Chlorocarbonyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, ClC(O)OSO2CF3: structure and conformational properties in the gaseous and condensed phases

Pure chlorocarbonyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, ClC(O)OSO(2)CF(3), has been prepared in about 58% yield by the ambient-temperature reaction between ClC(O)SCl and AgCF(3)SO(3). The conformational properties of the gaseous molecule have been studied by vibrational spectroscopy [IR(gas), IR(matrix), and Raman(liquid)] and quantum chemical calculations (HF and B3LYP with 6-31+G* basis sets); in addition, the solid-state structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography. ClC(O)OSO(2)CF(3) exists in the gas phase as a mixture of trans [ClC(O) group trans with respect to the CF(3) group] and gauche conformers, with the trans form being the more abundant [66(8)% from IR(matrix) measurements]. In both conformers, the C=O bond of the ClC(O) group is oriented synperiplanar with respect to the S-O single bond. The experimental free energy difference between the two forms, DeltaG degrees = 0.8(2) kcal mol(-1) (IR), is slightly smaller than the calculated value (1.0-1.5 kcal mol(-1)). The crystalline solid at 150 K [monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 7.3951(9) angstroms, b = 24.897(3) angstroms, c = 7.4812(9) angstroms, beta = 99.448(2) degrees, Z = 8] consists surprisingly of both trans and gauche forms. Whereas the more stable conformer for the more or less discrete molecules and the polarization effects would tend to favor the trans form, the packing effects would stabilize the gauche rotamer in the solid state.     

((Fluoroformyl)imido)(trifluoromethyl)sulfur fluoride, FC(O)N = S(F)CF3: unexpected conformational properties

The geometric structure and conformational properties of ((fluoroformyl)imido)(trifluoromethyl)sulfur fluoride, FC(O)N = S(F)CF3, are investigated by gas electron diffraction (GED) experiments, IR (gas) spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations (HF, MP2, and B3LYP with 6-31G* basis sets). The GED intensities are reproduced best with a mixture of 79(12)% trans-syn and 21(12)% cis-syn conformers. "Trans/cis" describes the orientation around the S=N double bond (FC(O) group relative to sulfur substituents), and "syn" refers to the orientation of the C=O bond relative to the S=N bond. From the intensities of the C=O bands in the IR (gas) spectrum, a composition of 86(8)%:14(8)% is derived. These ratios correspond to delta G0(GED) = 0.79(36) and delta G0(IR) = 1.09(35) kcal mol-1. The preference of a trans structure, around the S=N double bond is unexpected, since all imidosulfur compounds studied thus far possess a cis configuration. The conformational properties are reproduced qualitatively correctly by all theoretical calculations. The predicted energy differences delta E(HF) = 2.41, delta E(MP2) = 0.64, and delta E(B3LYP) = 0.28 kcal mol-1 are larger or slightly smaller than the experimental values. Additional theoretical calculations (B3LYP) for several imidosulfur compounds reveal that only FC(O)N=S(F)CF3, with mixed substitution at sulfur and the FC(O) group bonded to nitrogen, prefers the trans structure.     

Fluoroformyl trifluoroacetyl disulfide, FC(O)SSC(O)CF3: synthesis, structure in solid and gaseous states, and conformational properties

