Assessing metal-metal multiple bonds in Cr-Cr, Mo-Mo, and W-W compounds and a hypothetical U-U compound: a quantum chemical study comparing DFT and multireference methods

To gain insights into the trends in metal-metal multiple bonding among the Group 6 elements, density functional theory has been employed in combination with multiconfigurational methods (CASSCF and CASPT2) to investigate a selection of bimetallic, multiply bonded compounds. For the compound [Ar-MM-Ar] (Ar=2,6-(C(6)H(5))(2)-C(6)H(3), M=Cr, Mo, W) the effect of the Ar ligand on the M(2) core has been compared with the analogous [Ph-MM-Ph] (Ph=phenyl, M=Cr, Mo, W) compounds. A set of [M(2)(dpa)(4)] (dpa=2,2'-dipyridylamide, M=Cr, Mo, W, U) compounds has also been investigated. All of the compounds studied here show important multiconfigurational behavior. For the Mo(2) and W(2) compounds, the σ(2)π(4)δ(2) configuration dominates the ground-state wavefunction, contributing at least 75%. The Cr(2) compounds show a more nuanced electronic structure, with many configurations contributing to the ground state. For the Cr, Mo, and W compounds the electronic absorption spectra have been studied, combining density functional theory and multireference methods to make absorption feature assignments. In all cases, the main features observed in the visible spectra may be assigned as charge-transfer bands. For all compounds investigated the Mayer bond order (MBO) and the effective bond order (EBO) were calculated by density functional theory and CASSCF methods, respectively. The MBO and EBO values share a similar trend toward higher values at shorter normalized metal-metal bond lengths.     

Theoretical and Structural Analysis of Long CC Bonds in the Adducts of Polycyanoethylene and Anthracene Derivatives and Their Connection to the Reversibility of Diels–Alder Reactions

X‐ray structure determinations on four Diels–Alder adducts derived from the reactions of cyano‐ and ester‐substituted alkenes with anthracene and 9,10‐dimethylanthracene have shown the bonds formed in the adduction to be particularly long. Their lengths range from 1.58 to 1.62 Å, some of the longest known for Diels–Alder adducts. Formation of the four adducts is detectably reversible at ambient temperature and is associated with free energies of reaction ranging from ?2.5 to ?40.6 kJ mol^?1. The solution equilibria have been experimentally characterised by NMR spectroscopy. Density‐functional‐theory calculations at the MPW1K/6‐31+G(d,p) level with PCM solvation agree with experiment with average errors of 6 kJ mol^?1 in free energies of reaction and structural agreement in adduct bond lengths of 0.013 Å. To understand more fully the cause of the reversibility and its relationship to the long adduct bond lengths, natural‐bond‐orbital (NBO) analysis was applied to quantify donor–acceptor interactions within the molecules. Both electron donation into the σ*‐anti‐bonding orbital of the adduct bond and electron withdrawal from the σ‐bonding orbital are found to be responsible for this bond elongation.     

Analysis of the Electronic Structure of Aqueous Urea and Its Derivatives: A Systematic Soft X‐Ray–TD‐DFT Approach

Soft X‐ray emission (XE), absorption (XA), and resonant inelastic scattering (RIXS) experiments have been conducted at the nitrogen K‐edge of urea and its derivatives in aqueous solution and were compared with density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory calculations. This comprehensive study provides detailed information on the occupied and unoccupied molecular orbitals of urea, thiourea, acetamide, dimethylurea, and biuret at valence levels. By identifying the electronic transitions that contribute to the experimental spectral features, the energy gap between the highest occupied and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of each molecule is determined. Moreover, a theoretical approach is introduced to simulate resonant inelastic X‐ray scattering spectra by adding an extra electron to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, thereby mimicking the real initial state of the core‐electron absorption before the subsequent relaxation process.     

Electronic structures and optical properties of BiOX (X = F,Cl, Br,I) via DFT calculations

Based on the density functional theory (DFT), the lattice constants and atomic positions of BiOX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) species have been optimized, and the electronic and optical properties of the relaxed species have been calculated, with Bi 5d states considered or not. Relaxation generally results in the shrinkage in a and the expansion of c. Relaxed BiOCl, BiOBr, and BiOI present indirect band gaps, whereas BiOF exhibits a direct or somewhat indirect band‐gap feature corresponding to the relaxation and calculation with the Bi 5d states or not. The bottom of the conduction band is quite flat for relaxed BiOI, and apparently flat in BiOBr, and shows observable flatness in BiOCl as well when considering the Bi 5d states. The top of the valence band is rather even as well for some species. The obtained maximum gaps for relaxed BiOF, BiOCl, BiOBr, and BiOI are 3.34, 2.92, 2.65, and 1.75 eV, respectively. The density peak of X np states in the valence band shifts toward the valence band maximum with the increasing X atomic number. The bandwidths, atomic charges, bond orders, and orbital density have also been investigated along with some optical properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009     

