Diradicaloid Boron-Doped Molecular Carbons Achieved by Pentagon-Fusion

Molecular carbons (MCs) are molecular cutouts of carbon materials. Doping with heteroatoms and constructing open-shell structures are two powerful approaches to achieve unexpected and unique properties of MCs. Herein, we disclose a new strategy to design open-shell boron-doped MCs (BMCs), namely by pentagon-fusion of an organoborane π-system. We synthesized two diradicaloid BMC molecules that feature C₂₄B and C₃₈B π-skeletons containing a pentagonal ring. A thorough investigation reveals that such pentagon-fusion not only leads to their local antiaromaticity, but also incorporates an internal quinoidal substructure and thereby induces open-shell singlet diradical states. Moreover, their fully fused structures enable efficient π conjugation, which is expanded over the whole frameworks. Consequently, some intriguing physical properties are achieved, such as narrow energy gaps, very broad light absorptions, and superior photothermal capability, along with excellent photostability. Notably, the solid of the C₃₈B molecule exhibits absorption that covers the range of 300–1200 nm and an efficiency of 93.5 % for solar-driven water evaporation, thus demonstrating the potential of diradicaloid BMCs as high-performance organic photothermal materials.     

Broken orbital symmetry study of low-lying excited and N15 ionized states of pyrazine

Ab initio ΔE_SCF calculations of the low-lying n-π^* and π-π^* transitions in pyrazines are reported with D_2h and C_2v symmetry adapted molecular orbitals. The use of broken orbital symmetry is essential for interpreting the emission properties of pyrazine at the computational level used. The energy of the N_is orbital is calculated using these two symmetry constraints with C_2v orbitals leading to results in better agreement with experiment.     

Construction of Helical Structures with Multiple Fused Anthracenes: Structures and Properties of Long Expanded Helicenes

Polycyclic aromatic compounds consisting of four or five fused anthracene units were synthesized by PtCl₂-catalyzed cycloisomerization as novel long expanded helicenes. These compounds have helical structures with significant stacking of the terminal anthracene moieties at 0.33 nm interlayer distance. In the UV-vis and fluorescence spectra, the absorption and emission bands were red-shifted as the number of fused anthracene units was increased. The characteristic broad and long-lived emission bands of the long analogues are explained by the excimer-like stabilization of the excited state. These photophysical data as well as their cyclic voltammetric data are discussed on the basis of the π-conjugation and interlayer π⋅⋅⋅π interactions in the molecular structures and the molecular orbitals. The barrier and mechanism of helical inversion are also reported.     

Valence-bond calculations on N2 and isoelectronic species

Valence-bond calculations are reported for the isoelectronic series of molecules and ions: N₂, CO, BF, NO⁺ and CN^?. The most important structures are N?N, C?O, B_π? F, N⁺?O and C?N. Hybridization of the 2s and 2p orbitals is important. Only two or three structures are required to obtain an energy lower than that obtained with the molecular orbital approximation. Structures in which the electronegative element loses a σ-orbital or gains a π-orbital are favored. π-bonds tend to be favored over σ-bonds. The bond in NO⁺ resembles that in CO, whereas that in CN^? resembles the bonding in N₂.     

Stereoselective Syntheses,Structures, and Properties of Extremely Distorted Chiral Nanographenes Embedding Hextuple Helicenes

We report a molecular design and concept using π-system elongation and steric effects from helicenes surrounding a triphenylene core toward stable chiral polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with a maximal π-distortion to tackle their aromaticity, supramolecular and molecular properties. The selective syntheses, and the structural, conformational and chiroptical properties of two diastereomeric large multi-helicenes of formula C₉₀H₄₈ having a triphenylene core and embedding three [5]helicene units on their inner edges and three [7]helicene units at their periphery are reported based on diastereoselective and, when applicable, enantiospecific Yamamoto-type cyclotrimerizations of racemic or enantiopure 9,10-dibromo[7]helicene. Both molecules have an extremely distorted triphenylene core, and one of them exhibits the largest torsion angle recorded so far for a benzene ring (twist=36.9°).     

The emission of α,ω-diphenylpolyenes: A model involving several molecular structures

Available photophysical evidence for the emission of α,ω-diphenylpolyenes is shown to be consistent with a previously reported model [J. Catalán, J.L.G. de Paz, J. Chem. Phys. 124 (2006) 034306] involving two electronically excited molecular structures of 1B_u and C_s symmetry, respectively. The 1B_u structure is produced by direct light absorption from the all-trans form of the α,ω-diphenylpolyene in the ground state and its emission exhibits mirror symmetry with respect to the absorption of the compound. On the other hand, the C_s structure is generated from the 1B_u structure of the α,ω-diphenylpolyene by rotation about a C–C single bond in the polyene chain, its emission being red-shifted with respect to the previous one and exhibiting markedly decreased vibrational structure. At room temperature, both emissions give the excitation spectrum, which are ascribed to the first absorption band for the compound.     