Fluoroformyl trifluoroacetyl disulfide, FC(O)SSC(O)CF3, is prepared by quantitative reaction between FC(O)SCl and CF(3)C(O)SH. The conformational properties and geometric structure of the gaseous molecule have been studied by vibrational spectroscopy (IR(gas), Raman(liquid), IR(matrix)), gas electron diffraction (GED), and quantum chemical calculations (B3LYP and MP2 methods). The disulfide bond length derived from the GED analysis amounts 2.023(3) Angstroms, and the dihedral angle around this bond, phi(CS-SC), is 77.7(21) degrees, being the smallest dihedral angle measured for noncyclic disulfides in the gas phase. The compound exhibits a conformational equilibrium at room temperature having the most stable form C(1) symmetry with a synperiplanar (sp-sp) orientation of both carbonyl groups with respect to the disulfide bond. A second form was observed in IR spectra of the Ar matrix isolated compound at cryogenic temperatures, corresponding to a conformer that possess the carbonyl bond of the FC(O) moiety in antiperiplanar position with respect to the S-S single bond (ap-sp). A DeltaH degrees = - = 1.34(11) kcal/mol has been determined by IR(matrix) spectroscopy. The structure of single crystal of FC(O)SSC(O)CF3 was determinate by X-ray diffraction analysis at low temperature using a miniature zone melting procedure. The crystalline solid (monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 5.240(4)Angstroms, b = 23.319(17)Angstroms, c = 6.196(4)Angstroms, beta = 113.14(3) degrees) consists exclusively of the (sp-sp) conformation. The geometrical parameters agree with those obtained for the molecule in the gas phase.     

Trifluoromethyl chlorosulfonate, CF3OSO2Cl: gas phase and crystal structure, conformation and vibrational analysis studied by experimental and theoretical methods

The geometric structure and conformational properties of trifluoromethyl chlorosulfonate (chlorosulfuric acid trifluoromethyl ester), CF(3)OSO(2)Cl, have been determined by X-ray crystallography, gas electron diffraction (GED), and vibrational spectroscopy (IR(gas), IR(matrix), and Raman(liquid)). These experimental investigations were supplemented by quantum chemical calculations (B3LYP with 6-311G* and 6-311+G(3df) basis sets). All experimental methods result in a single conformer with gauche orientation of the CF(3) group relative to the S[bond]Cl. The dihedral angle delta(COSCl) is determined to be 91.7(3) degrees in the crystal and 94(3) degrees in the gas phase. This dihedral angle corresponds to a near-eclipsed orientation of the O[bond]C relative to one of the S[double bond]O bonds (delta(CO[bond]SO) = -23.0(3) degrees and -21(3) degrees in the crystal and gas phase, respectively).     

Structural and conformational properties of fluoroformic acid anhydride, FC(O)OC(O)F

The conformational properties and geometric structures of fluoroformic acid anhydride, FC(O)OC(O)F, have been studied by vibrational spectroscopy, gas electron diffraction (GED), single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and quantum chemical calculations (HF, MP2, and B3LYP methods with 6-31G* and B3LYP/6-311+G* basis sets). Satellite bands in the IR matrix spectra, which increase in intensity when the matrix gas mixture is heated prior to deposition as a matrix, indicate the presence of two conformers at room temperature. According to the electron diffraction analysis, the prevailing conformer is of C(2) symmetry with both C=O bonds synperiplanar with respect to the opposite C-O bond ([sp, sp] conformer). The minor conformer [15(5)% from IR matrix and 6(11)% from GED] is predicted by quantum chemical calculations to possess an [sp, ac] structure. FC(O)OC(O)F crystallizes in the orthorhombic system in the space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with a = 6.527(1) angstroms, b = 7.027(1) angstroms, and c = 16.191(1) angstroms and four formula units per unit cell. In the crystal, only the [sp, sp] conformer is present, and the structural parameters are very similar to those determined by GED.     

S-(fluoroformyl)O-(trifluoroacetyl) thioperoxide, FC(O)S-OC(O)CF3: gas-phase structure and conformational properties

The geometric structure and conformational properties of S-(fluoroformyl)O-(trifluoroacetyl) thioperoxide, FC(O)S-OC(O)CF3, were investigated by gas electron diffraction, matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations (B3LYP with the 6-31G and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets and MP2 with the 6-31G basis set). The experimental methods result in a mixture of two conformers with gauche conformation around the S-O bond. In the main conformer (82(7)% according to GED at 298 K), the C=O bond of the FC(O) group is oriented syn with respect to the S-O bond and phi(C-S-O-C) = 75(3) degrees . In the minor conformer (18(7)%), this C=O is oriented anti. Both conformers possess syn orientation of the C=O bond of the CF3C(O) group. The conformational properties and geometric parameters are reproduced reasonably well by the quantum chemical calculations, except for the S-O bond length, which is predicted too long by 0.04 A (B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ).     

