Distinct electronic structures and bonding interactions in inverse-sandwich samarium and ytterbium biphenyl complexes

Inverse-sandwich samarium and ytterbium biphenyl complexes were synthesized by the reduction of their trivalent halide precursors with potassium graphite in the presence of biphenyl. While the samarium complex had a similar structure as previously reported rare earth metal biphenyl complexes, with the two samarium ions bound to the same phenyl ring, the ytterbium counterpart adopted a different structure, with the two ytterbium ions bound to different phenyl rings. Upon the addition of crown ether to encapsulate the potassium ions, the inverse-sandwich samarium biphenyl structure remained intact; however, the ytterbium biphenyl structure fell apart with the concomitant formation of a divalent ytterbium crown ether complex and potassium biphenylide. Spectroscopic and computational studies were performed to gain insight into the electronic structures and bonding interactions of these samarium and ytterbium biphenyl complexes. While the ytterbium ions were found to be divalent with a 4f¹⁴ electron configuration and form a primarily ionic bonding interaction with biphenyl dianion, the samarium ions were in the trivalent state with a 4f⁵ electron configuration and mainly utilized the 5d orbitals to form a δ-type bonding interaction with the π* orbitals of the biphenyl tetraanion, showing covalent character.

Inverse-sandwich samarium and ytterbium biphenyl complexes were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Combined experimental and computational studies indicated that they have distinct electronic structures and bonding interactions.     

The effects of substituents and solvents on the ground-state π-electronic structure and electronic absorption spectra of a series of model merocyanine dyes and their theoretical interpretation

Two series of new merocyanine dyes have been synthesised and the dependence of their electronic structure on substituents and solvents has been studied by NMR spectroscopy, by using both the NMR (13)C chemical shifts between adjacent C atoms in the polymethine chain and the (3)J(H,H) coupling constants for trans-vicinal protons. The widely used valence bond (VB) model based on two contributing structures cannot account theoretically for the observed alternating π-electron density in the polymethine chain. In addition, the prediction of zero-π-bond order alternation (or zero-bond length alternation) by this model is also incorrect. However, the results are consistent with the predictions of a qualitative VB model which considers the resonance of a positive charge throughout the whole polymethine chain. Based on this model and the Franck-Condon principle the effect of substituents and solvents on the fine structure of the electronic spectra of these dyes can be explained as vibronic transitions from the vibrational state v = 0 to v', where v is the vibrational quantum number of the totally symmetric C=C valence vibration of the polymethine chain in the electronic ground state and v' is that in the electronic excited state. In contrast, neither the effects of substituents or solvents on the electronic structure of merocyanines and their electronic spectra can be accounted for by the simple two state VB model.     

The Effects of Substituents and Solvents on the Ground‐State π‐Electronic Structure and Electronic Absorption Spectra of a Series of Model Merocyanine Dyes and Their Theoretical Interpretation

Two series of new merocyanine dyes have been synthesised and the dependence of their electronic structure on substituents and solvents has been studied by NMR spectroscopy, by using both the NMR ¹³C chemical shifts between adjacent C atoms in the polymethine chain and the ³J(H,H) coupling constants for trans‐vicinal protons. The widely used valence bond (VB) model based on two contributing structures cannot account theoretically for the observed alternating π‐electron density in the polymethine chain. In addition, the prediction of zero‐π‐bond order alternation (or zero‐bond length alternation) by this model is also incorrect. However, the results are consistent with the predictions of a qualitative VB model which considers the resonance of a positive charge throughout the whole polymethine chain. Based on this model and the Franck‐Condon principle the effect of substituents and solvents on the fine structure of the electronic spectra of these dyes can be explained as vibronic transitions from the vibrational state v=0 to v′, where v is the vibrational quantum number of the totally symmetric C?C valence vibration of the polymethine chain in the electronic ground state and v′ is that in the electronic excited state. In contrast, neither the effects of substituents or solvents on the electronic structure of merocyanines and their electronic spectra can be accounted for by the simple two state VB model.     

