An ab initio study of vibrational corrections to the electrical properties of the fluoromethanes: CH3F,CH2F2, CHF3 and CF4

Accurate SCF and MP2 quartic property hypersurfaces have been computed for the energy, dipole moments, quadrupole moments and polarizability tensors of the fluorinated methanes CF₄, CHF₃, CH₂F₂ and CH₃F, to establish accurate values of zero-point vibrational corrections to the properties. Using a consistent set of r_e geometries from density functional theory, these ZPVCs are coupled with accurate electrical properties computed using a range of correlated methods, especially BD and BD(T), and a number of purpose-built polarized basis sets, to obtain near definitive estimates of these properties that incorporate the effects of vibrational averaging. Careful attention has been paid to a critical comparison between these theoretical estimates and experimental measurements, and agreement between the two is shown to be exceptionally good. In particular, it is clear that in many instances more precise experimental results would be required in order to discriminate between different correlated results, or between the present results and those which may be obtained with larger basis sets. The work highlights the necessity to allow for the effects of zero-point vibrational averaging when comparing theory with experiment, or even when comparing different theoretical results with one another using experiment as a benchmark. It also points to the need for further precise experimental measurements of some of these properties.     

3.508 μ-HeXe-laser line absorption by CH3COOCH3, CH3, and NO2 and infrared emission at 6.89 μ by CH3COOCH3 and CH3 at elevated temperatures

Shock-tube HeXe-laser absorption data at ω_L=2850.633 cm^-1 for CH₃COOCH₃ at 757≤T, °K≤1344, NO₂at 412≤T, °K≤1859, andCH₃at 1283≤T, °K≤1562 are presented. Approximate models are used for the effective spectral absorption coefficient of vibration-rotation lines for analytical representations of the results around atmospheric pressures. For CH₃COOCH₃, an equivalent Voigt-profile for an isolated line was adopted in order to account for a dependence on total pressure of the laser absorption coefficient. Shock-tube emission data at λ=6.890 μ(Δλ=0.197μ) forCH₃COOCH₃at 814≤T, °K≤1651 and for CH₃at 1377≤T, °K≤1562 in the v₄-fundamental of the H-bond bending mode of the CH₃-group are well described at atmospheric pressures by approximations of just-overlapping-line models for polyatomic molecules. The adopted models are useful for concentration-time history measurements of methyl acetate, nitrogen dioxide, and methyl radicals behind shock waves.     

Structures and thermochemistry of methyl ethyl sulfide and its hydroperoxides: HOOCH2SCH2CH3, CH3SCH(OOH)CH3, CH3SCH2CH2OOH,and radicals

Hydroperoxides and the corresponding peroxy radicals are important intermediates during the partial oxidation of methyl ethyl sulfide (CH₃SCH₂CH₃) in both atmospheric chemistry and in combustion. Structural parameters, internal rotor potentials, bond dissociation energies, and thermochemical properties (ΔH_f^o, S^o and C_p(T)) of 3 corresponding hydroperoxides CH₂(OOH)SCH₂CH₃, CH₃SCH(OOH)CH₃, CH₃SCH₂CH₂OOH of methyl ethyl sulfides, and the radicals formed via loss of a hydrogen atom are important to understanding the oxidation reactions of MES. The lowest energy molecular structures were identified using the density functional B3LYP/6‐311G(2d,d,p) level of theory. Standard enthalpies of formation (ΔH_f^o₂₉₈) for the radicals and their parent molecules were calculated using the density functional B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p), B3LYP/6‐31 + G(2d,p), and the composite CBS‐QB3 ab initio methods. Isodesmic reactions were used to determine ?H_f^o values. Internal rotation potential energy diagrams and rotation barriers were investigated using the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level theory. Contributions for S^o₂₉₈ and C_p(T) were calculated using the rigid rotor harmonic oscillator approximation based on the structures and vibrational frequencies obtained by the density functional calculations, with contributions from torsion frequencies replaced by internal rotor contributions. The recommended values for enthalpies of formation of the most stable conformers of CH₃SCH₂CH_2, CH₂(OOH)SCH₂CH₃, CH₃SCH(OOH)CH₃, and CH₃SCH₂CH₂OOH are ?14.0, ?33.0, ?37.2, and ?32.7 kcal/mol, respectively. Group additivity values were developed for estimating properties of structurally similar and larger sulfur‐containing peroxides. Groups for use in group additivity estimation of sulfur peroxide thermochemical properties were developed.     

