The nature of structure and bonding between transition metal and mixed Si‐Ge tetramers: A 20‐electron superatom system

A novel superatom species with 20‐electron system, Si_xGe_yM⁺ (x + y = 4; M = Nb, Ta), was properly proposed. The trigonal bipyramid structures for the studied systems were identified as the putative global minimum by means of the density functional theory calculations. The high chemical stability can be explained by the strong p‐d hybridization between transition metal and mixed Si‐Ge tetramers, and closed‐shell valence electron configuration [1S²1P⁶2S²1D¹⁰]. Meanwhile, the chemical bondings between metal atom and the tetramers can be recognized by three localized two‐center two‐electron (2c‐2e) and delocalized 3c‐2e σ‐bonds. For all the doped structures studied here, it was found that the π‐ and σ‐electrons satisfy the 2(N + 1)² counting rule, and thus these clusters possess spherically double (π and σ) aromaticity, which is also confirmed by the negative nucleus‐independent chemical shifts values. Consequently, all the calculated results provide a further understanding for structural stabilities and electronic properties of transition metal‐doped semiconductor clusters. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Can Synthetic All‐Metal Cluster Compound Support Multifold (π and σ) Aromaticity and d‐Orbital Aromaticity?

There are active debates on whether the concept of aromaticity should be extended beyond carbon based organic systems. One argument against such extension is that the proposed new aromatic species are not bottleable. We present herein in‐depth chemical bonding analyses of a synthetic, core‐shell, intermetalloid [Pd₃Sn₈Bi₆]^4‐ cluster. The computational data unravel unprecedented five‐fold (π and σ) aromaticity, including d‐orbital aromaticity. Delocalized electron clouds in this all‐metal system cover the Pd₃ core, trigonal pyramid Sn₄ caps, peripheral Bi₆ ring, and roof‐like Sn₂Bi₂ walls, each following the (4n + 2) Hückel rule. The present finding is beyond imagination, providing a compelling example that all‐metal aromaticity not only exists in bulk compounds, but also can be in multifold π/σ fashion.     

The σ‐Aromatic Clusters [Zn3]+ and [Zn2Cu]: Embryonic Brass

The triangular clusters [Zn₃Cp*₃]⁺ and [Zn₂CuCp*₃] were obtained by addition of the in situ generated, electrophilic, and isolobal species [ZnCp*]⁺ and [CuCp*] to Carmona’s compound, [Cp*Zn? ZnCp*], without splitting the Zn? Zn bond. The choice of non‐coordinating fluoroaromatic solvents was crucial. The bonding situations of the all‐hydrocarbon‐ligand‐protected clusters were investigated by quantum chemical calculations revealing a high degree of σ‐aromaticity similar to the triatomic hydrogen ion [H₃]⁺. The new species serve as molecular building units of Cu_nZn_m nanobrass clusters as indicated by LIFDI mass spectrometry.     

Synthesis of Triangular Tripalladium Cations as Noble‐Metal Analogues of the Cyclopropenyl Cation

The first C₃‐symmetric 44‐core‐valence‐electron triangular palladium clusters, [{(SAr′)(PAr₃)Pd}₃]⁺, have been synthesized by activation of the C? S bond of isothioureas. Owing to delocalized metal–metal bonding, these stable complexes are the first noble‐metal analogues of the π‐aromatic cyclopropenyl cation [C₃H₃]⁺, with their all‐metal aromaticity involving d‐type atomic orbitals.     

Is Cyclopropane Really the σ‐Aromatic Paradigm?

Dewar proposed the σ‐aromaticity concept to explain the seemingly anomalous energetic and magnetic behavior of cyclopropane in 1979. While a detailed, but indirect energetic evaluation in 1986 raised doubts—“There is no need to involve ‘σ‐aromaticity’,”—other analyses, also indirect, resulted in wide‐ranging estimates of the σ‐aromatic stabilization energy. Moreover, the aromatic character of “in‐plane”, “double”, and cyclically delocalized σ‐electron systems now seems well established in many types of molecules. Nevertheless, the most recent analysis of the magnetic properties of cyclopropane (S. Pelloni, P. Lazzeretti, R. Zanasi, J. Phys. Chem. A 2007 , 111, 8163–8169) challenged the existence of an induced σ‐ring current, and provided alternative explanations for the abnormal magnetic behavior. Likewise, the present study, which evaluates the σ‐aromatic stabilization of cyclopropane directly for the first time, fails to find evidence for a significant energetic effect. According to ab initio valence bond (VB) computations at the VBSCF/cc‐PVTZ level, the σ‐aromatic stabilization energy of cyclopropane is, at most, 3.5 kcal mol^?1 relative to propane, and is close to zero when n‐butane is used as reference. Trisilacyclopropane also has very little σ‐aromatic stabilization, compared to Si₃H₈ (6.3 kcal mol^?1) and Si₄H₁₀ (4.2 kcal mol^?1). Alternative interpretations of the energetic behavior of cyclopropane (and of cyclobutane, as well as their silicon counterparts) are supported.     

