Planar Four-Coordinate Carbon in Star-Like Perlithioannulenes C<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>Li<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 3–6)

The structure and stability of perlithioannulenes C _n Li _n (n = 3–6) were examined ab initio [MP2(full)/6-311+G**] and in terms of the density functional theory (B3LYP/6-311+G**). The systems with n = 3, 5, and 6 may be stabilized as planar star-like structures with bridging lithium atoms and hypercoordinate carbon atoms. Star-like structures are the most stable isomers of odd-numbered annulenes (n = 3, 5), while the most stable isomers of even-numbered annulenes (n = 4, 6) have less symmetric nonplanar structures.     

Gas-phase structures of 1-adamantylphosphines,PH<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>(1-Ad)<Subscript>3−<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–3)

The gas-phase structure of 1-adamantylphosphine has been determined by electron diffraction, supplemented with data from ab initio and DFT calculations. The adamantyl fragment was modeled with local C _3v symmetry and the phosphino group was found to be in a position almost bisecting a mirror plane of the adamantyl group, giving the molecule overall approximate C _s symmetry. There is a small displacement of the C–P bond from the local threefold axis of the adamantyl group. Geometry optimizations were also performed for bis-(1-adamantyl)phosphine (C ₁ point-group symmetry) and tris-(1-adamantyl)phosphine (C ₃ symmetry), demonstrating extremely crowded environments around the phosphorus atoms leading to adamantyl groups that were much less symmetric. The adamantyl groups were also found to twist by a significant amount to minimize the strain.     

Isomerization reactions of RSNO (R=H,C<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>H<Subscript>2<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>+1</Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>≤ 4)

We have applied various theoretical methods to gain detailed insights into the isomers as well as the transition states (TSs) along the corresponding reaction pathways for RSNO (R=H, C _n H_2n+1 n ≤ 4). On the basis of G2 and G2MP2 results, the relative order of stability for R=H is estimated to be trans-HSNO > cis-HSNO > HNSO > cis-HONS trans-HONS, while it is cis-CH₃SNO trans-CH₃SNO > CH₃NSO > trans-CH₃ONS > cis-CH₃ONS for R=CH₃. A similar trend is also obtained from the B3P86 method with considerably less computing effort if the nearly isoenergetic isomers cis-HONS and trans-HONS are ignored. Based on the results of B3P86, cis-RSNO is more stable than trans-RSNO when R=H is replaced by alkyl groups except for R=t-Bu. Natural bond orbital analyses allow us to explore whether the high reactivity of S-nitrosothiols is due to the strong negative hyperconjugation (). The mesomeric effect of S-nitrosothiols, although non-negligible, does not cause the breakage of N–O bond due to the compensation of columbic attraction between N and O.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at and is accessible for authorized users.     

Electronic peltier effect in Li<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Cu<Subscript>(2 − <Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis>) − δ</Subscript>S

Temperature dependences of the Peltier coefficient are studied in the temperature range of 300–700 K under variation of the composition of the Li _x Cu_{(2 − x) − δ}S samples. The obtained values of the Peltier coefficient of the Li_0.05Cu_{1.95 − δ}S samples with a different copper content are within the range of 0.1–0.4 J/A, which is somewhat higher than the similar parameters of bismuth telluride, the basic material of semiconductor coolers.     

The equilibrium structures of the Li[C<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>]<Subscript>1</Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 7–12) complexes and their alternation depending on <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>

The equilibrium geometric configurations of the Li[C _n ]₁ (n = 7–12) complexes, where [C _n ]₁ is a cylindrical hydrocarbon containing the simplest zigzag nanotube fragment, were determined by the density functional theory method with the PBE0 exchange-correlation functional. Analytic molecular orbital (MO) estimates were obtained for isolated [C _n ]₁ hydrocarbons in the Hückel approximation. The appearance of nonbonding MOs for hydrocarbons with even n was demonstrated. Equilibrium structure types were found to alternate as n increased. This alternation correlated with the behavior of the frontier orbitals of the [C _n ]₁ hydrocarbon. At odd n, the Li atom was situated near the boundary of the π electron density of the bracelet, and the complex had C _s symmetry. Complexes with even n had the C _2v point group, and lithium was situated in the inner cylinder cavity above the center of one of benzene rings.     

