Synthesis and characterization of sulfur-voided cubanes. Structural analogues for the MoFe(3)S(3) subunit in the nitrogenase cofactor.

A new class of Mo/Fe/S clusters with the MoFe(3)S(3) core has been synthesized in attempts to model the FeMo-cofactor in nitrogenase. These clusters are obtained in reactions of the (Cl(4)-cat)(2)Mo(2)Fe(6)S(8)(PR(3))(6) [R = Et (I), (n)Pr (II)] clusters with CO. The new clusters include those preliminarily reported: (Cl(4)-cat)MoFe(3)S(3)(PEt(3))(2)(CO)(6) (III), (Cl(4)-cat)(O)MoFe(3)S(3)(PEt(3))(3)(CO)(5) (IV), (Cl(4)-cat)(Pyr)MoFe(3)S(3)(PEt(3))(2)(CO)(6) (VI), and (Cl(4)-cat)(Pyr)MoFe(3)S(3)(P(n)Pr(3))(3)(CO)(4) (VIII). In addition the new (Cl(4)-cat)(O)MoFe(3)S(3)(P(n)Pr(3))(3)(CO)(5) cluster (IVa), the (Cl(4)-cat)(O)MoFe(3)S(3)(PEt(3))(2)(CO)(6)cluster (V), the (Cl(4)-cat)(O)MoFe(3)S(3)(P(n)Pr(3))(2)(CO)(6) cluster (Va), the (Cl(4)-cat)(Pyr)MoFe(3)S(3)(P(n)Pr(3))(2)(CO)(6) cluster (VIa), and the (Cl(4)-cat)(P(n)Pr(3))MoFe(3)S(3)(P(n)Pr(3))(2)(CO)(6) cluster (VII) also are reported. Clusters III-VIII have been structurally and spectroscopically characterized. EPR, zero-field (57)Fe-M?ssbauer spectroscopic characterizations, and magnetic susceptibility measurements have been used for a tentative assignment of the electronic and oxidation states of the MoFe(3)S(3) sulfur-voided cuboidal clusters. A structural comparison of the clusters with the MoFe(3)S(3) subunit of the FeMo-cofactor has led to the suggestion that the storage of reducing equivalents into M-M bonds, and their use in the reduction of substrates, may occur with the FeMo-cofactor, which also appears to have M-M bonding. On the basis of this argument, a possible N(2)-binding and reduction mechanism on the FeMoco-cofactor is proposed.     

Infrared spectra of CO2-doped hydrogen clusters, (H2)N-CO2

Clusters of para-H(2) and/or ortho-H(2) containing a single carbon dioxide molecule are studied by high resolution infrared spectroscopy in the 2300 cm(-1) region of the CO(2) ν(3) fundamental band. The (H(2))(N)-CO(2) clusters are formed in a pulsed supersonic jet expansion from a cooled nozzle and probed using a rapid scan tunable diode laser. Simple symmetric rotor type spectra are observed with little or no resolved K-structure, and prominent Q-branch features for ortho-H(2) but not para-H(2). Observed rotational constants and vibrational shifts are reported for ortho-H(2) up to N = 7 and para-H(2) up to N = 15, with the N > 7 assignments only made possible with the help of theoretical simulations. The para-H(2) cluster with N = 12 shows clear evidence for superfluid effects, in good agreement with theory. The presence of larger clusters with N > 15 is evident in the spectra, but specific assignments are not possible. Mixed para- + ortho-H(2) cluster transitions are well predicted by linear interpolation between corresponding pure cluster line positions.     

Energetics and structures of the initial stages of nucleation of (SiO(2))(N) species: possible routes to highly symmetrical tetrahedral clusters

A detailed survey of the low energy isomer spectrum of (SiO(2))(N), N= 6-10, 13, 16 has been performed using interatomic potential based global optimisations refined via high-level density functional calculations. Within these spectra, including many isomers reported for the first time, structurally and energetically viable pathways for the initial stages of silica cluster growth through SiO(2) nucleation are identified. The role of the exceptionally stable (SiO(2))(8) ground state "magic" cluster is highlighted in the possible formation of highly symmetric fully tetrahedral clusters of size (SiO(2))(10) and (SiO(2))(16). These clusters are found to form a part of a natural (SiO(2))(N)N= 7, 10, 13, 16 sequence together with the C(3v) ground states for (SiO(2))(7) and (SiO(2))(13). The fully tetrahedral clusters are argued to be likely relatively long-lived metastable species in the process of gas phase SiO(2) nucleation due to the manner of their termination. It is speculated that larger tetrahedral (SiO(2))(40) clusters may exhibit porous structures.     

