New mercury vanadium phosphate hydrate Hg(4)(-)(x)()O(1-)(y)()((VO)(PO(4))(2).H(2)O with unprecedented tetrahedral oxo-cluster [Hg( approximately )(4)O( approximately )(5)

The new mercury vanadium phosphate hydrate Hg(4)(-)(x)()O(1)(-)(y)()(VO)(PO(4))(2).H(2)O has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. X-ray investigations led to orthorhombic symmetry, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) (No. 19), a = 6.3632(2) A, b = 12.4155(5) A, c = 14.2292(6) A, Z = 4. The crystal structure was solved and refined from single-crystal diffractometer data to residuals R[F(2) > 2sigmaF(2)] = 0.039, R(w)(F(2)) = 0.055. The VPO framework consists of infinite one-dimensional [VO(PO(4))(2)]( infinity ) chains with corner-connected VO(6) octahedra and PO(4) tetrahedra. The chains run along the [100] direction and are held together by the unprecedented tetrahedral cationic units [Hg(4)(-)(x)()O(1)(-)(y)()](4+). Presence of Hg-Hg bonding contacts is proved from theoretical calculations.     

Highly selective ratiometric fluorescent sensing for Hg(2+) and Au(3+), respectively, in aqueous media

A nonsulfur probe based on a 1,8-naphthalimide and alkyne conjugate for the ratiometric fluorescent sensing for Hg(2+) and Au(3+) through the tuning of pH in different aqueous solutions is described. This work provides a novel reaction-based approach for selective recognition of these two ions with significant change of fluorescence color and constitutes the first ratiometric case for Au(3+).     

Preparation of 4,4'-bis-(carboxyl phenylazo)-dibenzo-18-crown-6 dye and its application on ratiometric colorimetric recognition to Hg2+

A multifunctional dye, 4,4'-bis-(carboxyl phenylazo)-dibenzo-18-crown-6 dye (BCADC) was designed and prepared via diazotization and coupling reaction of dibenzo-18-crown-6 with p-amino benzoic acid. The dye, combining crown ether ring, azo and carboxyl group, exhibits well-defined Hg(2+)-selective ratiometric colorimetric behavior, with the maximum absorbance peak changing from 354 nm to 408 nm exclusively. Under the optimum conditions, the recognition to Hg(2+) has a linear range of 2.5-58×10(-7) mol L(-1) with a 0.9978 correlation coefficient. The method was applied to analyse 3 environmental water samples with a detection limit of 2.9×10(-8) mol L(-1) and a relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) lower than 3.7% (n=5). The action mechanism between BCADC and metal ions was discussed by means of Job's plots and theoretical calculations.     

A theoretical study of the NMR spin-spin coupling constants of the complexes [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(n)](n-) (n = 0-3) and [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl-Pt(CN)(5)](3-): a lesson on environmental effects

The molecular geometries and the nuclear spin-spin coupling constants of the complexes [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl(CN)(n)](n-), n = 0-3, and the related system [(NC)(5)Pt-Tl-Pt(CN)(5)](3-) are studied. These complexes have received considerable interest since the first characterization of the n = 1 system by Glaser and co-workers in 1995 [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 7550-7551]. For instance, these systems exhibit outstanding NMR properties, such as extremely large Pt-Tl spin-spin coupling constants. For the present work, all nuclear spin-spin coupling constants J(Pt-Tl), J(Pt-C), and J(Tl-C) have been computed by means of a two-component relativistic density functional approach. It is demonstrated by the application of increasingly accurate computational models that both the huge J(Pt-Tl) for the complex (NC)(5)Pt-Tl and the whole experimental trend among the series are entirely due to solvent effects. An approximate inclusion of the bulk solvent effects by means of a continuum model, in addition to the direct coordination, proves to be crucial. Similarly drastic effects are reported for the coupling constants between the heavy atoms and the carbon nuclei. A computational model employing the statistical average of orbital-dependent model potentials (SAOP) in addition to the solvent effects allows to accurately reproduce the experimental coupling constants within reasonable limits.     