A Valence Tautomeric Dinuclear Copper Tetrakisguanidine Complex

We report on the first valence tautomeric dinuclear copper complex, featuring 2,3,5,6‐tetrakis(tetramethylguanidino)pyridine as a bridging redox‐active GFA (guanidino‐functionalized aromatic) ligand. The preferred electronic structure of the complex is massively influenced by the environment. In the solid state and in nonpolar solvents a paramagnetic, dinuclear Cu^II complex with a neutral GFA ligand is present. In polar solvents, the electronic structure changes to a diamagnetic, dinuclear Cu^I complex with a twofold‐oxidized GFA ligand. Using acetone as a solvent, both electronic structures are accessible due to a temperature‐dependent equilibrium between the two valence tautomeric complexes. Our results pave the way for a broader use of valence tautomeric transition‐metal complexes in catalytic reactions since anionic coligands can now be tolerated owing to the neutral/positively charged GFA ligand.     

Origins of cooperative noncovalent host-guest chemistry in mixed valence complexes

The electronic effects resulting from noncovalent host-guest interactions between calix[6]arene and a ruthenium dimer, [Ru3O(OAc)6(CO)(ppy)]2-mu-pz (ppy=4-phenyl pyridine, pz=pyrazine), are presented. The noncovalent interaction is between the calix[6]arene and the ppy ligands of the dimer. The dimer can bind 2 equiv of calix[6]arene. The complex [Ru3O(OAc)6(CO)(ppy)]2-mu-pz forms a highly stable mixed valence ion with strong electronic coupling between the two Ru3 clusters. The strength of the electronic interaction is found to be moderated by calix[6]arene binding. Addition of calix[6]arene to the mixed valence ion causes the electronic coupling to decrease. The binding of calix[6]arene is found to be cooperative. The origins of cooperative binding are developed in terms of the potential energy surfaces associated with the symmetric and asymmetric mixed valence ion. In particular, it is found that symmetry breaking (through the binding of a single calix[6]arene) destabilizes the mixed valence state. Restoration of symmetry (through the binding of a second calix[6]arene) increases the stability of the mixed valence ion and provides an additional driving force for the binding of the second calix[6]arene.     

M2δ to ligand π-conjugation: testbeds for current theories of mixed valence in ground and photoexcited states of molecular systems

Redox active quadruply bonded units, M(2), can be combined so that they either (i) are bridged by an organic linker or (ii) function as a bridge between two identical organic ligands. When two M(2) units are linked together by an organic group that affords M(2)δ-bridge π-conjugation the electronic structure of each M(2) unit is perturbed by the other in the ground state, the photoexcited states, and the mixed valence oxidized form. Similarly when a M(2) center links two organic π systems represented by L, the two organic units are coupled by Lπ*-M(2)δ-Lπ* interactions in their ground state, their photoexcited states, and the mixed valence reduced state. The photoexcited states of the neutral complexes (both case i and ii) provide examples of excited state mixed valence. In case (i), the positive charge may be localized on one dinuclear center or may be delocalized over both M(2) units. Similarly in (ii), the electron may be localized on one ligand or delocalized over both. In this tutorial review, spectroscopic studies (UV-vis-NIR absorption, steady state emission, EPR, and time resolved infrared) of these mixed valence systems employing carboxylate tethers are described and the data are discussed in terms of contemporary theories of mixed valence ions.     

Interpretation of unusual absorption bandwidths and resonance Raman intensities in excited state mixed valence

Excited state mixed valence (ESMV) occurs in molecules in which the ground state has a symmetrical charge distribution but the excited state possesses two or more interchangeably equivalent sites that have different formal oxidation states. Although mixed valence excited states are relatively common in both organic and inorganic molecules, their properties have only recently been explored, primarily because their spectroscopic features are usually overlapped or obscured by other transitions in the molecule. The mixed valence excited state absorption bands of 2,3-di-p-anisyl-2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane radical cation are well-separated from others in the absorption spectrum and are particularly well-suited for detailed analysis using the ESMV model. Excited state coupling splits the absorption band into two components. The lower energy component is broader and more intense than the higher energy component. The absorption bandwidths are caused by progressions in totally symmetric modes, and the difference in bandwidths is caused by the coordinate dependence of the excited state coupling. The Raman intensities obtained in resonance with the high and low energy components differ significantly from those expected based on the oscillator strengths of the bands. This unexpected observation is a result of the excited state coupling and is explained by both the averaging of the transition dipole moment orientation over all angles for the two types of spectroscopies and the coordinate-dependent coupling. The absorption spectrum is fit using a coupled two-state model in which both symmetric and asymmetric coordinates are included. The physical meaning of the observed resonance Raman intensity trends is discussed along with the origin of the coordinate-dependent coupling. The well-separated mixed valence excited state spectroscopic components enable detailed electronic and resonance Raman data to be obtained from which the model can be more fully developed and tested.     