Deep-UV Rayleigh scattering of N2, CH4 and SF6

Rayleigh scattering room temperature cross-section values of N₂, CH₄ and SF₆ have been obtained between 198 and 270 nm by combining cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) and pressure ramp measurements. The experimental data have been fitted to a functional representation, describing the ～1/λ⁴ like behaviour of the Rayleigh scattering cross section over a wide wavelength range. The resulting values are compared with numerical predictions, based on refractive indices and molecular anisotropy data available in the literature. From this, values of molecular volume polarizability α_vol and depolarization ratios are derived. It is found that the optical extinction for all three gases is governed by Rayleigh scattering for wavelengths down to 200 nm. No absorption onsets in the specified deep-UV region have been observed.     

Theoretical pressure-temperature phase diagram for [N(CH3)4]2CuCl4

The pressure-temperature phase diagram for a [N(CH₃)₄]₂CuCl₄ crystal has been theoretically constructed using the phenomenological approach developed earlier. The relationships for the thermodynamic potentials of different phases and the boundaries between these phases are derived. The theoretical and experimental diagrams are in reasonable agreement. The approximations and assumptions made in the construction of the diagrams are discussed.     

Comparisons of some molecular properties calculated with basis sets of Slater-type orbitals and floating spherical gaussian orbitals for BH3, BH4 -, B2H6, B4H4, C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, CH4, and C3H4

Some one-electron molecular properties are calculated for BH₃, BH₄ ^-, B₂H₆, B₄H₄, CH₄, C₂H₂, C₂H₄, C₂H₆, and C₃H₄. The wave functions used are constructed from minimal basis sets of STO's and FSGO's. The results obtained from the latter wave functions show that the good agreement with the STO values of the molecular energy is not always maintained with one-electron properties.     

Structural and thermochemical properties of methyl ethyl sulfide alcohols: HOCH2SCH2CH3, CH3SCH(OH)CH3, CH3SCH2CH2OH,and radicals corresponding to loss of H atom

Sulfide alkoxy radicals are important intermediates during the partial oxidation of alkyl sulfides in atmospheric chemistry and in combustion. The atmospheric reaction sequence to formation of the alkoxy radicals includes (1) initial reaction with OH to create a radical on a carbon site, (2) the carbon radical then associates with ³O₂ to form a peroxy radical, and (3) an NO radical reacts with the peroxy radical to form an alkoxy radical (RO?) plus NO₂. This study determines structural parameters, internal rotor potentials, bond dissociation energies, and thermochemical properties (Δ_fH°, S°, and C_p(T)) of 3 corresponding alcohols HOCH₂SCH₂CH₃, CH₃SCH(OH)CH₃, and CH₃SCH₂CH₂OH of methyl ethyl sulfides studied in order to characterize the thermochemistry of the respective alkoxy radicals. The lowest energy molecular structures were calculated using the B3LYP density functional level of theory with the 6‐311G(2d,d,p) basis set. Standard enthalpies of formation (Δ_fH°₂₉₈) for the radicals and their parent molecules were calculated using B3LYP/6‐31 + G(2d,p), CBS‐QB3, M062x/6‐311 + g(2d,p), and G3MP2B3 methods. Isodesmic reactions were used to determine ?_fH° values. Internal rotation potential energy diagrams and rotation barriers were investigated using the B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p) level theory. The contributions for S°₂₉₈ and C_p(T) were calculated using the rigid rotor harmonic oscillator approximation based on the structures and vibrational frequencies obtained by CBS‐QB3 calculations, with contributions from torsion frequencies replaced by internal rotor contributions. Group additivity and hydrogen bond increment values were developed for estimating properties of structurally similar and larger sulfur‐containing peroxide molecules and their radicals.     

