Theoretical studies of the reactions of Cl atoms with CF3CH2OCH n F(3−n) (n = 1, 2, 3)

This paper presents the theoretical studies of the reactions of Cl atoms with CF₃CH₂OCH₃, CF₃CH₂OCH₂F and CF₃CH₂OCHF₂ using an ab initio direct dynamics theory. The geometries and vibrational frequencies of the reactants, complexes, transition states and products are calculated at the MP2/6-31+(d,p) level. The minimum energy path is also calculated at same level. The MC-QCISD method is carried out for further refining the energetic information. The rate constants are evaluated with the canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) and CVT with small curvature tunneling contributions in the temperature range 200–1,500 K. The results are in good agreement with experimental values.     

Theoretical Study of Electronic Structure and Stability of Mixed AlmBn−mH n 2− and CmBn−mH n 2−m (n = 6, 10, 12 and m = 1, 2) Clusters

Density functional theory (DFT) method with B3LYP functional and 6-311++G(d,p) basis set has been used to predict the geometries, relative stabilities, electronic structures and bonding analysis of Mixed Al_mB_n?mH _n ^2? and C_mB_n?mH _n ^2?m (n = 6, 10, 12 and m = 1, 2) clusters; being compared to the B_nH _n ^2? ones. Therefore, the DFT results suggest that the replacing of boron by aluminium or carbon is governed by Natural net charges following Gimar’s and Williams’s rules. The Al_mB_n?mH _n ^2? structures are relatively distorted compared to those of B_nH _n ^2? and C_mB_n?mH _n ^2?m . In Al_mB_n?mH _n ^2? structures Al atoms prefer the adjacent sites, however for the C₂B_n?2H_n cluster cages, the carbon atoms are positioned at diametrically opposed sites. The large HOMO–LUMO gaps show that the predicted clusters have chemical stabilities, principally, those of Al_mB_n?mH _n ^2? ones, which are not experimentally isolated. The optimized geometries obtained through boron substitution by Al and C lead to compactness and to contracted structures, respectively, where B–B bonds are the shortest in mono- and di-carbaboranes.     

Theoretical study of the pressure-induced B3–B1 phase transition in Cd1−xMnxTe

The high pressure phase transition in Cd_1−xMn_xTe (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5), which is from the cubic zinc-blende structure (B3) to the NaCl structure (B1), is investigated by using first principles spin-polarized LCAO calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) formalism. The calculations indicate that the transition pressure of the B3-to-B1 structural phase transformation depends on the Mn content of the sample. This result is consistent with the expectation that the substitution of Cd by Mn in CdTe tends to perturb the tetrahedral coordination geometry and thereby to destabilize the B3 structure. Several structural properties (equilibrium lattice constant, bulk modulus, transition pressure, etc.) of Cd_1−xMn_xTe (x = 0.0, 0.25 and 0.5) CdTe have been calculated, which are in agreement with the previous results.     

Group VB transition metal oxide clusters M4O n −/0 (M = Nb, Ta; n = 8–11): structural evolution and chemical bonding

The structural and electronic properties of two series of Group VB transition metal oxide clusters, M₄O _n ^? and M₄O _n (M = Nb, Ta; n = 8–11), are investigated using density functional theory calculations. Generalized Koopmans’ theorem is applied to predict the vertical detachment energies and simulate the photoelectron spectra. Large highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gaps are observed for these two stoichiometric M₄O₁₀ clusters and estimated to be 3.98 and 4.38 eV for M = Nb and Ta, respectively. The M₄O ₁₀ ^?/0 (M = Nb, Ta) clusters are polyhedral cage structures with high symmetry (T _d for the neutral and D _2d for the anion) in which each metal atom joints three bridging and one terminal O atoms. For the Nb oxide species, Nb₄O ₈ ^?/0 and Nb₄O ₉ ^?/0 can be viewed as removing two and one terminal O atoms from Nb₄O ₁₀ ^?/0 , respectively. The Ta species follow the same rule to the Nb species, except that the anionic Ta₄O₈ ^? is formed by removing one terminal and one bridging O atoms from Ta₄O₁₀ ^?. The Ta₄O₉ containing a localized Ta³⁺ site can readily react with O₂ to form the Ta₄O₁₁ which can also be viewed as replacing a terminal oxygen atom in Ta₄O₁₀ by a peroxo O₂ unit, whereas the added oxygen atom is found to be a bridging one in the O-rich clusters Nb₄O ₁₁ ^?/0 and the anionic Ta₄O₁₁ ^?. Molecular orbital analyses are performed to analyze the chemical bonding in the tetra-nuclear metal oxide clusters and to elucidate their structural and electronic evolution.     