Halogen‐Bonding Interactions with π Systems: CCSD(T), MP2, and DFT Calculations

Halogen bonding is a noncovalent interaction between a halogen atom and a nucleophilic site. Interactions involving the π electrons of aromatic rings have received, up to now, little attention, despite the large number of systems in which they are present. We report binding energies of the interaction between either NCX or PhX (X=F, Cl, Br, I) and the aromatic benzene system as determined with the coupled cluster with perturbative triple excitations method [CCSD(T)] extrapolated at the complete basis set limit. Results are compared with those obtained by Møller–Plesset perturbation theory to second order (MP2) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations by using some of the most common functionals. Results show the important role of DFT in studying this interaction.     

Benchmark Calculations on the Atomization Enthalpy, Geometry and Vibrational Frequencies of UF6 with Relativistic DFT Methods

Benchmark calculations on the molar atomization enthalpy, geometry, and vibrational frequencies of uranium hexafluoride （UF6） have been performed by using relativistic density functional theory （DFT） with various levels of relativistic effects, different types of basis sets, and exchange-correlation functionals. Scalar relativistic effects are shown to be critical for the structural properties. The spin-orbit coupling effects are important for the calculated energies, but are much less important for other calculated ground-state properties of closed-shell UF6. We conclude through systematic investigations that ZORA- and RECP-based relativistic DPT methods are both appropriate for incorporating relativistic effects. Comparisons of different types of basis sets （Slater, Gaussian, and plane-wave types） and various levels of theoretical approximation of the exchange-correlation functionals were also made.     

1-取代-2-氨基苯并咪唑衍生物的理论计算及QSAR研究

在B3LYP/6-31＋g(d)计算水平下, 通过运用密度泛函理论(DFT)量子化学方法, 对7种1-取代-2-氨基苯并咪唑衍生物的电子结构特征进行了研究, 获得了它们的电离能、亲合能、化学硬度、化学软度、化学势、电负性、亲电性、分配系数、折射率、极化率、分子体积和分子表面积等参数. 结果表明, 在2-氨基苯并咪唑衍生物的1位引入取代基团, 对化合物的电荷布居和结构性质都有较大的影响|关联了定量结构-活性关系(QSAR), 7种化合物的半数致死量LD₅₀与极化率等有较好的相关性. 这些结果可为1-取代-2-氨基苯并咪唑衍生物的氧化代谢实验研究和毒性机理揭示等提供重要信息.     

Conformational Analysis of δ‐Lactones by DFT Calculations: The Parent Compound and its Monomethyl and Selected Dimethyl Derivatives

The static and dynamic stereochemistry of unsubstituted δ‐valerolactone, all monomethylated δ‐lactones, and all nongeminally dimethylated δ‐lactones was explored with the B3LYP functional and def2‐TZVPP basis set. A search strategy was employed which allowed the entire conformational space of any (poly‐)substituted δ‐lactone to be scanned. It allowed the lowest threshold conformational interconversion pathways to be mapped. The latter can be visualized in appealingly intuitive yet unprecedented diagrams. They trace the energy versus a circular abscissa which describes the passage of the molecule through one complete conformation interchange. The respective plot is C₂‐symmetrical for the parent compound, which is achiral, and C₁‐symmetrical for all methylated δ‐lactones, which are chiral.     

DFT calculations on the electronic structures of BiOX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) photocatalysts with and without semicore Bi 5d states

The electronic structures of BiOX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) photocatalysts have been calculated with and without Bi 5d states using the experimental lattice parameters, via the plane-wave pseudopotential method based on density functional theory (DFT). BiOF exhibits a direct band gap of 3.22 or 3.12 eV corresponding to the adoption of Bi 5d states or not. The indirect band gaps of BiOCl, BiOBr, and BiOI are 2.80, 2.36, and 1.75 eV, respectively, if calculated with Bi 5d states, whereas the absence of Bi 5d states reduces them to 2.59, 2.13, and 1.53 eV successively. The calculated gap characteristics and the falling trend of gap width with the increasing X atomic number agree with the experimental results, despite the common DFT underestimation of gap values. The shapes of valence-band tops and conduction-band bottoms are almost independent of the involvement of Bi 5d states. The indirect characteristic becomes more remarkable, and the conduction-band bottom flattens in the sequence of BiOCl, BiOBr, and BiOI. Both O 2p and X np (n = 2, 3, 4, and 5 for X = F, Cl, Br, and I, respectively) states dominate the valence bands, whereas Bi 6p states contribute the most to the conduction bands. With the growing X atomic number, the localized X np states shift closer toward the valence-band tops, and the valence and conduction bandwidths evolve in opposite trends. Atomic and bond populations have also been explored to elucidate the atomic interactions, along with the spatial distribution of orbital density.     