Structural and thermochemical studies on CH3SCH2CHO,CH3CH2SCHO,CH3SC(═O)CH3, and radicals corresponding to loss of H atom

CH₃SCH₂CHO, CH₃CH₂SCHO, and CH₃SC(═O)CH₃ are intermediates during the partial oxidation of CH₃SCH₂CH₃ in the atmosphere and in combustion processes. Thermochemical properties (ΔH_f^o, S^o and C_p(T)), structures, internal rotor potentials, and C─H bond dissociation energies of the parent molecules and their radicals formed after loss of a hydrogen atom are of value in understanding the oxidation processes of methyl ethyl sulfide. The lowest energy molecular structures were initially determined using the density functional B3LYP/6‐311G/(2d,d,p) level of theory. Standard enthalpies of formation (ΔH_f^o₂₉₈) for the radicals and their parent molecules were calculated using the density functional B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p), B3LYP/6‐31 + G(2d,p), and the composite CBS‐QB3 ab initio methods using isodesmic reactions. Internal rotation potential energy diagrams and internal rotation barriers were investigated using B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p) level calculations. The contributions for S^o₂₉₈ and C_p(T) were calculated using the rigid rotor harmonic oscillator approximation on the basis of the structures and vibrational frequencies obtained by the density functional calculations, with contributions from torsion frequencies replaced by internal rotor contributions from the method of Pitzer‐Gwinn. The recommended values for enthalpies of formation of the most stable conformers of CH₃SCH₂CHO, CH₃CH₂SCHO, and CH₃SC(═O)CH₃ are ?34.6 ± 0.8, ?42.4 ± 1.2, and ‐49.7 ± 0.8 kcal/mol, respectively. The structural and thermochemical data presented for CH₃SCH₂CHO, CH₃CH₂SCHO, and CH₃SC(═O)CH₃ and their radicals are of value in understanding the mechanism and kinetics of methyl ethyl sulfide oxidation under varied temperatures and pressures. Group additivity values are developed for estimating properties of structurally similar, larger sulfur‐containing compounds.     

The thermoelastic properties of [N(CH3)4]2ZnBr4 and [N(CH3)4]2MnBr4

The ferrodistortive phase transition in the bis-tetramethylammonium tetrabromide crystals below room temperature is studied within the framework of the Landau theory. The specific heats of [N(CH₃)₄]₂MnBr₄ and [N(CH₃)₄]₂ZnBr₄ are correctly described down to 40°C below the transition temperature. The phenomenological parameters are determined from calorimetric results, elastic constants and thermal expansion data. Using these coefficients, the monoclinic angle in the ferrodistortive phases is obtained. The anharmonic quantities, such as the isothermal compressibility, calculated from the specific heat data, are in good agreement with the values derived from the elastic measurements.     

Catalytic effect of water,water dimer,water trimer,HCOOH, H2SO4, CH3CH2COOH and HN(NO2)2 on the isomerisation of HN(NO2)2 to O2NNN(O)OH: a mechanism study

In this article, the isomerisation mechanisms of HN(NO₂)₂ to O₂NNN(O)OH without and with catalyst X (X = H₂O, (H₂O)₂, (H₂O)₃, HCOOH, H₂SO₄, CH₃CH₂COOH and HN(NO₂)₂) have been investigated theoretically at the CBS-QB3 level of theory. Our results show that the catalyst X (X = H₂O, (H₂O)₂, (H₂O)₃, HCOOH, H₂SO₄ and CH₃CH₂COOH) shows different positive catalytic effects on reducing the apparent activation energy of the isomerisation reaction processes. Such different catalytic effects are mainly related to the number of hydrogen bonds and the size of the ring structure in X (X = H₂O, (H₂O)₂ and (H₂O)₃)-assisted transition states, as well as different values of pK_a for H₂SO₄, HCOOH and CH₃CH₂COOH. Very interesting is also the fact that H₂SO₄-assisted reaction is the most favourable for the hydrogen transfer from HN(NO₂)₂ to O₂NNN(O)OH, due to the smallest pK_a (?3.0) value of H₂SO₄ than H₂O, HCOOH, H₂SO₄ and CH₃CH₂COOH, and also because of the largest ∠X???H???Y (the angle between the hydrogen bond donor and acceptor) involved in H₂SO₄-assisted transition state. Compared to the self-catalysis of the isomerisation mechanisms of HN(NO₂)₂ to O₂NNN(O)OH, the apparent activation energy of H₂SO₄-assisted channel also reduces by 9.6 kcal?mol^?1, indicating that H₂SO₄ can affect the isomerisation of HN(NO₂)₂ to O₂NNN(O)OH, most obvious among all the catalysts H₂O, (H₂O)₂, (H₂O)₃, HCOOH, H₂SO₄, CH₃CH₂COOH and HN(NO₂)₂.     