D6h‐Au42 Isomer: A Golden Aromatic Toroid Involving Superatomic π‐Orbitals that Follow the Hückel (4n+2)π rule

Recently, it has been shown that the superatom concept is intimately connected to relevant tools of great chemical significance, such as the Lewis structure model and the VSEPR theory, which has been employed to understand hybridized and dimeric‐like molecules. This suggests a potential rational construction of superatomic clusters mimicking more complex structures. Here, we extend another well‐employed concept to the superatomic clusters, to construct a novel Au₄₂ isomer with resemblance to cyclic aromatic molecules. It is shown that the Hückel (4n+2)π rule is ready to be applied, predicting aromatic behavior latterly supported by the favorable evaluation of the induced shielding cone formation. The D₆h isomer of Au₄₂ described here exhibits inherent characteristics mimicking aromatic hydrocarbon rings, displaying π‐superatomic orbitals and related properties. This new cluster is the first member of the superatomic clusters family to exhibit an aromatic π‐electron system.     

Diagnosis of magnetoresponsive aromatic and antiaromatic zones in three‐membered rings of d‐ and f‐block elements

Magnetoresponsive three‐membered rings of d‐ and f‐block elements have been thoroughly investigated with the help of electronic structure calculation methods. The magnetic response of the clusters was evaluated by the Nucleus Independent Chemical Shifts (NICS)_zz‐scan curves, which in conjunction with symmetry‐based selection rules for the most significant translationally and rotationally allowed transitions helped rationalize and predict the orbital‐type of aromaticity/antiaromaticity of the clusters. The magnetoresponsive early (Groups 3, 4, and 5) transition metal M₃ rings exhibit successive aromatic and antiaromatic zones separated by a nodal plane. The magnetoresponsive late (Groups 11 and 12) transition metal M₃ rings exhibit long‐range aromatic zone with the NICS_zz(R) values decaying rapidly and monotonically with respect to R. The magnetic response of Group 10 transition metal M₃ rings is similar to that of the early transition metal M₃ rings, but it is long‐range antiaromatic only for the [c‐Ni₃] cluster. The NICS_zz‐scan curve of the [(H_tLa)₃(μ₂‐H)₆] cluster is indicative of weak pure σ‐aromaticity due to the induced diatropic ring current from the translationally allowed a → e′ and e′ → a transitions. The aromatic–antiaromatic behavior of the [(H_tCe)₃(μ₂‐H)₆]⁺ and [(H_tTm)₃(μ₂‐H)₆]²⁻ clusters is similar to that of the early d‐block elements. The magnetic response of [(H_tYb)₃(μ₂‐H)₆]³⁻ is similar to that of [c‐Hg₃]²⁻. The [(H_tLu)₃(μ₂‐H)₆] cluster can be considered as a doubly (σ + π) aromatic system, with the σ‐aromatic component being much stronger than the π‐aromatic one. Finally, the [(X_tRe)₃(μ₂‐X)₆] and [(X_tRu)₃(μ₂‐X)₆]⁺ (X = Cl, Br, I) clusters exhibit significant aromatic character with the greatest contribution to the induced diatropic ring currents coming from π‐type transitions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010     

All‐Metal Antiaromaticity in Sb4‐Type Lanthanocene Anions

Antiaromaticity, as introduced in 1965, usually refers to monocyclic systems with 4n π electrons. This concept was extended to all‐metal molecules after the observation of Li₃Al₄^? in the gas phase. However, the solid‐phase counterparts have not been documented to date. Herein, we describe a series of all‐metal antiaromatic anions, [Ln(η⁴‐Sb₄)₃]^3?(Ln=La, Y, Ho, Er, Lu), which were isolated as the K([2.2.2]crypt) salts and identified by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Based on the results obtained from the chemical bonding analysis, multicenter indices, and the electron‐counting rule, we conclude that the core [Ln(η⁴‐Sb₄)₃]^3? fragment of the crystal has three locally π‐antiaromatic Sb₄ fragments. This complex represents the first locally π‐antiaromatic all‐metal system in the solid state, which is stabilized by interactions of the three π‐antiaromatic units with the central metal atom.     