Perfluoromethyl fluorocarbonyl peroxide,CF3OOC(O)F: structure,conformations, and vibrational spectra studied by experimental and theoretical methods

The conformational properties and the geometric structure of perfluoromethyl fluorocarbonyl peroxide, CF(3)OOC(O)F, have been studied by matrix IR spectroscopy, gas electron diffraction, and quantum chemical calculations (HF, B3LYP, and MP2 methods with 6-311G* basis sets). Matrix IR spectra imply a mixture of syn and anti conformers (orientation of the C=O bond relative to the O-O bond) with DeltaH degrees = H(anti) degrees - H(syn) degrees = 2.16(22) kcal/mol. At room temperature, the contribution of the anti rotamer is about 3.0%. The O-O bond (1.422(15) A) is within the experimental uncertainties equal to those in related symmetrically substituted peroxides CF(3)OOCF(3) and FC(O)OOC(O)F (1.419(20) and 1.419(9) A, respectively), and the dihedral angle delta(COOC) (111(5) degrees ) is intermediate between the values in these two compounds (123(4) degrees and 83.5(14) degrees, respectively).     

Trifluoromethanesulfenyl acetate, CF3S-OC(O)CH3, and trifluoromethanesulfenyl trifluoroacetate, CF3S-OC(O)CF3: unexpected conformational properties

Structural and conformational properties of two sulfenyl derivatives, trifluoromethanesulfenyl acetate, CF3S-OC(O)CH3 (1), and trifluoromethanesulfenyl trifluoroacetate, CF3S-OC(O)CF3 (2), were determined by gas electron diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy, in particular with IR (matrix) spectroscopy, which includes photochemical studies, and by quantum chemical calculations. Both compounds exist in the gas phase as a mixture of two conformers, with the prevailing component possessing a gauche structure around the S-O bond. The minor form, 15(5)% in 1 and 11(5)% in 2 according to IR(matrix) spectra, possesses an unexpected trans structure around the S-O bond. The C=O bond of the acetyl group is oriented syn with respect to the S-O bond in both conformers. UV-visible broad band irradiation of 1 and 2 isolated in inert gas matrixes causes various changes to occur. Conformational randomization clearly takes place in 2 with simultaneous formation of CF3SCF3. For 1 the only reaction channel detected leads to the formation of CH3SCF3 with the consequent extrusion of CO2. Quantum chemical calculations (B3LYP/6-31G and MP2 with 6-31G and 6-311G(2df,pd) basis sets) confirm the existence of a stable trans conformer. The calculations reproduce the conformational properties for both compounds qualitatively correct with the exception of the B3LYP method for compound 2 which predicts the trans form to be prevailing, in contrast to the experiment.     

Preparation and properties of trifluorothioacetic acid-S-(trifluoromethyl)ester, CF3C(O)SCF3

Trifluorothioacetic acid-S-(trifluoromethyl)ester, CF3C(O)SCF3, was prepared by reacting CF3C(O)Cl and AgSCF3 at 50 degrees C. The compound was characterized by (13)C-, (19)F-NMR, UV, and vibrational spectroscopy as well as by gas electron diffraction (GED) and quantum chemical calculations (HF, MP2, and B3LYP methods 6-31G(d) and 6-311+G(2df) basis sets). GED and vibrational spectroscopy result in the presence of a single conformer with C1 symmetry and synperiplanar orientation of the S-CF3 bond relative to the CO bond. This result is in agreement with quantum chemical calculations which predict the anti conformer to be higher in energy by about 4 kcal/mol. An assignment of the IR (gas) and Raman (liquid) spectra is proposed, and the GED analysis results in the following skeletal geometric parameters (r(a) and angle(a) values with 3sigma uncertainties; these parameters are thermal averages and are not inconsistent with calculated equilibrium values): C=O = 1.202(6) A, C-C = 1.525(10) A, S-C(sp(2)) = 1.774(3) A, S-C(sp(3)) = 1.824 (3) A. O=C-C = 118.7(21) degrees, O=C-S = 127.1(15) degrees, C-S-C = 99.8 (13) degrees.     