第一性原理研究MgZn2相的电子结构及磁性质

运用密度泛函理论的第一性原理计算分析了MgZn₂相的电子结构及相关磁性质。能带结构和态密度分析表明Zn4s和Zn4p轨道、Mg3s和Mg3p轨道分别发生sp态杂化,然后杂化态之间相互作用而形成Zn-Mg键;Mulliken布居分布计算显示:Zn₁-Mg(Zn₁是处于晶格边缘的Zn原子)和Zn₂-Mg(Zn₂是处于晶格内部的Zn原子)电子云重叠布居数接近0,电子密度分析显示Zn-Mg之间电子密度分布具有明显的定域性。结合上述结果与Zn、Mg原子的电负性差异,确定Zn-Mg键为极性共价键。分态密度(PDOS)分析显示,Zn₁-Mg键和Zn₂-Mg键的差异主要表现在Zn₂4s轨道在-10~-6 eV区域对成键的贡献度高于Zn₁4s轨道,而Zn₁4s轨道在2~5 eV区域对成键的贡献度高于Zn₂4s轨道。进一步对MgZn₂的积分自旋态密度和磁矩计算表明:MgZn₂磁性质表现为顺磁性,其磁性主要来源于Zn₁-Mg键中的2个自旋相同的未配对电子;MgZn₂的顺磁性特性将使Al-Zn-Mg-Cu(7xxx系)高强铝合金产生磁致塑性效应。     

第一性原理研究MgZn2相的电子结构及磁性质

运用密度泛函理论的第一性原理计算分析了MgZn₂相的电子结构及相关磁性质。能带结构和态密度分析表明Zn₄s和Zn₄p轨道、Mg₃s和Mg₃p轨道分别发生sp态杂化,然后杂化态之间相互作用而形成Zn-Mg键;Mulliken布居分布计算显示:Zn₁-Mg(Zn₁是处于晶格边缘的Zn原子)和Zn₂-Mg(Zn₂是处于晶格内部的Zn原子)电子云重叠布居数接近0,电子密度分析显示Zn-Mg之间电子密度分布具有明显的定域性。结合上述结果与Zn、Mg原子的电负性差异,确定Zn-Mg键为极性共价键。分态密度(PDOS)分析显示,Zn₁-Mg键和Zn₂-Mg键的差异主要表现在Zn₂4s轨道在-10~-6eV区域对成键的贡献度高于Zn₁4s轨道,而Zn₁4s轨道在2~5eV区域对成键的贡献度高于Zn₂4s轨道。进一步对MgZn₂的积分自旋态密度和磁矩计算表明:MgZn₂磁性质表现为顺磁性,其磁性主要来源于Zn₁-Mg键中的2个自旋相同的未配对电子;MgZn₂的顺磁性特性将使Al-Zn-Mg-Cu(7×××系)高强铝合金产生磁致塑性效应。     

Evolution of Structural, Electronic and Optical Properties of Monoclinic ZrO2 under High Pressure： A First Principles Study

The structural, electronic and optical properties of the monoclinic ZrO2 were studied by ab initio calculations based on the density functional theory and pseudopotential method. The calculated lattice parameters and band gap are in agreement with the experimental and other theoretical values. The evolution of lattice parameters and electronic properties were illustrated under high pressure. Meanwhile, the optical properties, such as adsorption coefficients, imaginary part of dielectric function, and energy loss function, were investigated under both ambient and high pressures.     

Synthesis,Electronic Properties,and Reactivity of Phospholes and 1,1′‐Biphospholes Bearing 2‐ or 3‐Thienyl C‐Substituents

PS, I love you! Novel mixed phosphole/thiophene π‐conjugated systems were synthesized and their electronic properties have been studied both experimentally by UV/Vis spectroscopy and electrochemistry and by theoretical calculations. Exploiting the chemistry of both P‐ and S‐heteroles allows the generation of a diverse range of novel ring‐fused benzophosphole–thiophene derivatives.

     

Electronic and Structural Properties of Highly Aluminum Ion Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

This study presents the experimental and theoretical study of highly internally Al‐doped TiO₂ nanoparticles. Two synthesis methods were used and detailed characterization was performed. There were differences in the doping and the crystallinity, but the nanoparticles synthesized with the different methods share common features. Anatase to rutile transformation occurred at higher temperatures with Al doping. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed the generation of oxygen vacancies, which is an interesting feature in photocatalysis. In turn, the band‐gap energy and the valence band did not change appreciably. Periodic density functional calculations were performed to model the experimentally doped structures, the formation of the oxygen vacancies, and the band gap. Calculation of the density of states confirmed the experimental band‐gap energies. The theoretical results confirmed the presence of Ti⁴⁺ and Al³⁺. The charge density study and electron localization function analysis indicated that the inclusion of Al in the anatase structure resulted in a strengthening of the Ti?O bonds around the vacancy.     