Experimental and theoretical structure and vibrational analysis of ethyl trifluoroacetate,CF3CO2CH2CH3

The molecular structure and conformational properties of ethyl trifluoroacetate, CF₃CO₂CH₂CH₃, were determined in the gas phase by electron diffraction, and vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman). The experimental investigations were supplemented by ab initio (MP2) and DFT quantum chemical calculations at different levels of theory. Experimental and theoretical methods result in two structures with C_s (anti–anti) and C₁ (anti–gauche) symmetries, the former being slightly more stable than the latter. The electron‐diffraction data are best fitted with a mixture of 56% anti–gauche and 44% anti–anti conformers. The conformational preference was also studied using the total energy scheme, and the natural bond orbital scheme. Also, the infrared spectra of CF₃CO₂CH₂CH₃ are reported for the gas, liquid and solid states, as is the Raman spectrum of the liquid. The comparison of experimental averaged IR spectra of C_s and C₁ conformers provides evidence for the predicted conformations in the IR spectra. Harmonic vibrational wavenumbers and scaled force fields have been calculated for both conformers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Critical behavior of quasi-2D organic-inorganic halide perovskite (C6H5CH2CH2NH3)2CuCl4 single crystals

Critical behavior of quasi two-dimensional organic-inorganic halide perovskites (C₆H₅CH₂CH₂NH₃)₂CuCl₄ is investigated using magneto-thermal and isothermal magnetic properties along the easy axis. Banerjee's criterion indicates that phase transition from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phases below T_C = 9.4 K is of second-order. Scaling analysis reveals that critical exponent β from spontaneous magnetization in the critical region below T_C and δ from critical isotherm at T_C are found to be 0.22(3) and 9.28–9.4, close to 2D finite XY model. Meanwhile, γ from magnetic susceptibility in the critical region above T_C is gradually decreased from 2.4 at high-temperature region. Critical exponents from magneto-thermal properties are found to be consistent with those determined from magnetization isotherms. The reliability of critical values is verified using the scaling hypothesis. Our results evidence that (C₆H₅CH₂CH₂NH₃)₂CuCl₄ crossovers from isotropic 2D Heisenberg to anisotropic 3D models towards T_C and can be promising candidates for magnetocaloric materials for hydrogen reliquefaction.     

Vibration-rotation effects on the polarizabilities of CH4 and CD4 calculated from an ab initio polarizability surface

A polarizability surface has been calculated for the methane molecule using a Hartree-Fock wavefunction. Coefficients of the surface are given to second order in terms of both symmetry coordinates and internal coordinates. The polarizability is sensitive to bond stretching and angle bending. The effects of nuclear motion on the polarizabilitles of ¹²CH₄ and ¹²CD₄ have been calculated from the coefficients of the surface. Some of the second order coefficients are found to be significant in contributing to the nuclear motion corrections. The ν₃ mode is the dominant contributor to the corrections. The temperature dependences of the mean molecular polarizabilities of ¹²CH₄ and ¹²CD₄ are also calculated. The results suggest that modern methods of measurement could distinguish between the isotopomers CH_4-n D _n (n=0–4) thereby enabling an experimental surface to be obtained.     