Spectroscopic identification of carbon dioxide clusters: (CO2)6 to (CO2)13

In spite of wide interest in CO(2) clusters, only dimers and trimers have previously been assigned to specific infrared bands. Here, transitions for clusters with 6-13 molecules are identified in the ν(3) region (～2350 cm(-1)). Spectra are observed in a supersonic jet (T ～ 2.5 K) using a tunable laser probe, and analyzed with the aid of cluster calculations based on a widely-used model potential. Vibrational origins show blue-shifts significantly larger than predicted by resonant dipole interactions.     

An ab initio investigation on (CO2)n and CO2(Ar)m clusters: geometries and IR spectra

An ab initio investigation on CO(2) homoclusters is done at MPWB1K6-31++G(2d) level of theory. Electrostatic guidelines are found to be useful for generating initial structures of (CO(2))(n) clusters. The ab initio minimum energy geometries of (CO(2))(n) with n=2-8 are T shaped, cyclic, trigonal pyramidal, tetragonal pyramidal, tetragonal bipyramidal, pentagonal bipyramidal, and pentagonal bipyramid with one CO(2) molecule attached to it. A test calculation on (CO(2))(20) cluster is also reported. The geometric parameters of the energetically most favored (CO(2))(n) clusters match quite well their experimental counterparts (wherever available) as well as those derived from molecular dynamics studies. The effect of clustering is quantified through the asymmetric C-O stretching frequency shift relative to the single CO(2) molecule. (CO(2))(n) clusters show an increasing blueshift from 1.8 to 9.6 cm(-1) on increasing number of CO(2) molecules from n=2 to 8. The energetics and geometries of CO(2)(Ar)(m) clusters have also been explored at the same level of theory. The geometries for m=1-6 show a predominant T type of the argon-CO(2) molecule interaction. Higher clusters with m=7-12 show that the argon atoms cluster around the oxygen atom after the saturation of the central carbon atom. The CO(2)(Ar)(m) clusters exhibit an increasing redshift in the C-O asymmetric stretch relative to CO(2) molecule of 0.7-5.6 cm(-1) with increasing number of argon atoms through m=1-8.     

Infrared spectra of seeded hydrogen clusters: (para-H2)N-N2O and (ortho-H2)N-N2O, N = 2-13

High-resolution infrared spectra of clusters containing para-H2 and/or ortho-H2 and a single nitrous oxide molecule are studied in the 2225-cm(-1) region of the upsilon1 fundamental band of N2O. The clusters are formed in pulsed supersonic jet expansions from a cooled nozzle and probed using a tunable infrared diode laser spectrometer. The simple symmetric rotor-type spectra generally show no resolved K structure, with prominent Q-branch features for ortho-H2 but not para-H2 clusters. The observed vibrational shifts and rotational constants are reported. There is no obvious indication of superfluid effects for para-H2 clusters up to N=13. Sharp transitions due to even larger clusters are observed, but no definite assignments are possible. Mixed (para-H2)N-(ortho-H2)M-N2O cluster line positions can be well predicted by linear interpolation between the corresponding transitions of the pure clusters.     

An IR study of (CO2)(+)n (n=3-8) cluster ions in the 1000-3800 cm-1 region

Infrared photodissociation (IRPD) spectra of carbon dioxide cluster ions, (CO(2))(n) (+) with n=3-8, are measured in the 1000-3800 cm(-1) region. IR bands assignable to solvent CO(2) molecules are observed at positions close to the vibrational frequencies of neutral CO(2) [1290 and 1400 cm(-1) (nu(1) and 2nu(2)), 2350 cm(-1) (nu(3)), and 3610 and 3713 cm(-1) (nu(1)+nu(3) and 2nu(2)+nu(3))]. The ion core in (CO(2))(n) (+) shows several IR bands in the 1200-1350, 2100-2200, and 3250-3500 cm(-1) regions. On the basis of previous IR studies in solid Ne and quantum chemical calculations, these bands are ascribed to the C(2)O(4) (+) ion, which has a semicovalent bond between the CO(2) components. The number of the bands and the bandwidth of the IRPD spectra drastically change with an increase in the cluster size up to n=6, which is ascribed to the symmetry change of (CO(2))(n) (+) by the solvation of CO(2) molecules and a full occupation of the first solvation shell at n=6.     

