Fourier transform IR spectrum and photoreactivity of the C3O2:HCl complex isolated in solid argon

IR spectroscopy was coupled with the matrix isolation technique to study the molecular complex formed between C₃O₂ and HCl and its photodissociation. The vibrational frequencies of the complex were compared with those of HCl and C₃O₂ monomers. For C₃O₂, a bent structure was characterized in the solid environment.

The vibrational frequencies were calculated in the 4000–400 cm⁻¹ range using an ab initio method at the MP2/6-31G** level for the most stable complex; these frequencies describe the hydrogen interaction with the central carbon atom of C₃O₂ (T complex). The measured shifts between the vibrational mode frequencies of the complex and monomers were in good agreement with the calculated values.

Broad-band UV irradiation ( > 230 nm) of the T complex leads preferentially to ketene chloride and carbon monoxide. Ketene chloride formation can be explained by the reaction between HCl and the carbene C₂O, which results from photo-dissociation at the C=CO bond of C₃O₂.     

Acetylenic/cyanoacetylenic complexes: simulation of the Titan’s atmosphere chemistry

The structures and energies of the 1:1 acetylene/cyanoacetylene, acetylene/dicyanoacetylene and cyanoacetylene/dicyanoacetylene complexes in solid argon matrices have been investigated using FT-IR spectroscopy and ab initio calculations, at the B3LYP/6-31G** level of theory. For the three complexes, predicted frequency shifts for the L shaped structures, characterized by a hydrogen bond between the nitrogen of the cyano group and the acetylenic proton, were found to be in good agreement with those experimental. Only in the case of acetylene/cyanoacetylene complex, we obtained a second minimum with a T shaped structure characterized by an interaction between the proton of cyanoacetylene and the Π system of acetylene. It appears clearly that HC₃N acts as an electrophile or as a nucleophile in these complexes.     

UV photolysis of C4N2 in water ices: new possible route of synthesis of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium formate

Laboratory experiments involving ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of dicyanoacetylene (C(4)N(2)) trapped in water ice at 10 K have been conducted and monitored by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). By the support of isotopic experiments and theoretical calculations, the irradiation of a DCA/H(2)O ice mixture at lambda > 230 nm has been found to be a possible source of NH(4)(+)HCO(3)(-) (ammonium bicarbonate) and NH(4)(+)HCOO(-) (ammonium formate). These latter compounds can arise from a proton-transfer reaction between H(2)O and the CN radical, which is issued from photolyzed C(4)N(2).     

Crystal structure of 10-oxa-3,4 benzobicyclo [5.3.0] deca-1 (7) ene-8,9 dione,C13H10O3

The crystal and molecular structure of the title compound, C₁₃H₁₀O₃, determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction is reported. Crystals are triclinic, space groupP¯1,a=9.251(1),b=8.837(1),c=7.091(1)Å;=85.6(1)°,=108.2(1)°, =110.1(1)°;V=517(3)ų;Dx=1.38 mg m^–3, (MoK)=0.7107 Å;=0.91 mm^–1;F(000)=224. The structure was solved by direct methods and the finalR value is 0.059 (R=0.078) for 1393 independent observed relfections. In the crystal the cycloheptadienic moiety adopts an approximate twist chair conformation with a pseudo-twofold axis and presents disorder.     

Carbodiimide production from cyanamide by UV irradiation and thermal reaction on amorphous water ice

Cyanamide (NH(2)CN), an interstellar molecule, is a relevant molecule in prebiotic chemistry, because it can be converted into urea in liquid water. Carbodiimide (HNCNH), the most stable cyanamide isomer, is able to assemble amino acids into peptides. In this work, using FTIR spectroscopy, we show that carbodiimide can be formed from cyanamide at low temperature (10 K), by a photochemical process in argon matrix, in water matrix, or in solid film. We also report experimental evidence about the carbodiimide formation when cyanamide is condensed at low temperature (50-140 K) on an amorphous water ice surface, or when it is trapped in the water ice. The water ice acts as a catalyst. This isomerization reaction occurs at low temperature (T < 100 K), which agrees with those expected in the interstellar clouds composed of dust grains in which water is the most predominant compound. Finally, the hydrolysis reaction of cyanamide or carbodiimide leading to urea or isourea formation is not observed under our experimental conditions.