Rotational excitation of ions produced by the He(2 S) Penning ionization of CO and N2

Rotational-state distributions of the CO⁺ (A–X, B–X) and N₂⁺(B–X) emissions produced by the collisions of He(2 ³S) with CO and N₂ were studied in the collision energy (E_R range 100–200 meV. The rotational populations of the emitting states can be fitte by single Boltzmann temperatures (T_R. The T_R (320 ± 30 K) for the ν′ = 3 and 4 levels of the CO⁺ (A²Π) state are nearly independent of, or slightly increase with, E_R, while T_R for the CO⁺(B²Σ⁺, ν′ = 0) state increases rapidly with E_R.The T_R (430 ± 20 K) for the N₂⁺(B²Σ⁺, ν′ = 0) state is nearly independent or slightly decreases with increasing E_R. Interactions providing these trends are discussed.     

Study of the N2 bΠu state via 1 + 1 multiphoton ionization

Medium-resolution spectra of the N₂ b¹Π_u-X¹Σ_g⁺ band system were recorded by 1 + 1 multiphoton ionization. In the spectra we found different linewidths for transitions to different vibrational levels in the b ¹Π_u state: Δν₀ = 0.50 ± 0.05 cm⁻¹, Δν₁ = 0.28 ± 0.02 cm⁻¹, Δν₂ = 0.65 ± 0.06 cm⁻¹, Δν₃ = 3.2 ± 0.5 cm⁻¹, Δν₄ = 0.60 ± 0.07 cm⁻¹, and Δν₅ = 0.28 ± 0.02 cm⁻¹. From these linewidths, predissociation lifetimes τ_ν were obtained: τ₀ = 16 ± 3 ps, τ₁ > 150 ps, τ₂ = 10 ± 2 ps, τ₃ = 1.6 ± 0.3 ps, τ₄ = 9 ± 2 ps, and τ₅ > 150 ps. Band origins and rotational constants for the b ¹Π_uν = 0 and 1 levels were determined for the ¹⁴N₂ and ¹⁴N¹⁵N molecules.     

Kinetic study of gas-phase Lu(D3/2) with O2, N2O and CO2

The second-order rate constants of gas-phase Lu(²D_3/2) with O₂, N₂O and CO₂ from 348 to 573 K are reported. In all cases, the reactions are relatively fast with small barriers. The disappearance rates are independent of total pressure indicating bimolecular abstraction processes. The bimolecular rate constants (in molecule⁻¹ cm³ s⁻¹) are described in Arrhenius form by k(O₂)=(2.3±0.4)×10⁻¹⁰exp(−3.1±0.7 kJmol⁻¹/RT), k(N₂O)=(2.2±0.4)×10⁻¹⁰exp(−7.1±0.8 kJmol⁻¹/RT), k(CO₂)=(2.0±0.6)×10⁻¹⁰exp(−7.6±1.3 kJmol⁻¹/RT), where the uncertainties are ±2σ.     

Vibrational spectra of σ-allylmanganese pentacarbonyl

The vibrational spectra of σ-(C₃H₅)Mn(CO)₅ are reported. Assignment of bands is made and carbonyl force constants are calculated. The results indicate that the Mn(CO)₅ moiety has C_4ν symmetry. The calculated angle between the axial and equatorial carbonyl groups is approximately 95°. The bonding in this compound is very similar to that in (CH₃)Mn(CO)₅.

In the far-infrared region, seven bands are expected in C_4ν symmetry (3A₁ + 4E), and all are observed.     

Evidence for the importance of intermolecular coupling in the OD band''s vibrational structure in deeply supercooled liquid D2O

We present the Raman spectrum of pure liquid D₂O at −27.0°C, 17°C lower than any previously reported Raman spectrum of liquid D₂O. The liquid's OD stretch band at −27.0°C displays a prominent feature which is clearly analogous to the ν₁ in-phase mode in D₂O ice Ih providing strong evidence that the structure of cold liquid D₂O's OD band is principally due to strong intermolecular coupling. Deeply supercooled liquid D₂O displays this ν₁ in-phase feature more clearly than deeply supercooled liquid H₂O due to the smaller disparity in the D/O mass ratio compared to that of H/O which enhances this coupling.     