New class of ruthenium sulfide clusters: Ru(4)S(6)(PPh(3))(4), Ru(5)S(6)(PPh(3))(5), and Ru(6)S(8)(PPh(3))(6)

Reaction of RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(3) with S(2)(-) sources yields a family of phosphine-containing Ru-S clusters which have been characterized crystallographically and by MALDI-MS. Ru(4)S(6)(PPh(3))(4) (Ru-Ru(av) = 2.94 A) has idealized T(d)() symmetry whereas Ru(6)S(8)(PPh(3))(6) (Ru-Ru(av) = 2.82 A) adopts the idealized O(h)() symmetry characteristic of Chevrel clusters. Ru(5)S(6)(PPh(3))(5) is formally derived by the addition of Ru(PPh(3)) to one face of Ru(4)S(6)(PPh(3))(4). In terms of its M-S connectivity, the Ru(5)S(6) cluster resembles a fragment of the FeMo cluster in nitrogenase.     

Growth dynamics and intracluster reactions in Ni+(CO2)n complexes via infrared spectroscopy

Ni(+)(CO(2))(n), Ni(+)(CO(2))(n)Ar, Ni(+)(CO(2))(n)Ne, and Ni(+)(O(2))(CO(2))(n) complexes are generated by laser vaporization in a pulsed supersonic expansion. The complexes are mass-selected in a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer and studied by infrared resonance-enhanced photodissociation (IR-REPD) spectroscopy. Photofragmentation proceeds exclusively through the loss of intact CO(2) molecules from Ni(+)(CO(2))(n) and Ni(+)(O(2))(CO(2))(n) complexes, and by elimination of the noble gas atom from Ni(+)(CO(2))(n)Ar and Ni(+)(CO(2))(n)Ne. Vibrational resonances are identified and assigned in the region of the asymmetric stretch of CO(2). Small complexes have resonances that are blueshifted from the asymmetric stretch of free CO(2), consistent with structures having linear Ni(+)-O=C=O configurations. Fragmentation of larger Ni(+)(CO(2))(n) clusters terminates at the size of n=4, and new vibrational bands assigned to external ligands are observed for n> or =5. These combined observations indicate that the coordination number for CO(2) molecules around Ni(+) is exactly four. Trends in the loss channels and spectra of Ni(+)(O(2))(CO(2))(n) clusters suggest that each oxygen atom occupies a different coordination site around a four-coordinate metal ion in these complexes. The spectra of larger Ni(+)(CO(2))(n) clusters provide evidence for an intracluster insertion reaction assisted by solvation, producing a metal oxide-carbonyl species as the reaction product.     

Infrared spectrum of the CS2 trimer: observation of a structure with D3 symmetry

Infrared spectra of a carbon disulfide trimer formed in a pulsed supersonic slit-jet expansion are obtained via direct absorption of a tuneable diode laser in the region of the CS(2)ν(3) fundamental (～1535 cm(-1)). This is the first high-resolution spectroscopic observation of (CS(2))(3). Two bands sharing the same lower state are assigned to ((12)C(32)S(2))(3). These correspond to the two infrared active trimer vibrations (a parallel and a perpendicular band) of the constituent CS(2) monomer asymmetric stretches. The weaker perpendicular band is centered at 1524.613 cm(-1), shifted by -10.74 cm(-1) with respect to the free CS(2) monomer. The parallel band is centered at 1545.669 cm(-1), a vibrational shift of +10.31 cm(-1). Transitions with K≠ 3n and those with K = 0, J = odd in the ground state are absent, establishing that this trimer has D(3) symmetry. The two parameters required to define this structure are determined to be 3.811 ? for the C-C bond distance and 61.8° for the angle between a monomer axis and the plane containing the C atoms. In addition, a parallel band arising from trimers with a single (34)S substitution is observed around 1544.46 cm(-1). Together with the recently observed cross-shaped CS(2) dimer, these results indicate a tendency for CS(2) to form highly symmetric clusters.     