Transformations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">gem</Emphasis>-dibromoarylcyclopropanes under nitrosation conditions on treatment with NOCl·(SO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>

The reaction of 2-aryl-1,1-dibromocyclopropanes with adduct NOCl·(SO₃) _n leading to 3-aryl-5-bromoisoxazoles as a result of nitrosation—heterocyclization of the cyclopropane ring was studied. The reaction is accompanied with electrophilic aromatic bromination. The mechanism of the transformation was discussed, the optimal reaction conditions to enhance the reaction selectivity were developed.     

Structure of (DMF)<Subscript>m</Subscript>(HCl)<Subscript>n</Subscript> complexes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis>= 2, <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 3–4)

(DMF)₂(HCl)₃ and (DMF)₂(HCl)₄ heterocomplexes were studied for the first time in terms of the B3LYP/6-31++G(d, p) density functional calculation. The resulting data about their structure, stability, strength of intermolecular bonds, and degree of proton transfer in O...H...Cl bridges are compared with the results of a similar calculation fulfilled for (DMF)_m(HCl)_n clusters (m, n = 1–2) and with the experimental data on the structure and properties of acid-base complexes in DMF solutions of HCl. An extremely stable symmetrical cycle of four molecules — (DMF)₂(HCl)₂ — is assumed to be a structure-forming element of solution in the DMF-HCl system in the range of concentrations achievable under normal conditions. When [HCl]₀ > [DMF]₀, the “excess” hydrogen chloride molecules add to the chlorine atoms of this cycle, forming heterocomplexes with a branched structure. Addition of more HCl molecules to the (DMF)₂(HCl)₂ cycle appreciably increases the degree of proton transfer from acid to base molecule.     

Synthesis of (Ni<Subscript>1 − <Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Co<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>P (0 ≤ <Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis> ≤ 0.65) substitution solid solution

The phosphides (Ni_{1 ? x} Co _x )₂P (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.65) crystallizing in the hexagonal system, space group P \(\bar 6\)2m, were synthesized in two steps starting from the continuous solid solution (Ni_{1 ? x} Co _x )₃(PO₄)₂ · 8H₂O. The initial phosphates were first completely dehydrated at 800°C and then reduced with hydrogen at 900–1000°C for 1–2 h.     

Fast evaluation of molecular auxiliary functions <Emphasis Type="Italic">A</Emphasis><Subscript>α</Subscript> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">B</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> by analytical relations

Analytical relations through the initial values are derived for the molecular auxiliary functions A _α (x) and B _n (x), where α =n+ɛ, 0⩽ ɛ < 1 and n=0,1,2,.... These relations are useful in the fast calculation of multicenter molecular integrals over integer and noninteger n Slater type orbitals. It is shown that the formulas obtained are numerically stable for all values of n,ɛ and x.PACS No: 31.15.+q, 31.20.EjAMS subject classification: 81-V55, 81-V45     

Thermodynamic study of nanoclusters of lead (Pb<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–6): adsorption of small molecules on the Pb<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> clusters

Nanoclusters of lead (Pb _n , n = 1–6) were studied theoretically employing MP2 and M062X methods. Structural and thermodynamic properties as well as ionization energies and electron affinities of two isomers of Pb₃, six isomers of Pb₄, seven isomers of Pb₅ and seven isomers of Pb₆ were obtained at 298 K. Rhombic, pyramidal and octagonal structures were the most stable forms of the Pb₄, Pb₅ and Pb₆ clusters, respectively. Proton affinities of the Pb _n clusters were computed, which were in the range of 200–250 kcal/mol. Adsorption of C₂H₂, C₂H₄, CO, CO₂, CH₂O, HNO, O₃, NO, N₂O, NO₂, N₂O₄ and N₂O₅ on the Pb _n clusters was studied. O₃ showed the strongest interaction with the Pb _n clusters with adsorption enthalpies of 80–130 kcal/mol. HNO, O₃, N₂O, N₂O₄ and N₂O₅ were dissociated after adsorption on the Pb _n clusters. N₂O decomposes to adsorbed O atom and a free N₂ molecule, while N₂O₄ and N₂O₅ release a NO₂ molecule.     