σ‐Aromaticity in an Unsaturated Ring: Osmapentalene Derivatives Containing a Metallacyclopropene Unit

In general, aromaticity can be clarified as π‐ and σ‐aromaticity according to the type of electrons with major contributions. The traditional π‐aromaticity generally describes the π‐conjugation in fully unsaturated rings whereas σ‐aromaticity may stabilize fully saturated rings with delocalization caused by σ‐electron conjugation. Reported herein is an example of σ‐aromaticity in an unsaturated three‐membered ring (3 MR), which is supported by experimental observations and theoretical calculations. Specifically, when the 3 MR in cyclopropaosmapentalene is cleaved by ethane through two isodesmic reactions, both of them are highly endothermic (+29.7 and +35.0 kcal mol^?1). These positive values are in sharp contrast to the expected exothermicity, thus indicating aromaticity in the 3 MR. Further nucleus‐independent chemical shift and anisotropy of the current‐induced density calculations reveal the nature of σ‐aromaticity in the unsaturated 3 MR.     

PrB7−: A Praseodymium‐Doped Boron Cluster with a PrII Center Coordinated by a Doubly Aromatic Planar η7‐B73− Ligand

The structure and bonding of a Pr‐doped boron cluster (PrB₇⁻) are investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemistry. The adiabatic electron detachment energy of PrB₇⁻ is found to be low [1.47(8) eV]. A large energy gap is observed between the first and second detachment features, indicating a highly stable neutral PrB₇. Global minimum searches and comparison between experiment and theory show that PrB₇⁻ has a half‐sandwich structure with C_6v symmetry. Chemical bonding analyses show that PrB₇⁻ can be viewed as a Pr^II[η⁷‐B₇³⁻] complex with three unpaired electrons, corresponding to a Pr (4f²6s¹) open‐shell configuration. Upon detachment of the 6s electron, the neutral PrB₇ cluster is a highly stable Pr^III[η⁷‐B₇³⁻] complex with Pr in its favorite +3 oxidation state. The B₇³⁻ ligand is found to be highly stable and doubly aromatic with six delocalized π and six delocalized σ electrons and should exist for a series of lanthanide M^III[η⁷‐B₇³⁻] complexes.     

Triplet‐State Aromaticity of 4nπ‐Electron Monocycles: Analysis of Bifurcation in the π Contribution to the Electron Localization Function

The π contribution to the electron localization function (ELF) is used to compare 4nπ‐ and (4n+2)π‐electron annulenes, with particular focus on the aromaticity of 4nπ‐electron annulenes in their lowest triplet state. The analysis is performed on the electron density obtained at the level of OLYP density functional theory, as well as at the CCSD and CASSCF ab initio levels. Two criteria for aromaticity of all‐carbon annulenes are set up: the span in the bifurcation values ΔBV(ELF_π) should be small, ideally zero, and the bifurcation value for ring closure of the π basin RCBV(ELF_π) should be high (≥ 0.7). On the basis of these criteria, nearly all 4nπ‐electron annulenes are aromatic in their lowest triplet states, similar to (4n+2)π‐electron annulenes in their singlet ground states. For singlet biradical cyclobutadiene and cyclooctatetraene constrained to D_4h and D_8h symmetry, respectively, the RCBV(ELF_π) at the CASSCF level is lower (0.531 and 0.745) than for benzene (0.853), even though they have equal proportions of α‐ and β‐electrons.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Cyclopropaosmanaphthalenes Containing a Fused σ‐Aromatic Metallacyclopropene Unit

Metalla‐aromatics are important complexes that show unique properties owing to their highly conjugated systems, which show Hückel or Möbius aromaticity. Recently, several metalla‐aromatics showing spiro‐aromaticity or σ‐aromaticity have been reported. Herein, we report the isolation of the first cyclopropametallanaphthalenes, in which the metallacyclopropene ring shows σ‐aromaticity and weak hyperconjugative aromaticity. The reaction of OsCl₂(PPh₃)₃ with o‐ethynylphenyl alkynes in the presence of PPh₃ followed by protonation with HCl yielded the first cyclopropametallanaphthalenes. The reaction mechanism and the aromaticity were also investigated by density functional theory studies.     

