Computation of the complexation energies of BH3NH3 and BH3PH3

Extended basis set computations on SCF and CEPA level were performed for BH₃NH₃ and BH₃PH₃ to determine the complexation energy ΔE and the equilibrium distance r(BX) between the “heavy” atoms. Our CEPA results (SCF in parentheses): ΔE(BH₃NH) = ?27(?21.3) kcal/mol, ΔE(BH₃PH₃) = ?17(?11.8) kcal/mol, r(BN) = 1.65(1.68) Å, r(BP) = 1.95(1.99) Å indicate a marked influence of electron correlation on these properties.     

The Radical Anions and Trianions of 1,8-Diphenylnaphthalene and of Some of its Derivatives Containing a Cyclophane Substructure

The radical anions of 1,8-diphenylnaphthalene ( 1 ) and its decadeuterio-(D₁₀- 1 ) and dimethyl-( 2 ) derivatives, as well as those of [2.0.0] (1,4)benzeno(1,8)naphthaleno(1,4)benzenophane ( 3 ) and its olefinic analogue ( 4 ) have been studied by ESR and ENDOR spectroscopy, At a variance with a previous report, the spin population in \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \rm {1}^{-\kern-4pt {.}} $\end{document} and \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \rm {2}^{-\kern-4pt {.}} $\end{document} is to a great extent localized in the naphthalene moiety. A similar spin distribution is found for \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \rm {3}^{-\kern-4pt {.}} $\end{document} and \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \rm {4}^{-\kern-4pt {.}} $\end{document}. The ground conformations of \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \rm {1}^{-\kern-4pt {.}} $\end{document}-\documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \rm {4}^{-\kern-4pt {.}} $\end{document} are chiral of C₂ symmetry. For \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \rm {1}^{-\kern-4pt {.}} $\end{document}, an energy barrier between these conformations and the angle of twist about the bonds linking the naphthalene moiety with the phenyl substituents were estimated as ca. 50 kJ/mol and ca. 45°, respectively. The radical trianions of 1 , D₁₀- 1 , and 2 , have also been characterized by their hyperfine data. In \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \rm {1}^{3-\kern-4pt {.}} $\end{document} and \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \rm {2}^{3-\kern-4pt {.}} $\end{document}, the bulk of the spin population resides in the two benzene rings so that these radical trianions can be regarded as the radical anions of ‘open-chain cyclophanes’ with a fused naphthalene π-system bearing almost two negative charges. The main features of the spin distribution in both \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \rm {1}^{-\kern-4pt {.}} $\end{document} and \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \rm {1}^{3-\kern-4pt {.}} $\end{document} are correctly predicted by an HMO model of 1 .     

Density functional theory calculations and exploration of a possible mechanism of N2 reduction by nitrogenase

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed on the nitrogenase cofactor, FeMoco. Issues that have been addressed concern the nature of M-M interactions and the identity and origin of the central light atom, revealed in a recent crystallographic study of the FeMo protein of nitrogenase (Einsle, O.; et al. Science 2002, 297, 871). Introduction of Se in place of the S atoms in the cofactor and energy minimization results in an optimized structure very similar to that in the native enzyme. The nearly identical, short, lengths of the Fe-Fe distances in the Se and S analogues are interpreted in terms of M-M weak bonding interactions. DFT calculations with O or N as the central atoms in the FeMoco marginally support the assignment of the central atom as N rather than O. The assumption was made that the central atom is the N atom, and steps of a catalytic cycle were calculated starting with either of two possible states for the cofactor and maintaining the same charge throughout (by addition of equal numbers of H(+) and e(-)) between steps. The states were [(Cl)Fe(II)(6)Fe(III)Mo(IV)S(9)(H(+))(3)N(3-)(Gl)(Im)](2-), [I-N-3H](2-), and [(Cl)Fe(II)(4)Fe(III)(3)Mo(IV)S(9)(H(+))(3)N(3-)(Gl)(Im)], [I-N-3H](0) (Gl = deprotonated glycol; Im = imidazole). These are the triply protonated ENDOR/ESEEM [I-N](5-) and M?ssbauer [I-N](3-) models, respectively. The proposed mechanism explores the possibilities that (a) redox-induced distortions facilitate insertion of N(2) and derivative substrates into the Fe(6) central unit of the cofactor, (b) the central atom in the cofactor is an exchangeable nitrogen, and (c) the individual steps are related by H(+)/e(-) additions (and reduction of substrate) or aquation/dehydration (and distortion of the Fe(6) center). The Delta E's associated with the individual steps of the proposed mechanism are small and either positive or negative. The largest positive Delta E is +121 kJ/mol. The largest negative Delta E of -333 kJ/mol is for the FeMoco with a N(3-) in the center (the isolated form) and an intermediate in the proposed mechanism.     