HNO(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–4) clusters: a theoretical study

The geometrical structure, binding energy, and vibrational spectra of small clusters of nitrosyl hydride (HNO) and water molecules, HNO(H₂O) _n , where (n = 1–4), have been investigated at the MP2 level of theory, using 6-311++G(2d,2p) basis set. We located three dimers, six trimers, nine tetramers, and three pentamers at the MP2/6-311++G(2d,2p) computational level. Particular attention is given to existence and magnitude of NH···O blue-shifting hydrogen bonds. Blue shifts of the NH stretching frequency upon complex formation in the ranges between 28 and 151 cm⁻¹ is predicted. Cooperative effect in terms of stabilization energy along with the many-body interaction energies analysis was performed for the studied clusters. The Atoms in Molecules (AIM) theory was also applied to explain the nature of the complexes.     

Theoretical studies of the structures and properties of (Br<Subscript>2</Subscript>InN<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–6) clusters

In an attempt to find single-source precursors, a series of small clusters of inorganic azides of indium (Br₂InN₃) _n (n = 1–6) were studied using the dispersion correction density functional theory (wB97XD). The obtained (Br₂InN₃) _n (n = 2–6) clusters have the core structures of 2n-membered ring with alternating indium and α-nitrogen atoms. The influences of cluster size (oligomerization degree n) on the structures, energies, IR spectra, and thermodynamic properties of clusters were discussed. The computed binding energies indicate the stability: 3A > 3B, 4B > 4C > 4A > 4D, 5E > 5D > 5B = 5C > 5A and 6I > 6C > 6D > 6G ≥ 6H > 6F > 6E > 6B > 6A. It is also found that (Br₂InN₃)₂ and (Br₂InN₃)₄ clusters possess higher stability than their neighbor sizes judged by the calculated second-order difference of energies (Δ₂ E). Meanwhile, thermodynamic properties for (Br₂InN₃) _n (n = 1–6) clusters increase with the increasing temperature and oligomerization degree n, and the oligomerizations are thermodynamically favorable at temperatures up to 800 K.     

Phase Diagrams of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-Decane–<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-Hexadecane–Cyclododecane, <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-Decane–Cyclododecane,and <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-Hexadecane–Cyclododecane Systems

The n-decane–n-hexadecane–cyclododecane, n-decane–cyclododecane, and n-hexadecane–cyclododecane systems are studied by means of low-temperature differential thermal analysis using a differential scanning heat flow calorimeter. It is noted that all studied systems belong to the eutectic type. It is concluded that in the n-decane–n-hexadecane–cyclododecane system, the eutectic composition contains 85.0 wt % n-С₁₀Н₂₂, 4.0 wt % n-С₁₆Н₃₄, and 11.0 wt % С₁₂Н₂₄. It has a melting point of ?35.0°C.     

High-temperature ion transport in La<Subscript>1−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Sr<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>FeO<Subscript>3−δ</Subscript>

The conductivity of the entire solid solution La_1–xSr_xFeO_3–, where x=0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9, in the oxygen partial pressure range 10^–19 to 0.5 atm and temperatures between 750 and 950 °C is reported. The analysis of the isothermal pressure dependences of the conductivity reveal that the lanthanum-strontium ferrites can be characterized as mixed ion-electron conductors in the low-oxygen pressure/high-oxygen deficiency limit. The partial contribution to conductivity from oxygen ions increases with strontium content and attains a maximal value at x=0.5. Further increase in doping results in the development of oxygen vacancy ordering phenomena and deterioration of the conducting properties.Presented at the OSSEP Workshop Ionic and Mixed Conductors: Methods and Processes, Aveiro, Portugal, 10–12 April 2003     

Heat capacity of GdBaSr(Cu<Subscript>3−x</Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">M</Emphasis><Subscript>x</Subscript>)O<Subscript>7−δ</Subscript> superconductor (<Emphasis Type="Italic">M</Emphasis>=Zn and Ni)

In this study, GdBaSr(Cu_3−x M _x)O_7−δ bulk samples (M=Zn and Ni; 0≤x≤0.1) were prepared via solid-state reaction. Specific heat measurement (measured with thermal relaxation technique using PPMS) shows an obvious specific heat jump around the T _c for GdBaSrCu₃O_7−δ sample as observed in most of the high temperature superconductors. It shifts towards lower temperature with increasing of both Zn and Ni doping contents, whose tendency is similar to the decreasing of T _c. Debye temperature, Θ_D (derived from specific heat measurements) calculated at around 10 K is found to be directly proportional to the T _c.     