Formation and chemical reactivities of a new type of double-butterfly [[Fe2(mu-CO)(CO)6]2(mu-SZS-mu)]2-: synthetic and structural studies on novel linear and macrocyclic butterfly Fe/E (E=S,Se) cluster complexes

A new type of double-butterfly [[Fe(2)(mu-CO)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)](2-) (3), a dianion that has two mu-CO ligands, has been synthesized from dithiol HSZSH (Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2)), [Fe(3)(CO)(12)], and Et(3)N in a molar ratio of 1:2:2 at room temperature. Interestingly, the in situ reactions of dianions 3 with various electrophiles affords a series of novel linear and macrocyclic butterfly Fe/E (E=S, Se) cluster complexes. For instance, while reactions of 3 with PhC(O)Cl and Ph(2)PCl give linear clusters [[Fe(2)(mu-PhCO)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (4 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2)) and [[Fe(2)(mu-Ph(2)P)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (5 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2)), reactions with CS(2) followed by treatment with monohalides RX or dihalides X-Y-X give both linear clusters [[Fe(2)(mu-RCS(2))(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (6 a-e: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1,2)CH(2); R=Me, PhCH(2), FeCp(CO)(2)) and macrocyclic clusters [[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)(mu-CS(2)YCS(2)-mu)] (7 a-e: Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2); Y=(CH(2))(2-4), 1,3,5-Me(CH(2))(2)C(6)H(3), 1,4-(CH(2))(2)C(6)H(4)). In addition, reactions of dianions 3 with [Fe(2)(mu-S(2))(CO)(6)] followed by treatment with RX or X-Y-X give linear clusters [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-RS)(mu(4)-S)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (8 a-c: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1,2)CH(2); R=Me, PhCH(2)) and macrocyclic clusters [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-S)](2)(mu-SYS-mu)(mu-SZS-mu)] (9 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2); Y=(CH(2))(4)), and reactions with SeCl(2) afford macrocycles [[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-Se)(mu-SZS-mu)] (10 d: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(3)CH(2)) and [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-Se)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)(2)] (11 a-d: Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2)). Production pathways have been suggested; these involve initial nucleophilic attacks by the Fe-centered dianions 3 at the corresponding electrophiles. All the products are new and have been characterized by combustion analysis and spectroscopy, and by X-ray diffraction techniques for 6 c, 7 d, 9 b, 10 d, and 11 c in particular. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the double-butterfly cluster core Fe(4)S(2)Se in 10 d is severely distorted in comparison to that in 11 c. In view of the Z chains in 10 a-c being shorter than the chain in 10 d, the double cluster core Fe(4)S(2)Se in 10 a-c would be expected to be even more severely distorted, a possible reason for why 10 a-c could not be formed.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Four Consecutive Members of the Five-Member [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](n)()(+) (n = 0-4) Cluster Electron Transfer Series

The clusters [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](+,2+) have been shown by other investigators to be formed by the reaction of [Fe(OH(2))(6)](2+) and H(2)S, to contain face-capped octahedral Fe(6)S(8) cores, and to be components of the five-membered electron transfer series [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](n)()(+) (n = 0-4) estalished electrochemically. We have prepared two additional series members. Reaction of [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](2+) with iodine in dichloromethane affords [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](3+), isolated as the perchlorate salt (48%). Reduction of [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](2+) with Na(Ph(2)CO) in acetonitrile/THF produces the neutral cluster [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)] (65%). The structures of the four clusters with n = 0, 1+, 2+, 3+ were determined at 223 K. The compounds [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](ClO(4))(3), [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)] crystallize in trigonal space group R&thremacr;c with a = 21.691(4), 16.951(4) ?, c = 23.235(6), 19.369(4) ?, and Z = 6, 3. The compounds [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](BF(4))(2), [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](BF(4)).2MeCN were obtained in monoclinic space groups P2(1)/c, C2/c with a = 11.673(3), 16.371(4) ?, b = 20.810(5), 16.796(4) ?, c = 12.438(4), 23.617(7) ?, beta = 96.10(2), 97.98(2) degrees, and Z = 2, 4. [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](BPh(4))(2) occurred in trigonal space group P&onemacr; with a = 11.792(4) ?, b = 14.350(5) ?, c = 15.536(6) ?, alpha = 115.33(3) degrees, beta = 90.34(3) degrees, gamma = 104.49(3) degrees, and Z = 1. Changes in metric features across the series are slight but indicate increasing population of antibonding Fe(6)S(8) core orbitals upon reduction. Zero-field M?ssbauer spectra are consistent with this result, isomer shifts increasing by ca. 0.05 mm/s for each electron added, and indicate a delocalized electronic structure. Magnetic susceptibility measurements together with previously reported results established the ground states S = (3)/(2) (3+), 3 (2+), (7)/(2) (1+), 3 (0). The clusters [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](n)()(+) possess the structural and electronic features requisite to multisequential electron transfer reactions. This work provides the first example of a cluster type isolated over four consecutive oxidation states. Note is also made of the significance of the [Fe(6)S(8)(PEt(3))(6)](n)()(+) cluster type in the development of iron-sulfur-phosphine cluster chemistry.     