Surface Complexation Modeling of K(+), NO(3)(-), SO(4)(2-), Ca(2+), F(-), Co(2+), and Cr(3+) Ion Adsorption on Silica Gel

Surface complex formation of K(+), NO(3)(-), SO(4)(2-), Ca(2+), F(-), Co(2+), and Cr(3+) ions was determined on the surface of silica gel. Experimental data obtained by acid-base titration of suspensions were interpreted in terms of the triple-layer model. The value of the deprotonation constant of surface OH could be determined precisely but the protonation constant was rather uncertain. The logarithms of ion pair formation constants for K(+), NO(3)(-), Ca(2+), and SO(4)(2-) adsorbed in the beta-plane are log K(ipM,X) approximately 0, therefore these species can be considered inert ions in the investigated pH range. F(-), Co(2+), and Cr(3+) ions were found to be strongly sorbed in the o-plane. In order to provide a good fit and to obtain parameters independent of their initial values, all possible equilibrium must be accounted for in the models. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.     

Preparation and characterization of dimercury(I) monofluorophosphate(V), Hg2PO3F: crystal structure, thermal behavior, vibrational spectra, and solid-state 31P and 19F NMR spectra

Single crystals of anhydrous dimercury(I) monofluorophosphate(V), Hg(2)PO(3)F (1), were obtained by cooling diluted aqueous Hg(2)(NO(3))(2) and (NH(4))(2)PO(3)F solutions from 85 degrees C to room temperature. Compound 1 crystallizes with eight formula units in the orthorhombic space group Ibam (No. 72) and lattice parameters a = 9.406(2) A, b = 12.145(3) A, c = 8.567(2) A. It adopts a new structure type even though a topological relation with dimercury(I) sulfate, Hg(2)SO(4), is established. The crystal structure of 1 (R(F(2) > 2sigma(F(2)) = 0.0353) exhibits Hg(2)(2+) dumbbells and discrete PO(3)F(2)(-) anions as single building units which are organized in a layered assembly parallel to (100). The symmetric Hg(2)(2+) dumbbell shows a typical Hg-Hg distance of 2.5051(9) A, and for each Hg atom, three Hg-O distances are found, ranging from 2.327(6) to 2.476(5) A. No interactions between Hg and F atoms are realized. The latter is exclusively bonded to the phosphorus atom at a distance d(P-F) = 1.568(8) A which is considerably longer than the P-O distances with a mean of 1.515 A. Compound 1 was further characterized by vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and IR) in the spectral range between 4000 and 50 cm(-)(1), thermal analysis (TG, DSC) up to 650 degrees C which revealed Hg(2)(P(2)O(7)) and Hg(3)(PO(4))(2) as thermal decomposition products, and (19)F and (31)P solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The value for the P-F coupling constant in 1 is J(PF) = -1072 Hz at 20 degrees C. The absolute sign of J(PF) is negative.     

New Hg2+-selective chromo- and fluoroionophore based upon 8-hydroxyquinoline

A new 8-hydroxyquinoline derivative having an appended boron-dipyrromethene function has been prepared, and its metal ion sensing properties were investigated. The designed compound exhibited pronounced Hg(2+)-selective on-off-type fluoroionophoric properties among the representative transition- and heavy-metal ions in aqueous dioxane solution. The fluorescence was efficiently quenched more than 98% with 5 equiv of Hg(2+) ions, and the detection limit was found to be 5 x 10(-)(6) M in a dioxane-water (1:3, v/v) solvent system. The ionophore also showed a selective chromogenic behavior toward Hg(2+) ions by changing the color of the solution from light amber to red, which can be detected with the naked eye.     

A solid-state NMR investigation of single-source precursors for group 12 metal selenides; M[N(iPr2PSe)2]2 (M = Zn, Cd, Hg)

The first solid-state NMR investigation of dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinato complexes, M[N(R(2)PE)(2)](n), is presented. The single-source precursors for metal-selenide materials, M[N((i)Pr(2)PSe)(2)](2) (M = Zn, Cd, Hg), were studied by solid-state (31)P, (77)Se, (113)Cd, and (199)Hg NMR at 4.7, 7.0, and 11.7 T, representing the only (77)Se NMR measurements, and in the case of Cd[N((i)Pr(2)PSe)(2)](2)(113)Cd NMR measurements, to have been performed on these complexes. Residual dipolar coupling between (14)N and (31)P was observed in solid-state (31)P NMR spectra at 4.7 and 7.0 T yielding average values of R((31)P,(14)N)(eff) = 880 Hz, C(Q)((14)N) = 3.0 MHz, (1)J((31)P,(14)N)(iso) = 15 Hz, alpha = 90 degrees , beta = 26 degrees . The solid-state NMR spectra obtained were used to determine the respective phosphorus, selenium, cadmium, and mercury chemical shift tensors along with the indirect spin-spin coupling constants: (1)J((77)Se,(31)P)(iso), (1)J((111/113)Cd,(77)Se)(iso), (1)J((199)Hg,(77)Se)(iso), and (2)J((199)Hg,(31)P)(iso). Density functional theory magnetic shielding tensor calculations were performed yielding the orientations of the corresponding chemical shift tensors. For this series of complexes the phosphorus magnetic shielding tensors are essentially identical, the selenium magnetic shielding tensors are also very similar with respect to each other, and the magnetic shielding tensors of the central metals, cadmium and mercury, display near axial symmetry demonstrating an expected deviation from local S(4) symmetry.     

