Theoretical study of stepwise chlorinated aluminide clusters Al<Subscript>13</Subscript>Cl<Stack><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–9)

The electronic and geometric structures, energy stabilities, normal mode frequencies, and spin density distributions (in radicals) of different stepwise-chlorinated aluminum clusters Al₁₃Cl _n ^? (n = 1–9) are calculated within the B3LYP approximation of the density functional theory using 6-31G* and 6-311+G* basis sets. The results are compared with analogous computation data on hydrides Al₁₃H _n ^? (n = 1–12) obtained at the same level. The general qualitative pattern for related series of hydrides, chlorides, and iodides (as well as fluorides and bromides) turns out to be similar in many respects. For all Al₁₃X _n ^? clusters with different electronegative substituents X, there is a set of a considerable number of low-lying closely spaced inner isomers (with a centered icosahedral cage), marquee isomers, and outer isomers (capped). The effects found by calculations in centered icosahedral isomers—localization of spin density on the trans-Al* atom in radical anions and its associated trans addition rule for an even substituent and the zigzag (odd-even) dependence of the energies D _n (X) of successive addition of substituents X to the metal cage on n described in the framework of the molecular model of the valence states of the Al ₁₃ ^? superatom—should also be shared by many Al₁₃X _n ^? series with different X’s. The differences between hydrides Al₁₃H _n ^? and chlorides Al₁₃Cl _n ^? of the same type are quantitative. For the hydrides, inner isomers are preferable in the first half of the series (n = 1–6); and in the second half (n = 7–12), outer isomers are more favorable. For the chlorides, icosahedral isomers are preferable only at the very beginning of the series. In the other cases, nonicosahedral structures are most favorable, for which the situation becomes very complicated due to the large number of position isomers and the aforementioned simple rules found for centered icosahedral structures are fulfilled to a considerably less extent or not at all.     

Structures and aromaticity of the planar Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>P<Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>−</Superscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>=1–4) clusters

Clusters Al₂P₂ ⁿ⁻ (n = 1–4) were theoretically investigated using density functional theory (DFT) methods at the B3LYP/6-311+G* and B3PW91/6-311+G* levels of theory. The calculated results showed that the planar structure (D _2h symmetry) of Al₂P₂ ⁿ⁻ (n = 1–4) species was the global minimum. And the negative nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) value of Al₂P₂ ⁿ⁻ (n = 1–4) species indicated the existence of a ring current in the planar structure (D _2h symmetry). A detailed molecular orbital (MO) analysis revealed that the planar structures (D _2h symmetry) had π aromaticity, which further exhibited the strongly aromatic character for Al₂P₂ ⁿ⁻ (n = 1–4) species.     

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     

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.     

Structural transition in the OH<Superscript>−</Superscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> cluster in water vapors

The hydration of hydroxyl ion in water vapors at temperatures corresponding to seasonal variations in natural air medium is studied by the Monte Carlo simulation in grand canonical statistical ensemble using the detailed model of intermolecular forces that takes into account many-particle covalent interactions, polarization, and charge transfer. An increase in the number of water molecules in a cluster is accompanied by a structural transition from strongly asymmetric ion environment of water molecules to the formation of enveloping shell composed of these molecules. This transition is accompanied by an abrupt increase in cluster size and qualitative changes in its structural characteristics. The displacement of ion on the surface of clusters with extremely small sizes is an entropy effect. Results of simulation are compared with data on the hydration of hydroxonium at which similar structural transition is not observed, and with data of quantum-chemical calculations.     

Reactions of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">closo</Emphasis>-dodecaborate anion B<Subscript>12</Subscript>H<Stack><Subscript>12</Subscript><Superscript>2−</Superscript></Stack> with hydrogen halides in dichloroethane

The reaction of the closo-dodecaborate anion with hydrogen halides in dichloroethane is studied. Regardless of the hydrogen halide used (HCl, HBr, HI), the chlorination process with the formation of monoand disubstituted products is the main in all cases. The substitution has a weakly pronounced stepwise character. The synthesized compounds are identified by IR spectroscopy, ¹¹B NMR, and ESI mass spectrometry. The structure of a single crystal of the complex Ni(Bipy)₃(B₁₂H_10.668Cl_1.332) · 3CH₂CN · 0.464H₂O is determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Reaction of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">closo</Emphasis>-decaborate anion B<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Stack><Subscript>10</Subscript><Superscript>2−</Superscript></Stack> with dichloroethane in the presence of hydrogen halides

The reactions of the closo-decaborate anion with hydrogen halides and dichloroethane have been studied. Irrespective of the hydrogen halide used (HCl, HBr, HI), chlorination to give mono-, di-, and trihalosubstituted products is the major process. The product ratio depends on the hydrogen halide used and on the synthesis temperature and time. The products have been identified by ¹¹B NMR, IR, and ESI mass spectra. The structure of (Ph₃(NaphCH₂)P)₂B₁₀H₈Cl₂ has been studied by X-ray diffraction. The geometry distortion of the closo-decaborate core found in the chlorinated derivatives is retained on further chemical transformations of the compound.     

The ESCA analysis of the B<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Stack><Subscript>8</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> anion

Compounds [Et₄N]₂B₃H₈ and CsB₃H₈ are studied using the ESCA method. The results of analysis of the B1s electron spectra and estimation of the effective charge differences in [Et₄N]₂B₃H₈ are compared to the data of theoretical calculations of the B₃H₈⁻ anion.     

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.     