A DICD (dispersion-induced circular dichroism) and normal absorption study of the n → π* carbonyl transition for the isoelectronic substituent series −CH3, −NH2, −OH

An experimental DICD (dispersion-induced circular dichroism) and parallel normal absorption study of the lowest n → π* transition of the carbonyl chromophore in simple carbonyls of the form R₁R₂CO for the isoelectronic substituent series R_i = −CH₃, −OH and −NH₂ is presented. The results indicate that, contrary to conventional expectations, the energetic position of the transition is progressively shifted to lower energy for the above substituent ordering. The weakness of the absorption bands in acetic acid and urea provides a rationale for why these bands have not been previously reported. The results suggest that the relative shift is ascribable to resonance (through space) coupling between the substituent and the carbonyl π-system.     

Theoretical analysis of transition states in the exchange reaction of hydrogen and methane involving σ-bond metathesis

Silica supported zirconium hydride species are used to model heterogeneous catalysts for industrially-relevant reactions such as hydrogenation of paraffins. This work explores the exchange reaction between methane and hydrogen in the presence of a silica-supported zirconium or titanium hydride catalyst in order to determine the preferred transition state. Calculations at the B3LYP/LanL2DZ level of theory are used to model two distinct pathways for the reaction. Orbital interactions are analyzed to elucidate the relative stability of the two transition states.     

Modification of the electronic properties of zigzag (n = 5–10) and armchair (n = 3, 5) carbon nanotubes by K atom adsorption

The adsorption of the potassium atom onto the surface of (n,0) zigzag nanotube (n = 5–10) and (n,n) armchair nanotubes (n = 3, 5) has been studied by density functional theory. The local density approximation calculation of adsorption energy (E _ads) emphasized on the dependency of E _ads to the diameter and chirality of the nanotube. E _ads decreases when the diameter increases. So the (5,0)-K system has the highest adsorption energy among all structures. Furthermore, a significant change was observed in the electronic properties of potassium-adsorbed single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and the metallic behavior of the nanotube improved. Therefore, our results showed that such modified SWCNTs can be applied in nanodevices such as transistors.     

Theoretical Investigation on the Interaction of C2H Radical with Small Gold Clusters Au n 0/− (n = 1–4)

A density-functional theory investigation on the interactions between C₂H radical and small gold clusters Au _n ^0/? (n = 1–4) has been performed. The calculated results predict that C₂H radical inclines to interact with small gold clusters Au _n ^0/? (n = 1–4) as an integrity in the most stable structures of C₂HAu _n ^0/? (n = 1–4). The Au _n ^0/? (n = 1–4) clusters retain their structural integrity as units in the ground states of C₂HAu _n ^0/? (n = 1–4). The stretching vibrational frequencies of C≡C and C–H in the ground states of C₂HAu _n ^? (n = 1–4) are decreased compared with those of the C₂H radical due to the interaction between the Au _n ^0/? clusters and C₂H radical. Smaller red shifts in the C≡C and C–H stretching bands of C₂HAu _n ^? occur with an increase in n. The photoelectron spectra of the most stable structures of C₂HAu _n ^? (n = 1–4) have been simulated to aid their future experimental characterizations. The current study provides further insight into the interaction between C₂H radicals and gold clusters, which may lead to exploitation of the high activity of gold nanocrystals.     

Theoretical Studies of the Electronic Structures and Spectrum Properties of Pt n Ni m (n + m = 7, n, m ≠ 0) Clusters

We studied Pt _n Ni _m (n + m = 7, n, m ≠ 0) clusters within the framework of the density functional theory (B3LYP) at the LANL2DZ level. The calculated results show that the Fermi levels are determined by the number of Pt atoms, which gain electrons from Ni atoms. Meanwhile, multifarious orbital hybridization is found in the frontier molecular orbital, and the more platinum or nickel atoms, the smaller energy gap it has. Moreover, the calculated IR and Raman spectrum indicates the aromatic character, which is vital for transitional metal clusters.     

