Microsolvation of the sodium and iodide ions and their ion pair in acetonitrile clusters: a theoretical study

The structural and thermodynamic properties of Na+(CH3CN)n, I-(CH3CN)n, and NaI(CH3CN)n clusters have been investigated by means of room-temperature Monte Carlo simulations with model potentials developed to reproduce the properties of small clusters predicted by quantum chemistry. Ions are found to adopt an interior solvation shell structure, with a first solvation shell containing approximately 6 and approximately 8 acetonitrile molecules for large Na+(CH3CN)n and I-(CH3CN)n clusters, respectively. Structural features of Na+(CH3CN)n are found to be similar to those of Na+(H2O)n clusters, but those of I-(CH3CN)n contrast with those of I-(H2O)n, for which "surface" solvation structures were observed. The potential of mean force calculations demonstrates that the NaI ion pair is thermodynamically stable with respect to ground-state ionic dissociation in acetonitrile clusters. The properties of NaI(CH3CN)n clusters exhibit some similarities with NaI(H2O)n clusters, with the existence of contact ion pair and solvent-separated ion pair structures, but, in contrast to water clusters, both types of ion pairs adopt a well-defined interior ionic solvation shell structure in acetonitrile clusters. Whereas contact ion pair species are thermodynamically favored in small clusters, solvent-separated ion pairs tend to become thermodynamically more stable above a cluster size of approximately 26. Hence, ground-state charge separation appears to occur at larger cluster sizes for acetonitrile clusters than for water clusters. We propose that the lack of a large Na+(CH3CN)n product signal in NaI(CH3CN)n multiphoton ionization experiments could arise from extensive stabilization of the ground ionic state by the solvent and possible inhibition of the photoexcitation mechanism, which may be less pronounced for NaI(H2O)n clusters because of surface solvation structures. Alternatively, increased solvent evaporation resulting from larger excess energies upon photoexcitation or major solvent reorganization on the ionized state could account for the observed solvent-selectivity in NaI cluster multiphoton ionization.     

Microsolvation of Co2+ and Ni2+ by acetonitrile and water: photodissociation dynamics of M(2+)(CH3CN)n(H2O)m

The microsolvation of cobalt and nickel dications by acetonitrile and water is studied by measuring photofragment spectra at 355, 532 and 560-660 nm. Ions are produced by electrospray, thermalized in an ion trap and mass selected by time of flight. The photodissociation yield, products and their branching ratios depend on the metal, cluster size and composition. Proton transfer is only observed in water-containing clusters and is enhanced with increasing water content. Also, nickel-containing clusters are more likely to undergo charge reduction than those with cobalt. The homogeneous clusters with acetonitrile M(2+)(CH(3)CN)(n) (n = 3 and 4) dissociate by simple solvent loss; n = 2 clusters dissociate by electron transfer. Mixed acetonitrile/water clusters display more interesting dissociation dynamics. Again, larger clusters (n = 3 and 4) show simple solvent loss. Water loss is substantially favored over acetonitrile loss, which is understandable because acetonitrile is a stronger ligand due to its higher dipole moment and polarizability. Proton transfer, forming H(+)(CH(3)CN), is observed as a minor channel for M(2+)(CH(3)CN)(2)(H(2)O)(2) and M(2+)(CH(3)CN)(2)(H(2)O) but is not seen in M(2+)(CH(3)CN)(3)(H(2)O). Studies of deuterated clusters confirm that water acts as the proton donor. We previously observed proton loss as the major channel for photolysis of M(2+)(H(2)O)(4). Measurements of the photodissociation yield reveal that four-coordinate Co(2+) clusters dissociate more readily than Ni(2+) clusters whereas for the three-coordinate clusters, dissociation is more efficient for Ni(2+) clusters. For the two-coordinate clusters, dissociation is via electron transfer and the yield is low for both metals. Calculations of reaction energetics, dissociation barriers, and the positions of excited electronic states complement the experimental work. Proton transfer in photolysis of Co(2+)(CH(3)CN)(2)(H(2)O) is calculated to occur via a (CH(3)CN)Co(2+)-OH(-)-H(+)(NCCH(3)) salt-bridge transition state, reducing kinetic energy release in the dissociation.     