The electronic and vibrational structure of endohedral Tm3N@C80 (I) fullerene--proof of an encaged Tm3+

The electronic and vibrational structure of the nitride clusterfullerene Tm3N@C80 (I) was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, FTIR, Raman, and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The electrochemical energy gap of Tm3N@C80 (I) is 1.99 V, which is 0.13 V larger than that of Sc3N@C80 (I). FTIR spectroscopy showed that the C80:7 (I(h)) cages in Tm3N@C80 (I), Er3N@C80 (I), Ho3N@C80 (I), Tb3N@C80 (I), Gd3N@C80 (I), and Y3N@C80 (I) have the same bond order. The analysis of low-energy Raman spectra points to two uniform force constants which can be used to describe the interaction between the encaged nitride cluster and the C80:7 (I(h)) cage in M3N@C80 (I) (M = Tm, Er, Ho, Tb, Gd, and Y). Because the M3N-C80 bond strength is strongly dependent on the charge of the metal ions, this is a direct hint for a 3+ formal valence state of the metal ions in these nitride clusterfullerene series, including Tm3N@C80 (I). Photoemission spectra of the Tm 4d core level and the Tm 4f valence electrons provided a direct proof for a (4f)12 electronic configuration of the encapsulated thulium. In conclusion, thulium in Tm3N@C80 (I) has a formal electronic ground state of +3, in contrast to the +2 state found in Tm@C82. It is demonstrated that the valence state of metal atoms encaged in fullerenes can be controlled by the chemical composition of the endohedral fullerene.     

Electronic Chemical Potential and Orbital Electronegativity of Univalent Substituents

The relations were analyzed between the electronic chemical potential of a chemical group in the ground state and the orbital chemical potential of its valence state, the latter being equal in absolute value to its orbital electronegativity. These quantities should be equivalent for univalent substituents whose ground electronic state can be described by one-determinant wave function allowing localization of molecular orbitals in a closed shell. In this case, the orbital electronegativity of a chemical group can be calculated in terms of nonempirical quantum-chemical methods. The results of the variation calculation of orbital electronegativities of a series of univalent substituents gave rise to a quantum-chemical scale of group electronegativities which may be used for testing of approximate calculation procedures.     

Spectroscopic consequences of a mixed valence excited state: quantitative treatment of a dihydrazine diradical dication

A model for the quantitative treatment of molecular systems possessing mixed valence excited states is introduced and used to explain observed spectroscopic consequences. The specific example studied in this paper is 1,4-bis(2-tert-butyl-2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene-1,4-diyl dication. The lowest energy excited state of this molecule arises from a transition from the ground state where one positive charge is associated with each of the hydrazine units, to an excited state where both charges are associated with one of the hydrazine units, that is, a Hy-to-Hy charge transfer. The resulting excited state is a Class II mixed valence molecule. The electronic emission and absorption spectra, and resonance Raman spectra, of this molecule are reported. The lowest energy absorption band is asymmetric with a weak low-energy shoulder and an intense higher energy peak. Emission is observed at low temperature. The details of the absorption and emission spectra are calculated for the coupled surfaces by using the time-dependent theory of spectroscopy. The calculations are carried out in the diabatic basis, but the nuclear kinetic energy is explicitly included and the calculations are exact quantum calculations of the model Hamiltonian. Because the transition involves the transfer of an electron from the hydrazine on one side of the molecule to the hydrazine on the other side and vice versa, the two transitions are antiparallel and the transition dipole moments have opposite signs. Upon transformation to the adiabatic basis, the dipole moment for the transition to the highest energy adiabatic surface is nonzero, but that for the transition to the lowest surface changes sign at the origin. The energy separation between the two components of the absorption spectrum is twice the coupling between the diabatic basis states. The bandwidths of the electronic spectra are caused by progressions in totally symmetric modes as well as progressions in the modes along the coupled coordinate. The totally symmetric modes are modeled as displaced harmonic oscillators; the frequencies and displacements are determined from resonance Raman spectra. The absorption, emission, and Raman spectra are fit simultaneously with one parameter set. The coupling in the excited electronic state H(ab)(ex) is 2000 cm(-1). Excited-state mixed valence is expected to be an important contributor to the electronic spectra of many organic and inorganic compounds. The energy separations and relative intensities enable the excited-state properties to be calculated as shown in this paper, and the spectra provide new information for probing and understanding coupling in mixed valence systems.     

