Calculation of Some Thermodynamic Properties and Detonation Parameters of 1‐Ethyl‐3‐Methyl‐H‐Imidazolium Perchlorate, [Emim][ClO4], on the Basis of CBS‐4M and CHEETAH Computations Supplemented by VBT Estimates

This paper estimates some thermochemical (in kcal mol^–1) and detonation parameters for the ionic liquid, [emim][ClO₄] and its associated solid in view of its investigation as an energetic material. The thermochemical values estimated, employing CBS‐4M computational methodology and volume‐based thermodynamics (VBT) include: lattice energy, U_POT([emim][ClO₄]) ≈? 123 ± 16 kcal · mol^–1; enthalpy of formation of the gaseous cation, Δ_fH°([emim]⁺, g) = 144.2 kcal · mol^–1 and anion, Δ_fH°([ClO₄]^–, g) = –66.1 kcal · mol^–1; the enthalpy of formation of the solid salt, Δ_fH°([emim][ClO₄],s) ≈? –55 ± 16 kcal · mol^–1 and for the associated ionic liquid, Δ_fH^o([emim][ClO₄],l) = –52 ± 16 kcal · mol^–1 as well as the corresponding Gibbs energy terms: Δ_fG°([emim][ClO₄],s) ≈? +29 ± 16 kcal · mol^–1 and Δ_fG^o([emim][ClO₄],l) = +24 ± 16 kcal · mol^–1 and the associated standard absolute entropies, of the solid [emim][ClO₄], S°₂₉₈([emim][ClO₄],s) = 83 ± 4 cal · K^–1 · mol^–1. The following combustion and detonation parameters are assigned to [emim][ClO₄] in its (ionic) liquid form: specific impulse (I_sp) = 228 s (monopropellant), detonation velocity (V_oD) = 5466 m · s^–1, detonation pressure (p_C–J) = 99 kbar, explosion temperature (T_ex) = 2842 K.     

A structural and theoretical study of intermolecular interactions in nicotinohydrazide dihydrochloride

In the title compound [systematic name: 3‐(azaniumylcarbamoyl)pyridinium dichloride], C₆H₉N₃O²⁺·2Cl⁻, the ions are connected by N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds to form layers and C—H...Cl interactions expand the layers into a three‐dimensional net. The energies of the N—H...Cl interactions range from typical for very weak interactions (0.17 kcal mol⁻¹) to those observed for relatively strong interactions (29.1 kcal mol⁻¹). C—H...Cl interactions can be classified as weak and mildly strong (energies ranging from 2.2 to 8.2 kcal mol⁻¹). Despite the short contacts existing between the parallel aromatic rings of the cations, π–π interactions do not occur.     

Stable Oxindolyl‐Based Analogues of Chichibabin's and Müller's Hydrocarbons

Chichibabin's and Müller's hydrocarbons are classical open‐shell singlet diradicaloids but they are highly reactive. Herein we report the successful synthesis of their respective stable analogues, OxR‐2 and OxR‐3 , based on the newly developed oxindolyl radical. X‐ray crystallographic analysis on OxR‐2 reveals a planar quinoidal backbone similar to Chichibabin's hydrocarbon, in accordance with its small diradical character (y₀=11.1 %) and large singlet–triplet gap (ΔE_S‐T=−10.8 kcal mol⁻¹). Variable‐temperature NMR studies on OxR‐2 disclose a slow cis/trans isomerization process in solution through a diradical transition state, with a moderate energy barrier (ΔG^≠_298K=15–16 kcal mol⁻¹). OxR‐3 exhibits a much larger diradical character (y₀=80.6 %) and a smaller singlet–triplet gap (ΔE_S‐T=−3.5 kcal mol⁻¹), and thus can be easily populated to paramagnetic triplet diradical. Our studies provide a new type of stable carbon‐centered monoradical and diradicaloid.     