Interaction of methanol with amorphous solid water

The interaction of methanol (MeOH) with amorphous solid water (ASW) composed of D2O molecules, prepared at 125 K on a polycrystalline Ag substrate, was studied with metastable-impact-electron spectroscopy, reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy, and temperature-programmed desorption mass spectroscopy. In connection with the experiments, classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been performed on a single CH3OH molecule adsorbed at the ice surface (T=190 K), providing further insights into the binding and adsorption properties of the molecule at the ice surface. Consistently with the experimental deductions and previous studies, MeOH is found to adsorb with the hydroxyl group pointing toward dangling bonds of the ice surface, the CH3 group being oriented upwards, slightly tilted with respect to the surface normal. It forms the toplayer up to the onset of the simultaneous desorption of D2O and MeOH. At low coverage the adsorption is dominated by the formation of two strong hydrogen bonds as evidenced by the MD results. During the buildup of the first methanol layer on top of an ASW film the MeOH-MeOH interaction via hydrogen-bond formation becomes of importance as well. The interaction of D2O with solid methanol films and the codeposition of MeOH and D2O were also investigated experimentally; these experiments showed that D2O molecules supplied to a solid methanol film become embedded into the film.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of［Lu（NO_3）_3（H_2O）_2（CH_3CN）］（Benzo－15－C－5）·CH_3CN

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What ion is generated when ionizing acetonitrile?

It has long been assumed that ionizing neutral acetonitrile produces ions with the same atomic connectivity, CH(3)CN(+*). Recent calculations on the C(2)H(3)N(+*) potential energy surface have suggested that it may be difficult to generate pure CH(3)CN(+*) when ionizing acetonitrile. We have probed the interconversion of CH(3)CN(+*) and its lower energy isomer CH(2)CNH(+*) by calculation, collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry and ion-molecule reaction. The latter ion, ionized ketenimine, is co-generated upon electron or chemical ionization of neutral acetonitrile in the ion source of a mass spectrometer. An estimate of the ratio of the two isomers can be obtained from their respective ion-molecule reactions with CO(2) or COS. CH(3)CN(+*) reacts by proton-transfer with CO(2) and charge transfer with COS, whereas CH(2)CNH(+*) is unreactive.     

Adduct formation between alkali metal ions and anionic LV(V)O(2)(-) (L(2-) = tridentate ONS ligands) species: syntheses, structural investigation, and photochemical studies

Syntheses of alkali metal adducts [LVO(2)M(H(2)O)(n)] (1-7) (M = Na(+), K(+), Rb(+), and Cs(+); L = L(1)(-)L(3)) of anionic cis-dioxovanadium(V) species (LVO(2)(-)) of tridentate dithiocarbazate-based Schiff base ligands H(2)L (S-methyl-3-((5-(R-2-hydroxyphenyl))methyl)dithiocarbazate, R = H, L = L(1); R = NO(2), L = L(2); R = Br, L = L(3)) have been reported. The LVO(2)(-) moieties here behave like an analogue of carboxylate group and have displayed interesting variations in their binding pattern with the change in size of the alkali metal ions as revealed in the solid state from the X-ray crystallographic analysis of 1, 3, 6, and 7. The compounds have extended chain structures, forming ion channels, and are stabilized by strong Coulombic and hydrogen-bonded interactions. The number of coordinated water molecules in [LVO(2)M(H(2)O)(n)] decreases as the charge density on the alkali metal ion decreases (n = 3.5 for Na(+) and 1 for K(+) and Rb(+), while, for Cs(+), no coordinated water molecule is present). In solution, compounds 1-7 are stable in water and methanol, while in aprotic solvents of higher donor strengths, viz. CH(3)CN, DMF and DMSO, they undergo photoinduced reduction when exposed to visible light, yielding green solutions from their initial yellow color. The putative product is a mixed-oxidation (mu-oxo)divanadium(IV/V) species as revealed from EPR, electronic spectroscopy, dynamic (1)H NMR, and redox studies.     