Comparative Study of Photochromic Ferrocene‐Conjugated Dimethyldihydropyrene Derivatives

The photochemical properties and the mixed‐valence state of bis(ferrocenylethynyl)benzodimethyldihydropyrene ( 1 ) and other benzodimethyldihydropyrene (BzDHP) derivatives were investigated to understand the reversible photoswitching in the electronic communication of 1 . Absorption spectra of 1 were characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy and calculated by using time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT), and the d orbitals of the ferrocene (Fc) moieties were shown to contribute to the occupied valence orbitals that were responsible for the photochromic behavior. 1 exhibited reversible photoisomerization in THF; however, photochromic behavior was not observed in dichloromethane. Analysis of redox potentials showed that the mixed‐valence state of 1 was more stable in dichloromethane than in THF. This is consistent with the observation that chemical oxidation led to an intervalence charge‐transfer (IVCT) band between the Fc moieties in the mixed‐valence state of 1 in dichloromethane, whereas such a band was not observed for one‐electron‐oxidized 1 in THF. Bis(pentamethylferrocenylethynyl)benzodimethyldihydropyrene ( 2 ) did not show photochromic behavior even in THF. The mixed‐valence state of 2 was much less stable than that of 1 in dichloromethane, and no obvious IVCT band was observed for one‐electron‐oxidized 2 in dichloromethane. The difference in the redox contribution of Fc and pentamethylferrocene (Me₅Fc) to BzDHP played an important role for these redox and photochromic behaviors; this was supported by analysis of valence orbital energies from DFT calculations. Designing molecules that connect redox centers through the use of a photochromic linker with a redox potential close to that of the redox centers could constitute a useful approach for the production of photochromic redox‐active metal complexes with strong electronic communication.     

Observation of three weakly bound valence states of I2

Structured emission in the gas phase to two weakly bound valence states that correlate with the third dissociation limit, I*(2P1/2)+I*(2P1/2), designated as (bb), from two third tier ion-pair states of I2 correlating with I-(1S0)+I+(1D2), the 1g(1D2), and F'0u+(1D2) states, has been observed for the first time. The 1u(bb) state is shown to be bound by 377+/-2 cm(-1) and molecular constants have been determined. Vibrational structure in the 0g+(bb) state could not be resolved but the spectrum is consistent with the state being bound by 435 cm(-1). The relative integrated intensities of the emissions from both ion-pair states to various valence states have also been measured, and some aspects are rationalized in terms of the electronic configurations of the upper and lower states. Bound levels of a previously uncharacterized 1g(ab) valence state have also been observed in emission from the gamma1u(3P2) ion-pair state. The lower state is shown to be bound by 270+/-2 cm(-1) and molecular constants have been determined.     

Pressure-induced intermetallic valence transition in BiNiO3

The valence state change of BiNiO3 perovskite under pressure has been investigated by a powder neutron diffraction study and electronic-state calculations. At ambient pressure, BiNiO3 has the unusual charge distribution Bi(3+)(0.5)Bi(5+)(0.5)Ni(2+)O3 with ordering of Bi(3+) and Bi(5+)charges on the A sites of a highly distorted perovskite structure. High-pressure neutron diffraction measurements and bond valence sum calculations show that the pressure-induced melting of the charge disproportionated state leads to a simultaneous charge transfer from Ni to Bi, so that the high-pressure phase is metallic Bi(3+)Ni(3+)O3. This unprecedented charge transfer between A and B site cations coupled to electronic instabilities at both sites leads to a variety of ground states, and it is predicted that a Ni-charge disproportionated state should also be observable.     

Effects of resonance occupation on dynamical electronic properties of adsorbates

A great variety of phenomena encountered in the studies of adsorption systems is, in one way or another, determined by the dynamics and the energetics of electronic transitions in adsorbates. Being intrinsically of a quantum nature, these transitions reflect the properties of the unperturbed species, as well as those of the interactions between the adsorbates and substrates that lead to adsorption. A typical feature of chemisorption systems is the occurrence of adsorbate valence electronic resonances which are degenerate to the substrate valence bands. The presence of a resonance may give rise to changes in the properties of the adsorbate electronic transitions relative to the corresponding gas phase characteristics. These changes should, in turn, manifest themselves in a number of the properties of adsorbates, which can be studied by modern surface sensitive experimental methods. In this article, we first briefly review the characteristics of the adsorbate electronic transitions involving valence resonances. Using this as a prerequisite, we present examples of the physical phenomena and events, such as van der Waals scattering from adsorbates and the measurements of the adsorbate spectra by electronic spectroscopies, which can be interpreted by invoking the effects of fractionally occupied valence resonances on the electronic transitions in chemisorbed species.     

