观察到的“幻数”现象。