Thermal decomposition of N2O near 900 K studied by FTIR spectrometry: Comparison of experimental and theoretical O(3P) formation kinetics

The spin-forbidden dissociation reaction of the N₂O(X¹Σ⁺) ground state has been investigated by both quantum calculations and experiments. Ab initio prediction at the CCSD(T)/CBS(TQ5)//CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ+d level of theory gave the crossing point (MSX) energy at 60.1 kcal/mol for the N₂O(X¹Σ⁺) → N₂() + O(³P) transition, in good agreement with published data. The T- and P-dependent rate coefficients, k₁(T,P), for the nonadiabatic thermal dissociation predicted by nonadiabatic Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) calculations agree very well with literature data. The rate constants at the high- and low-pressure limits, k₁^∞ = 10^11.90 exp (−61.54 kcal mol⁻¹/RT) s⁻¹ and k₁^o = 10^14.97 exp(−60.05 kcal mol⁻¹/RT) cm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹, for example, agree closely with the extrapolated results of Röhrig et al. at both pressure limits. The second-order rate constant (k₁^o) is also in excellent agreement with our result measured by FTIR spectrometry in the present study for the temperature range of 860-1023 K as well as with many existing high-temperature data obtained primarily by shock-wave heating up to 3340 K. Kinetic modeling of the NO product yields measured at long reaction times in the present work also allowed us to reliably estimate the rate constant for reaction (3), O + N₂O → N₂ + O₂, based on its strong competition with the NO formation from reaction (2) which has been better established. The modeled values of k₃ confirmed the previous finding by Davidson et al. with significantly smaller values of A-factor and activation energy than the accepted ones. A least-squares analysis of both sets of data gave k₃ = 10^{12.22 ± 0.04} exp[− (11.65 ± 0.24 kcal mol⁻¹/RT)] cm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹, covering the wide temperature range of 988-3340 K.     

The Beryllium Pentamer: Trailing an Uneven Sequence of Dissociation Energies

Recent high‐resolution spectroscopic studies by Merritt, Bondybey, and Heaven (Science 2009 , 324, 1548) have heightened the anticipation that small beryllium clusters will soon be observed in the laboratory. Beryllium clusters are important discrete models for the theoretical study of metals. The trigonal bipyramidal Be₅ molecule is studied using high‐level coupled cluster methods. We obtain the optimized geometry, atomization and dissociation energies, and vibrational frequencies. The c～CCSDT(Q) method is employed to compute the atomization and dissociation energies. In this approach, complete basis set (CBS) extrapolations at the CCSD(T) level of theory are combined with an additive correction for the effect of iterative triple and perturbative quadruple excitations. Harmonic vibrational frequencies are obtained using analytic gradients computed at the CCSD(T) level of theory. We report an atomization energy of 129.6 kcal mol^?1 at the trigonal bipyramid global minimum geometry. The Be₅→Be₄+Be dissociation energy is predicted to be 39.5 kcal mol^?1. The analogous dissociation energies for the smaller beryllium clusters are 64.0 kcal mol^?1 (Be₄→Be₃+Be), 24.2 kcal mol^?1 (Be₃→Be₂+Be), and 2.7 kcal mol^?1 (Be₂→Be+Be). The trigonal bipyramidal Be₅ structure has an equatorial–equatorial bond length of 2.000 Å and an axial–equatorial distance of 2.060 Å. Harmonic frequencies of 730, 611, 456, 583, 488, and 338 cm^?1 are obtained at the CCSD(T)/cc‐pCVQZ level of theory. Quadruple excitations are found to make noticeable contributions to the energetics of the pentamer, which exhibits a significant level of static correlation.     