Structure and conformations of N-(fluoroformyl)imidosulfurous dichloride,FC(O)N=SCl2

The IR (gas) and Raman (liquid) spectra of FC(O)NSCl(2) demonstrate the presence of a conformational mixture in both phases. According to a gas electron diffraction study, the main conformer (94(8)%) possesses a syn-syn structure (C(O)F group synperiplanar with respect to the SCl(2) bisector and the C=O bond synperiplanar to the N=S bond). Quantum chemical calculations (HF, B3LYP and MP2 with 6-31G basis set, and MP2/6-311(2df)) predict a syn-anti structure for the second conformer. Analysis of the IR (gas) spectrum results in a contribution of 5(1)% of the minor form, corresponding to a Gibbs free energy difference DeltaG degrees = G degrees (syn-anti) - G degrees (syn-syn) = 1.75(15) kcal/mol. This value is reproduced very well by quantum chemical calculations, which include electron correlation effects (DeltaG degrees = 1.28-1.56 kcal/mol). The HF approximation overestimates this energy difference (DeltaG degrees = 3.24 kcal/mol).     

Chlorodifluoroacetyl cyanide, ClF2CC(O)CN: synthesis, structure, and spectroscopic characterization

The novel molecule difluorochloroacetyl cyanide, ClF(2)CC(O)CN, has been characterized by IR (gas phase, Ar matrix), Raman (liquid), (19)F and (13)C NMR, and photoelectron (PES) spectroscopies; photoionization mass spectrometry (PIMS); and gas electron diffraction (GED). The conformational properties of ClF(2)CC(O)CN have been studied by joint application of vibrational spectroscopy, GED, and quantum chemical calculations. The existence of two conformers is detected in the gas and liquid phases, in which the C-Cl bond adopts gauche and syn orientations with respect to the C═O group. The computed enthalpy difference is in harmony with the experimental results of the gauche being more stable than the syn conformer by ΔH° = 1.3 kcal mol(-1) (MP2/cc-pVTZ). The valence electronic properties and the possible ionization and dissociation processes of the title compound are studied using the PES and PIMS. The experimental first vertical ionization energy of 12.0 eV corresponds to the ejection of an electron of the oxygen lone pairs. Taking into account the properties and broad applications of acyl cyanides, ClF(2)CC(O)CN is a promising new precursor in preparative chemistry.     

Vibrational spectra, crystal structures, constitutional and rotational isomerism of FC(O)SCN and FC(O)NCS

Fluorocarbonyl thio- and isothiocyanate, FC(O)SCN and FC(O)NCS, were fully characterized by IR (gas, Ar and N(2) matrixes), Raman (liquid and solid), UV (gas), and (13)C NMR (liquid) spectroscopy, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their vibrational and conformational properties were analyzed using matrix isolation techniques guided by quantum chemical calculation at the ab initio [MP2 and CCSD(T)], density functional theory B3LYP, and CBS-QB3 levels of theory. A complete assignment of the fundamental modes of FC(O)SCN was performed. In both the gas and liquid states, FC(O)SCN and FC(O)NCS were found to exist as two conformers (C(s) symmetry), in which the carbonyl double bond (C═O) adopts a synperiplanar (syn) and an antiperiplanar (anti) orientation with respect to either the SCN or NCS group. For FC(O)SCN, the conformational enthalpy difference, ΔH° = H°(anti) - H°(syn), was determined by matrix IR experiments to be 0.9 ± 0.2 kcal mol(-1). The conformational equilibria were evaluated by fast-cooling gaseous samples highly diluted in argon at different temperatures as cryogenic matrixes. The conformational properties of both molecules were analyzed in terms of the hyperconjugative electronic effect applying the natural bond orbital method. The kinetics of the thermal conversion of the high-energy anti into the syn FC(O)NCS conformer was studied in Ar and N(2) matrixes at cryogenic temperatures. The reversed syn → anti photoisomerization was observed using UV-vis light. Rearrangement of FC(O)SCN into FC(O)NCS was observed in the neat liquid and in solution. Under 193 nm (ArF excimer laser) irradiation, FC(O)NCS isolated in cryogenic Ar matrixes forms FC(O)SCN. At low temperature, single crystals of the two constitutional isomers were obtained using a miniature zone melting procedure. According to X-ray diffraction, they exclusively crystallize in their syn forms (C(s) symmetry) in the orthorhombic crystal system.     

