Ab initio study of the spectroscopy of (CH3)(3)CN and (CH3)(2)CHN

Using the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) method with 6-311++g(3df,3pd) basis sets, a few electronic states of nitrenes (CH3)3CN and (CH3)2CHN and their positive ions are calculated. All calculated states are valence states, and their characteristics are discussed in detail. In order to investigate the Jahn-Teller effect on (CH3)3CN radical, Cs symmetry was used for (CH3)3CN and (CH3)2CHN in the calculations. The results of our calculations (CASPT2 adiabatic excitation energies and RASSI oscillator strengths) suggest that the calculated transitions of (CH3)3CN at 27,710 cm(-1) and (CH3)2CHN at 28,110 cm(-1) are attributed to 23A' --> 13A', while those of (CH3)3CN at 28,916 cm(-1) and (CH3)2CHN at 29,316 cm(-1) are attributed to 13A' --> 13A'. The vertical and adiabatic ionization energies were obtained to compare with the photoelectron spectroscopic data. These results are in agreement with previous experimental data. Also, we present a comprehensive review on the CAS calculation results for (CH3)nCH(3-n)N (n = 0-3) presented in our previous and present papers.     

State-resolved dynamics of the CN(B2Sigma+) and CH(A2Delta) excited products resulting from the VUV photodissociation of CH3CN

Fourier transform visible spectroscopy, in conjunction with VUV photons produced by a synchrotron, is employed to investigate the photodissociation of CH3CN. Emission is observed from both the CN(B2Sigma+-X2Sigma+) and CH(A2Delta-X2Pi) transitions; only the former is observed in spectra recorded at 10.2 and 11.5 eV, whereas both are detected in the 16 eV spectrum. The rotational and vibrational temperatures of both the CN(B2Sigma+) and CH(A2Delta) radical products are derived using a combination of spectral simulations and Boltzmann plots. The CN(B2Sigma+) fragment displays a bimodal rotational distribution in all cases. Trot(CN(B2Sigma+)) ranges from 375 to 600 K at lower K' and from 1840 to 7700 K at higher K' depending on the photon energy used. Surprisal analyses indicate clear bimodal rotational distributions, suggesting CN(B2Sigma+) is formed via either linear or bent transition states, respectively, depending on the extent of rotational excitation in this fragment. CH(A2Delta) has a single rotational distribution when produced at 16 eV, which results in Trot(CH(A2Delta))=4895+/-140 K in v'=0 and 2590+/-110 K in v'=1. From thermodynamic calculations, it is evident that CH(A2Delta) is produced along with CN(X2Sigma+)+H2. These products can be formed by a two step mechanism (via excited CH3* and ground state CN(X2Sigma+)) or a process similar to the "roaming" atom mechanism; the data obtained here are insufficient to definitively conclude whether either pathway occurs. A comparison of the CH(A2Delta) and CN(B2Sigma+) rotational distributions produced by 16 eV photons allows the ratio between the two excited fragments at this energy to be determined. An expression that considers the rovibrational populations of both band systems results in a CH(A2Delta):CN(B2Sigma+) ratio of (1.2+/-0.1):1 at 16 eV, thereby indicating that production of CH(A2Delta) is significant at 16 eV.     

Direct Lanthanide-Transition Metal Interactions: Synthesis of (NH(3))(2)YbFe(CO)(4) and Crystal Structures of {[(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](2).CH(3)CN}(infinity) and [(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](infinity)