Fourfold clusters of rovibrational energies in H2Te studied with an ab initio potential energy function

We report here an ab initio investigation of the cluster effect (i.e., the formation of four-member groups of nearly degenerate rotation-vibration energy levels at higher J and K_a values) in the H₂Te molecule. The potential energy function has been calculated ab initio at a total of 334 molecular geometries by means of the CCSD (T) method where the (1s-4f) core electrons of the Te atom were described by an effective core potential. The values of the potential energy function obtained cover the region up to around 10 000 cm⁻¹ above the equilibrium energy. On the basis of the ab initio potential, the rotation-vibration energy spectra of H₂ ¹³⁰Te and its deuterated isotopomers have been calculated with the MORBID (Morse oscillator rigid bender internal dynamics) Hamiltonian and computer program. In particular, we have calculated the rotational energy manifolds for J40 in the vibrational ground state, the ν₂ state, the “first triad” (the ν₁/ν₃/2 ν₂ interacting vibrational states), and the “second triad” (the (ν₁ + ν₂)/(ν₂ + ν₃)/3 ν₂ states) of H₂¹³⁰Te. We have also investigated the cluster formation in the vibrational ground state of H₂ ¹³⁰Te by first fitting the rotational data available from experiment with a modified Watson-type effective Hamiltonian and then using the optimized ground state constants to extrapolate the rotational structure to higher J values. Both the ab initio calculation and the prediction with the effective Hamiltonian show that the cluster formation in H₂Te is very similar to that in H₂Se and H₂S, which we have studied previously. However, contrary to semiclassical predictions, we do not determine any significant displacement of the clusters towards lower J values relative to H₂Se. Hence the experimental observation of the cluster states in H₂Te will be at least as difficult as in H₂Se.     

Syntheses and X-ray crystal structures of [Co(η-CO3)(NH3)4](NO3)·0.5H2O and [(NH3)3Co(μ-OH)2(μ-CO3)Co(NH3)3][NO3]2·H2O

[Co(η²-CO₃)(NH₃)₄](NO₃)·0.5H₂O and [(NH₃)₃Co(μ-OH)₂(μ-CO₃)Co(NH₃)₃][NO₃]₂·H₂O were prepared by prolonged aerial oxidation of a solution of Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and ammonium carbonate in aqueous ammonia. The formation of these side products highlights the richness of the chemistry of these systems and the possibility of by products if methods are not strictly adhered to. The X-ray crystal structures of [Co(η²-CO₃)(NH₃)₄][NO₃]·0.5H₂O and [(NH₃)₃Co(μ-OH)₂(μ-CO₃)Co(NH₃)₃][NO₃]₂·H₂O reveal a monomeric octahedral cobalt center with η²-bound CO₃²⁻ in the former, while the latter consists of a dimeric array where the two cobalt centers are bridged by two OH⁻ and one μ₂-CO₃²⁻ groups with three terminal NH₃ ligands for each Co center. In both complexes extensive hydrogen bonding interactions are evident.     

Detection of benzaldehyde and formaldehyde in the UV photolysis of gas-phase methyl benzoate

The excitation of gas-phase methyl benzoate at 240 nm leads to the observation of phosphorescence. The dispersed phosphorescence spectrum has an assigned origin of 25 270 cm⁻¹ and a prominent C=O progression of 1720 cm⁻¹, consistent with literature reports of gas-phase benzaldehyde spectroscopy. Weaker bands, which correspond to formaldehyde ν₁₇ and ν₂₅, are also evident. Time-resolved IR diode laser absorption spectroscopy has been used to probe formaldehyde. Excitation of methyl benzoate at 222 nm clearly indicates the generation of formaldehyde as a photoproduct. The temporal profile of the formaldehyde signal is consistent with significant nascent vibrational excitation in this product. The ratio of formaldehyde initially in the ground vibrational state to that in the excited vibrational states is estimated to be 0.6 ± 0.1. The proposed elimination mechanisms are analogous to those postulated for the formation of CO₂ and acetaldehyde from pyruvic acid.     

Influence of hydrostatic pressure on the phase transition in Ni(NH3)6I2: EPR studies

Electron paramagnetic resonance techniques are used to determine the phase transition temperature T_c of Ni(NH₃)₆I₂ as a function of hydrostatic pressure. The hydrostatic pressure causes T_c to increase and the value of the pressure coefficient dT_c/dp is (10 ± 2) K/GPa. T_c and dT_c/dp for hexammine halides is calculated on the basis of the “rigid-sphere model” and good agreement with the experimental data is obtained.     

Three interpenetrated frameworks constructed by long flexible N,N′-bipyridyl and dicarboxylate ligands

Three interpenetrated polymeric networks, {[Co(bpp)(OH-BDC)] · H₂O}_n (1) [Ni(bpp)_1.5(H₂O)(OH-BDC)]_n (2) and {[Cd(bpp)(H₂O)(OH-BDC)] · 2H₂O}_n (3), have been prepared by hydrothermal reactions of 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp), 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid (OH-H₂BDC), with Co(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O, Ni(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O and Cd(NO₃)₂ · 4H₂O, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that the three compounds all exhibit interpenetrated but entirely different structures. Compound 1 is a fourfold interpenetrated adamantanoid structure with water molecules as space fillers, in which bpp adopts a TG conformation (T = trans, G = gauche). Compound 2 is an interdigitated structure from the interpenetrated long arms of one-dimensional molecular ladders, while bpp in 2 adopts both TT and TG conformations. Compound 3 is a twofold interpenetrated three-dimensional network from a one-dimensional metal-carboxylate chain bridged by TG conformational bpp. The hydrogen bonding interactions in 1–3 further stabilize the whole structural frameworks and play critical roles in their constructions.     

