Global minima of (C60)nCa, (C60)nF and (C60)nI clusters

Likely candidates for the lowest potential energy minima of (C₆₀)_nCa²⁺, (C₆₀)_nF⁻ and (C₆₀)_nI⁻ clusters are located using basin-hopping global optimisation. In each case, the potential energy surface is constructed using the Girifalco form for the C₆₀ intermolecular interaction, an averaged Lennard–Jones C₆₀–ion interaction, and a polarisation potential, which depends on the first few non-vanishing C₆₀ multipole polarisabilities. We find that the ions generally occupy the interstitial sites of a (C₆₀)_n cluster, the coordination shell being tetrahedral for Ca²⁺ and F⁻. The I⁻ ion has an octahedral coordination shell in the global minimum for (C₆₀)₆I⁻, however for 12  n  8 the preferred coordination geometry is trigonal prismatic.     

Local analysis and comparative study of the hydrogen bonds in the linear (HCN)n and (HNC)n clusters

B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p), the density functional theory method of 98 package, is applied to study the hydrogen bonding of a series of linear (HCN)_n and (HNC)_n molecular clusters (for n=1–10). By the localization analysis methods we developed, pair-wised σ type H-bond orders and bond energies are calculated for each pair of the two near-by molecules in both (HCN)_n and (HNC)_n clusters. The calculated results are checked well with the shortening of N–H or C–H distance, the elongation of CH or NH bond distance, and the red shift of stretching frequencies of CH or NH. All pieces of evidence show that the central pair of the two molecules forms the strongest H bond when n of (HCN)_n or (HNC)_n is even, and the two middle pairs form the two strongest H bonds when n is odd. Two terminal pairs of HCN or HNC molecules always form the two weakest H-bonds in each molecular cluster. When comparing molecular cluster energies between (HCN)_n and (HNC)_n for various values of n, the well-known (HCN)_n is found more stable than the related (HNC)_n from energy calculation. However, if outcomes of H-bond local analysis are contrasted, our analysis significantly shows that inter-molecular H-bonds inside of (HNC)_n clusters are much stronger than the corresponding H-bonds in (HCN)_n with the same n. In comparing energy differences between these related clusters per monomer, [E_(HNC)n−E_(HCN)n]/n is found decreasing monotonically as n increases. All pieces of evidence from this theoretical prediction indicate that (HNC)_n with large n is probably constructed by its relative strong H-bonds.     

Sandwich-type transition metal complexes [(CBO)n]2M with carbon boronyl ligands (CBO)n (n=4–6)

A density functional theory investigation on a series of sandwich-type transition metal complexes [(CBO)_n]₂M (n=4–6; M=transition metals) with carbon boronyls (CBO)_n as effective aromatic ligands has been presented in this work at B3LYP level. The ground-states of these complexes possess staggered D_nd symmetries, while the corresponding eclipsed D_nh structures exist as transition states with slightly higher energies (within 5.8 kJ/mol). Carbon boronyl complexes [(CBO)_n]₂M are confirmed to be much more stable than their boron carbonyl isomers [(BCO)_n]₂M, which, on the other hand, take eclipsed ground-states with D_nh symmetries. The carbon boronyl complexes [(BCO)_n]₂M proposed in this work parallelize the well-known sandwich-type hydrocarbon complexes [C_nH_n]₂M in coordination chemistry with boronyl groups –BO isolobal to –H atoms in corresponding ligands.     

A density functional study on hydrated clusters of orthoboric acid, B(OH)3(H2O)n (n=1–5)

We have calculated the optimized structures and stabilization energies for hydrated clusters of orthoboric acid molecule, B(OH)₃(H₂O)_n (n=1–5), with a hybrid density functional approach. Although some ion-pair structures are revealed in the case of n=4 and 5 clusters, the most stable structure is found to be a non-proton-transferred form up to n=5 hydrated clusters. The calculated IR spectra of the stable B(OH)₃(H₂O)_n of n=3–5 clusters predict small red shifts of hydrogen-bonded OH frequencies. These geometry and IR results are related to the weak acidity nature of orthoboric acid.     