The heterometallic complex (NH(3))(2)YbFe(CO)(4) was prepared from the reduction of Fe(3)(CO)(12) by Yb in liquid ammonia. Ammonia was displaced from (NH(3))(2)YbFe(CO)(4) by acetonitrile in acetonitrile solution, and the crystalline compounds {[(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4))](2).CH(3)CN}(infinity) and [(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](infinity) were obtained. An earlier X-ray study of {[(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](2).CH(3)CN}(infinity) showed that it is a ladder polymer with direct Yb-Fe bonds. In the present study, an X-ray crystal structure analysis also showed that [(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](infinity) is a sheetlike array with direct Yb-Fe bonds. Crystal data for {[(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](2).CH(3)CN}(infinity): monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 21.515(8) ?, b = 7.838(2) ?, c = 19.866(6) ?, beta = 105.47(2) degrees, Z = 4. Crystal data for [(CH(3)CN)(3)YbFe(CO)(4)](infinity): monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, a = 8.364(3) ?, b = 9.605(5) ?, c = 17.240(6) ?, beta = 92.22(3) degrees, Z = 4. Electrical conductivity measurements in acetonitrile show that these acetonitrile complexes are partially dissociated into ionic species. IR and NMR spectra of the solutions reveal the presence of [HFe(CO)(4)](-). However, upon recrystallization, the acetonitrile complexes show no evidence for the presence of [HFe(CO)(4)](-) on the basis of their IR spectra. The solid state MAS (2)H NMR spectra of deuterated acetonitrile complexes give no evidence for [(2)HFe(CO)(4)](-). It appears that rupture of the Yb-Fe bond could occur in solution to generate the ion pair [L(n)Yb](2+)[Fe(CO)(4)](2-), but then the highly basic [Fe(CO)(4)](2-) anion could abstract a proton from a coordinated acetonitrile ligand to form [HFe(CO)(4)](-). However, upon crystallization, the proton could be transferred back to the ligand, which results in the neutral polymeric species.     

Double Deprotonation of CH3CN by an Iron-Aluminium Complex**

Herein we present the first double deprotonation of acetonitrile (CH₃CN) using two equivalents of a bimetallic iron-aluminium complex. The products of this reaction contain an exceeding simple yet rare [CHCN]²⁻ dianion moiety that bridges two metal fragments. DFT calculations suggest that the bonding to the metal centres occurs through heavily polarised covalent interactions. Mechanistic studies reveal the intermediacy of a monomeric [CH₂CN]⁻ complex, which has been characterised in situ. Our findings provide an important example in which a bimetallic metal complex achieves a new type of reactivity not previously encountered with monometallic counterparts.^{[1, 2]} The isolation of a [CHCN]²⁻ dianion through simple deprotonation of CH₃CN also offers the possibility of establishing a broader chemistry of this motif.     

Formation of neutral methylcarbamic acid (CH3NHCOOH) and methylammonium methylcarbamate [CH3NH3+][CH3NHCO2-] at low temperature

We study low temperature reactivity of methylamine (CH3NH2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) mixed within different ratios, using FTIR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. We report experimental evidence that the methylammonium methylcarbamate [CH3NH3(+)][C3NHCO2(-)] and methylcarbamic acid (CH3NHCOOH) are formed when the initial mixture CH3NH2:CO2 is warmed up to temperatures above 40 K. An excess of CH3NH2 favors the carbamate formation while an excess of CO2 leads to a mixture of both methylammonium methylcarbamate and methylcarbamic acid. Quantum calculations show that methylcarbamic acid molecules are associated into centrosymmetric dimers. Above 230 K, the carbamate breaks down into CH3NH2 and CH3NHCOOH, then this latter dissociates into CH3NH2 and CO2. After 260 K, it remains on the substrate a solid residue made of a well-organized structure coming from the association between the remaining methylcarbamic acid dimers. This study shows that amines can react at low temperature in interstellar ices rich in carbon dioxide which are a privileged place of complex molecules formation, before being later released into "hot core" regions.     

Synthesis of a chelating hexadentate ligand with a P3N3 donor set. Crystal and molecular structure of [OC-6-22]-[Co{(RP*,RP*,RP*)-CH3C(CH2PPhC6H4NH2-2)3}](PF6)3