Far-infrared spectra and barriers to internal rotation of ethyl nitrate

The far-infrared spectra of gaseous and solid ethyl nitrate, CH₃CH₂ONO₂, have been recorded from 500 to 50 cm⁻¹. The fundamental asymmetric torsion of the trans conformer which has a heavy atom plane has been observed at 112.50 cm⁻¹ with two excited states failing to lower frequencies, and the corresponding fundamental torsion of the gauche conformer was observed at 109.62 cm⁻¹ with two excited states also falling to lower frequencies. The results of a variable temperature Raman study indicate that the trans conformer is more stable than the gauche conformer by 328 ± 96 cm⁻¹ (938 ± 275 cal mol⁻¹). An asymmetric potential function governing the internal rotation about the CH₂O bond is reported which gives a trans to gauche barrier of 894 ± 15 cm⁻¹ (2.56 ± 0.04 kcal mol⁻¹) and a gauche to gauche barrier of 3063 ± 68 cm⁻¹ (8.76 ± 0.20 kcal mol⁻¹) with the trans conformer more stable by 220 ± 148 cm⁻¹ (0.63 ± 0.42 kcal mol⁻¹). Transitions arising from the symmetric CH₃ and NO₂ torsions are observed for both conformers, from which the threefold and twofold periodic barriers to internal rotation have been calculated. For the trans conformer the values are 1002 cm⁻¹ (2.87 kcal mol⁻¹) and 2355 ± 145 cm⁻¹ (6.73 ± 0.42 kcal mol⁻¹) and for the gauche conformer they are 981 cm⁻¹ (2.81 kcal mol⁻¹) and 2736 ± 632 cm⁻¹ (7.82 ± 1.81 kcal mol⁻¹) for the CH₃ and NO₂ rotors, respectively. These results are compared to the corresponding quantities for some similar molecules.     

Kinetics of the ene reactions of 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione with β‐pinene and 2‐carene: Temperature,high pressure,and solvent effects

The data on temperature, solvent, and high hydrostatic pressure influence on the rate of the ene reactions of 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione ( 1 ) with 2‐carene ( 2 ), and β‐pinene ( 4 ) have been obtained. Ene reactions 1 + 2 and 1 + 4 have high heat effects: ∆H_r‐n ( 1 + 2 ) −158.4, ∆H_r‐n( 1 + 4 ) −159.2 kJ mol⁻¹, 25°C, 1,2‐dichloroethane. The comparison of the activation volume (∆V^≠( 1 + 2 ) −29.9 cm³ mol⁻¹, toluene; ∆V^≠( 1 + 4 ) −36.0 cm³ mol⁻¹, ethyl acetate) and reaction volume values (∆V_r‐n( 1 + 2 ) −24.0 cm³ mol⁻¹, toluene; ∆V_r‐n( 1 + 4 ) −30.4 cm³ mol⁻¹, ethyl acetate) reveals more compact cyclic transition states in comparison with the acyclic reaction products 3 and 5 . In the series of nine solvents, the reaction rate of 1+2 increases 260‐fold and 1+4 increases 200‐fold, respectively, but not due to the solvent polarity.     

Thermodynamic properties of potassium metasilicate (K2SiO3)

The standard enthalpy of formation of potassium metasilicate (K₂SiO₃), determined by hydrofluoric acid solution calorimetry, was found to be ΔH^o_f,298 = −363.866±0.421 kcal mol⁻¹ (−1522.415±1.762 kj mol⁻¹). The standard enthalpy of formation from the oxides was found to beΔH^o₂₉₈ = −64.786±0.559 kcal mol⁻¹ (−271.065±2.339 kJ mol⁻¹).These experimentally determined data were combined with data from the literature to calculate the Gibbs energies of formation and equilibrium constants of formation over the temperature range of the literature data. The standard enthalpies of formation and Gibbs energies of formation are given as functions of temperature. The standard Gibbs energy of formation is ΔG_f,298.15⁰ = −341.705 kcal mol⁻¹ (−1429.694 kJ mol⁻¹).     

The HOX⋯SO2 (X=F,Cl, Br,I) Binary Complexes: Implications for Atmospheric Chemistry

Sulfur dioxide and hypohalous acids (HOX, X=F, Cl, Br, I) are ubiquitous molecules in the atmosphere that are central to important processes like seasonal ozone depletion, acid rain, and cloud nucleation. We present the first theoretical examination of the HOX⋯SO₂ binary complexes and the associated trends due to halogen substitution. Reliable geometries were optimized at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pV(T+d)Z level of theory for HOF and HOCl complexes. The HOBr and HOI complexes were optimized at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pV(D+d)Z level of theory with the exception of the Br and I atoms which were modeled with an aug-cc-pwCVDZ-PP pseudopotential. 27 HOX⋯SO₂ complexes were characterized and the focal point method was employed to produce CCSDT(Q)/CBS interaction energies. Natural Bond Orbital analysis and Symmetry Adapted Perturbation Theory were used to classify the nature of each principle interaction. The interaction energies of all HOX⋯SO₂ complexes in this study ranged from 1.35 to 3.81 kcal mol⁻¹. The single-interaction hydrogen bonded complexes spanned a range of 2.62 to 3.07 kcal mol⁻¹, while the single-interaction halogen bonded complexes were far more sensitive to halogen substitution ranging from 1.35 to 3.06 kcal mol⁻¹, indicating that the two types of interactions are extremely competitive for heavier halogens. Our results provide insight into the interactions between HOX and SO₂ which may guide further research of related systems.     