Localized molecular orbitals for polyatomic molecules

Molecular wavefunctions have been generated by the PRDDO (Partial Retention of Diatomic Differential Overlap) method for the monocyclic aromatic rings containing six π-electrons (C₄H ₄ ^?2 , C₅H ₅ ^? , C₆H₆, C₇H ₇ ⁺ , and C₈H ₈ ⁺² ) and ten π-electron species (C₈H ₈ ^?2 , C₉H ₉ ^? , C₁₀H₁₀). The eigenvalue spectra of the canonical molecular orbitals are presented. Localized molecular orbitals (LMO's) generated using the Boys criterion are reported for localizations involving all occupied molecular orbitals (complete localizations) and localizations of the π orbitals only. We find evidence for σ-π separation in the complete localizations for some of these molecules even though the Boys criterion is often biased against such results. We demonstrate for C₆H₆ and find for the other molecules that the π-orbital localizations are indeterminate (i.e. there are an infinite number of equally satisfactory LMO structures between two limiting extremes). This result may be viewed as a corollary of Hückel's (4n+2) rule for aromaticity.     

Molecular and electronic structure of several heterofullerene BNC58 and B2N2C56 oligomers and [B2N2C56] n macromolecule

Molecular and electronic structure of heterofullerene BNC₅₈ (C _s) and B₂N₂C₅₆ (C _2h) monomers, B₂N₂C₁₁₆ and B₄N₄C₁₁₂ dimers, and B₆N₆C₁₆₈ trimer (the last three molecules withC _2h symmetry) was simulated by the MNDO method. Clusters BNC₅₈ and B₂N₂C₅₆ are formed by replacement of carbon atoms participating in one or two of the most distant oppositely lying (6,6)-type C−C bonds in fullerene C₆₀ by B and N atoms. In one of the two studied isomers of the B₂N₂C₁₁₆ dimer, the monomers are linked by the four-membered carbon cycle, while the heteroatoms form the most distant oppositely lying bonds of the dimer. In the other isomer of the B₂N₂C₁₁₆ dimer, as well as in the B₄N₄C₁₁₂ dimer and B₆N₆C₁₆₈ trimer, the monomers are linked by four-membered B₂N₂ cycles with alternation of the atoms. For all the systems studied, the optimum geometric parameters, heats of formation, ionization potentials, and atomic charges were calculated. Dimerization energies of heterofullerenes BNC₅₈ and B₂N₂C₅₆ lie in the range from 33 to 49 kcal mol⁻¹. It was found that the B₂N₂C₁₁₆ dimer, in which the monomers are linked by the four-mernbered carbon cycle, is the most stable system. In the case of B₂N₂C₅₆ trimerization, the energy gain (compared to the triple monomer energy) is about twice as large as the dimerization energy. Molecular structure of the quasi-linear [B₂N₂C₅₆) _n macromolecule was simulated, and extended Hückel calculations of its energy band structure by the crystal orbital method were performed. It was found that the electron energy spectrum is of semiconducting type (the band gap is equal to 1.27 eV. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 3, pp. 431–435, March, 1999.     

Probing for Structural Features of Boron‐rich Solids with EELS

Crystal structures of boron‐rich solids are characterized by boron atom arrangements that are quite diverse: chains, sheets, and a variety of polyhedra like octahedra, pentagonal bipyramids, cuboctahedra, and icosahedra are observed. Probing by electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (EELS), these different structural features are mirrored by a pronounced variation of the energy loss near‐edge fine structure (ELNES) of the B_K ionization edges. For identification, characteristics of these fine structures can be used as so‐called “coordination fingerprints”, which is shown for solids like MgB₂, TaB₂, ZrB₂, CaB₆, SrB₆, BaB₆, NaB₅C, KB₅C, Na₃B₂₀, Na₂B₂₉, UB₁₂, ZrB₁₂, LaB₂C₂, CeB₂C₂, and CaB₂C₂. In addition, theoretical calculations of ELNES based on the density functional theory (FLAPW method) are presented for an example of boron‐rich solids.     