The first structurally authenticated example of a hexadentate chelating tertiary phosphine in which all six donors are bound to a single metal centre is described. The multidentate ligand (RP*,RP*,RP*)- and (RP*,RP*,SP*)-CH3C(CH2PPhC6H4NH2-2)3 has been prepared in 80% yield via the reaction of five equivalents of sodium (2-aminophenyl)phenylphosphide (generated in situ from (2-aminophenyl)phenylphosphine and sodium in thf) with 1,1,1-tri(bromomethyl)ethane in thf. The diastereomeric mixture has been complexed to cobalt(III) and the resulting pair of complexes, viz. [Co{(RP*,RP*,RP*)-CH3C(CH2PPhC6H4NH2-2)3}]Cl3 and [CoCl{(RP*,RP*,SP*)-CH3C(CH2PPhC6H4NH2-2)3}]Cl2, separated by ion exchange chromatography. The structure of the former (as the corresponding hexafluorophosphate salt) has been confirmed by X-ray crystallography and clearly shows all six donors of the P3N3 ligand coordinated to a single cobalt(III) centre. The related hexadentate ligand with internal N donors and terminal diphenylphosphino groups, viz. CH3C(CH2NHC6H4PPh2-2)3, has also been synthesised, albeit in low yield, via the reaction of [Li(tmeda)][2-NHC6H4PPh2] (generated in situ from (2-aminophenyl)diphenylphosphine, n-butyllithium and tmeda in diethyl ether) with 1,1,1-tri(iodomethyl)ethane in thf. No formation of a P3N3 ligand has been observed when either Na[2-PPhC6H4NH2] or [Li(tmeda)][2-NHC6H4PPh2] is reacted with the related tripodal substrate 1,1,1-tris(tolyl-4-sulfonyloxymethyl)ethane in thf. Rather the P-methyloxetane (+/-)-[3-{(2-aminophenyl)phenylphosphinomethyl}]-3-methyloxetane and the sulfonamide 2-(4-CH3C6H4SO2)NHC6H4PPh2 and the corresponding N-methyloxetane [3-{(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)aminomethyl}]-3-methyloxetane have been isolated from the respective reactions. The structure of the sulfonamide has been confirmed by an X-ray analysis of the platinum(II) complex trans-[PtCl(CH3){2-PPh2C6H4NH(SO2C6H4CH(3-4)}2].     

Ni(eta 3-CH2C(CH3)CH2)(SbPh3)3][BAr'4]: an extremely active cationic allyl nickel-stibine catalyst for the oligomerization of styrene

The pseudotetrahedral, formally 5-coordinate complex [Ni(eta 3-CH2C(CH3)CH2)(SbPh3)3][BAr'4] (Ar' = 3,5-C6H3(CF3)2) as well as the 4-coordinate derivative [Ni(eta 3-CH2C(CH3)CH2)(AsPh3)2][BAr'4] act as extremely efficient catalysts for the oligomerization of styrene.     

Interdependence of redox state,hydrogen bonding,anion recognition and charge partition in crystals of (EDT-TTF-CONHMe)6 [Re6Se8(CN)6] (CH3CN)2(CH2Cl2)2

Neutral pi-conjugated molecules and their radical cations co-exist in [(EDT-TTF-CONHMe+*)4(EDT-TTF-CONHMe0)2] [Re6Se8(CN)6]4- (CH3CN)2(CH2Cl2)2 whose crystal structure reveals that, upon one-electron oxidation, an activation of the N-H and C-H hydrogen bond donor ability is coupled to a deactivation of the hydrogen bond acceptor character of the carbonyl oxygen atom: this is expressed in the supramolecular hydrogen bond pattern and, ultimately, into charge localisation and partition in the solid state.     

Gold(I) and Palladium(II) Complexes Containing the Functionalized Ylides Triarylphosphonium Cyanomethylide or 2-Cyanoethylide (R3P=CHR′, R′=CN,CH2CN)