Search for the structures,stabilities, IR spectra,and thermodynamic properties of the asymmetric clusters (HClBN<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript> <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> </Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–6)

The density functional theory (DFT) method has been employed to systematically investigate the geometrical structures, stabilities, IR spectrum and thermodynamic properties of small asymmetric clusters (HClBN₃)_n (n = 1–6). When n ≥ 2, the optimized results suggest that the (BN_α)_2n cyclic structures with alternating boron and α-nitrogen atoms are observed in clusters. The influences of cluster size on the structures of clusters were discussed. The second-order difference in energies show that the (HClBN₃)₃ isomer is the most stable among the asymmetric clusters (HClBN₃)_n. Four main characteristic regions are obtained and assigned for the calculated IR spectra. A study of their thermodynamic properties suggests that monomer 1 forms clusters (2–6) thermodynamically favorable by the enthalpies at 298.2 K.     

The Merrifield–Simmons index in (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> + 1)-graphs

A (n, n + 1)-graph G is a connected simple graph with n vertices and n + 1 edges. In this paper, we determine the upper bound for the Merrifield–Simmons index in (n, n + 1)–graphs in terms of the order n, and characterize the (n, n + 1)–graph with the largest Merrifield–Simmons index.     

A density functional theory study on the Ag<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>H (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–10) clusters

Density functional GGA-PW91 method with DNP basis set is applied to optimize the geometries of Ag _n H (n = 1–10) clusters. For the lowest energy geometries of Ag _n H (n = 1–10) clusters, the hydrogen atom prefers to occupy the two-fold coordination bridge site except the occupation of single-fold coordination site in AgH cluster. After adsorption of hydrogen atom, most Ag _n structures are slightly perturbed and only the Ag₆ structure in Ag₆H cluster is distorted obviously. The Ag–Ag bond is strengthened and the strength of Ag–H bond exhibits a clear odd–even oscillation like the strength of Au–H bond in Au _n H clusters, indicating that the hydrogen atom is more favorable to be adsorbed by odd-numbered pure silver clusters. The adsorption strength of small silver cluster toward H atom is obviously weaker than that of small gold cluster toward H atom due to the strong scalar relativistic effect in small gold cluster. The pronounced odd–even alternation of the magnetic moments is observed in Ag _n H systems, indicating that the Ag _n H clusters possess tunable magnetic properties by adsorbing hydrogen atom onto odd-numbered or even-numbered small silver cluster.     

Theoretical Study of the Structure and Stability of Stepwise Hydrogenated Aluminum Clusters Al<Subscript>44</Subscript>H<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1−24)

The energies and structural and spectroscopic characteristics of a series of model stepwise hydrogenated aluminum clusters Al₄₄H _n (n = 1?24) obtained by successive introduction of hydrogen atoms into various surface positions of the Al₄₄ cluster have been calculated by the density functional theory method (B3LYP). According to these calculations, the [Al₃₉] surface layer of the cage retains a closed “nested doll” shape with a pentaatomic inner core [Al₅]. With increasing n, both the surface layer and the core tend to experience increasing asymmetric distortions. The surface is corrugated and undergoes significant axial and equatorial extensions and contractions, some of the Al?H two-center terminal bonds are transformed into threecenter hydrogen bridges, and some Al atoms are displaced from the surface layer to the outer sphere and are bound to the surface through hydrogen bridges. The inner core [Al₅] at n = 24 loses its bipyramidal shape and shifts to the surface layer so that one or two of its atoms are “built-in” into the concave regions of the surface layer. The calculated average energies of Al?H bonds are within the range ~55.5 ± 2.5 kcal/mol. The averaged energies of the Al₄₄H _n → Al₄₄H_n–2 + Н₂ dissociation reactions with elimination of a hydrogen molecule are on the order of a few kilocalories per mole and are evidence of small exothermicity (or isothermicity) of these reactions. For the Al₄₄H, Al₄₄H₂, and Al₄₄H₆ clusters as an example, the relative stabilities of isomers with terminal Al?H bonds in various nonequivalent positions of the [Al₃₉] surface layer are compared.     

Structures and electronic properties of germanium-doped Ni<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> clusters, <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 13–23

The magnetic property and electronic properties such as binding energy, charge transfer, ionization potential and electron affinity of the Ni _n–1Ge (n = 13–23) neutral and ionic clusters have been studied using the density functional theory calculations with the PBE exchange-correlation energy functional. The calculated total magnetic moments decrease with the addition of Ge atom. Both the calculated ionization potential and electron affinity exhibit an oscillating behavior as the cluster size increases.