Influence of metal ion on chelate–aryl stacking interactions

CCSD(T)/CBS and DFT methods are employed to study the stacking interactions of acetylacetonate‐type (acac‐type) chelates of nickel, palladium, and platinum with benzene. The strongest chelate–aryl stacking interactions are formed by nickel and palladium chelate, with interaction energies of −5.75 kcal mol⁻¹ and −5.73 kcal mol⁻¹, while the interaction of platinum chelate is weaker, with interaction energy of −5.36 kcal mol⁻¹. These interaction energies are significantly stronger than stacking of two benzenes, −2.73 kcal mol⁻¹. The strongest nickel and palladium chelate–aryl interactions are with benzene center above the metal area, while the strongest platinum chelate–aryl interaction is with the benzene center above the C2 atom of the acac‐type chelate ring. These preferences arise from very different electrostatic potentials above the metal ions, ranging from very positive above nickel to slightly negative above platinum. While the differences in electrostatic potentials above metal atoms cause different geometries with the most stable interaction among the three metals, the dispersion (correlation energy) component is the largest contribution to the total interaction energy for all three metals.     

Molecular structure and conformation of gaseous chloroacetyl chloride as determined by electron diffraction

Chloroacetyl chloride is studied by gas-phase electron diffraction at nozzle-tip tempera- tures of 18, 110 and 215°C. The molecules exist as a mixture of anti and gauche confor- mers with the anti form the more stable. The composition (mole fraction) of the vapor with uncertainties estimated at 2σ is found to be 0.770 (0.070), 0.673 (0.086) and 0.572 (0.086) at 18, 110 and 215°C, respectively. These values correspond to an energy difference with estimated standard deviation ΔE^o = E^o_g -E^o_a = 1.3 ± 0.4 kcal mol^?1 and an entropy difference ΔS^o = S^o_g -S^o_a = 0.7 ± 1.1 cal mol^?1 K^?1. Certain of the diffraction results permit the evaluation of an approximate torsional potential function of the form 2V = V₁(1 - cos φ) + V₂(1 - cos 2φ) + V₃(1 - cos 3φ); the results are V₁ = 1.19 ± 0.33, V₂ = 0.56 ± 0.20 and V₃ = 0.94 ± 0.12, all in kcal mol^?1. The results for the distance (r_a), angle (_∠α) and r.m.s. amplitude parameters obtained at the three temperatures are entirely consistent. At 18°C the more important parameters are, with estimated uncertainties of 2σ, r(C-H) = 1.062(0.030) Å, r(CO) = 1.182(0.004) Å, r(C-C) = 1.521(0.009) Å. r(CO-Cl) = 1.772(0.016) Å, r(CH₂-Cl) = 1.782(0.018) Å, ∠C-C-0 = 126.9(0.9)°, ∠CH₂-CO-C1 = 110.0(0.7)°,∠CO-CH₂-C1 = 112.9(1–7)°, ∠H-C-H = 109.5° (assumed), ∠φ (gauche torsion angle relative to 0° for the anti form) = 116.4(7.7)°, δ (r.m.s. amplitude of torsional vibration in the anti conformer) == 17.5(4.2)°.     

Stabilization of HHeF by Complexation: Is it a Really Viable Strategy?