The coordination properties of ylides R₃P=CHCN and R₃P=CHCH₂CN were studied. Ylide R₃P=CHCN reacts with [AuCl(tht)] (molar ratio 1 : 1, tht=tetrahydrothiophene) to give [AuCl{CH(PPh₃)CN}] ( 1 ). Dinuclear complexes [(AuL)₂{μ-C(PR₃)CN}]ClO₄⋅nH₂O (n=1, L=PPh₃, R=Ph ( 2a ) or Tol (=4-MeC₆H₄) ( 2b ); n=0, R=Tol, L=P(pmp)₃ ( 2c ; pmp=4-MeOC₆H₄ or AsPh₃ ( 2d )) are the products of reactions between phosphonium salts (R₃PCH₂CN)ClO₄ (R=Ph or Tol) and [Au(acac)L] (molar ratio 1 : 3, L=PPh₃ or P(pmp)₃; acacH=acetylacetone). The reaction of [Au(acac)PPh₃] with (Ph₃PCH₂CH₂CN)ClO₄ (Au/P 2 – 5) gives the mononuclear complex [Au{CH(PPh₃)CH₂CN}(PPh₃)]ClO₄⋅0.5 H₂O ( 3 ). Complexes 2b or 2c react with [Au(acetone)L]ClO₄ (molar ratio 1 : 1, L=PPh₃ or P(pmp)₃), prepared in situ from [AuCl(L)] and AgClO₄ in acetone, to give the corresponding trinuclear derivatives [(AuL)₂{μ₃-{C(PTol₃)CN}(AuL)}](ClO₄)₂ (L=PPh₃ ( 4a ) or P(pmp)₃ ( 4b )]. We attempted unsuccessfully to prepare single crystals of 4a or 4b or of the triflate salt [{Au(PPh₃)}₂{μ₃-{C(PTol₃)CN}(AuPPh₃)}](TfO)₂⋅H₂O ( 4a′ ), obtained by reacting 4a with 2 equiv. of KCF₃SO₃. In complexes 2 and 4 , two new types of coordination of the ylides R₃P=CHCN are present. Attempts to coordinate three AuL groups to the N-atom of (R₃PCCN)⁻ induced by aurophilicity (see A and B ) were unsuccessful. The reaction between PdCl₂ and R₃P=CHCN (molar ratio 1 : 2) gives trans-[PdCl₂{CH(PTol₃)CN}₂] ( 5 ).     

Reaction dynamics on the formation of 1- and 3-cyanopropylene in the crossed beams reaction of ground-state cyano radicals (CN) with propylene (C3H6) and its deuterated isotopologues

Crossed molecular beams experiments were utilized to explore the chemical reaction dynamics of ground-state cyano radicals, CN(X(2)Sigma(+)), with propylene (CH3CHCH2) together with two d3-isotopologues (CD3CHCH2, CH3CDCD2) as potential pathways to form organic nitriles under single collision conditions in the atmosphere of Saturn's moon Titan and in the interstellar medium. On the basis of the center-of-mass translational and angular distributions, the reaction dynamics were deduced to be indirect and commenced via an addition of the electrophilic cyano radical with its radical center to the alpha-carbon atom of the propylene molecule yielding a doublet radical intermediate: CH3CHCH2CN. Crossed beam experiments with propylene-1,1,2-d3 (CH3CDCD2) and propylene-3,3,3-d3 (CD3CHCH2) indicated that the reaction intermediates CH3CDCD2CN (from propylene-1,1,2-d3) and CD3CHCH2CN (from propylene-3,3,3-d3) eject both atomic hydrogen through tight exit transition states located about 40-50 kJ mol(-1) above the separated products: 3-butenenitrile [H2CCDCD2CN] (25%), and cis/trans-2-butenenitrile [CD3CHCHCN] (75%), respectively, plus atomic hydrogen. Applications of our results to the chemical processing of cold molecular clouds like TMC-1 and OMC-1 are also presented.     

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of [(CH3CN)5V-O-V(CH3CN)5][BF4]4