PMR studies of molecular motions,phase transitions and quantum tunnelling in NH4SnCl3 and N(CH3)4SnCl3

Molecular reorientation and low temperature relaxation effects of NH⁺ ₄ ion and the effect of CH₃ substitution (in place of H) are investigated by proton spin lattice relaxation time (T₁) measurements at 10 MHz in NH₄SnCl₃ and N(CH₃)₄SnCl₃ in the temperature range 4.2 K upto the melting points of the compounds (? 440 K). Phase transitions around 360 K in NH₄SnCl₃ and around 361 and 116K in N(CH₃)₄SnCl₃ have been observed. In NH₄SnCl₃, the high temperature minimum at 330.5 K is attributed to the translational diffusion of the NH⁺ ₄ ions, while the other T₁, minima at 103.5, 60 and 50 K are ascribed to the reorientations of the NH⁺ ₄ ion about the C₂ and C₃ axes. The low temperature minimum at 13.5 K is attributed to rotational tunnelling of the NH⁺ ₄ ions. In N(CH₃)₄SnCl₃, in addition to the high temperature minima at 212.2 and 182.6 K due to N(CH₃)₄ tumbling and CH₃ reorientation, a temperature independent T₁ behaviour between 83 and 31 K is observed, below which T₁ decreases and tends to go through a minimum around 5 K. This low temperature minimum is attributed to rotational tunnelling of the CH₃ groups. The motional parameters and tunnel frequencies are estimated.     

Distinct transport properties of O2 and CH4 across a carbon nanotube

It is of fundamental importance to investigate either O₂ or CH₄ molecules across nanochannels in many areas such as breathing or separation. Thus, many researches have focused on such a single type of molecules across nanochannels. However, O₂ and CH₄ can often appear together and crucially affect human life, say, in a mine. On the basis of molecular dynamics simulations, here we attempt to investigate the mixture of O₂ and CH₄, in order to identify their different transport properties in a nanochannel. We take a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) as a model nanochannel, and find that their transport properties are distinctly different. As the concentration of O₂ increases up to a high value of 0.8, it is always faster for CH₄ molecules to transport across the SWCNT, and the total number of gas molecules transporting across the SWCNT is decreased. Meanwhile, CH₄ molecules are always dominant in the SWCNT, and the total number of O₂ or CH₄ inside the SWCNT is a constant. By calculating the van der Waals interaction between the SWCNT and O₂ or CH₄, we find that the net interaction between CH₄ and the SWCNT is much stronger. Our findings may offer some hints on how to separate CH₄ from O₂, and/or store CH₄ efficiently.     

The catalytic effects of H2CO3, CH3COOH,HCOOH and H2O on the addition reaction of CH2OO + H2O → CH2(OH)OOH

The addition reaction of CH₂OO + H₂O → CH₂(OH)OOH without and with X (X = H₂CO₃, CH₃COOH and HCOOH) and H₂O was studied at CCSD(T)/6-311+ G(3df,2dp)//B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,2p) level of theory. Our results show that X can catalyse CH₂OO + H₂O → CH₂(OH)OOH reaction both by increasing the number of rings, and by adding the size of the ring in which ring enlargement by COOH moiety of X inserting into CH₂OO···H₂O is favourable one. Water-assisted CH₂OO + H₂O → CH₂(OH)OOH can occur by H₂O moiety of (H₂O)₂ or the whole (H₂O)₂ forming cyclic structure with CH₂OO, where the latter form is more favourable. Because the concentration of H₂CO₃ is unknown, the influence of CH₃COOH, HCOOH and H₂O were calculated within 0–30 km altitude of the Earth's atmosphere. The results calculated within 0–5 km altitude show that H₂O and HCOOH have obvious effect on enhancing the rate with the enhancement factors are, respectively, 62.47%–77.26% and 0.04%–1.76%. Within 5–30 km altitude, HCOOH has obvious effect on enhancing the title rate with the enhancement factor of 2.69%–98.28%. However, compared with the reaction of CH₂OO + HCOOH, the rate of CH₂OO···H₂O + HCOOH is much slower.     