Density functional and multiphoton ionization studies of N,N-dimethylformamide–(methanol)n clusters

The multiphoton ionization of the hydrogen-bonded clusters N,N-dimethylformamide–(methanol)_n (DMF–(CH₃OH)_n) was studied using a time-of-flight mass spectrometer at the wavelengths of 355 and 532 nm. At both wavelengths, a series of protonated DMF–(CH₃OH)_nH⁺ ions was obtained. The clusters were also investigated by density functional theory B3LYP method in conjunction with basis sets 6-31+G(d,p) and 6-311+G(2d,p). Equilibrium geometries of both neutral and ionic DMF–CH₃OH clusters, and dissociation channels and dissociation energies of the ionic clusters are presented. The results show that when DMF–CH₃OH is vertically ionized and dissociated, DMFH⁺ and CH₃O are the dominant products via proton transfer reaction. A high energy barrier makes another channel corresponding to the production of DMFH⁺ and CH₂OH disfavored. In the DMF–(CH₃OH)H⁺ ion, the proton prefers to link with the O atom of DMF molecule. Variation of atomic charges during proton transfer in hydrogen bond of the protonated cluster DMF–(CH₃OH)H⁺ ion is also discussed.     

Ammonia deposition in fullerene: (NH3)n@C60

Deposition of ammonia molecules in fullerene has been investigated theoretically by performing semi-empirical molecular orbital calculation at PM3 level within RHF formalism. C₆₀ cluster has been doped endohedrally by ammonia molecules. Structural and electronic properties of the systems considered have been studied. It has been found that C₆₀ cluster can store at most six ammonia molecules. The ammoniacal endofullerenes, (NH₃)_n@C₆₀, have been found stable but endothermic.     

Binding energies and electronic structures of Cu(OH2)n and Cu(NH3)n (n=1–4): anomaly of the two ligand Cu complexes

Ab initio calculations up to MP4(SDTQ) level and density functional theory have been used to estimate binding energies and electronic structures of Cu⁺(L)_n (L=OH₂, NH₃, n=1–4) complexes using TZP basis set types. The computed binding energies agree well with experimental values. General trends in structures and energetics are recorded for both Cu⁺(OH₂)_n and Cu⁺(NH₃)_n systems. The first two ligands are more strongly bound to Cu⁺ than the third and fourth molecules. The 4s–3dσ hybridization and electrostatic interactions are the main factors behind the higher binding energies for the first two ligands. Analysis of HOMO mixed orbitals in the copper ion as well as in complexes indicates shrinking of the orbital lobes directed to the ligand with shrinking more effective in the two ligand system. The lower binding energies for the third and fourth ligands were attributed to the attenuation of sdσ hybridization and decreasing of Cu–L attraction at long separation which is necessary to relieve Cu–L and L–L exchange repulsions. NBO analysis and charge-model calculations support the presence of sdσ hybridization and electron transfer to the copper ion in case of the first two ligands.     

The thermal decomposition reactions of [Co(en)n(phen)m]Cl3 complexes

The thermal behaviour of [Co(en)_n(phen)_m]Cl₃ complexes has been studied using thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermogravimetry (DTG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) in air, nitrogen and oxygen atmospheres. The effect of the stoichiometry of the complexes and that of the gas atmosphere in the furnace chamber on the thermal decomposition reaction is evidenced and discussed. The following thermal stability order has been found [Co(en)₃]Cl₃ [Co(en)₂(phen)]Cl₃ > [Co(en)(phen)₂]Cl₃ [Co(phen)₃]Cl₃     

Polarized absorption spectra and polarized Raman spectra of single crystals of trans(Cl2)-[CoCl2(NH3)n(H2O)4−n]Cl complexes (n = 2, 3, 4)

The title cobalt(III) complexes have been investigated by polarized absorption and Raman spectroscopies of the single crystals. The symmetry properties of the d-electron orbitals and of the vibrational modes attributable to the Raman bands of trans(Cl₂)-[CoCl₂(NH₃)_n(H₂O)_4−n]Cl complexes (n = 2, 3, or 4) were examined to elucidated the peculiar observation that ligand substitution causes no splitting of the 15 200-cm⁻¹ absorption band and the 250-cm⁻¹ Raman band. Effects of replacing the NH₃ ligand with H₂O on the electronic structure, atom–atom force constants and vibrational modes of these complex ions are briefly described.     