The reaction of vanadium(III) acetylacetonate with HBF4 in acetonitrile yields [(CH3CN)5V-O-V(CH3CN)5][BF4]4, a material that serves as a convenient precursor to other [V-O-V]4+ species such as [(bipy)2(CH3CN)V-O-V(CH3CN)(bipy)2][BF4]4 (bipy=2,2'-bipyridine). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows that the V-O-V linkage of [(CH3CN)5V-O-V(CH3CN)5]4+ is linear. An Evans method measurement of the solution-phase magnetic susceptibility indicates strong ferromagnetic coupling between the vanadium centers. Magnetic susceptibility (chi) and magnetization (M(H)) data for a powdered sample and for a single crystal oriented with its V-O-V axis parallel to the applied field were measured over 1.8-300 K. The results suggest that the V(III) centers are ferromagnetically coupled with J approximately 72 K (approximately 50 cm(-1)) yielding a ground state with a total spin Stotal=2. Theoretical fit to the M(H) plot for the single crystal yielded g||=2.01+/-0.01 and the zero-field splitting parameter D=0.60+/-0.04 K (0.42+/-0.03 cm(-1)). EPR measurements at 34 and 101.6 GHz are consistent with the Stotal=2 ground state and yield g||=1.9825, g perpendicular=1.9725 and D=0.57+/-0.03 K.     

New iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes by [2+2+1] cyclotrimerization of alkynes and facile interconversion between iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes

Iridabenzenes [Ir[=CHCH=CHCH=C(CH2R)](CH3CN)2(PPh3)2]2+ (R=Ph 4 a, R=p-C6H4CH3 4 b) are obtained from the reactions of H+ with iridacyclohexadienes [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CH-p-C6H4R')](CO)(PPh3)2]+ (R'=H 3 a, R'=CH3 3 b), which are prepared from [2+2+1] cyclotrimerization of alkynes in the reactions of [Ir(CH3CN)(CO)(PPh3)2]+ with HC[triple chemical bond]CH and HC[triple chemical bond]CR. Iridabenzenes 4 react with CO and CH3CN in the presence of NEt3 to give iridacyclohexadienes [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CHR)](CO)2(PPh3)2]+ (6) and [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CHR)](CH3CN)2(PPh3)2]+ (7), respectively. Iridacyclohexadienes 6 and 7 also convert to iridabenzenes 4 by the reactions with H+ in the presence of CH3CN. Alkynyl iridacyclohexadienes [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CH-p-C6H4R')](-C[triple chemical bond]CH)(PPh3)2] (8) undergo a cleavage of C[triple chemical bond]C bond by H+/H2O to produce [Ir[-CH=CHCH=CHC(=CH-p-C6H4R')](-CH3)(CO)(PPh3)2] (10) via facile inter-conversion between iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes.     

Steric effects in electron transfer from potassium to pi-bonded oriented molecules CH3CN, CH3NC, and CCl3CN

Electron transfer from K atoms to oriented CH3CN, CH3NC, and CCl3CN is studied in crossed beams at energies near the threshold for forming an ion pair. For the methyl compounds, the dominant ions are K+ and CN-; the steric asymmetry is very small and energy-independent, characteristic of sideways attack with the electron apparently entering the pi*CN antibonding orbital. Migration of the electron to the sigma*CC orbital to break the C-C bond is greatly facilitated by interaction with the atomic donor. CH2CN- is formed in collisions preferring CH3-end attack, and the steric asymmetry becomes very large near threshold. CCl3CN mostly forms Cl- in collisions slightly favoring the CCl3 end with a small energy dependence with the electron apparently entering the sigma* LUMO. CN- is formed in much smaller yield with a slight preference for the CN end. The parent negative ion CCl3CN- is observed, and a lower limit for its electron affinity is estimated to be 0.3 eV. Fragment ions CCl2CN- and CClCN- are also observed with upper limits for the quantity bond dissociation energy - electron affinity (BDE - EA) estimated to be 0.6 and 1.0 eV, respectively.     

Substituted N-picolylethylenediamines of the type (ArNHCH2CH2){(2-C5H4N)CH2}NR [R = Me, 4-CH2=CH(C6H4)CH2, (2-C5H4N)CH2] and their transition metal(II) halide complexes