Fundamental vibrational frequencies and spectroscopic constants for the methylperoxyl radical,CH3O2, and related isotopologues 13CH3OO,CH3 18O18O,and CD3OO

Accurate spectroscopic and geometric constants for CH₃O₂, and its isotopologues ¹³CH₃OO, CH₃ ¹⁸O¹⁸O and CD₃OO, are predicted. Employing coupled cluster theory with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)], we obtain optimized equilibrium geometries using Dunning's cc-pVTZ basis set. A Taylor expansion of the potential energy surface, including all third-order and semidiagonal fourth-order terms in a basis of normal coordinates, yields anharmonic vibrational frequencies and vibrationally-averaged properties including the effects of anharmonicity. We detail the strong influence of Fermi resonances on the problematic ν₆ vibrational mode of CD₃OO, arriving at a value of 993?cm^?1; two previous experimental measurements of this mode appear to have been incorrectly assigned. Our computed energies for the low intensity ν₁₁ transition are in excellent agreement with experimental measurements performed for CH₃ ¹⁸O¹⁸O and CD₃OO, inspiring confidence that our results will serve as a guide for experimental measurement of this yet-unobserved quantity for the CH₃OO and ¹³CH₃OO isotopologues. Given the reliability of our force field, and considering the results of other experiments, we make a number of reassignments to previously recorded spectra, which eliminate large disagreements between experimental observations. The vibrational averaging of the rotational constants and geometries are also discussed for each isotopologue.     

Absolute Raman intensities of CH4, CH3D,CH2D2, CHD3, and CD4

Measurements of the absolute vibrational Raman intensities and depolarization ratios for the fundamental and some overtone and combination bands of CH₄, CH₃D, CH₂D₂, CHD₃, and CD₄ are reported. Experimental aspects of these measurements are discussed. The experimental data conform satisfactorily to all isotope intensity sum rules. The measured intensities and depolarization ratios, together with the vibrational potential function for CH₄, make possible the calculation of the four independent parameters of the isotopic invariant quantities $\text{α}{}^{\mathrm{S}}\text{= |}\text{?α}\text{?S}\text{|}$. The results deduced from these agree with all 36 experimentally observed values. Values of electro-optical parameters for the CH bond are calculated and discussed.     

Cavity ring down absorption at low temperatures: C–H spectra (Δυ = 1–6) of CH3D and C–H overtones (Δυ = 5, 6) of CH2D2 and CH4

The spectra of the C–H stretch fundamental and overtones (Δυ = 1–6) of CH₃D have been recorded. Absorptions in the visible were obtained with a phase shift cavity ring down technique where an optical cavity is inside a low temperature cryostat. Absorptions below 12,000 cm^?1 were observed with a Fourier transform spectrophotometer. The local mode harmonic frequency and anharmonicity were obtained and used with the harmonically coupled anharmonic oscillator (HCAO) model to calculate energy levels and assign the absorption bands to particular transitions. Overtone absorptions (Δυ = 5 and 6) of CH₄ and CH₂D₂ have also been obtained. The integrated absorption was calculated as a function of the density of the gas samples and used to obtain the band strength and the cross- section of the Δυ = 5 and 6 C–H transitions for each molecule. Cross–sections for CH₄ agree within 10% with traditional absorption measurements with a multiple pass cell at high pressures. The importance of the new experimental technique is emphasized for laboratory studies of planetary atmospheres.     

Dielectric relaxation,modulus behavior and thermodynamic properties in [N(CH3)3H]2ZnCl4

[N(CH₃)₃H]₂ZnCl₄ has been analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction patterns, differential scanning calorimetry and impedance spectroscopy. The [N(CH₃)₃H]₂ZnCl₄ hybrid compound is obtained by slow evaporation at room temperature and found to crystallize in the orthorhombic system with Pnma space group. Five-phase transitions at low temperature were detected by differential scanning calorimetry measurements. The analysis of Nyquist plots has revealed the contribution of three electrically active regions corresponding to the bulk mechanism, distribution of grain boundaries and electrode processes. The dielectric relaxation is described by a non-Debye model. The study of the dielectric constants ?′, ?″ and loss tangent tan (δ) with frequency exhibits a distribution of relaxation times. The complex modulus plots have confirmed the presence of grains and grain boundaries as well as a non-Debye type of relaxation in the material. Thermodynamic parameters such as the free energy for dipole relaxation ΔF, the enthalpy ΔH and the change in entropy ΔS have been determined with the help of the Eyring theory.