A new method of synthesis of the B<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Stack><Subscript>8</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> anion

A new method of synthesis of the B₃H₈⁻ anion has been suggested. The method uses the reaction of some metal halides (CuCl, SnCl₂, CrCl₃, PbF₂, PbCl₂, PbBr₂, and BiCl₃) with sodium tetrahydroborate. It is characterized by high (up to quantitative) yields and simplicity of isolation of the target products ((n-C₄H₉)₄N)[B₃H₈] and Cs[B₃H₈].     

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.     

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.     

The structure of deprotonated tri-alanine and its <Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis><Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> fragment anion by IR spectroscopy

We present the first infrared spectra of a mass-selected deprotonated peptide anion (AlaAlaAla) and its decarboxylated fragment anion formed by collision induced dissociation. Spectra are obtained by IRMPD spectroscopy using an FTICR mass spectrometer in combination with the free electron laser FELIX. Spectra have been recorded over the 800–1800 cm⁻¹ spectral range and compared with density functional theory calculated spectra at the B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) level for different isomeric structures. These experiments suggest a carboxylate anion for [M-H]⁻ and an amide deprotonated (amidate) structure for the a ₃ fragment anion [M-H-CO₂]⁻. The frequency for the amidate carbonyl stretch occurring around 1555±5 cm⁻¹ has been confirmed by additional spectroscopic studies of the conjugated base of N-methylacetamide, which serves as a simple model system for the deprotonated amide linkage in a peptide anion.     

Electronic spectra of the linear cationic chains NC<Subscript>2<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>N<Superscript>+</Superscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–7): an ab initio study

The ground-state equilibrium geometries of the linear carbon chain cations NC_2n N⁺ (n = 1–7) have been investigated with B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, and RCCSD(T) calculations. The ground state (X²П_g/u) and excited state (1²П_u/g) have been optimized by using the complete active space self-consistent field method. The present study reveals that these linear cations generally have the characteristic of bond length alternation in both electronic states. The vertical excited energies for the dipole-allowed (1, 2, 3)²П_u/g ← X²П_g/u transitions as well as the dipole-forbidden 1²Φ_u/g ← X²П_g/u transitions have been computed with the complete active space second-order perturbation theory. The calculated transition energies of 1²П_u/g ← X²П_g/u for NC_2n N⁺ (n = 1–6) in the gas phase are 2.26, 2.09, 1.91, 1.72, 1.56, and 1.39 eV, respectively, which mutually agree well with the available experimental values of 2.11, 2.07, 1.88, 1.67, 1.49, and 1.34 eV. Moreover, the corresponding absorption wavelengths are predicted to have the significant nonlinear size dependence, which is different from the bands origin in NC_2n N (n = 1–7).     

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.     

Thermal analysis of the Ce<Subscript>1−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Tb<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> pigments

Compounds based on CeO₂ were synthesized as high-temperature environment-friendly inorganic pigments with interesting hues. The pigments have been synthesized by using the solid state reaction in the temperature range from 1,300 to 1,600 °C. The host lattice of these pigments is CeO₂ that is doped by terbium ions. The incorporation of doped ions provides interesting orange colours after application into ceramic glaze. The goal was to develop conditions for the synthesis of these compounds and to determine the influence of calcination temperature on their colouring effects. The simultaneous TG-DTA measurements were used for determination of the temperature region of the pigment formation and thermal stability of pigments. The pigments were also evaluated from the standpoint of their structure and particle sizes.     

Derivatives of <Emphasis Type="Italic">closo</Emphasis>-decaborate anion [B<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Subscript>10</Subscript>]<Superscript>2−</Superscript> with <Emphasis Type="Italic">exo</Emphasis>-polyhedral substituents

Methods of introducing functional groups into the [B₁₀H₁₀]²⁻ anion based on electrophilic, radical, or nucleophilic substitution for exo-polyhedral hydrogen atoms have been surveyed. Special attention has been focused on nucleophilic substitution reactions promoted by acids, including protonic acids, anhydrous hydrogen halides, metal halides, and carbocations. In addition, methods of tailored functionalization of the substituents in the cluster have been described.     

Theoretical study on structures and infrared spectroscopy of Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)Ar<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–4)

The binding energy of Cu²⁺(H₂O) is computed to be 98.4 kcal/mol and thus one-photon photodissociation is not possible in the 3400–3800 cm^–1 (9.7–10.9 kcal/mol) region. To study whether the infrared photodissociation processes of Cu²⁺(H₂O) can occur by multiple argon atoms tagging technique, density functional and CCSD(T) methods are used to investigate the geometries, OH stretching frequencies and the argon atom binding energies of Cu²⁺(H₂O)Ar _n (n = 1–4) complexes. Various isomers are found resulting from the different coordination sites of argon atoms. The OH stretches in these complexes are shifted to lower frequencies than those of the free water molecule, and the corresponding vibrational red shifts are progressively smaller as more argon atom is added to Cu²⁺ while binding an argon atom to an OH site should lead to additional sizable red shift to the OH stretching vibrations.     

Polarization effects in Cl<Superscript>−</Superscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> clusters. Computer simulation

Free energy, enthalpy, equilibrium work of formation from vapor, and structural characteristics of Cl^?(H₂O) _n clusters in models with explicit account for the polarization of particles and many-particle covalent interactions, as well as in their absence, are calculated by the Monte Carlo method in a bicanonical statistical ensemble. The neglect of polarization interactions leads to discrepancies in the experimental values of free energy by up to 4k _B T, even for first addition reactions. Taking into account polarization and many-particle interactions makes it possible to reach an agreement with experimental data on the free energy of hydration with an accuracy of no less than the error of experimental measurements (～0.1k _B T). The account of polarization essentially affects the pattern of the curve of formation work and results in a decrease in the first coordination number of ion by one–two units. Disregard for polarization effects in clusters substantially narrows the region of metastable states of vapor.