Alkylation of (ArNHCH2CH2){(2-C5H4N)CH2}NH with RX [RX = MeI, 4-CH2=CH(C6H4)CH2Cl) and (2-C5H5N)CH2Cl] in the presence of base has allowed access to the sterically demanding multidentate nitrogen donor ligands, {(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)NHCH2CH2}{(2-C5H4N)CH2}NMe (L1), {(2,6-Me3C6H3)NHCH2CH2}{(2-C5H4N)CH2}NCH2(C6H4)-4-CH=CH2 (L2) and (ArNHCH2CH2){(2-C5H4N)CH2}2N (Ar = 2,4-Me2C6H3 L3a, 2,6-Me2C6H3 L3b) in moderate yield. L3 can also be prepared in higher yield by the reaction of (NH2CH2CH2){(2-C5H4N)CH2}2N with the corresponding aryl bromide in the presence of base and a palladium(0) catalyst. Treatment of L1 or L2 with MCl2 [MCl2 = CoCl2.6H2O or FeCl2(THF)1.5] in THF affords the high spin complexes [(L1)MCl2](M = Co 1a, Fe 1b) and [(L2)MCl2](M = Co 2a, Fe 2b) in good yield, respectively; the molecular structure of reveals a five-coordinate metal centre with bound in a facial fashion. The six-coordinate complexes, [(L3a)MCl2](M = Co 3a, Fe 3b, Mn 3c) are accessible on treatment of tripodal L3a with MCl2. In contrast, the reaction with the more sterically encumbered leads to the pseudo-five-coordinate species [(L3b)MCl2](M = Co 4a, Fe 4b) and, in the case of manganese, dimeric [(L3b)MnCl(mu-Cl)]2 (4c); in 4a and 4b the aryl-substituted amine arm forms a partial interaction with the metal centre while in 4c the arm is pendant. The single crystal X-ray structures of , 1a, 3b.MeCN, 3c.MeCN, 4b.MeCN and 4c are described as are the solution state properties of 3b and 4b.     

Delta(DeltaS) and Delta(DeltaS) for the competing bond cleavage reactions in (CH3CN)(ROH)H+ [R = CH3, C2H5, C3H7, (CH3)2CH

Microcanonical variational transition-state theory was used to determine the entropies of activation for hydrogen-bond cleavage reactions leading to CH(3)CN + ROH(2)(+) in a series of acetonitrile-alcohol proton-bound pairs (CH(3)CN)(ROH)H(+) (where R = CH(3), CH(3)CH(2), CH(3)CH(2)CH(2), and (CH(3))(2)CH). In each case, the dissociation potential surface was modelled at the MP2/6-31 + G(d) level of theory. The dissociating configurations having the minimum sums-of-states were identified in each case and the resulting entropies of activation were calculated. Combined with previous work on the competing reaction leading to CH(3)CNH(+) + ROH, the results permitted the determination of the Delta(DeltaS) in each proton-bound pair. For the (CH(3)CN)(CH(3)OH)H(+) and (CH(3)CN)(CH(3)CH(2)OH)H(+) proton-bound pairs, the entropies of activation for the two dissociating channels are essentially the same [i.e., Delta(DeltaS) = 0], while Delta(DeltaS) for the propanol-containing pairs ranged between 40 and 45 J K(-1) mol(-1). The latter non-zero values are due to a combination of the location of the dividing surface in each dissociation and the rapidity with the frequencies of the vanishing vibrational modes go to zero as they are converted to product translations and rotations during the dissociation.     

球形氯化镁-乙醇络合物纳米颗粒的制备及其自组装

乙醇与氯化镁按摩尔比为20∶1的比例混合,升温至120℃溶解形成氯化镁醇溶液后,将氯化镁醇溶液冷却至70℃转移至处于搅拌状态的冷却液中,经过滤、正己烷洗涤、干燥后得到球形氯化镁-乙醇络合物纳米颗粒.经TEM表征颗粒粒径在30～100 nm之间.这种氯化镁-乙醇络合物纳米颗粒可在室温自组装,形成纳米线.WAXD结果表明,制备的球形氯化镁-乙醇络合物纳米颗粒的结晶行为受到影响,与纯氯化镁相比,氯化镁-乙醇络合物纳米颗粒的结晶度低.这种氯化镁-乙醇络合物纳米颗粒可作为Ziegler-Natta催化剂的载体材料,制备的催化剂可高效催化乙烯聚合,合成聚乙烯微纳米颗粒.     