Molecular motion and phase transition in perovskite-type (CH3)nNH4−nSnCl3 (n=1–4) studied by proton NMR spin–lattice relaxation

Powder X-ray diffraction, ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectra, and ¹H NMR spin–lattice relaxation times, T₁, were measured for (CH₃)_nNH_4−nSnCl₃ (n=1–4). From the Rietveld analysis, it is shown that all four compounds crystallize into deformed perovskite-type structures at room temperature. The temperature dependence of ¹H T₁ was analyzed in terms of the CH₃ reorientation and other motions of the whole cation. Except for the phase transition in CH₃NH₃SnCl₃, which is from monoclinic to rhombohedral at 331 K, ¹H T₁ was continuously changed at other phase transitions in this compound as well as in the n=2–4 compounds, suggesting that the transitions are not caused by the change of the motional state of the cation but by an instability of the [SnCl₃]_nⁿ⁻ perovskite lattice.     

Assembly of molecular squares and helical chain polymers of Mo(W)/Cu/S clusters using thiolato ligands as linkers

Reactions between thiomolybdate or thiotungstate [Et₄N]₂[MS₄] (M = Mo, W) and CuSBu^t led to the formation of two novel Mo(W)/Cu/S clusters [Et₄N]₄[{MS₄Cu₂(μ-SBu^t)}₄] (1, M = Mo; 2, M = W). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that 2 is the first example of a molecular square containing CuS₂WS₂Cu building blocks. The reactions of [Et₄N]₂[MS₄] with CuCl followed by the addition of K₂SSS (SSS = 1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-dithiolate) yielded novel polymers {[Et₄N]₂[MS₄Cu₂(SSS)]}_n (3, M = Mo; 4, M = W). Crystal structure determination shows that the CuS₂WS₂Cu building blocks in the anion of 4 are bridged by SSS²⁻ ligands to produce a helical chain running down the crystallographic b axis.     

Reactions of cyclo-(t-Bu4Sb4) with alkali metals; syntheses and crystal structures of [M(L)n(t-Bu4Sb3)] (M=Na, K; n=1, 2) and [K(L)(t-Bu3Sb2)] (L=(Me2NCH2CH2)2NMe)

Reduction of cyclo-(t-Bu₄Sb₄) (1) with sodium or potassium in boiling tetrahydrofuran leads to the anions [t-Bu₄Sb₃]⁻ and [t-Bu₃Sb₂]⁻. Crystallization with pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (L) gives [M(L)_n(t-Bu₄Sb₃)] (n=1, M=Na (2), K (3); n=2, M=K (4)) and [K(L)(t-Bu₃Sb₂)] (5). Crystal structure analyses reveal coordination of the anionic antimony ligands on the alkali metal ions for 2, 3, and 5. In contrast, no Sb---K interactions were observed in the structure of 4.     

Relation between sers intensity and electronic structures for a series of compounds C6H5(CH2)n COOH (n = 0, 1, 2)

In this paper, the SERS spectra of a series of compounds C₆H₅(CH₂)_nCOOH (n = 0, 1, 2) adsorbed on colloidal silver are recorded and compared with each other. The relation between the SERS intensities and the electronic structures of the compounds are discussed. The results support the molecular enhancement mechanism on SERS, especially the charge transfer idea.     

Synthesis and structural behavior of the P-functional organotin chlorides [Ph2P(CH2)3]2SnCl2, Ph2P(CH2)3SnCl2Me, and Ph2P(CH2)nSnCl3 (n=2, 3)

The P-functional organotin dichloride [Ph₂P(CH₂)₃]₂SnCl₂ (3) is synthesized by reaction of Ph₂P(CH₂)₃MgCl with SnCl₄ independently of the molar ratio of the starting compounds. The corresponding organotin trichlorides Ph₂P(CH₂)_nSnCl₂R (4: n=2, R=Cl; 5: n=3, R=Cl; 6: n=3, R=Me) are formed in a cleavage reaction of Ph₂P(CH₂)_nSnCy₃ (n=2, 3) with SnCl₄ or MeSnCl₃, respectively. The main features of the crystal structures of 3–6 are both intra- and intermolecular PSn coordinations and the existence of intermolecular Sn---ClSn bridges. For further characterization of the title compounds, the adducts 4(Ph₃PO)₂ (7) and 5(Ph₃PO) (8), as well as the P-oxides and P-sulfides of 3–6 (9–15), are synthesized. The results of crystal structure analyses of 7, 11, 12, and 14 are reported. The structures of 9–15 are characterized by intramolecular P=XSn interactions (X=O, S). A first insight into the structural behavior of the compounds 3–15 in solution is discussed on the basis of multinuclear NMR data.     