Clusters of Ammonium Cation—Hydrogen Bond versus σ‐Hole Bond

MP2/6‐311++G(d,p) calculations were performed on the NH₄⁺ ??? (HCN)_n and NH₄⁺ ??? (N₂)_n clusters (n=1–8), and interactions within them were analyzed. It was found that for molecules of N₂ and HCN, the N centers play the role of the Lewis bases, whereas the ammonium cation acts as the Lewis acid, as it is characterized by sites of positive electrostatic potential, that is, H atoms and the sites located at the N atom in the extension of the H?N bonds. Hence, the coordination number for the ammonium cation is eight, and two types of interactions of this cation with the Lewis base centers are possible: N?H ??? N hydrogen bonds and H?N ??? N interactions that are classified as σ‐hole bonds. Redistribution of the electronic charge resulting from complexation of the ammonium cation was analyzed. On the one hand, the interactions are similar, as they lead to electronic charge transfer from the Lewis base (HCN or N₂ in this study) to NH₄⁺. On the other hand, the hydrogen bond results in the accumulation of electronic charge on the N atom of the NH₄⁺ ion, whereas the σ‐hole bond results in the depletion of the electronic charge on this atom. Quantum theory of “atoms in molecules” and the natural bond orbital method were applied to deepen the understanding of the nature of the interactions analyzed. Density functional theory/natural energy decomposition analysis was used to analyze the interactions of the ammonium ion with various types of Lewis bases. Different correlations between the geometrical, energetic, and topological parameters were found and discussed.     

Pyridine adsorption on small Nin‐cluster (n = 2,3,4): A study of geometry and electronic structure

Adsorption of pyridine on Ni_n‐clusters (with n = 2,3,4) is studied by quantum chemical calculations at B3LYP/LANL2DZ and B3LYP/6‐311G^** levels. First, Ni_n‐clusters are investigated for accessible structure and electronic states. The lowest electronic state with four unpaired electrons is predicted for Ni₄‐cluster based on geometry and electronic structure, showing that the cluster stability nicely depends on number of unpaired electrons. Correction for basis set superposition error of metal‐metal bond is appreciable and has increasing effect on cluster binding energy. Next, adsorption of pyridine in planar and vertical adsorption modes is investigated on rhombus Ni₄‐cluster. The vertical mode is found (at B3LYP/6‐311G^** level) as the most favorable adsorption mode. Adsorption energy (ΔE_ads) depends on cluster size; adsorption on Ni₄‐cluster is most favorable with ΔE_ads = ?207.33 kJ/mol. The natural bond orbital analysis reveals the charge transfer in adsorbate/metal‐cluster. Results of investigations for the Ni₂‐ and Ni₃‐cluster are also presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Four Boron Atoms,Four Positive Charges,and Four Skeletal Electrons: A Fluorescent σ‐Aromatic Tetraborane(4)

Reaction of a ditriflatodiborane compound with the Lewis acids AlCl₃ or GaCl₃ leads to abstraction of the two triflate substituents and dimerization of the resulting dicationic diborane to give a σ‐aromatic tetracationic tetraborane with a planar, rhomboid B₄ core. The compound exhibits four skeletal σ‐electrons involved in two (3c,2e) bonds and represents the first stable fourfold base‐stabilized [B₄H₄]⁴⁺ analogue. The product is isolated from the reaction mixture in the form of bright orange crystals that display fluorescence. Further analysis shows that the new tetraborane(4) is stabilized in the solid state by the lattice energy. It exhibits an extremely high electron affinity and is only stable in solution after one‐electron reduction to the radical cation.     

A Gas‐Phase CanMn4−nO4+ Cluster Model for the Oxygen‐Evolving Complex of Photosystem II

One of the fundamental processes in nature, the oxidation of water, is catalyzed by a small CaMn₃O₄?MnO cluster located in photosystem II (PS II). Now, the first successful preparation of a series of isolated ligand‐free tetrameric Ca_nMn_4?nO₄⁺ (n=0–4) cluster ions is reported, which are employed as structural models for the catalytically active site of PS II. Gas‐phase reactivity experiments with D₂O and H₂¹⁸O in an ion trap reveal the facile deprotonation of multiple water molecules via hydroxylation of the cluster oxo bridges for all investigated clusters. However, only the mono‐calcium cluster CaMn₃O₄⁺ is observed to oxidize water via elimination of hydrogen peroxide. First‐principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate mechanistic details of the deprotonation and oxidation reactions mediated by CaMn₃O₄⁺ as well as the role of calcium.     