CH3 CH2 +N(4S)反应机理的理论研究

The reaction for CH3CH2+N(4S) was studied by ab initio method. The geometries of the reactants, intermediates, transition states and products were optimized at MP2/6-311+G(d,p) level. The corresponding vibration frequencies were calculated at the same level. The single point calculations for all the stationary points were carried out at the QCISD(T)/ 6-311+G(d,p) level using the MP2/6-311+G(d,p) optimized geometries. The results of the theoretical study indicate that the major products are the CH2CH2+3NH and H2CN＋CH3, and the minor products are the CH3CHN+H in the reaction. The majority of the products CH2CH2+3NH are formed via a direct hydrogen abstraction channel. The products H2CN＋CH3 are produced via an addition/dissociation channel. The products CH3CHN+H are produced via an addition/dissociation channel.     

A study of the hydrogen abstraction reactions of C2H radical with CH3CN, C2H5CN, and C3H7CN by dual-level generalized transition state theory

The hydrogen abstraction reactions C2H + CH3CN --> products (R1), C2H + CH3CH2CN --> products (R2), and C2H + CH3CH2CH2CN --> products (R3) have been investigated by dual-level generalized transition state theory. Optimized geometries and frequencies of all the stationary points and extra points along the minimum-energy path (MEP) are performed at the BH&H-LYP and MP2 methods with the 6-311G(d, p) basis set, and the energy profiles are further refined at the MC-QCISD level of theory. The rate constants are evaluated using canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) with a small-curvature tunneling correction (SCT) over a wide temperature range 104-2000 K. The calculated CVT/SCT rate constants are in good agreement with the available experimental values. Our calculations show that for reaction R2, the alpha-hydrogen abstraction channel and beta-hydrogen abstraction channel are competitive over the whole temperature range. For reaction R3, the gamma-hydrogen abstraction channel is preferred at lower temperatures, while the contribution of beta-hydrogen abstraction will become more significant with a temperature increase. The branching ratio to the alpha-hydrogen abstraction channel is found negligible over the whole temperature range.     

Direct oxidation of L-cysteine by [FeIII(bpy)2(CN)2]+ and [FeIII(bpy)(CN)4]-

The oxidation of L-cysteine by the outer-sphere oxidants [Fe(bpy)2(CN)2]+ and [Fe(bpy)(CN)4]- in anaerobic aqueous solution is highly susceptible to catalysis by trace amounts of copper ions. This copper catalysis is effectively inhibited with the addition of 1.0 mM dipicolinic acid for the reduction of [Fe(bpy)2(CN)2]+ and is completely suppressed with the addition of 5.0 mM EDTA (pH<9.00), 10.0 mM EDTA (9.010.0) for the reduction of [Fe(bpy)(CN)4]-. 1H NMR and UV-vis spectra show that the products of the direct (uncatalyzed) reactions are the corresponding Fe(II) complexes and, when no radical scavengers are present, L-cystine, both being formed quantitatively. The two reactions display mild kinetic inhibition by Fe(II), and the inhibition can be suppressed by the free radical scavenger PBN (N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone). At 25 degrees C and micro=0.1 M and under conditions where inhibition by Fe(II) is insignificant, the general rate law is -d[Fe(III)]/dt=k[cysteine]tot[Fe(III)], with k={k2Ka1[H+]2+k3Ka1Ka2[H+]+k4Ka1Ka2Ka3{/}[H+]3+Ka1[H+]2+Ka1Ka2[H+]+Ka1Ka2Ka3}, where Ka1, Ka2, and Ka3 are the successive acid dissociation constants of HSCH2CH(NH3+)CO2H. For [Fe(bpy)2(CN)2]+, the kinetics over the pH range of 3-7.9 yields k2=3.4+/-0.6 M(-1) s(-1) and k3=(1.18+/-0.02)x10(6) M(-1) s(-1) (k4 is insignificant in the fitting). For [Fe(bpy)(CN)4]- over the pH range of 6.1-11.9, the rate constants are k3=(2.13+/-0.08)x10(3) M(-1) s(-1) and k4=(1.01+/-0.06)x10(4) M(-1) s(-1) (k2 is insignificant in the fitting). All three terms in the rate law are assigned to rate-limiting electron-transfer reactions in which various thiolate forms of cysteine are reactive. Applying Marcus theory, the self-exchange rate constant of the *SCH2CH(NH2)CO2-/-SCH2CH(NH2)CO2- redox couple was obtained from the oxidation of L-cysteine by [Fe(bpy)(CN)4]-, with k11=4x10(5) M(-1) s(-1). The self-exchange rate constant of the *SCH2CH(NH3+)CO2-/-SCH2CH(NH3+)CO2- redox couple was similarly obtained from the rates with both Fe(III) oxidants, a value of 6x10(6) M(-1) s(-1) for k11 being derived. Both self-exchange rate constants are quite large as is to be expected from the minimal rearrangement that follows conversion of a thiolate to a thiyl radical, and the somewhat lower self-exchange rate constant for the dianionic form of cysteine is ascribed to electrostatic repulsion.     