A new pentanuclear cyano-bridged complex [(Fe(II)(tetraazamacrocycle))3{mu-NC-FeIII(CN)5)2]: synthesis, spectroscopic and magnetic characterization

Hexacyanoferrate(III) reacts with [FeII(meso)(CH3CN)2](ClO4)2.2CH3CN (meso=5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) in acetonitrile/water mixture producing the title complex, where three [Fe(meso)]2+ units are connected by two [Fe(CN)6](3-) anions. Molecular modeling (MM+) shows a fairly linear molecule and M?ssbauer data are consistent with two terminal pentacoordinated low spin iron(II)-meso units linked to one hexacoordinated low spin iron(II)-meso through two hexacoordinated low spin iron(III) units. Spectroscopic characterization showed a typical mixed-valence charge transfer band and the degree of electron coupling was calculated to be H(AB)=678 cm(-1). Magnetic properties exhibited an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between the iron(III) ions with a coupling constant J= -44 cm(-1).     

Linear trichromium complexes with the anion of 2,6-di(phenylimino)piperidine

The anion of 2,6-di(phenylimino)piperidine (DPhIP) has been found to support linear chains of three metal atoms. Three new compounds, [Cr3(DPhIP)4Cl]Cl.(1).5CH2Cl2.0.5H2O (1.1.5CH2Cl2.0.5H2O), [Cr3(DPhIP)4(CH3CN)]- (PF6)2.H2O.4CH3CN (2.H2O.4CH3CN), and [Cr3(DPhIP)4(F)(CH3CN)](BF4)2.5CH3CN (3.5CH3CN), have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Compound 1 has a linear chain of three chromium atoms arranged in an unsymmetrical fashion, with two of them forming a quadruply bonded unit (Cr-Cr distance 1.932(2) A) and the third being a non-metal-metal-bound 5-coordinate unit (Cr...Cr distance 2.659(2) A). The fifth coordination site is occupied by a chloride ion, and another chloride ion is located in the interstices of the crystal. The trimetal unit in compound 2 is structurally similar to that in compound 1 except that the axial ligand in 2 is a CH3CN molecule. Compound 3 is an oxidation product prepared by reaction of 1 with AgBF4. Here, a square pyramidal CrIII unit, FCrN4, and a Cr-Cr quadruply bonded (Cr-Cr distance 1.968(2) A) unit, with an axially coordinated acetonitrile molecule, form the trichromium chain. The CrIII...CrII separation of 2.594(2) A in 3 is too long to be considered a bonding interaction.     

Solvent dependent fluorescent properties of a 1,2,3-triazole linked 8-hydroxyquinoline chemosensor: tunable detection from zinc(II) to iron(III) in the CH3CN/H2O system

A triazole-containing 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) ether 2 was efficiently synthesized in two steps from the "click" strategy. Compound 2 gave a strong fluorescence (Φ = 0.21) in nonprotic solvent like CH(3)CN, and a weak fluorescence (Φ = 0.06) in protic solvent like water. In water, a more than 100 nm red shift of the fluorescence maximum was observed for compound 2 in comparison with that in CH(3)CN. This fluorescence difference may be attributed to the intermolecular photoinduced proton transfer (PPT) process involving the protic solvent water molecules. Similarly, this intermolecular PPT process was also observed in the high-water-content CH(3)CN aqueous solution (e.g., CH(3)CN/H(2)O = 5/95, v/v). The water content in the CH(3)CN/H(2)O binary solvent mixture greatly affected the fluorescence intensity (e.g., Φ = 0.06 and 0.25 when CH(3)CN/H(2)O = 5/95 and 95/5, v/v, respectively) and emission wavelength. Using this interesting property, by simple variation of the water content in the CH(3)CN aqueous solution, compound 2 was tuned from a selective "turn-on" fluorescent sensor for Zn(2+) (CH(3)CN/H(2)O = 5/95, v/v) to a ratiometric one for Zn(2+) and a selective "turn-off" one for Fe(3+) (CH(3)CN/H(2)O = 95/5, v/v) over a wide range of pH value. In high-water-content (CH(3)CN/H(2)O = 5/95, v/v) aqueous solution compound 2 shows a selective "turn-on" response toward Zn(2+), with a 10-fold enhancement in the fluorescence intensity at 428 nm and a 62 nm blue shift of the emission maximum (490 to 428 nm) due to the inhibition of intermolecular PPT process upon chelating with Zn(2+). However, in a less polar solvent (CH(3)CN/H(2)O = 95/5, v/v) in which compound 2 has high fluorescence (quantum yield =0.25), it shows a ratiometric response toward Zn(2+), with a continuous decrease of the fluorescence intensity at 399 nm and an increase at 423 nm. More interestingly, in this case, it also exhibits a very sensitive, selective, and ratiometric fluorescence quenching in the presence of Fe(3+), with an 81 nm red shift of the emission maximum (399 to 480 nm) in a wide range of pH through a metal ligand charge transfer (MLCT) effect.     