Ratiometric detection of Cr3+ and Hg2+ by a naphthalimide-rhodamine based fluorescent probe

Newly synthesized rhodamine derivatives, L(1) and L(2), are found to bind specifically to Hg(2+) or Cr(3+) in presence of large excess of other competing ions with associated changes in their optical and fluorescence spectral behavior. These spectral changes are significant enough in the visible region of the spectrum and thus, allow the visual detection. For L(1), the detection limit is even lower than the permissible [Cr(3+)] or [Hg(2+)] in drinking water as per standard U.S. EPA norms; while the receptor, L2 could be used as a ratiometric sensor for detection of Cr(3+) and Hg(2+) based on the resonance energy transfer (RET) process involving the donor naphthalimide and the acceptor Cr(3+)/Hg(2+)-bound xanthene fragment. Studies reveal that these two reagents could be used for recognition and sensing of Hg(2+)/Cr(3+). Further, confocal laser microscopic studies confirmed that the reagent L(2) could also be used as an imaging probe for detection of uptake of these ions in A431 cells.     

Recognition of Hg2+ ion through restricted imine isomerization: crystallographic evidence and imaging in live cells

A newly synthesized imine-based receptor (L) showed remarkable specificity toward the Hg(2+) ion in aqueous media over other metal ions. Coordination of L to Hg(2+) induces a turn-on fluorescence response. This was explained based on the restricted imine isomerization along with PET on coordination to Hg(2+). X-ray structural evidence tends to favor a C-C bond rotation rather than C═N isomerization for adopting a favorable conformation in L for coordination to Hg(2+). This reagent could be used for imaging the accumulation of Hg(2+) ions in HeLa cells.     

Exploring the emissive properties of new azacrown compounds bearing aryl, furyl, or thienyl moieties: a special case of chelation enhancement of fluorescence upon interaction with Ca(2+), Cu(2+), or Ni(2+)

Three new compounds bearing furyl, aryl, or thienyl moieties linked to an imidazo-crown ether system (1, 2, and 3) were synthesized and fully characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, UV-vis absorption, and emission spectroscopy, X-ray crystal diffraction, and MALDI-TOF-MS spectrometry. The interaction toward metal ions (Ca(2+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), and Hg(2+)) and F(-) has been explored in solution by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Mononuclear and binuclear metal complexes using Cu(2+) or Hg(2+) as metal centers have been synthesized and characterized. Compounds 2 and 3 show a noticeable enhancement of the fluorescence intensity in the presence of Ca(2+) and Cu(2+) ions. Moreover compound 3 presents a dual sensory detection way by modification of the fluorimetric and colorimetric properties in the presence of Cu(2+) or Hg(2+). EPR studies in frozen solution and in microcrystalline state of the dinuclear Cu(II)3 complex revealed the presence of an unique Cu(2+) type.     

Water exchange rates in the diruthenium mu-oxo ion cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)Ru(OH(2))](2)O(4+).