Ab initio calculations at the MP2 and CCSD(T) levels of theory have disclosed the conceivable existence of fluorine‐coordinated complexes of HHeF with alkali‐metal ions and molecules M⁺ (M⁺=Li⁺–Cs⁺), M⁺–OH₂, M⁺–NH₃ (M⁺=Li⁺, Na⁺), and MX (M=Li, Na; X=F, Cl, Br). All these ligands L induce a shortening of the H? He distance and a lengthening of the He? F distance accompanied by consistent blue‐ and redshifts, respectively, of the H? He and He? F stretching modes. These structural effects are qualitatively similar to those predicted for other investigated complexes of the noble gas hydrides HNgY, but are quantitatively more pronounced. For example, the blueshifts of the H? He stretching mode are exceptionally large, ranging between around 750 and 1000 cm^?1. The interactions of HHeF with the ligands investigated herein also enhance the (HHe)⁺F^? dipole character and produce large complexation energies of around 20–60 kcal mol^?1. Most of the HHeF–L complexes are indeed so stable that the three‐body dissociation of HHeF into H+He+F, exothermic by around 25–30 kcal mol^?1, becomes endothermic. This effect is, however, accompanied by a strong decrease in the H? He? F bending barrier. The complexation energies, ΔE, and the bending barriers, E*, are, in particular, related by the inverse relationship E*(kcal mol^?1)=6.9exp[?0.041ΔE(kcal mol^?1)]. Therefore the HHeF? L complexes, which are definitely stable with respect to H+He+F+L (ΔE≈25–30 kcal mol^?1), are predicted to have bending barriers of only 0.5–2 kcal mol^?1. Overall, our calculations cast doubt on the conceivable stabilization of HHeF by complexation.     

Group 15 and 16 Nitrene-Like Pnictinidenes

Pnictinidenes are an increasingly relevant species in main group chemistry and generally exhibit proclivity for the triplet electronic ground state. However, the elusive singlet electronic states are often desired for chemical applications. We predict the singlet-triplet energy differences (ΔE_ST=E_Singlet−E_Triplet) of simple group 15 and 16 substituted pnictinidenes (Pn−R; Pn=P, As, Sb, or Bi) with highly reliable focal-point analyses targeting the CCSDTQ/CBS level of theory. The only cases we predict to have favorable singlet states are P−PH₂ (−3.2 kcal mol⁻¹) and P−NH₂ (−0.2 kcal mol⁻¹). ΔE_ST trends are discussed in light of the geometric predictions as well as qualitative natural bond order analysis to elucidate some of the important electronic structure features. Our work provides a rigorous benchmark for the ΔE_ST of fundamental Pn−R moieties and provides a firm foundation for the continued study of heavier pnictinidenes.     

Hydrogen bonding in the hydroxysulfinyl radical‐formic acid‐water system: A theoretical study

Quantum chemical methods have been employed to evaluate the possible configurations of the 1:1 and 1:2 HOSO‐formic acid complexes and 1:1:1 HOSO‐formic acid‐water complexes. The first type of complex involves two H bonds, while the other two types comprise three H bonds in a ring. The complexes are relatively stable, with CBS‐QB3 computed binding energies of 14.3 kcal mol^?1, 23.4 kcal mol^?1, and 21.1 kcal mol^?1 for the lowest‐energy structures of the 1:1, 1:2, and 1:1:1 complexes, respectively. Complex formations induce a large spectral red‐shift and an enhancement of the IR intensity for the H‐bonded OH stretching modes relative to those in the parent monomers. TDDFT calculations of the low‐lying electronic excited states demonstrate that the complexes are photochemically quite stable in the troposphere. Small spectral shifts in comparison to the free HOSO radical suggest that the radical and the complexes would not be easily distinguishable using standard UV/vis absorption spectroscopy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A laser flash photolysis kinetic study of reactions of the Cl2− radical anion with oxygenated hydrocarbons in aqueous solution