Insight into the photoinduced ligand exchange reaction pathway of cis-[Rh2(μ-O2CCH3)2(CH3CN)6]2+ with a DNA model chelate

We previously showed that [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) binds to dsDNA only upon irradiation with visible light and that photolysis results in a 34-fold enhancement of its cytotoxicity toward Hs-27 human skin fibroblasts, making it potentially useful for photodynamic therapy (PDT). With the goal of gaining further insight on the photoinduced binding of DNA to the complex, we investigated by NMR spectroscopy the mechanism by which 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), a model for biologically relevant bidentate nitrogen donor ligands, binds to [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) upon irradiation in D(2)O. The photochemical results are compared to the reactivity in the dark in D(2)O and CD(3)CN. The photolysis of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) with equimolar bpy solutions in D(2)O with visible light affords [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(eq/eq-bpy)(CH(3)CN)(2)(D(2)O(ax))(2)](2+) (eq/eq) with the reaction reaching completion in ~8 h. Only vestiges of eq/eq are observed at the same time in the dark, however, and the reaction is ~20 times slower. Conversely, the dark reaction of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) with an equimolar amount of bpy in CD(3)CN affords [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(η(1)-bpy(ax))(CH(3)CN)(5)](2+) (η(1)-bpy(ax)), which remains present even after 5 days of reaction. The photolysis results in D(2)O are consistent with the exchange of one equiv CH(3)CNeq for solvent, and the resulting species quickly reacting with bpy to generate eq/eq; the initial eq ligand dissociation is assisted by absorption of a photon, thus greatly enhancing the reaction rate. The photolytic reaction of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+):bpy in a 1:2 ratio in D(2)O affords the eq/eq and (eq/eq)(2) adducts. The observed differences in the reactivity in D(2)O vs CD(3)CN are explained by the relative ease of substitution of eq D(2)O vs CD(3)CN by the incoming bpy molecule. These results clearly highlight the importance of dissociation of an eq CH(3)CN molecule from the dirhodium core to attain high reactivity and underscore the importance of light for the reactivity of these compounds, which is essential for PDT agents.     

水对二氧化碳插入TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)H生成甲酸根配合物的影响

分别研究了在干燥THF及H2O/THF条件下CO2与TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)H(Tp=Hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate)的反应, 发现水对CO2插入TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)H的反应具有显著促进作用. 原位高压NMR研究显示, 在水存在下, CO2插入Ru-H键形成水合甲酸根配合物TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)(η1-OCHO)H2O, 其中甲酸根配体与溶剂中水分子形成分子间氢键. B3LYP水平的理论计算表明, CO2插入TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)H 中Ru-H键的能垒由于水的存在而显著降低; 在过渡态, CO2分子中碳原子的亲电性由于其氧原子与水分子形成氢键而得到增强. TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)(η1-OCHO)*H2O很快转化为另一甲酸根配合物TpRu(PPh3)(H2O)(η1-OCHO), 并与之达成平衡. 后者由于甲酸根配体与水分子配体间形成分子内氢键而稳定.     