Addition of 2 equiv of Ce(4+) to the dimeric ruthenium mu-oxo ion cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)Ru(OH(2))](2)O(4+) (formal oxidation state III-III, subsequently denoted [3,3]) or addition of 1 equiv of Ce(4+) to the corresponding [3,4] ion gave near-quantitative conversion to the [4,4] ion, confirming our recent assignment of this oxidation state as an accumulating intermediate during water oxidation by the cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)Ru(O)](2)O(4+) ([5,5]) ion. The rates of water exchange at the cis-aqua positions in the [3,3] and [3,4] ions were investigated by incubating H(2)(18)O-enriched samples in normal water for predetermined times, then oxidizing them to the [5,5] state and measuring by resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy changes in the magnitudes of the O-isotope sensitive bands at 780 and 818 cm(-1). These bands have been assigned to Ru=(18)O and Ru=(16)O stretching modes, respectively, for ruthenyl bonds formed by deprotonation of the aqua ligands upon oxidation to the [5,5] state. An intermediate accumulated during the course of the isotope exchange reaction that gave a [5,5] ion possessing both approximately 782 and approximately 812 cm(-1) bands; this spectrum was assigned to the mixed-isotope species, (bpy)(2)Ru((16)O)(16)ORu((18)O)(bpy)(2)(4+). Kinetic analysis of solutions at various levels of oxidation indicated that only the [3,3] ion underwent substitution; the exchange rate constant obtained in 0.5 M trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, 23 degrees C, was 7 x 10(-3) s(-1), which is (10(3)-10(5))-fold larger than rate constants measured for anation of monomeric (bpy)(2)Ru(III)X(H(2)O)(3+) ions bearing simple sigma-donor ligands (X).     

Nickel(II)-molybdenum(III)-cyanide clusters: synthesis and magnetic behavior of species incorporating [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(3)

The substitution of Mo(III) for Cr(III) in metal-cyanide clusters is demonstrated as an effective means of increasing the strength of the magnetic exchange coupling and introducing magnetic anisotropy. Synthesis of the octahedral complex [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(3)] (Me(3)tacn = N,N',N"-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) is accomplished with the addition of precisely 3 equiv of LiCN to a solution of [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CF(3)SO(3))(3)] in DMF. An excess of LiCN prompts formation of a seven-coordinate complex, [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(4)](1)(-), whereas less LiCN produces multinuclear species such as [(Me(3)tacn)(2)Mo(2)(CN)(5)](1+). In close parallel to reactions previously performed with [(Me(3)tacn)Cr(CN)(3)], assembly reactions between [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(3)] and [Ni(H(2)O)(6)](2+) or [(cyclam)Ni(H(2)O)(2)](2+) (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) afford face-centered cubic [(Me(3)tacn)(8)Mo(8)Ni(6)(CN)(24)](12+) and linear [(Me(3)tacn)(2)(cyclam)NiMo(2)(CN)(6)](2+) clusters, respectively. Generation of the former involves a thermally induced cyanide linkage isomerization, which rapidly leads to a low-spin form of the cluster containing diamagnetic Ni(II) centers. The cyclic voltammagram of this species in DMF reveals a sequence of six successive reduction waves spaced approximately 130 mV apart, suggesting class II mixed-valence behavior upon reduction. The magnetic properties of the aforementioned linear cluster are consistent with the expected ferromagnetic coupling and an S = 4 ground state, but otherwise vary slightly with the specific conformation adopted (as influenced by the packing of associated counteranions and solvate molecules in the crystal). Magnetization data indicate an axial zero-field splitting parameter with a magnitude falling in the range [D] = 0.44-0.72 cm(-1), and fits to the magnetic susceptibility data yield exchange coupling constants in the range J = 17.0-17.6 cm(-1). These values represent significant increases over those displayed by the analogous Cr(III)-containing cluster. When perchlorate is used as a counteranion, [(Me(3)tacn)(2)(cyclam)NiMo(2)(CN)(6)](2+) crystallizes from water in a dimeric form with pairs of the linear clusters directly linked via hydrogen bonding. In this case, fitting the magnetic susceptibility data requires use of two coupling constants: one intramolecular with J = 14.9 cm(-1) and another intermolecular with J' = -1.9 cm(-1). Reacting [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(3)] with a large excess of [(cyclam)Ni(H(2)O)(2)](2+) produces a [(Me(3)tacn)(2)(cyclam)(3)(H(2)O)(2)Ni(3)Mo(2)(CN)(6)](6+) cluster possessing a zigzag structure that is a simple extension of the linear cluster geometry. Its magnetic behavior is consistent with weaker ferromagnetic coupling and an S = 6 ground state. Similar reactions employing an equimolar ratio of reactants afford related one-dimensional chains of formula [(Me(3)tacn)(cyclam)NiMo(CN)(3)](2+). Once again, the ensuing structure depends on the associated counteranions, and the magnetic behavior indicates ferromagnetic coupling. It is hoped that substitutions of the type exemplified here will be of utility in the design of new single-molecule magnets.     

NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance studies of [Gd(CH3CN)9]3+ and [Eu(CH3CN)9]2+: solvation and solvent exchange dynamics in anhydrous acetonitrile

Homoleptic acetonitrile complexes [Gd(CH(3)CN)(9)][Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)](3) and [Eu(CH(3)CN)(9)][Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)](2) have been studied in anhydrous acetonitrile by (14)N- and (1)H NMR relaxation as well as by X- and Q-band EPR. For each compound a combined analysis of all experimental data allowed to get microscopic information on the dynamics in solution. The second order rotational correlation times for [Gd(CH(3)CN)(9)](3+) and [Eu(CH(3)CN)(9)](2+) are 14.5 ± 1.8 ps and 11.8 ± 1.1 ps, respectively. Solvent exchange rate constants determined are (55 ± 15) × 10(6) s(-1) for the trivalent Gd(3+) and (1530 ± 200) × 10(6) s(-1) for the divalent Eu(2+). Surprisingly, for both solvate complexes CH(3)CN exchange is much slower for the less strongly N-binding acetonitrile than for the more strongly coordinated O-binding H(2)O. It is concluded that this exceptional behavior is due to the extremely fast water exchange, whereas the exchange behavior of CH(3)CN is more regular. Electron spin relaxation on the isoelectronic ions is much slower than on the O-binding water analogues. This allowed a precise determination of the hyperfine coupling constants for each of the two stable isotopes of Gd(3+) and Eu(2+) having a nuclear spin.     

A methionine-based turn-on chemical sensor for selectively monitoring Hg2+ ions in 100% aqueous solution

Dansyl-labeled methionine is synthesized by solid-phase synthesis, and found to be a highly sensitive and selective sensor for Hg(2+). The sensor sensitively detects Hg(2+) ions in aqueous solution by a turn-on response; however, the sensor detects Hg(2+) ions by a turn-off response in organic and mixed aqueous-organic solutions. We investigated the binding stoichiometry, binding constant, and binding mode of the sensor under various solvent conditions. In 100% aqueous solution, 2 : 1 complexation of the sensor with Hg(2+) ions is more favorable than 1 : 1 complexation, whereas the sensor preferentially forms a 1 : 1 complex in 100% CH(3)CN or in 50% CH(3)CN-aqueous solutions. Results reveal that the stoichiometry of the sensor-Hg(2+) complex plays an important role in the type of response to Hg(2+) ions, and that 2 : 1 complexation is required for a turn-on response to Hg(2+) ions in aqueous solution.     

Equilibrium studies on complexation in water and solvent extraction of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) with benzo-18-crown-6

The formation constants (K(ML)) in water of 1:1 complexes of benzo-18-crown-6 (B18C6) and 18-crown-6 (18C6) with Zn(2+) and Cd(2+), the sizes of which are much smaller than the ligand cavities, were determined at 25 degrees C by conductometry. Compared with Cd(2+), the crown ethers form more stable complexes with Zn(2+) although the size of Zn(2+) is less suited for the cavities. B18C6 forms a more stable complex with each metal ion than 18C6. Moreover, the extraction equilibria of these metal ions (M(2+)) with B18C6 (L) for the benzene/water system in the presence of picric acid (HA) were investigated at 25 degrees C. The association between L and HA in benzene was examined for evaluating the intrinsic extraction equilibria of M(2+) with B18C6. The extracted species were found to be MLA(2) and ML(2)A(2), and the overall extraction constants (K(ex,1) and K(ex,2), respectively) were obtained. The values of K(ex,1) for these metal ions are almost the same, but the K(ex,2) is larger for Zn(2+) than for Cd(2+). The extraction selectivity was interpreted quantitatively by the constituent equilibrium constants, i.e. K(ML), the ion-pair extraction constant of ML(2+) with A(-), and the adduct formation constant of MLA(2) with L in benzene.     

Anion-controlled circular dichroism spectral changes in Hg2+ complexes with a chiral bidentate ligand

Anion-controlled circular dichroism (CD) spectral changes in Hg(2+) complexes with a chiral bidentate ligand are reported. Although the Hg(CF(3)SO(3))(2) and Hg(CF(3)CO(2))(2) complexes with (R)-(-)-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)ethanamine, (R)-(-)-1, show significant CD spectral changes, no CD spectral changes were observed in the HgCl(2), HgBr(2), Hg(CN)(2), or Hg(CH(3)CO(2))(2) complexes. X-ray analysis indicates that both the (R)-(-)-1-Hg(CF(3)SO(3))(2) and (R)-(-)-1-HgCl(2) complexes form a coordination polymer and a discrete 2:3 [=(R)-(-)-1/HgCl(2)] complex with a figure-eight structure. X-ray crystallography revealed that (i) the Hg-Hg distances bridged by anions vary depending on the anions used and (ii) a coordination polymer cannot be formed when the Hg-Hg distances are too short. Therefore, the formation of a coordination polymer is required to give the observed significant CD spectral changes.     