A laser photolysis–long path laser absorption (LP‐LPLA) experiment has been used to determine the rate constants for H‐atom abstraction reactions of the dichloride radical anion (Cl₂⁻) in aqueous solution. From direct measurements of the decay of Cl₂⁻ in the presence of different reactants at pH = 4 and I = 0.1 M the following rate constants at T = 298 K were derived: methanol, (5.1 ± 0.3)·10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; ethanol, (1.2 ± 0.2)·10⁵ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; 1‐propanol, (1.01 ± 0.07)·10⁵ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; 2‐propanol, (1.9 ± 0.3)·10⁵ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; tert.‐butanol, (2.6 ± 0.5)·10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; formaldehyde, (3.6 ± 0.5)·10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; diethylether, (4.0 ± 0.2)·10⁵ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; methyl‐tert.‐butylether, (7 ± 1)·10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; tetrahydrofuran, (4.8 ± 0.6)·10⁵ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; acetone, (1.41 ± 0.09)·10³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹. For the reactions of Cl₂⁻ with formic acid and acetic acid rate constants of (8.0 ± 1.4)·10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ (pH = 0, I = 1.1 M and T = 298 K) and (1.5 ± 0.8) · 10³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ (pH = 0.42, I = 0.48 M and T = 298 K), respectively, were derived. A correlation between the rate constants at T = 298 K for all oxygenated hydrocarbons and the bond dissociation energy (BDE) of the weakest C‐H‐bond of log k_2nd = (32.9 ± 8.9) − (0.073 ± 0.022)·BDE/kJ mol⁻¹ is derived. From temperature‐dependent measurements the following Arrhenius expressions were derived: k (Cl₂⁻ + HCOOH) = (2.00 ± 0.05)·10¹⁰·exp(−(4500 ± 200) K/T) M⁻¹ s⁻¹, E_a = (37 ± 2) kJ mol⁻¹ k (Cl₂⁻ + CH₃COOH) = (2.7 ± 0.5)·10¹⁰·exp(−(4900 ± 1300) K/T) M⁻¹ s⁻¹, E_a = (41 ± 11) kJ mol⁻¹ k (Cl₂⁻ + CH₃OH) = (5.1 ± 0.9)·10¹²·exp(−(5500 ± 1500) K/T) M⁻¹ s⁻¹, E_a = (46 ± 13) kJ mol⁻¹ k (Cl₂⁻ + CH₂(OH)₂) = (7.9 ± 0.7)·10¹⁰·exp(−(4400 ± 700) K/T) M⁻¹ s⁻¹, E_a = (36 ± 5) kJ mol⁻¹ Finally, in measurements at different ionic strengths (I) a decrease of the rate constant with increasing I has been observed in the reactions of Cl₂⁻ with methanol and hydrated formaldehyde. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 169–181, 1999     

Silaacetylene: A possible target for experimental studies

The equilibrium geometries and transition states for interconversion of the CSiH₂ isomers in the singlet electronic ground state are optimized at the MP2 and CCSD(T) levels of theory using a TZ2P basis set. The heats of formation, vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities, and rotational constants are also predicted. There are three energy minima on the CSiH₂ potential energy surface. Energy calculations at CCSD(T)/TZ2P(fd) + ZPE predict that the global energy minimum is silavinylidene (1), which is 34.1 kcal mol⁻¹ lower in energy than trans-bent silaacetylene (2) and 84.1 kcal mol⁻¹ more stable than the vinylidene isomer (3). The barrier for rearrangement 2→1 is calculated at the same level of theory to be 5.1 kcal mol⁻¹, while for the rearrangement 3→2 a barrier of 2.7 kcal mol⁻¹ is predicted. The natural bond orbital (NBO) population scheme indicates a clear polarization of the C(SINGLE BOND)Si bonds toward the carbon end. A significant ionic contribution to the C(SINGLE BOND)Si bonds of 1 and 2 is suggested by the NBO analysis. The C(SINGLE BOND)Si bond length of trans-bent silaacetylene (2) is longer than previously calculated [1.665 Å at CCSD(T)/TZ2P)]. The calculated carbon-silicon bond length of 2 is in the middle between the C(SINGLE BOND)Si double bond length of 1 (1.721 Å) and the C(SINGLE BOND)Si triple bond of the linear form HCSiH (4), which is 1.604 Å. Structure 4 is a higher-order saddle point on the potential energy surface. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Hydrogen Cyanide Exchange on [Al(HCN)6]3+ – A DFT Study