Hydrogen bond interactions in sulfamerazine: DFT study of the O-17, N-14, and H-2 electric field gradient tensors

Hydrogen bond (HB) interactions are studied in the real crystalline structure of sulfamerazine by density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the electric field gradient (EFG) tensors at the sites of O-17, N-14, and H-2 nuclei. One-molecule (single) and four-molecule (cluster) models of sulfamerazine are created by available crystal coordinates and the EFG tensors are calculated in both models to indicate the influence of HB interactions on the tensors. Directly relate to the experiments, the calculated EFG tensors are converted to the experimentally measurable nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) parameters, quadrupole coupling constant (qcc) and asymmetry parameter (η_Q). The evaluated NQR parameters reveal that due to contribution of the target molecule to N–HN and N–HO types of HB interactions, the EFG tensors at the sites of various nuclei are influenced from single model to the target molecule in cluster. Additionally, O2, N4, and H2 nuclei of the target molecule are significantly influenced by HB interactions, consequently, they have the major contributions to HB interactions in cluster model of sulfamerazine. The calculations are performed employing B3LYP method and 6-311++G** basis set using GAUSSIAN 98 suite of program.     

Kinetic Study and NBO Analysis of the Dehydrogenation Mechanism of Five‐membered Ring Heterocyclic 2,5‐Dihydro‐[furan,thiophene, selenophene

The theoretical study of the dehydrogenation of 2,5‐dihydro‐[furan ( 1 ), thiophene ( 2 ), and selenophene ( 3 )] was carried out using ab initio molecular orbital (MO) and density functional theory (DFT) methods at the B3LYP/6‐311G**//B3LYP/6‐311G** and MP2/6‐311G**//B3LYP/6‐311G** levels of theory. Among the used methods in this study, the obtained results show that B3LYP/6‐311G** method is in good agreement with the available experimental values. Based on the optimized ground state geometries using B3LYP/6‐311G** method, the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of donor‐acceptor (bond‐antibond) interactions revealed that the stabilization energies associated with the electronic delocalization from non‐bonding lone‐pair orbitals [LP(e)_X3] to δ*_{C(1)  H(2)} antibonding orbital, decrease from compounds 1 to 3 . The LP(e)_X3→δ*_{C(1)  H(2)} resonance energies for compounds 1 – 3 are 23.37, 16.05 and 12.46 kJ/mol, respectively. Also, the LP(e)_X3→δ*_{C(1)  H(2)} delocalizations could fairly explain the decrease of occupancies of LP(e)_X3 non‐bonding orbitals in ring of compounds 1 – 3 ( 3 > 2 > 1 ). The electronic delocalization from LP(e)_X3 non‐bonding orbitals to δ*_{C(1)  H(2)} antibonding orbital increases the ground state structure stability, Therefore, the decrease of LP(e)_X3→δ*_{C(1)  H(2)} delocalizations could fairly explain the kinetic of the dehydrogenation reactions of compounds 1 – 3 (k ₁ >k ₂ >k ₃ ). Also, the donor‐acceptor interactions, as obtained from NBO analysis, revealed that the (_C(4)C(7)→δ*_{C(1)  H(2)} resonance energies decrease from compounds 1 to 3 . Further, the results showed that the energy gaps between (_C(4)C(7) bonding and δ*_{C(1)  H(2)} antibonding orbitals decrease from compounds 1 to 3 . The results suggest also that in compounds 1 – 3 , the hydrogen eliminations are controlled by LP(e)→δ* resonance energies. Analysis of bond order, natural bond orbital charges, bond indexes, synchronicity parameters, and IRC calculations indicate that these reactions are occurring through a concerted and synchronous six‐membered cyclic transition state type of mechanism.     

Density Functional Theory Calculations of Structural,Electronic, and Magnetic Properties of the 3d Metal Trifluorides MF3 (M = Ti-Ni) in the Solid State

We employ density functional theory with Hubbard U correction or hybrid functionals to study the series of magnetic 3d metal trifluorides MF₃ (M = Ti-Ni). Experimental lattice parameters are reproduced with an error margin of 0.5%–4.3%. Cooperative Jahn–Teller distortions are reproduced for MnF₃, but also found in TiF₃ and CoF₃ at smaller levels compared to MnF₃. Trends in electronic structure with respect to positions of the d bands are linked to the magnetic properties where M = Ti-Cr are weak magnetic Mott–Hubbard insulators, M = Fe-Ni are strong magnetic charge-transfer insulators and MnF₃ falls in between. Our work contributes to the characterization of the relatively unknown NiF₃, since FeF₃ and CoF₃ have similar electronic and magnetic properties. However, NiF₃ does not show a Jahn–Teller distortion as present in CoF₃. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.