A convenient decontraction procedure of internally contracted state-specific multireference algorithms

Internally contracted state-specific multireference (MR) algorithms, either perturbative such as CASPT2 or NEVPT2, or nonperturbative such as contracted MR configuration interaction or MR coupled cluster, are computationally efficient but they may suffer from the internal contraction of the wave function in the reference space. The use of a low dimensional multistate model space only offers limited flexibility and is not always practicable. The present paper suggests a convenient state-specific procedure to decontract the reference part of the wave function from a series of state-specific calculations using slightly perturbed zero-order wave functions. The method provides an orthogonal valence bond reading of the ground state and an effective valence Hamiltonian, the excited roots of which are shown to be relevant. The orthogonal valence bond functions can be considered quasidiabatic states and the effective valence Hamiltonian gives therefore the quasidiabatic energies and the electronic coupling among the quasidiabatic states. The efficiency of the method is illustrated in two case problems where the dynamical correlation plays a crucial role, namely, the LiF neutral/ionic avoided crossing and the F(2) ground state wave function.     

Synthesis of rare earth monoxides

The standard Gibbs energy changes for the formation of an ionic or metallic monoxide from rare earth metal and sesquioxide have been calculated. Under high pressures ionic ytterbium monoxide and lighter rare earth metallic monoxides should be obtained, which is confirmed by experiments in a belt-type apparatus in the range 15–80 kbar and 500-1200°C. For Ln =La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, a face-centered cubic compound is obtained from each reaction. The cell parameters are respectively 5.144, 5.089, 5.031, 4.994, and 4.943 ± 0.005A?. The compounds appear golden yellow with a metallic luster. From chemical analyses and cell parameter consideration it is concluded that these compounds are the rare earth monoxides. For Ln =Gd, Dy, Tm, no reaction is observed at 50 kbar and 1000°C. The rare earth monoxides show a variety of properties: LaO, CeO, PrO, and NdO are metallic with the rare earth in the trivalent state; EuO and YbO are semiconductors with the rare earth in the divalent state; SmO is metallic with samarium in an intermediate valence state close to 3.     

无机固体功能材料的水热合成化学

综述了无机固体功能材料的水热合成化学进展。重点强调强关联系固体、无机-有机杂化材料、缺陷与混合价态固体、三重价态与原子尺度p-n结以及水热生物化学。     

Geometric and electronic structures of multiple-decker one-end open sandwich clusters: Eu(n)(C8H8)n- (n = 1-4)

We have measured the photoelectron spectra of the multiple-decker 1:1 sandwich clusters of Eu(n)(COT)n- (n = 1-4; COT = 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene), synthesized in the gas phase, and studied theoretically the bonding scheme, charge distribution, valence orbital energies, and photodetachment energies. We calculated the ground electronic state X- and the first excited electronic state A-, both of which have strong ionic bonding and a characteristic charge distribution. Moreover, we found that the valence orbital energies of Eu (6s) and COT (L delta) depend strongly on cluster size and their positions in the clusters. With the calculated vertical detachment energies for these valence orbitals, we assigned the peaks in the experimental photoelectron spectra and analyzed the origin of their interesting behavior by employing simple point charge models. From these analyses, it became clear that the characteristic behavior of the spectra is due to the strong ionic bonding and the charge distribution. In addition, using the point charge models, we estimated the vertical detachment energies of the one-dimensional polymer [Eu(COT)]infinity-.     

x-RAY PHOTOELECTRON VALENCE BAND STUDIES ON FIREFLY D-(-)-LUCIFERIN

Abstract— The valence band spectrum of firefly D-(-)-luciferin (Ln) was measured for the first time by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Since the conversion of Ln to decarboxydehydroluciferin (dcrL) by x-ray irradiation occurred even within ∼30 min, the effect of the irradiation on the valence band spectrum of Ln was investigated quantitatively. We found that the XPS valence band spectrum of Ln during irradiation for 3 h corresponds to the state density of Ln calculated by the LCAO-ASMO-SCF-CI method for π-electrons. Moreover, the weak coupling model for π-electron transfer between Ln and oxygen was proposed for the primary electronic process in Ln chemiluminescence, assuming that the calculated π-electron state densities of Ln in acidic and basic solutions reflect the characteristics of their XPS valence band spectra.