Localized molecular orbitals for aromatic molecules

Localized molecular orbitals are calculated using the method of Boys for the aromatic molecules C₆H₆, C₆H₅X and the p-, m-, and o-forms of C₆H₄XY, where X,Y = CN,OH,F. The calculations are performed both with and without the constraint of σ, π-separation in the localization. The localized π-orbitals are multicenter bonds. If the σ- and π-orbitals are localized together, two different structures are found, Kekulé-type structures and structures with a set of six two center and a set of three three center bonds. The C-X bond turns out to be a single bond if X = CN and a double bond, if X = OH or F.     

Computational Studies on the Structures of Nanographenes with Various Edge Functionalities

Computational studies have often been carried out on hydrogen-terminated nanographenes (NGs). These structures are, however, far from those deduced from experimental observations, which have suggested armchair edges with two carboxy groups on the edges as dominant. We conducted computational studies on NGs consisting of C₄₂, C₆₀, C₇₈, C₉₆, C₁₄₂, and C₁₇₄ carbon atoms with hydrogen, carboxy, and N-methyl imide-terminated armchair edges. DFT calculations inform distorted basal planes and similar HOMO-LUMO gaps, indicating that the edge oxidation and functionalization do not very influence the electronic structure. Comparison of observed UV-vis spectra of carboxy- and N-octadecyl chain terminated NGs with calculated spectra of model NGs informs the contribution of π-π* transitions on the basal plane to the absorptions in the visible region. A dimeric structure of NG and octadecyl-installed NG demonstrate that both the distorted basal planes and the steric contacts among the functional groups widen the surface-to-surface distance thereby allowing the invasion of solvent molecules between the surfaces. This picture is consistent with the improved solubility of edge-modified NGs.     

Discrete π Stack of a Tweezer-Shaped Naphthalenediimide–Anthracene Conjugate

The design and synthesis of a tweezer-shaped naphthalenediimide (NDI)–anthracene conjugate ( 2NDI ) are reported. In the structure of the closed form (π_NDI ⋅⋅⋅ π_NDI stack) of 2NDI , which was elucidated by single-crystal XRD, the existence of C−H ⋅⋅⋅ O hydrogen bonding involving the nearest carbonyl oxygen atom of an NDI unit was suggested. The tunability of π_NDI ⋅⋅⋅ π_NDI interactions was studied by means of UV/Vis absorption, fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling. This revealed that the π_NDI ⋅⋅⋅ π_NDI interactions in 2NDI affect the absorption and emission properties depending on the temperature. Furthermore, in polar solvents, 2NDI prefers the stronger π_NDI ⋅⋅⋅ π_NDI stack, whereas the π_NDI ⋅⋅⋅ π_NDI interaction is diminished in nonpolar solvents. Importantly, the conformational variations of 2NDI can be reversibly switched by variation in temperature, and this suggests potential application for fluorogenic molecular switches upon temperature changes.     

The composition of the complex formed in concentrated sulfuric acid between boric acid and 1,1'-dianthrimide

The complex formed in concentrated sulfuric acid between boric acid and 1,1'-dianthrimide was isolated in the solid state. It was found to consist of one six-membered boron-containing ring of the type reported by Gillespie and rohinson and two 1,1'-dianthrimide molecules, the molecular formula being C₅₆H₂₈N₂O₁₃B₂S. It is suggested that other reagents reacting with boric acid in concentrated sulfuric acid form complexes of the same type.     

The oxygen Kα x-ray emission spectra of fluorinated anisoles and pentafluorophenol

Oxygen and fluorine K_α X-ray emission spectra have been obtained for a number of oxygen-containing compounds: H₂O, CH₃OH, C₆H₅OH, C₆H₅OCH₃, C₆F₅OH and 4-XC₆F₄OCH₃ (X = F, OCH₃, CF₃) in the solid or gaseous states and interpreted on the basis of the UV photoelectron and ESCA data and the results of MINDO/3 calculations. The mixing of the oxygen 2pAO with the highest occupied π-orbitals of the benzene ring is concluded to be small. The main contribution of the 2p(O)AO is shown to be to the system of σ-levels and lower-lying π-levels. CH₃OH is assumed to have hyperconjugation. Comparison of the electronic structures of oxygen in phenol and anisole with those in their polyfluorinated analogues shows the reduced effectiveness of oxygen 2pAO conjugation with the π-system of the benzene ring in the latter cases.     

Quantum chemistry study on B32 and B32H2–32

The structures of B32 and B₃₂H^2–₃₂ with I_h symmetry have been investigated by means of ab initio calculations at STO-3G level. The relationship between molecular orbitals of them has been analyzed and their bonding properties have been discussed. Then the possibility of their existence, as well as the similarity and difference between B₃₂ (B₃₂H^2–₃₂) and C₆₀ (C₆₀H₆₀) have been inferred.     