The dehydroxylation of basic aluminum sulfate: An infrared emission spectroscopic study

The tridecameric aluminum polymer [AlO₄Al₁₂(OH)₂₄(H₂O)₁₂]⁷⁺ was prepared by forced hydrolysis of Al³⁺ up to an OH/Al molar ratio of 2.2. Upon addition of sulfate, the tridecamer crystallized as the monoclinic basic aluminum sulfate Na_0.1[AlO₄Al₁₂(OH)₂₄(H₂O)₁₂](SO₄)_3.55. The dehydroxylation of the basic aluminum sulfate has been studied by Fourier transform in-situ infrared emission spectroscopy over a temperature range of 200° to 750°C at 50°C intervals. The spectrum is characterized by the sulfate ν₁ (1024 cm⁻¹), ν₃ doublet (1117 and 1168 cm⁻¹) and the ν₄ doublet (568 and 611 cm⁻¹) modes. Furthermore, minor bands assigned to nitrate are observed. Upon heating from ≈350° to 400°C major changes are observed, especially in the bandwidth and band intensities. The bands in the hydroxyl stretching region due to the Al₁₃ group disappear, whereas the bands around 1050 cm⁻¹ display various changes in bandwidths, intensities and positions associated with the dehydration and dehydroxylation of the basic sulfate and the changing of the structure into an aluminum oxosulfate. The nitrate bands diminish upon heating.     

Theoretical study on the intramolecular proton transfer reactions of 3-methyl-5-hydroxyisoxazole and its water complexes

The optimized structures and proton transfer reactions of 3-methyl-5-hydroxyisoxazole and its water complexes (3-M-5-HIO · (H₂O)_n · (n = 0–3)) were computed at B3LYP and MP2 theoretical level. The results indicates that 3-M-5-HIO has four isomers (Ecis, Etrans, K1 and K2), and the keto tautomer, and K2 is the most stable isomer in the gas phase. Hydrogen bonding between 3-M-5-HIO and the water molecules can dramatically lower the barrier by the concerted transfer mechanism. Ecis · (H₂O)₃ → K1 · (H₂O)₃ and Ecis · (H₂O)₂ → K2 · (H₂O)₂ is found to be very efficient. Comparing with the proton transfer mechanism of 5-HIO shows that the methyl substitution prevents the intramolecular proton transfer.     

Thermal decomposition of praseodymium acetate as a precursor of praseodymium oxide catalyst

Thermal events encountered throughout the heat treatment of praseodymium acetate, Pr(CH₃COO)₃·H₂O, were studied in nitrogen and air atmospheres. The samples calcined at the 300–700 °C temperature range were characterized using XRD, IR and N₂ adsorption. Moreover, in situ electrical conductivity was employed to follow up the formation of the different decomposition intermediates. The results indicated that the anhydrous salt decomposes to the final product, PrO_1.833, through the formation of the following intermediates: Pr(OH)(CH₃COO)₂, PrO(CH₃COO) and Pr₂O₂(CO₃). PrO_1.833 formed at 500, 600, and 700 °C possesses a surface area of 17, 16 and 10 m²/g and crystallites size of 14, 17 and 30 nm, respectively.     

Study of near resonant energy transfer from laser excited CO2 to SO2

Collisional energy transfer from CO₂ to SO₂ was studied subsequent to pumping of CO₂ (ν₃) by a Q-switched laser. The measurements were made in the temperature range 300–800 K and in the pressure range 1–30 Torr. The fluorescence from the ν₃ level of CO₂ was monitored with the help of a Ge:Au detector at 77 K with an estimated response time of ≈2 μs. The probability of the energy transfer was found to be increasing with increasing temperature. The probable kinetic models for the V---V relaxation pathways were discussed and the experimentally measured energy transfer rate is related to the cross-over transfer processes. Theoretical calculations using both a simple SSH-breathing sphere model and the Sharma-Brau theory were carried out to evaluate the probabilities of the involved cross-over energy transfer processes and the results were compared with the experimental rates.     