Electronic transition moment for the 0(0)(0) band of the à ← X̃ transition in the ethyl peroxy radical

The electronic transition moment for the G-conformer of ethyl peroxy was determined from the experimentally measured value of the peak absorption cross-section and the simulation of its rovibronic spectrum using the results of the high resolution spectroscopy of this molecule. The resulting value is |μ(e)(G)| = 2.55(6) × 10(-2) Debye, which is compared to values from electronic structure calculations.     

Negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy of solvated electron cluster anions, (H2O) n − and (NH3) n −

The photodetachment spectra of (H₂O) _n ^=2?69/? and (NH₃) _n ^=41?1100/? have been recorded, and vertical detachment energies (VDEs) were obtained from the spectra. For both systems, the cluster anion VDEs increase smoothly with increasing sizes and most species plot linearly withn ^?1/3, extrapolating to a VDE (n=∞) value which is very close to the photoelectric threshold energy for the corresponding condensed phase solvated electron system. The linear extrapolation of this data to the analogous condensed phase property suggests that these cluster anions are gas phase counterparts to solvated electrons, i.e. they are embryonic forms of hydrated and ammoniated electrons which mature with increasing cluster size toward condensed phase solvated electrons.     

Solvent effects on the initial and transition states for the solvolysis of trans-dichlorobis-(N-methylethylenediamine) cobalt(III) complex in water–dimethyl sulfoxide mixtures

Solvent effects on the initial and transition states for the solvolysis of the trans-dichlorobis-(N-methylethylenediamine)cobalt(III), (meen), complex have been investigated in the 25–55 °C range in aqueous DMSO mixtures, of varying solvent composition up to 60% by vol. The log of the first order rate constant, k, varies non-linearly with the reciprocal of the dielectric constant at the same temperature, due to differential solvation of the initial and transition states. The changes in the enthalpy, H , and entropy, S , of activation with the mole fraction of the co-solvent show extrema at the composition range where the change in solvent structure occurs. The application of a free energy cycle to the process of the initial state going to the transition state suggests that the effect of solvent structure on the complex ion in the transition state dominates the initial state and that this effect increases as the mole fraction of co-solvent increases.     

Theoretical study on the structures and properties of (Br2AlN3) n (n = 1–4) clusters

To look for the single-source precursors, the structures and properties of (Br₂AlN₃) _n (n = 1–4) clusters are studied at the B3LYP/6-311+G* level. The optimized (Br₂AlN₃) _n (n = 2–4) clusters all possess cyclic structures containing Al-N_α-Al linkages. The relationships between the geometrical parameters and the oligomerization degree n are discussed. The gas-phase structures of the trimers prefer to exist in the boat-twisting conformation. As for the tetramer, the most stable isomers have the S ₄ symmetry structure. The IR spectra are obtained and assigned by the vibrational analysis. The thermodynamic properties are linearly related with the oligomerization degree n as well as with the temperature. Meanwhile, the thermodynamic analysis of the gas-phase reaction suggests that the oligomerization be exothermic and favorable under high temperature.     

Prediction and characterization of halogen–hydride interaction in Cu n H n ···ClC2Z and Cu n H···ClC2Z complexes (n = 2–5; Z = H, F, CH3)

Halogen–hydride interactions between the lowest energy structure of Cu _n H _n and Cu _n H clusters (n = 2–5) as halogen acceptor and ClC₂Z (Z = H, F, CH₃) as halogen donor have been investigated at the MP2/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. Different approaches based on structural parameters, energetic analysis, shift in vibrational frequencies, and molecular electrostatic potential were used to characterize the resultant halogen–hydride bonds. Upon complexation, the Cl–C bonds tend to elongate, concomitant with red shifts of the Cl–C vibrational frequencies. Interaction energies of this type of halogen bonds vary from ?2.34 to a maximum ?7.38 kJ mol^?1. The calculated interaction energies were found to be increased in magnitude with increasing of the negative electrostatic potential at a point on the outer side of hydrogen atom of halogen acceptor units. Moreover, decomposition of the interaction energies reveals that the electrostatic interaction plays a main role in the formation of the complexes. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules analysis has also been applied to provide more insight into the nature and properties of these interactions. Our results indicate pure closed-shell interactions in these systems with similar characteristics to the conventional halogen bonds.     