σ Aromaticity Dominates in the Unsaturated Three‐Membered Ring of Cyclopropametallapentalenes from Groups 7–9: A DFT Study

Aromaticity, an old but still fantastic topic, has long attracted considerable interest of chemists. Generally, π aromaticity is described by π‐electron delocalization in closed circuits of unsaturated compounds whereas σ‐electron delocalization in saturated rings leads to σ aromaticity. Interestingly, our recent study shows that σ aromaticity can be dominating in an unsaturated three‐membered ring (3MR) of cyclopropaosmapentalene. An interesting question is raised: Can the σ aromaticity, which is dominant in the unsaturated 3MR, be extended to other cyclopropametallapentalenes? If so, how could the metal centers, ligands, and substituents affect the σ aromaticity? Here, we report a thorough theoretical study on these issues. The nucleus‐independent chemical shift calculations and the anisotropy of the current‐induced density plots reveal the dominant σ aromaticity in these unsaturated 3MRs. In addition, our calculations show that substituents on the 3MRs have significant effects on the σ aromaticity, whereas the ligand effect is particularly small.     

Crystal Structures of the Carborane Dianions [1,4‐(PhCB10H10C)2C6H4]2− and [1,4‐(PhCB10H10C)2C6F4]2− and the Stabilizing Role of the para‐Phenylene Unit on 2 n+3 Skeletal Electron Clusters

While carboranes with 2 n+2 and 2 n+4 (n=number of skeletal atoms) skeletal electrons (SE) are widely known, little has been reported on carboranes with odd SE numbers. Electrochemical measurements on two‐cage assemblies, where two C‐phenyl‐ortho‐carboranyl groups are linked by a para‐phenylene or a para‐tetrafluorophenylene bridge, revealed two well separated and reversible two‐electron reduction waves indicating formation of stable dianions and tetraanions. The salts of the dianions were isolated by reduction with sodium metal and their unusual structures were determined by X‐ray crystallography. The diamagnetic dianions contain two 2 n+3 SE clusters where each cluster has a notably long carborane C–carborane C distance of ca 2.4 Å. The π conjugation within the phenylene bridge plays an important role in the stabilization of these carboranes with odd SE counts.     

Back Cover: Can Synthetic All‐Metal Cluster Compound Support Multifold (π and σ) Aromaticity and d‐Orbital Aromaticity? (Chin. J. Chem. 2/2019)

The back cover picture shows Steely alien is invading a lilac garden . A synthetic all‐metal cluster compound is shown computationally to possess five‐fold (π and σ) aromaticity, including d‐orbital aromaticity. The bottleable [Pd₃Sn₈Bi₆]⁴ cluster features a core‐shell shape akin to an unidentified flying object (UFO), in which a triangular Pd3 core is largely floating inside a Sn₈Bi₆ shell. Electron clouds in the system are delocalized over the Pd₃ core, trigonal pyramid Sn₄ caps, peripheral Bi₆ ring, and roof‐like Sn₂Bi₂ walls, whose electron‐counting follows the (4n + 2) Hückel rule. The finding is beyond imagination and should help appease debate on the nature of aromaticity in the community. More details are discussed in the article by Zhai et al. on page 126–130.

     

A six‐connected α‐polonium net based on tetranuclear CdII nodes

The cadmium(II) coordination polymer poly[[(pyrazino[2,3‐f][1,10]phenanthroline‐κ²N⁸,N⁹)cadmium(II)]‐μ₃‐naphthalene‐1,4‐dicarboxylato‐κ⁵O¹:O¹,O^1′:O⁴,O^4′], [Cd(C₁₂H₆O₄)(C₁₄H₈N₄)]_n, contains two Cd^II cations, two pyrazino[2,3‐f][1,10]phenanthroline (L) ligands and two naphthalene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate (1,4‐ndc) anions in the asymmetric unit. Both Cd^II ions are in a distorted CdO₅N₂ monocapped octahedral coordination geometry. Both unique 1,4‐ndc ligands are bonded to three Cd^II ions. In these modes, tetranuclear clusters are formed in which four Cd^II ions are bridged by the carboxylate groups of the 1,4‐ndc ligands to form discrete rods. The tetranuclear cadmium carboxylate clusters act as rod‐shaped secondary building units (SBUs) within the structure. The SBUs are connected together by the aromatic backbone of the dicarboxylate ligands, connecting the clusters into a three‐dimensional α‐polonium net. The title compound represents the first α‐polonium net constructed from rod‐like clusters in coordination polymers. The result indicates that an appropriate combination of dicarboxylate and aromatic chelating ligands is critical to the formation of high‐dimensional structures based on metal clusters in these systems.