Thermal decomposition of the perfluorinated peroxides CF3OC(O)OOC(O)F and CF3OC(O)OOCF3

Gas phase thermal decomposition of CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)F and CF(3)OC(O)OOCF(3) was studied at temperatures between 64 and 98 degrees C (CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)F) and 130-165 degrees C (CF(3)OC(O)OOCF(3)) using FTIR spectroscopy to follow the course of the reaction. For both substances, the decompositions were studied with N(2) and CO as bath gases. The rate constants for the decomposition of CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)F in nitrogen and carbon monoxide fit the Arrhenius equations k(N)2 = (3.1 +/- 0.1) x 10(15) exp[-(29.0 +/- 0.5 kcal mol(-1)/RT)] and k(CO) = (5.8 +/- 1.3) x 10(15) exp[-(29.4 +/- 0.5 kcal mol(-1)/RT)], and that for CF(3)OC(O)OOCF(3) fits the equation k = (9.0 +/- 0.9) x 10(13) exp[-(34.0 +/- 0.7 kcal mol(-1)/RT)] (all in units of inverted seconds). Rupture of the O-O bond was shown to be the rate-determining step for both peroxides, and bond energies of 29 +/- 1 and 34.0 +/- 0.7 kcal mol(-1) were obtained for CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)F and CF(3)OC(O)OOCF(3). The heat of formation of the CF(3)OCO(2)(*) radical, which is a common product formed in both decompositions, was calculated by ab initio methods as -229 +/- 4 kcal mol(-1). With this value, the heat of formation of the title species and of CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)OCF(3) could in turn be obtained as Delta(f) degrees (CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)F) = -286 +/- 6 kcal mol(-1), Delta(f) degrees (CF(3)OC(O)OOCF(3)) = -341 +/- 6 kcal mol(-1), and Delta(f) degrees (CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)OCF(3)) = -430 +/- 6 kcal mol(-1).     

Molecular structure and conformations of para-methylbenzene sulfonamide and ortho-methylbenzene sulfonamide: gas electron diffraction and quantum chemical calculations study

The molecular structure and conformational properties of para-methylbenzene sulfonamide (4-MBSA) and ortho-methylbenzene sulfonamide (2-MBSA) have been studied by gas electron diffraction (GED) and quantum chemical methods (B3LYP/6-311+G** and MP2/6-31G**). Quantum chemical calculations predict the existence of two conformers for 4-MBSA with the S-N bond perpendicular to the benzene plane and the NH2 group either eclipsing or staggering the S-O bonds of the SO2 group. Both conformers possess CS symmetry. The eclipsed form is predicted to be favored by DeltaE = 0.63 kcal/mol (B3LYP) or 1.00 kcal/mol (MP2). According to the calculations, the S-N bond in 2-MBSA can possess planar direction opposite the methyl group (phi(C2C1SN) = 180 degrees ) or nonplanar direction (phi(C2C1SN) approximately 60 degrees ). In both cases, the NH2 group can adopt eclipsed or staggered orientation, resulting in a total of four stable conformers. The nonplanar eclipsed conformer (C1 symmetry) and the planar eclipsed form (CS symmetry) are predicted to be favored. According to the GED analysis, the saturated vapor over solid 4-MBSA at T = 151(3) degrees C consists as mixture of the eclipsed (78(19) %) and staggered (22(19) %) forms. The saturated vapor over solid 2-MBSA at T = 157(3) degrees C consists as a mixture of the nonplanar eclipsed (69(11) %) and planar eclipsed (31(11) %) forms.     