The hydrogen cyanide exchange mechanism of [Al(HCN)₆]³⁺ has been investigated by DFT calculations (B3LYP/6‐311+G**). The calculations provide theoretical evidence that the hydrogen cyanide exchange proceeds via a limiting dissociative (D) mechanism involving a stable five‐coordinate intermediate [Al(HCN)₅ · (HCN)₂]³⁺. The activation energy for the D‐mechanism is 23.4 kcal · mol^–1, which is 2.8 kcal · mol^–1 lower than for the seven‐coordinate transition state [Al(HCN)₇]^3+? for the alternative associative (A) pathway. The difference in stability between the two intermediates [Al(HCN)₅ · (HCN)₂]³⁺ (12.1 kcal · mol^–1) and [Al(HCN)₇]³⁺ (25.7 kcal · mol^–1) in comparison to [Al(HCN)₆ · (HCN)]³⁺ is much more pronounced and further supports a limiting dissociative mechanism.     

Analysis of torsional spectra of molecules with two internal C3ν, rotors—XXVI. A far infrared study of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine

The infrared spectra of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, (CH₃)₂NNH₂, and two isotopomers, (CD₃)₂NNH₂ and (CH₃)₂NND₂, have been recorded in the region between 600 and 100 cm⁻¹. Very rich and complex spectra were obtained and analysis of the data has been carried out. The interpretation of the spectra arising from the two methyl torsional modes of the −d₀ compound was carried out using a semi-rigid model, and the resulting potential function obtained is V₃₀ = 1685 ± 12 cm⁻¹ (4.82 ± 0.04 kcal mol⁻¹); V₀₃ = 1827 ± 16 cm⁻¹ (5.22 ± 0.05 kcal mol⁻¹); V₆₀ = −92±5cm⁻¹ (−0.26 ± 0.02 kcal mol⁻¹); V₀₆ = −41 ± 6cm⁻¹ (−0.12 ± 0.02 kcal mol⁻¹) and V^′₃₃ = −51 ± 5 cm⁻¹ (−0.15 ± 0.01 kcal mol⁻¹). Ab initio gradient calculations were carried out employing the 3–21G and 6–31G* basis sets, as well as the 6–31G* basis set with electron correlation at the MP2 level. The structural parameters, conformational stability, and three-fold barriers to internal rotation have been determined and the gauche conformer is calculated to be more stable than the trans form by 783 cm⁻¹ (2.24 kcal mol⁻¹) with the MP2/6–31G* basis set. These calculations were also used to re-evaluate the previously reported assignment of the fundamental modes, and to obtain a potential function for the asymmetric torsion. All of these results are discussed and compared with corresponding quantities for some similar compounds.     

Complexation and abstraction channels in the Al + CO2 reaction

The AI + CO₂ reaction is studied in the gas phase at 296 K by laser-induced fluorescence monitoring of Al and AlO. Pressure dependence of the effective bimolecular rate constant in the range 10–600 Torr (Ar+CO₂) indicates a complex formation channel yielding a stable Al·CO₂ adduct. Observation of AlO confirms the presence of an abstraction channel. A simple chemical activation mechanism is used to interpret the pressure dependence of the effective bimolecular rate constant. The activation energy for Al·CO₂ complex formation is estimated at ⪢ 1.0 kcal mol⁻¹, and the binding energy is estimated at ⪢ 9 kcal mol⁻¹.     

Direct kinetic parameters for the reaction of Br atoms with neopentane

Laser flash photolysis coupled with resonance fluorescence detection of Br atoms was employed to investigate the temperature dependence of the reaction Br + neo‐C₅H₁₂ (1) between 688 and 775 K. The following Arrhenius preexponential factor and activation energy were determined (±1 σ): A₁ = (6.89 ± 2.27) 10¹⁴ cm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ and E_A,1 = 57.61 ± 2.05 kJ mol⁻−¹ The only other kinetic parameters reported for the reaction of Br atoms with neo‐C₅H₁₂ were obtained from competitive kinetic experiments relative to Br + C₂H₆. Comparison with our direct results is hampered by uncertainties in the kinetic data for the reference reaction that may need reinvestigation. The standard enthalpy of formation for the neo‐C₅H₁₁ radical was estimated to be 34.7 and 41.6 kJ mol⁻¹, depending on the value of the activation energy assumed for the reverse reaction neo‐C₅H₁₁ + HBr (−1). © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 33: 49–55, 2001