New dirhenium(III) compounds bridged by carboxylate ligands: N(C(4)H(9))(4)[Re(2)(OOCCF(3))Cl(6)] and Re(2)(OOCCCHCo(2)(CO)(6))(4)Cl(2)

The solvothermal reaction of (N(C(4)H(9))(4))(2)[Re(2)Cl(8)] with trifluoroacetic acid and acetic anhydride leads to the new rhenium trifluoroacetate dimer N(C(4)H(9))(4)[Re(2)(OOCCF(3))Cl(6)] (1) and to the rhenium carbonyl dimer Re(2)(mu(2)-Cl)(2)(CO)(8) as the rhenium-reduced byproduct. The reaction of the precursor complex, N(C(4)H(9))(4)[Re(2)(OOCCF(3))Cl(6)] (1), with the organometallic carboxylic acid (CO)(6)Co(2)HCCCOOH leads to the cluster of clusters compound Re(2)(OOCCCHCo(2)(CO)(6))(4)Cl(2) (2), which has the dimer structure of Re(2)(OOCR)(4)Cl(2). Cyclic voltammetric measurements show that Re(2)(OOCCCHCo(2)(CO)(6))(4)Cl(2) (2) has one reduction centered on the dirhenium core and a reduction centered on the cobalt atoms. DFT calculations have been used to rationalize the observed displacements of the voltammetric signals in Re(2)(OOCCCHCo(2)(CO)(6))(4)Cl(2) (2) compared to the parent ligand (CO)(6)Co(2)HCCCOOH and rhenium pivalate.     

Vibrational predissociation spectrum of the carbamate radical anion, C(5)H(5)N-CO(2)(-), generated by reaction of pyridine with (CO(2))(m)(-)

We report the vibrational predissociation spectrum of C(5)H(5)N-CO(2)(-), a radical anion which is closely related to the key intermediates postulated to control activation of CO(2) in photoelectrocatalysis with pyridine (Py). The anion is prepared by the reaction of Py vapor with (CO(2))(m)(-) clusters carried out in an ionized, supersonic entrainment ion source. Comparison with the results of harmonic frequency calculations establishes that this species is a covalently bound molecular anion derived from the corresponding carbamate, C(5)H(5)N-CO(2)(-) (H(+)). These results confirm the structural assignment inferred in an earlier analysis of the cluster distributions and photoelectron spectra of the mixed Py(m)(CO(2))(n)(-) complexes [J. Chem. Phys. 2000, 113 (2), 596-601]. The spectra of the (CO(2))(m)(-) (m = 5 and 7) clusters are presented for the first time in the lower energy range (1000-2400 cm(-1)), which reveal several of the fundamental modes that had only been characterized previously by their overtones and combination bands. Comparison of these new spectra with those displayed by Py(CO(2))(n)(-) suggests that a small fraction of the Py(CO(2))(n)(-) ions are trapped entrance channel reaction intermediates in which the charge remains localized on the (CO(2))(m)(-) part of the cluster.     

Non-localized ligand-to-metal charge transfer excited states in (Cp)2Ti(IV)(NCS)2