Trichloromethyl chloroformate ("diphosgene"), ClCOOCCl3: structure and conformational properties in the gaseous and condensed phases

The conformational properties of gaseous trichloromethyl chloroformate (or "diphosgene"), ClC(O)OCCl3, have been studied by vibrational spectroscopy [IR (gas), IR (matrix), and Raman (liquid)] and quantum chemical calculations (MP2 and B3LYP with 6-311G basis sets); in addition, the structure of a single crystal at low temperature has been determined by X-ray diffraction. ClC(O)OCCl3 exhibits only one conformational form having Cs symmetry with a synperiplanar orientation of the C-O single bond relative to the C=O double bond. The calculated energy difference between the syn and anti forms, 5.73 kcal mol(-1) (B3LYP) or 7.06 kcal mol(-1) (MP2), is consistent with the experimental findings for the gas and liquid phases. The crystalline solid at 150 K [monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 5.5578(5) angstroms, b = 14.2895(12) angstroms, c = 8.6246(7) angstroms, beta = 102.443(2) degrees, Z = 4] likewise consists only of molecules in the syn form.     

Efficient energy conversion in photochromic ruthenium DMSO complexes

The photochromic compounds trans- and cis-[Ru(tpy)(Mepic)(dmso)](OSO2CF3) (2 and 3, respectively; tpy is 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine; Mepic is 6-methyl-2-pyridinecarboxylate; dmso is dimethyl sulfoxide) and cis-[Ru(tpy)(Brpic)(dmso)](PF6) (4; Brpic is 6-bromo-2-pyridinecarboxylate) were prepared and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, electrochemistry, NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The geometry labels refer to the relationship between the carboxylate oxygen of the picolinate ligand and dmso. Electrochemical studies reveal that only the trans isomer shows S-to-O isomerization following oxidation of Ru(II) and O-to-S isomerization following reduction of Ru(III). The cis isomers of both complexes feature reversible one-electron Ru(III/II) couples. All complexes undergo phototriggered S-to-O isomerization following MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) excitation with quantum yields (Phi(S-->O)) of 0.79 (2), 0.011 (3), and 0.014 (4). The methyl group in 2 promotes isomerization by hindering rotation of the dmso ligand about the Ru-S bond. Computational results support this role for the methyl group. Relative energy calculations show that the barrier to rotation is approximately 8 kcal mol(-1). These results suggest that rotation is an important vibration for isomerization in photochromic ruthenium-dmso complexes.     

Unexpected conformational properties of 1-trifluoromethyl-1-silacyclohexane, C5H10SiHCF3: gas electron diffraction, low-temperature NMR spectropic studies, and quantum chemical calculations

The molecular structure of axial and equatorial conformers of 1-trifluoromethyl-1-silacyclohexane, (C5H10SiHCF3), as well as the thermodynamic equilibrium between these species was investigated by means of gas electron diffraction (GED), dynamic nuclear magnetic resonance (DNMR) spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations (B3LYP, MP2, and CBS-QB3). According to GED, the compound exists as a mixture of two Cs symmetry conformers possessing the chair conformation of the six-membered ring and differing in the axial or equatorial position of the CF3 group (axial=58(12) mol%/equatorial=42(12) mol%) at T=293 K. This result is in a good agreement with the theoretical prediction. This is, however, in sharp contrast to the conformational properties of the cyclohexane analogue. The main structural feature for both conformers is the unusually long exocyclic bond length Si--C 1.934(10) A. A low-temperature 19F NMR experiment results in an axial/equatorial ratio of 17(2) mol%:83(2) mol% at 113 K and a DeltaG (not equal) of 5.5(2) kcal mol-1. CBS-QB3 calculations in the gas-phase and solvation effect calculations using the PCM(B3LYP/6-311G*) and IPCM(B3LYP/6-311G*) models were applied to estimate the axial/equatorial ratio in the 100-300 K temperature range, which showed excellent agreement with the experimental results. The minimum energy pathways for the chair-to-chair inversion of trifluoromethylsilacyclohexane and methylsilacyclohexane were also calculated using the STQN(Path) method.     