Ab initio study of the HCO 3 − /H2O exchange in the (NH3)3 ZnII(HCO 3 − ) complex

Summary The displacement of bicarbonate anion in the (NH₃)₃Zn^II(HCO ₃ ^– ) complex with water has been studied throughab initio calculations. It has been found that H₂O binds to the (NH₃)₃Zn^II(HCO ₃ ^– ) species yielding a stable pentacoordinate (NH₃)₃Zn^II(HCO ₃ ^– )(H₂O) complex. The results also indicate that deprotonation of water in the pentacoordinate species facilitates the release of HCO ₃ ^– , although, the presence of HCO ₃ ^– in the coordination sphere of Zn^II makes such deprotonation more difficult. Environmental effects have been considered in the study of HCO ₃ ^– /H₂O exchange.A contribution from the Grup de Química Quàntica de l'Institut d'Estudis Catalans     

Thermodynamic Model for the Solubility of NdF3(cr) in the Na+–NH 4 + –Nd3+–F−–H2O System at 25 °C

The major objective of this study, based on critical review and experimental studies, was to develop a reliable thermodynamic model for the Nd–F system at 25 °C. The SIT model was used to convert concentration constants reported in the literature to constants at zero ionic strengths for cross comparison and selection of reliable values. The critically evaluated thermodynamic constants for the formation of NdF²⁺ and NdF ₂ ⁺ were then used to interpret the extensive NdF₃(cr) solubility data in NaF and NH₄F solutions, ranging in concentrations from extremely low values to as high as 1.0 mol·kg^?1, equilibrated for different periods ranging up to as long as 72 days. These efforts have resulted in $ \log_{10} \beta_{n}^{0} $ log 10 β n 0 for the reaction [Nd³⁺ + nF^? ? NdF _n ^3?n ] of (3.81 ± 0.10), (5.89 ± 0.77), and <12.48 for n values of 1–3, respectively. The $ \log_{10} K_{\text{sp}}^{0} $ log 10 K sp 0 for the solubility of NdF₃(cr) (NdF₃(cr) ? Nd³⁺ + 3F^?) was determined to be (?20.49 ± 0.37). Because (1) Nd is an excellent analog for trivalent actinides—An(III) (i.e., Pu(III), Am(III), and Cm(III)), and (2) the available data for the An(III)–F system, especially the solubility products of AnF₃(cr), are of extremely poor quality, the critical literature review in combination with the experimental Nd–F system data have been used to assign thermodynamic constants for the An(III)–F reactions until good quality specific data for them becomes available.     

Density functional theory study on (F2AlN3) n (n = 1–4) clusters

Possible geometrical structures and relative stabilities of (F₂AlN₃) _n (n = 1–4) clusters were studied using density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-311+G* level. The optimized clusters (F₂AlN₃) _n (n = 2–4) possess cyclic structure containing Al–N_α–Al linkages, and azido in azides has linear structure. The IR spectra of the optimized (F₂AlN₃) _n (n = 1–4) clusters have three vibrational sections, the whole strongest vibrational peaks lie in 2218–2246 cm⁻¹, and the vibrational modes are N₃ asymmetric stretching vibrations. Trends in thermodynamic properties with temperature and oligomerization degree n are discussed, respectively. A study of their thermodynamic properties suggests that monomer 1A forms the most stable clusters (2A, 3A, and 4B) can occur spontaneously in the gas phase at temperatures up to 800 K.     

Structure and stability of AuXe n Z (n = 1–3, Z = −1, 0, +1) clusters

We have explored the structures and stabilities of AuXe _n ^Z (n = 1–3, Z = ?1, 0, +1) cluster series at CCSD(T) theoretical level. The electron affinities and ionization potentials are correlated to the HOMO–LUMO gaps. The role of the interaction was investigated using the natural bond orbital analysis.