二氧化碳插入单氢钌配合物反应中的水效应研究

分别研究了在干燥THF及H2O/THF条件下CO2与TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)H [Tp=Hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate]的反应,发现水对CO2插入TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)H 的反应具有显著促进作用.原位高压^1H,^31P和^13C核磁共振研究显示,在水存在下 ,CO2插入Ru-H键形成水合甲酸盐配合物TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)(η^1-OCHO)·H2O键而 得到增强,进而显著降低CO2插入TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)H中Ru-H键的活化能。TpRu (PPh3)(CH3CN)(η^1-OCHO)·H2O很快部分转化为另一甲酸盐配合物TpRu(PPh3)（ H2O）(η^1-OCHO)，二者最后达成平衡，后者由于甲酸盐配体与水分子配体间形成 分子内氢键而稳定。     

First row divalent transition metal complexes of aryl-appended tris((pyridyl)methyl)amine ligands: syntheses, structures, electrochemistry, and hydroxamate binding properties

Divalent manganese, cobalt, nickel, and zinc complexes of 6-Ph(2)TPA (N,N-bis((6-phenyl-2-pyridyl)methyl)-N-((2-pyridyl)methyl)amine; [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Mn(CH(3)OH)(3)](ClO(4))(2) (1), [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Co(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (2), [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Ni(CH(3)CN)(CH(3)OH)](ClO(4))(2) (3), [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Zn(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (4)) and 6-(Me(2)Ph)(2)TPA (N,N-bis((6-(3,5-dimethyl)phenyl-2-pyridyl)methyl)-N-((2-pyridyl)methyl)amine; [(6-(Me(2)Ph)(2)TPA)Ni(CH(3)CN)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (5) and [(6-(Me(2)Ph)(2)TPA)Zn(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (6)) have been prepared and characterized. X-ray crystallographic characterization of 1A.CH(3)()OH and 1B.2CH(3)()OH (differing solvates of 1), 2.2CH(3)()CN, 3.CH(3)()OH, 4.2CH(3)()CN, and 6.2.5CH(3)()CN revealed mononuclear cations with one to three coordinated solvent molecules. In 1A.CH(3)()OH and 1B.2CH(3)()OH, one phenyl-substituted pyridyl arm is not coordinated and forms a secondary hydrogen-bonding interaction with a manganese bound methanol molecule. In 2.2CH(3)()CN, 3.CH(3)()OH, 4.2CH(3)()CN, and 6.2.5CH(3)()CN, all pyridyl donors of the 6-Ph(2)TPA and 6-(Me(2)Ph)(2)TPA ligands are coordinated to the divalent metal center. In the cobalt, nickel, and zinc derivatives, CH/pi interactions are found between a bound acetonitrile molecule and the aryl appendages of the 6-Ph(2)TPA and 6-(Me(2)Ph)(2)TPA ligands. (1)H NMR spectra of 4 and 6 in CD(3)NO(2) solution indicate the presence of CH/pi interactions, as an upfield-shifted methyl resonance for a bound acetonitrile molecule is present. Examination of the cyclic voltammetry of 1-3 and 5 revealed no oxidative (M(II)/M(III)) couples. Admixture of equimolar amounts of 6-Ph(2)TPA, M(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O, and Me(4)NOH.5H(2)O, followed by the addition of an equimolar amount of acetohydroxamic acid, yielded the acetohydroxamate complexes [((6-Ph(2)TPA)Mn)(2)(micro-ONHC(O)CH(3))(2)](ClO(4))(2) (8), [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Co(ONHC(O)CH(3))](ClO(4))(2) (9), [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Ni(ONHC(O)CH(3))](ClO(4))(2) (10), and [(6-Ph(2)TPA)Zn(ONHC(O)CH(3))](ClO(4))(2) (11), all of which were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The Mn(II) complex 8.0.75CH(3)()CN.0.75Et(2)()O exhibits a dinuclear structure with bridging hydroxamate ligands, whereas the Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) derivatives all exhibit mononuclear six-coordinate structures with a chelating hydroxamate ligand.     