Bonding rearrangements of hydrogen-bonded complexes involving alkynes

Molecules containing a C-C triple bond, such as HC[triple bond]CH, FC[triple bond]CF, and the C[triple bond]CH radical, are allowed to interact with a partner molecule of H2O, NH3, or HF. Quantum chemical calculations show that these C[triple bond]CH...X H-bonded complexes are bound by up to 4 kcal x mol(-1). More importantly, they can rearrange in such a way that the partner molecule adds to the triple bond so as to form a double C=C bond. Whereas this process is strongly exoergic, there is a high-energy barrier to this rearrangement process. On the other hand, when a second water molecule is added to the complex, it can shuttle protons from the donor part of the complex to the acceptor, and thereby greatly reduce the rearrangement energy barrier. In the case of CCH + 2H2O, this barrier is computed to be less than 4 kcal x mol(-1).     

Bis(trifluoroaceto) disulfide (CF3C(O)OSSOC(O)CF3): a HeI photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical study

Bis(trifluoroaceto) disulfide CF(3)C(O)OSSOC(O)CF(3) was prepared and studied by Raman, photoelectron spectroscopy (PES), and theoretical calculations. This molecule exhibits gauche conformation with both C=O groups cis to the S-S bond; the structure of the OSSO moiety is characterized by dihedral angle delta(OSSO) = -95.1 degrees due to the sulfur-sulfur lone pair interactions. The contracted S-S bond (1.979 Angstroms) and relatively high rotational barrier (19.29 kcal mol(-1) at the B3LYP/6-31G level) of the delta(OSSO) indicate the partial resonance-induced double bond character in this molecule. After ionization, the ground cationic-radical form of CF(3)C(O)OSSOC(O)CF(3)(*+) adopts a trans planar main-atom structure (delta(OSSO) = 180 degrees and delta(OCOS) = 0 degrees ) with C(2)(h) symmetry. The S-S bond elongates to 2.054 Angstroms, while the S-O bond shortens from 1.755 Angstroms in neutral form to 1.684 Angstroms in its corresponding cationic-radical form. The adiabatic ionization energy of 9.91 eV was obtained accordingly. The first two HOMOs correspond to the electrons mainly localized on the sulfur 3p lone pair MOs: 3ppi {36a (n(A)(S))](-1) and 3ppi [35b (n(B)(S), n(B)(O(C)(=)(O)))](-1), with an experimental energy separation of 0.16 eV. The first vertical ionization energy is determined to be 10.81 eV.     

Structure of a fluorinated azoxy compound: fluoro(trifluoromethyl)-diazene-2-oxide,CF3N(O)NF

A gas-phase electron diffraction study of the azoxy compound which was synthesized by the reaction of CF3NO with N2F4 in a Pyrex glass vessel results in a trans CF3N(O)NF structure (F trans to CF3), although quantum chemical calculations (MP2 and B3LYP) predict a greater stability of the cis CF3NN(O)F isomer by about 12 kcal/mol. The CF3 group eclipses the N=N double bond. The following skeletal geometric parameters (r(a) values with 3sigma uncertainties) were obtained: N=N 1.287(15) A; N=O 1.231(6) A; N-F 1.380(6) A; N-C 1.498(6) A; N=N=O 131.2(13) degrees; N=N-F 103.5(13) degrees; N=N-C 114.0(12) degrees. The bond lengths in CF3N(O)NF are compared to those in azo, nitryl, and nitrosyl compounds with fluorine and/or CF3 substituents.