Syntheses and structural characterization of transition metal(II) coordination polymers containing 4,4′-dipyridyldisulfide

The reactions of Zn(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O and FeSO₄ · 7H₂O with 4-PDS (4-PDS = 4,4′-dipyridyldisulfide) and NH₄SCN in CH₃OH afforded the complexes [Zn(NCS)₂(4-PDS)]_n (1) and [Fe(NCS)₂(4-PDS)₂ · 4H₂O]_n (2), respectively, while the reaction of CoCl₂ · 6H₂O with 4-PDS in CH₃OH gave the complex {[Co(4-PDS)₂][Cl]₂ · 2CH₃OH}_n, (3). These complexes have been characterized by spectroscopic methods and their structures determined by X-ray crystallography. The 4-PDS ligands in 1 are coordinated to the metal centers through the nitrogen atoms to form 1-D zigzag-chains, and the distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry at each zinc center is completed by a pair of N-bonded thiocyanate ligands. Compound 2 has a 1-D channel-chain structure and each octahedral Fe(II) metal center is coordinated by four 4-PDS ligands and two trans N-bonded thiocyanate ligands. Weak SS interactions in complex 1 link the 1-D chains into 2-D molecular sheets. In complex 2, the channel chains are interlinked through SS interactions to form molecular sheets, which interpenetrate through the SS interactions to form 3-D structures with large cavities that are occupied by the water molecules. Compound 3 also has a 1-D channel-chain structure with each square-planar Co(II) metal center coordinated by four 4-PDS ligands. Multiple C–HCl hydrogen bonds and SO interactions in 3 link the 1-D chains into 2-D structures.     

Imido complexes of molybdenum and tungsten(VI); X-ray crystal structure of cis-(η-CF3SO3)2 W(NBu)2(NH2Bu)2

The synthesis of the homoleptic molybdenum imido compound Li₂Mo(NBu^t)₄ is reported. The complexes M (NBu^t)₂(NHBu^t)₂ (M = Mo, W) can be protonated with various strong acids giving neutral species. The X-ray crystal structure of the tungsten complex W (NBu^t)₂(NH₂Bu^t)₂ (SO₃CF₃)₂ confirms the presence of O-coordinated cis- CF₃SO₃ groups.     

First principles study of the structure, electronic state and stability of SinCm anions

Structure, electronic state and energy of Si_nC⁻ and Si_nC⁻₂ (n=1–7) anions have been investigated using the density functional theory. Structural optimization and frequency analysis are performed at the level B3LYP/6-311G(d). The charged-induced structural changes in these anions have been discussed. The strong C–C bond is also favored over C–Si bonds in the Si_nC⁻_m anions in comparison with corresponding neutral cluster. Among different Si_nC⁻ and Si_nC⁻₂ (n=1–7) anions, Si₃C⁻, Si₅C⁻ and Si₂C⁻₂ are most stable. Their stability has a decreasing tendency with the increase in the size of these clusters.     

[M(CO)4PPh3] radicals (M = Cr, Mo, W): DFT and single crystal EPR investigations

[M(CO)₄PPh₃]⁻ (M = Mo, W) were trapped at 77 K in X-irradiated single crystals of M(CO)₅PPh₃ and studied by EPR. Structures of [M(CO)₄PPh₃]⁻ (M = Cr, Mo, W) were optimized by DFT; predicted g and ³¹P-hyperfine tensors agree with experiments for M = Mo, W. The anions adopt a slightly distorted pyramidal structure with PPh₃ in basal position and the spin mostly delocalized in a metal-d_z² orbital and carbon-p_z orbitals of carbonyls. The EPR tensors are slightly modified by annealing, they suggest that new constraints in the matrix distort the structure of [M(CO)₄PPh₃]⁻ (M = Cr, Mo, W).     

Synthesis of iron nanoparticles: Size effects, shape control and organisation

Hydrogenation of bis(ditrimethylsilyl)amido iron complex, [Fe{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂], provides iron nanoparticles (NPs) which have been stabilised either by an organic polymer matrix or mixtures of long chain acid and amine ligands leading respectively to spherical nanoparticles of 1.8 nm size or nanocubes with edges of 7.2 or 8.4 nm. The 1.8 nm size NPs are magnetically independent. Their magnetisation is shown to be identical to that of clusters of the same size prepared and measured in UHV conditions, i.e. strongly increased as compared to bulk value. These NPs have been structurally characterised and display an original structure different from the classical bcc and fcc structures encountered in bulk iron. On the reverse iron nanocubes display a bcc structure and magnetic properties similar to those of bulk iron within experimental errors, in agreement with their larger size. These cubes crystallise into 3D superstructures.