Electronic structures of the boron cage molecules B4H4, B4Cl4 and B4F4

Ab initio calculations have been performed on B₄H₄, B₄Cl₄ and B₄F₄ in order to aid our understanding of the bonding in these compounds, which is presumably based on a tetrahedral boron cage. This cage has only 8 electrons and so is less than that expected on the basis of the usual framework electron counting rules. Basis sets with polarisation functions were used at the SCF, CI and CPF levels of theory to confirm that the T _d structures are indeed more stable than the D _4h ones. Davidson-Roby population analyses were able to show that many factors, including 3-centre 2-electron bonding and backbonding from the ligand to the boron cage, are of importance in determining the relative stability of the three compounds, of which B₄Cl₄ is the only one that has yet been observed experimentally.     

Ab initio calculations on small hydrides including electron correlation

A method of calculating directly approximate natural orbitals in the electron pair approximation is applied to the ground state of the BeH₂ molecule, which is not known from experiment. The question of optimum localization of the electron pairs for asymmetric nuclear configuration receives particular attention. The interpair correlation energy is estimated. The physical properties of the molecule are predicted and experimental conditions are indicated under which it should be observed.

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Zusammenfassung Die Methode zur direkten Berechnung genäherter natürlicher Orbitale in der Elektronenpaar-näherung wird auf den Grundzustand des vom Experiment her unbekannten BeH₂-Moleküls angewandt. Die Frage der optimalen Lokalisierung der Elektronenpaare für asymmetrische Anordnung der Kerne findet besonderes Interesse. Die Interpaar-Korrelationsenergie wird abgeschätzt. Die vorausgesagten physikalischen Eigenschaften dieses Moleküls sind in einer Tabelle zusammengestellt. Bedingungen, unter denen das Molekül experimentell beobachtet werden sollte, werden angegeben.

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Résumé La méthode basée sur le calcul direct des orbitales naturelles approchées est appliquée á l'étude de l'état fondamental de la molécule BeH₂ qui est inconnu du point de vue expérimental. La question de la localisation optimale des paires d'électrons pour des configurations asymmétriques des noyaux est discutée en détail. La corrélation interpaires est estimée. On prédit les propriétés physiques de la molécule et on indique les conditions qui devraient permettre de l'observer.

     

Reactions of P/S-containing proligands with coinage metal salts: a new route to polynuclear complexes with unusual structural types

The reactions of P/S-precursors with coinage metal alkoxides and carboxylates offer new perspectives for the synthesis of complex metal aggregates.     

Pulsed laser deposition of Er:BaTiO3 for planar waveguides

Laser radiation is used for the deposition of dielectric erbium doped BaTiO₃ thin films for photonic applications. Pulsed laser deposition with KrF excimer laser radiation (wavelength 248 nm, pulse duration 20 ns) is used to grow dense, transparent, amorphous, poly-crystalline and single crystalline erbium doped BaTiO₃ thin films. Visible emission due to up-conversion luminescence (wavelength 528 nm and 548 nm) under excitation with diode laser radiation at a wavelength of 970–985 nm is investigated as a function of the erbium concentration of 1–20 mol% and structural film properties. PACS 81.15.Fg; 42.55.Wd; 68.55; 78.55.Hx     

Synthese einiger 1,2-Dihalogen-norbornane

Synthesis of some 1,2-Dihalogenonorbornanes The synthesis of 1,2exo-Dibromo-norbornane as well as the preparation of the configurational isomers of 2-bromo-1-iodo- and 2-chloro-1-iodo-norbornane are described.