The keto-enol tautomerization of ethyl butylryl acetate studied by LC-NMR

The keto-enol tautomerism of ethyl butylryl acetate was studied in mixed solvents under a variety of experimental conditions. The direct measurement of ketonization of the enol tautomer was performed by using the hyphenated technique LC-NMR. The keto and enol tautomers can be separated by using HPLC and their interconversion is a slow process on the NMR timescale. The ketonization reaction was found to be acid catalyzed and the solvent isotope effect, kH2O/kD2O, in an acetonitrile/water mixture, is 5.4. The ketonization rate constants were also measured at different compositions of binary solvents, such as CH3CN/D2O, CD3OD/D2O, and CH3CN/CD3OD. The rate constant and water percentage were found to have an exponential relationship. The reaction rate as a function of solvent polarity will be discussed in this paper.     

CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF Ce(ClO_4)_3 COMPLEX WITH 3,3-R,R''''-16-C-5(R=CH_3;R''''=CH_3O(CH_2)_2OCH~-_2)

<正> The title compound C18H37O20NCeCl3, Mr = 834. 25, orthorhom-bic, P212121, a = 11.836(4), b = 13.899(6), c= 19. 401(6) A ; V=3192(2)A3; Z = 4; Dc=1. 74gcm-3, F (000) = 1684,μ= 17. 8cm-1 (MoKa). The final R = 0. 080, Rw = 0. 081. The Ce(Ⅲ) ion is coordinated to one O atom of one C1O4- ion, a CH3CN molecule, a water molecule and seven O atoms from a crown ether molecule. The other two C1O4- ions are not coordinated to the metal. The bond lengths of Ce-N(CH3CN), Ce -O(ClO4-), Ce -O(H2O) and Ce-O(crown) are 2. 61,2. 82,2. 53, and 2. 56A, respectively.     

Unimolecular reactions of dihydrated alkaline earth metal dications M2+(H2O)2, M = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba: salt-bridge mechanism in the proton-transfer reaction M2+(H2O)2 --> MOH+ + H3O

The unimolecular reactivity of M(2+)(H(2)O)(2), M = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, is investigated by density functional theory. Dissociation of the complex occurs either by proton transfer to form singly charged metal hydroxide, MOH(+), and protonated water, H(3)O(+), or by loss of water to form M(2+)(H(2)O) and H(2)O. Charge transfer from water to the metal forming H(2)O(+) and M(+)(H(2)O) is not favorable for any of the metal complexes. The relative energetics of these processes are dominated by the metal dication size. Formation of MOH(+) proceeds first by one water ligand moving to the second solvation shell followed by proton transfer to this second-shell water molecule and subsequent Coulomb explosion. These hydroxide formation reactions are exothermic with activation energies that are comparable to the water binding energy for the larger metals. This results in a competition between proton transfer and loss of a water molecule. The arrangement with one water ligand in the second solvation shell is a local minimum on the potential energy surface for all metals except Be. The two transition states separating this intermediate from the reactant and the products are identified. The second transition state determines the height of the activation barrier and corresponds to a M(2+)-OH(-)-H(3)O(+) "salt-bridge" structure. The computed B3LYP energy of this structure can be quantitatively reproduced by a simple ionic model in which Lewis charges are localized on individual atoms. This salt-bridge arrangement lowers the activation energy of the proton-transfer reaction by providing a loophole on the potential energy surface for the escape of H(3)O(+). Similar salt-bridge mechanisms may be involved in a number of proton-transfer reactions in small solvated metal ion complexes, as well as in other ionic reactions.     