An ab initio close-coupling calculation of the lower vibrational energies of the HCl dimer

We have previously determined an analytical ab initio six-dimensional potential energy surface for the HCl dimer, and in the present paper we use this potential, with the HCl bond lengths held fixed, in a full (four-dimensional) close-coupling calculation to determine the energies of the lowest 24 vibrational states. These vibrational states involve the intermolecular stretch ν₄, the trans-bend tunneling vibration ν₅, and the torsion ν₆. The highest of the 24 levels is the (ν₄ν₅ν₆)=(111) state, for which we calculate an energy of 200 cm⁻¹ above the (000) state. As well as determining tunneling energies up to 5ν₅=183 cm⁻¹, we determine ν₄=49 cm⁻¹, 2ν₄=93 cm⁻¹, 3ν₄=134 cm⁻¹, 4ν₄=172 cm⁻¹, ν₆=137 cm⁻¹ and ν₄+ν₆=178 cm⁻¹, together with tunneling energies in all these states. Making allowance for the HCl stretching zero-point energy we determine the dissociation energy D₀ as 390 cm⁻¹ on this analytical surface. We determine that below 300 cm⁻¹ there are 72 vibrational (J=K=0) states, and below dissociation there are 162 vibrational (J=K=0) states, for this potential surface.     

Substituted metal carbonyls XIII. Fe(CO)4(η-dppf) [where DPPF = (Ph2PC5H4)2Fe]: a convenient building block for heterometallic complexes

The potential of Fe(CO)₄(η¹-dppf) (dppf = 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) as a precursor for heterometallic species is fully expanded in the synthesis of (OC)₄Fe(μ-dppf)Cr(CO)₅, (OC)₄Fe(μ-dppf)W(CO)₅, and (OC)₄Fe(μ-dppf)Mn₂(CO)₉, all of which have been characterized by IR, NMR (¹H and ³¹P) and elemental analyses. The low energy requirement of TMNO (Me₃NO · 2H₂O)decarbonylation allows the formation of monosubstituted Mn₂(CO)₁₀ as the major product. This aspect is further substantiated by the isolation of Mn₄(CO)₁₈(μ-dppf) in which the single bridging of a diphosphine group between two Mn₂(CO)₉ moieties is unprecedented.     

Synthesis, characterization of new Rh---Co mixed-metal clusters and reactions of clusters containing [Rh2Co2C2] core with 1-alkynes and/or carbon monoxide

Six new cluster derivatives [Rh₂Co₂(CO)₆(μ-CO)₄(μ₄,η²-HCCR)] (R=FeCp₂ 1, CH₂OH 2, (CH₃O)C₁₀H₆CH(CH₃)COOCH₂CCH 3) and [RhCo₃(CO)₆(μ-CO)₄(μ₄,η²-HCCR)] (R=FeCp₂ 4, CH₂OH 5, (CH₃O)C₁₀H₆CH(CH₃)COOCH₂CCH 6) were obtained by the reactions of [Rh₂Co₂(CO)₁₂] and [RhCo₃(CO)₁₂] with substituted 1-alkyne ligands HCCR [R=FeCp₂ 7, CH₂OH 8, (CH₃O)C₁₀H₆CH(CH₃) COOCH₂CCH 9] in n-hexane at room temperature, respectively. Alkynes insert into the Co---Co bond of the tetranuclear clusters to give butterfly clusters. [Rh₂Co₂(CO)₆(μ-CO)₄(μ₄,η²-HCCFeCp₂)] (1) was characterized by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Reactions of 1, 2 with 7, 8 and ambient pressure of carbon monoxide at 25 °C gave two known cluster complexes [Co₂(CO)₆(μ₂, η²-HCCR)] (R=FeCp₂ 10, CH₂OH 11), respectively. All clusters were characterized by element analysis, IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy.     

Gaseous nitryl azide N4O2: A joint theoretical and experimental study

Gaseous nitryl azide N₄O₂ is generated by the heterogeneous reaction of gaseous ClNO₂ with freshly prepared AgN₃ at −50 °C. The geometric and electronic structure of the molecule in the gas phase has been characterized by in situ photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and quantum chemical calculations. The experimental first vertical ionization energy of N₄O₂ is 11.39 eV, corresponding to the ionization of an electron on the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) {4a″(π_{nb(N4–N5–N6)})}⁻¹. An apparent vibrational spacing of 1600 ± 60 cm⁻¹ (ν_asO1N2O3) on the second band at 12.52 eV (π_{nb(O1–N2–O3)}) further confirms the preference of energetically stable chain structure in the gas phase. To complement the experimental results, the potential-energy surface of this structurally novel transient molecule is discussed. Both calculations and spectroscopic results suggest that the molecule adopts a trans-planar chain structure, and a five-membered ring decomposition pathway is more favorable.     

An unexpected molybdenum(0) complex with “MoP6” coordination: crystal structure of [Mo{P(CH2CH2PPh2)3}2] · C5H10

The reaction of trans-[Mo(N₂)₂(PPh₂Me)₄] with the tripodal phosphine tris(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)phosphine, PP₃, in benzene has been studied. The product was recrystallized from a mixture of benzene and petroleum ether to give [Mo(PP₃)₂]·C₅H₁₀, whose crystal structure shows a distorted octahedral “MoP₆” coordination with both phosphines acting as tridentate ligands.