Distribution of Valence Electron Density in C n H m and BnHm Framework and Polyhedral Molecules and Orbital-Reduntant Bonds

In framework molecular cations and radical cations of adamantane C₁₀H _m ^q+ and also in polyhedral molecules and molecular ions C₅H₅ ⁺, C₆H₆ ^{2 +}, B₅H₉, and B₁₀H₁₀ ^{2 -}, the charge density of valence electrons in the central areas of C _n and B _n cavities and faces is significant. In the molecule of adamantane C₁₀H₁₆, the valence electron density in central areas of the cavity and faces of the C₁₀ framework is small as compared to the electron density along its edges C-C. These distinctions are due to the fact that, in the electronic structure of C _n H ^q _m cations and radical cations and also of B _n H _m molecules and molecular ions, there is an additional orbital interaction involving vacant valence orbitals of C⁺ or B (orbital-reduntant bonds); the absence of vacant valence orbitals of C atoms in neutral adamantane molecule excludes additional orbital interactions in excess of C-H and C-C.     

Stable (BIII-Subporphyrin-5-yl)dicyanomethyl Radicals

Stable B^III-subporphyrin-substituted dicyanomethyl radicals were synthesized by S_NAr reaction of meso-bromo- or meso-chlorosubporphyrins with malononitrile followed by oxidation with PbO₂. Different from previously reported dicyanomethyl radicals that underwent σ- or π-dimer formation both in the solid state and in solutions, subporphyrin-stabilized dicyanomethyl radicals exist as monomers in solutions even at low temperature. DFT calculations revealed efficient spin delocalization over the entire subporphyrin. In the solid state, these radicals form weak π-dimers with antiferromagnetic interactions depending on the crystal packing structures.     

Li2B12 and Li3B12: Prediction of the Smallest Tubular and Cage‐like Boron Structures

An intriguing structural transition from the quasi‐planar form of B₁₂ cluster upon the interaction with lithium atoms is reported. High‐level computations show that the lowest energy structures of LiB₁₂, Li₂B₁₂, and Li₃B₁₂ have quasi‐planar (C_s), tubular (D_6d), and cage‐like (C_s) geometries, respectively. The energetic cost of distorting the B₁₂ quasi‐planar fragment is overcompensated by an enhanced electrostatic interaction between the Li cations and the tubular or cage‐like B₁₂ fragments, which is the main reason of such drastic structural changes, resulting in the smallest tubular (Li₂B₁₂) and cage‐like (Li₃B₁₂) boron structures reported to date.     

Nature of halogen-centered intermolecular interactions in crystal growth and design: Fluorine-centered interactions in dimers in crystalline hexafluoropropylene as a prototype

The wide occurrence of halogen-centered noncovalent interactions in crystal growth and design prompted this study, which includes a mini review of recent advances in the field. Particular emphasis is placed on providing compelling theoretical evidence of the formation of these interactions between sites of positive electrostatic potential, as well as between sites of negative electrostatic potential, localized on the electrostatic surfaces of the bound fluorine atoms in a prototypical system, hexafluoropropylene (C₃F₆), upon its interaction with another same molecule to form (C₃F₆)₂ dimers. The existence of σ- and π-hole interactions is shown for the stable dimers. Even so, weakly bound interactions locally responsible in holding the molecular fragments together cannot and should not be overlooked since they are partly responsible for determining the overall geometry of the crystal. The results of combined quantum theory of atoms in molecules, molecular electrostatic surface potential, and reduced density gradient noncovalent interaction analyses showed that these latter interactions do indeed play a role in the stability and growth of crystalline C₃F₆ itself and the (C₃F₆)₂ dimers. A symmetry adapted perturbation theory energy decomposition analysis leads to the conclusion that a great majority of the (C₃F₆)₂ dimers examined are the consequence of dispersion (and electrostatics), with nonnegligible contribution from polarization, which together competes with an exchange repulsion component to determine the equilibrium geometries. In a few structures of the (C₃F₆)₂ dimer, the fluorine is found to serve as a six-center five-bond donor/acceptor, as found for carbon in other systems (Malischewski and Seppelt, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, 56, 368). © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

1‐tert‐Butyl‐2‐methyl­phospho­lane–borane and its coupling product 2,2′‐bis(1‐tert‐butyl­phospho­lane–borane)

The title compound, C₉H₂₂BP, and its coupling product, C₁₆H₃₈B₂P₂, were synthesized and their crystal structures analyzed by X‐ray diffraction. The molecular structures clearly explain the stereoselective reaction pathways leading to the products. The average P—B distance and C—P—B angle are 1.929 Å and 114°, respectively.