Syntheses and structural and electrochemical characterizations of vanadatricarbadecaboranyl analogues of vanadocene and the structural characterization of the [Li(CH(3)CN)2+](6-CH(3)-nido-5,6,9-C(3)B(7)H(9-) tricarbadecaboranyl anion.

A single-crystal X-ray determination of the [Li(CH(3)CN)(2)(+)](6-CH(3)-nido-5,6,9-C(3)B(7)H(9)(-)) salt has shown that the 6-CH(3)-nido-5,6,9-C(3)B(7)H(9)(-) tricarbadecaboranyl anion has a nido-cage geometry based on an octadecahedron missing the unique six-coordinate vertex. The resulting six-membered open face is puckered, with two of the cage carbons (C6 and C9) occupying the low-coordinate cage positions above the plane of the four remaining atoms (C5, B7, B8, and B10). The Li(+) ion is centered over the open face and is solvated by two acetonitrile molecules. The reactions of the 6-CH(3)-nido-5,6,9-C(3)B(7)H(9)(-) anion with various vanadium halide salts, including VCl(4), VCl(3), and VBr(2), each resulted in the isolation of the same five paramagnetic products (2-6) of composition V(CH(3)-C(3)B(7)H(9))(2). X-ray crystallographic determinations of 2-5 showed that the complexes consist of two octadecahedral VC(3)B(7) fragments sharing a common vanadium vertex and established their structures as commo-V-(1-V-4'-CH(3)-2',3',4'-C(3)B(7)H(9))(1-V-2-CH(3)-2,3,4-C(3)B(7)H(9)) (2), commo-V-(1-V-5'-CH(3)-2',3',5'-C(3)B(7)H(9))(1-V-4-CH(3)-2,3,4-C(3)B(7)H(9)) (3), commo-V-(1-V-5'-CH(3)-2',3',5'-C(3)B(7)H(9))(1-V-2-CH(3)-2,3,4-C(3)B(7)H(9)) (4), and commo-V-(1-V-2-CH(3)-2,3,4-C(3)B(7)H(9))(2) (5). These complexes can be considered as tricarbadecaboranyl analogues of vanadocene, (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(2)V. However, unlike vanadocene, these complexes are air- and moisture-stable and have only one unpaired electron. The five complexes differ with respect to one another in that they either (1) contain different enantiomeric forms of the CH(3)-C(3)B(7)H(9) cages, (2) have a different twist orientation of the two cages, or (3) have the methyl group of the CH(3)-C(3)B(7)H(9) cage located in either the 2 or 4 position of the cage. Subsequent attempts to oxidize the compounds with reagents such as Br(2) and Ag(+) were unsuccessful, illustrating the ability of the tricarbadecaboranyl anion to stabilize metals in low oxidation states. Consistent with this, both the electrochemical oxidation and the reduction of 2 were much more positive than those of the same oxidation state changes in vanadocene. The one-electron reduction of 2 is a remarkable 2.9 V positive of that of Cp(2)V.