The bent d(0) titanium metallocene (Cp)(2)Ti(NCS)(2) exhibits an intense phosphorescence from a ligand-to-metal charge transfer triplet excited state at 77 K in an organic glass substrate and a poly(methyl methacrylate) plastic substrate. Quantum chemical calculations and spectroscopic studies show that the orbital parentage of this triplet state arises from the promotion of an electron from an essentially nonbonding symmetry adapted pi molecular orbital located on the NCS(-) ligands to a d(z)2-(y)2 orbital located on the Ti metal. Standard infrared spectroscopy of (Cp)(2)Ti(NCS)(2) in its ground electronic state at 77 K reveals a pair of closely spaced absorptions at (2072 cm(-1), 2038 cm(-1))(glass) and (2055 cm(-1), 2015 cm(-1))(plastic) that are assigned, respectively, to the symmetric and antisymmetric CN stretching modes of the two coordinated NCS(-) ligands. Low-temperature (77 K) time-resolved infrared spectroscopy that accesses the phosphorescing triplet excited state on the ns time scale shows an IR bleach that is coincident with the two ground state CN stretching bands and an associated grow-in of a pair of new IR bands at slightly lower energies (2059 cm(-1), 2013 cm(-1))(glass) and (2049 cm(-1), 1996 cm(-1))(plastic) that are assigned, respectively, to the symmetric and antisymmetric CN stretches in the emitting triplet state. These transient IR bands decay with virtually identical lifetimes to those observed for the phosphorescence decays when measured under identical experimental conditions. Singular value decomposition analysis of the time-resolved infrared data shows that the observed transient IR features arise from the same electronic manifold as measured through luminescence studies. The close similarity between the ground state and excited-state CN stretching bands in (Cp)(2)Ti(NCS)(2) indicates that symmetry breaking does not occur in forming the charge-transfer triplet excited-state manifold; i.e., electron density is withdrawn from a delocalized pi MO spread across both NCS(-) ligands. Calculations at several levels of theory reveal a delocalized ligand-to-metal charge transfer excited triplet manifold. These calculations closely reproduce the relative intensity ratios and frequencies of the symmetric and antisymmetric transient infrared vibrations in the CN region. This study is the first time-resolved infrared investigation of a ligand-to-metal charge-transfer excited state and the first to be performed at cryogenic temperatures in thin-film organic glass and plastic substrates.     

Ion core structure in (C(2)n+ and (CS2)n- (n=3-10) studied by infrared photodissociation spectroscopy

Infrared photodissociation spectra of (CS(2))(n) (+) and (CS(2))(n) (-) with n=3-10 are measured in the 1100-2000 cm(-1) region. All the (CS(2))(n) (+) clusters exhibit three bands at approximately 1410, approximately 1490, and approximately 1540 cm(-1). The intensity of the 1540 cm(-1) band relative to those of the other bands increases with increasing the cluster size, indicating that the band at 1540 cm(-1) is assignable to the antisymmetric CS stretching vibration of solvent CS(2) molecules in the clusters. On the basis of density functional theory calculations, the 1410 and 1490 cm(-1) bands of (CS(2))(n) (+) are assigned to CS stretching vibrations of the C(2)S(4) (+) cation core with a C(2) form. The (CS(2))(n) (-) clusters show two bands at around 1215 and 1530 cm(-1). Similar to the case of cation clusters, the latter band is ascribed to the antisymmetric CS stretching vibration of solvent CS(2) molecules. Vibrational frequency analysis of CS(2) (-) and C(2)S(4) (-) suggests that the 1215 cm(-1) band is attributed to the antisymmetric CS stretching vibration of the CS(2) (-) anion core with a C(2v) structure.     

Tetradecanuclear polycarbonatolanthanoid clusters: Diverse coordination modes of carbonate providing access to novel core geometries

The synthesis of two high nuclearity lanthanoid clusters demonstrates the versatility of the carbonate anion as a robust cluster forming agent, potentially allowing for the formation of otherwise inaccessible core topologies. The complexes, [Gd(14)(CO(3))(13)(ccnm)(9)(OH)(H(2)O)(6)(phen)(13)(NO(3))](CO(3))(2.5)·(phen)(0.5) () and [Dy(14)(CO(3))(13)(ccnm)(10)(OH)(H(2)O)(6)(phen)(13)](CO(3))(2.5)·(phen)(0.5) () (ccnm = carbamoylcyanonitrosomethanide, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), contain a [Ln(14)(CO(3))(13)(OH)] core in which the carbonate anions display four unique coordination modes. The complexes are chiral, and the ccnm ligands also display four unique coordination modes. Extensive intra- and intermolecular π-π stacking between phen ligands leads to the formation of 1D chains in the crystal structure. Both complexes display magnetic properties that are indicative of antiferromagnetic coupling, with complex displaying behaviour consistent with possible single molecule magnet properties.     