Characterizing hydrogen bonding and proton transfer in 2:1 FH:NH3 and FH:collidine complexes through one- and two-bond spin-spin coupling constants across hydrogen bonds

Ab initio equation-of-motion coupled cluster singles and doubles calculations have been carried out on a variety of 2:1 FH:NH(3) complexes (F(b)H(b):F(a)H(a):NH(3)) to investigate the effects of structural changes on one- and two-bond spin-spin coupling constants across F(a)-H(a)-N and F(b)-H(b)-F(a) hydrogen bonds and to provide insight into experimentally measured coupling constants for 2:1 FH:collidine (2:1 FH:2,4,6-trimethylpyridine) complexes. Coupling constants have been computed for 2:1 FH:NH(3) equilibrium structures and proton-transferred perpendicular and open structures at 2:1 FH:NH(3), FH:pyridine, and FH:collidine geometries. (2h)J(Fa)(-)(N), (1)J(Fa)(-)(Ha), and (1h)J(Ha)(-)(N) exhibit expected dependencies on distances, angles, and the nature of the nitrogen base. In contrast, one- and two-bond coupling constants associated with the F(b)-H(b)-F(a) hydrogen bond, particularly (2h)J(F)()b(-)(F)()a, vary significantly depending on the F-F distance, the orientation of the hydrogen-bonded pair, and the nature of the complex (HF dimer versus the anion FHF(-)). The structure of the 2:1 FH:collidine complex proposed on the basis of experimentally measured coupling constants is supported by the computed coupling constants. This study of the structures of open proton-transferred 2:1 FH:NH(3), FH:pyridine, and FH:collidine complexes and the coupling constants computed for 2:1 FH:NH(3) complexes at these geometries provides insight into the role of the solvent in enhancing proton transfer across both N-H(a)-F(a) and F(b)-H(b)-F(a) hydrogen bonds.     

Theoretical Modeling of Water Exchange on [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+), [Pt(H(2)O)(4)](2+), and trans-[PtCl(2)(H(2)O)(2)

Density functional theory is applied to modeling the exchange in aqueous solution of H(2)O on [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+), [Pt(H(2)O)(4)](2+), and trans-[PtCl(2)(H(2)O)(2)]. Optimized structures for the starting molecules are reported together with trigonal bipyramidal (tbp) systems relevant to an associative mechanism. While a rigorous tbp geometry cannot by symmetry be the actual transition state, it appears that the energy differences between model tbp structures and the actual transition states are small. Ground state geometries calculated via the local density approximation (LDA) for [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+) and relativistically corrected LDA for the Pt complexes are in good agreement with available experimental data. Nonlocal gradient corrections to the LDA lead to relatively inferior structures. The computed structures for analogous Pd and Pt species are very similar. The equatorial M-OH(2) bonds of all the LDA-optimized tbp structures are predicted to expand by 0.25-0.30 ?, while the axial bonds change little relative to the planar precursors. This bond stretching in the transition state counteracts the decrease in partial molar volume caused by coordination of the entering water molecule and can explain qualitatively the small and closely similar volumes of activation observed. The relatively higher activation enthalpies of the Pt species can be traced to the relativistic correction of the total energies while the absolute DeltaH() values for exchange on [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+) and [Pt(H(2)O)(4)](2+) are reproduced using relativistically corrected LDA energies and a simple Born model for hydration. The validity of the latter is confirmed via some simple atomistic molecular mechanics estimates of the relative hydration enthalpies of [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+) and [Pd(H(2)O)(5)](2+). The computed DeltaH() values are 57, 92, and 103 kJ/mol compared to experimental values of 50(2), 90(2), and 100(2) kJ/mol for [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+), [Pt(H(2)O)(4)](2+), and trans-[PtCl(2)(H(2)O)(2)], respectively. The calculated activation enthalpy for a hypothetical dissociative water exchange at [Pd(H(2)O)(4)](2+) is 199 kJ/mol. A qualitative analysis of the modeling procedure, the relative hydration enthalpies, and the zero-point and finite temperature corrections yields an estimated uncertainty for the theoretical activation enthalpies of about 15 kJ/mol.