A multicoincidence study of fragmentation dynamics in collision of γ-aminobutyric acid with low-energy ions

Fragmentation of the γ-aminobutyric acid molecule (GABA, NH(2)(CH(2))(3)COOH) following collisions with slow O(6+) ions (v≈0.3?a.u.) was studied in the gas phase by a combined experimental and theoretical approach. In the experiments, a multicoincidence detection method was used to deduce the charge state of the GABA molecule before fragmentation. This is essential to unambiguously unravel the different fragmentation pathways. It was found that the molecular cations resulting from the collisions hardly survive the interaction and that the main dissociation channels correspond to formation of NH(2)CH(2)(+), HCNH(+), CH(2)CH(2)(+), and COOH(+) fragments. State-of-the-art quantum chemistry calculations allow different fragmentation mechanisms to be proposed from analysis of the relevant minima and transition states on the computed potential-energy surface. For example, the weak contribution at [M-18](+), where M is the mass of the parent ion, can be interpreted as resulting from H(2)O loss that follows molecular folding of the long carbon chain of the amino acid.     

Apparent or real water exchange reactions on [Zn(H2O)4(L)](2+)·2H2O (L = sp-nitrogen donor ligands)? A quantum chemical investigation

The exchange of a second coordination sphere water molecule in [Zn(H(2)O)(4)(L)](2+)·2H(2)O (L = HN(3), HCN, FCN, ClCN, BrCN, CH(3)CN, (C(4)H(3))CN, PhCN, (CH(3))(3)CCN, CF(3)CN, CCl(3)CN, CHCl(2)CN, and CH(2)ClCN) against a coordinated water molecule was studied by quantum chemical calculations (RB3LYP/6-311+G**). The complete reaction consists of an associative binding of one H(2)O from the second coordination sphere leading to a six-coordinate intermediate [Zn(H(2)O)(5)(L)](2+)·H(2)O, followed by the dissociation of a water molecule to reach the product state [Zn(H(2)O)(4)(L)](2+)·2H(2)O. For a real water exchange reaction to occur two different transition states have to be included, otherwise only an apparent water exchange reaction takes place. For the water exchange reaction in [Zn(H(2)O)(4)(L)](2+)·2H(2)O, nearly iso-energetic cis- and trans-orientated transition states are crossed. The gas-phase proton affinity of L shows instructive correlations with structural parameters and energy gaps for the investigated reactions.     

Monovalent ion adsorption at the muscovite (001)-solution interface: relationships among ion coverage and speciation, interfacial water structure, and substrate relaxation

The interfacial structure between the muscovite (001) surface and aqueous solutions containing monovalent cations (3 × 10(-3) m Li(+), Na(+), H(3)O(+), K(+), Rb(+), or Cs(+), or 3 × 10(-2) m Li(+) or Na(+)) was measured using in situ specular X-ray reflectivity. The element-specific distribution of Rb(+) was also obtained with resonant anomalous X-ray reflectivity. The results demonstrate complex interdependencies among adsorbed cation coverage and speciation, interfacial hydration structure, and muscovite surface relaxation. Electron-density profiles of the solution near the surface varied systematically and distinctly with each adsorbed cation. Observations include a broad profile for H(3)O(+), a more structured profile for Li(+) and Na(+), and increasing electron density near the surface because of the inner-sphere adsorption of K(+), Rb(+), and Cs(+) at 1.91 ± 0.12, 1.97 ± 0.01, and 2.26 ± 0.01 ?, respectively. Estimated inner-sphere coverages increased from ~0.6 to 0.78 ± 0.01 to ~0.9 per unit cell area with decreasing cation hydration strength for K(+), Rb(+), and Cs(+), respectively. Between 7 and 12% of the Rb(+) coverage occurred as an outer-sphere species. Systematic trends in the vertical displacement of the muscovite lattice were observed within ~40 ? of the surface. These include a <0.1 ? shift of the interlayer K(+) toward the interface that decays into the crystal and an expansion of the tetrahedral-octahedral-tetrahedral layers except for the top layer in contact with solution. The distortion of the top tetrahedral sheet depends on the adsorbed cation, ranging from an expansion (by ~0.05 ? vertically) in 3 × 10(-3)m H(3)O(+) to a contraction (by ~0.1 ?) in 3 × 10(-3) m Cs(+). The tetrahedral tilting angle in the top sheet increases by 1 to 4° in 3 × 10(-3) m Li(+) or Na(+), which is similar to that in deionized water where the adsorbed cation coverages are insufficient for full charge compensation.