Synthesis and reactions of cubane-type iron-sulfur-phosphine clusters,including soluble clusters of nuclearities 8 and 16

A family of soluble, reduced iron-sulfur clusters with nuclearities 4, 8, and 16 having tertiary phosphine ligation and based on the Fe(4)S(4) cubane-type structural motif has been synthesized. The results of this investigation substantially extend and improve the results of our original work on iron-sulfur-phosphine clusters (Goh, C.; Segal, B. M.; Huang, J.; Long, J. R.; Holm, R. H. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 11844). A general property of this cluster family is facile phosphine substitution. The clusters [Fe(4)S(4)(PR(3))(4)](+) are precursors to monosubstituted [Fe(4)S(4)(PR(3))(3)X] (X = Cl-, RS-), homoleptic [Fe(4)S(4)(SR)(4)](3-), and all-ferrous monocubanes [Fe(4)S(4)(PR(3))(4)] (R = Pr(i), Cy, Bu(t); generated in solution). In turn, [Fe(4)S(4)(PPr(i)()(3))(3)(SSiPh(3))] and [Fe(4)S(4)(PPr(i)(3))(4)] can be transformed into the dicubanes [Fe(8)S(8)(PPr(i)()(3))(4)(SSiPh(3))(2)] and [Fe(8)S(8)(PPr(i)((3))(6)], respectively. Further, the tetracubanes [Fe(16)S(16)(PR(3))(8)] are also accessible from [Fe(4)S(4)(PR(3))(4)] under different conditions. X-ray structures are described for [Fe(4)S(4)(PCy(3))(3)X] (X = Cl-, PhS-), [Fe(8)S(8)(PPr(i)(3))(4)(SSiPh(3))(2)], [Fe(8)S(8)(PPr(i)()(3))(6)], and [Fe(16)S(16)(PCy(3))(8)]. The monosubstituted clusters show different distortions of the [Fe(4)S(4)](+) cores from idealized cubic symmetry. The dicubanes possess edge-bridged double cubane structures with an Fe(2)(mu(4)-S)(2) bridge rhomb and idealized C(2)(h)() symmetry. The ready cleavage of these clusters into single cubanes is considered a probable consequence of strained bond angles at the mu(4)-S atoms. Tetracubanes contain four individual cubanes, each of which is implicated in two bridge rhombs so as to generate a cyclic structure of idealized D(4) symmetry. Redox properties and M?ssbauer spectroscopic parameters are reported. The species [Fe(4)S(4)(PR(3))(4)] (in solution), [Fe(8)S(8)(PR(3))(6)], and [Fe(16)S(16)(PR(3))(8)] are the only synthetic all-ferrous clusters with tetrahedral iron sites that have been isolated. Their utility as precursors to other highly reduced iron-sulfur clusters is under investigation.     

Origin of the attraction in aliphatic C-H/pi interactions: infrared spectroscopic and theoretical characterization of gas-phase clusters of aromatics with methane

An attractive intermolecular interaction between an aliphatic C-H bond and a pi-electron system (C-H/pi interaction) was characterized on the basis of infrared spectroscopy and high level ab initio calculations. Infrared spectroscopy was applied to several isolated methane clusters with benzene, toluene, p-xylene, mesitylene, and naphthalene in the gas phase, and the spectral changes of the C-H stretch bands in the methane moiety upon the cluster formation were observed. In the theoretical approach, interaction energies of the clusters were evaluated by high-level ab initio calculations. The forbidden symmetric C-H stretch transition weakly appeared in the IR spectra of the clusters, and it confirmed the small deformation of the methane moiety from the T(d)() symmetry, which was predicted by the ab initio calculations. On the other hand, the degenerated asymmetric C-H stretch band showed complicated splitting, which is qualitatively interpreted by a hindered rotor model. Low-frequency shifts upon the cluster formation were seen in the symmetric C-H stretch frequency, though the magnitude of the shifts was extremely small and no clear correlation with the interaction energy was found. On the other hand, the size of the calculated interaction energy well correlates with the polarizability of aromatics. The S(1)-S(0) electronic transition of the aromatic moiety was also observed, and it showed low-frequency shifts upon cluster formation. These results support the dominance of the dispersion interaction over the electrostatic and charge-transfer terms in the aliphatic C-H/pi interaction.     

High nuclearity ruthenium-tin clusters from the reactions of triphenylstannane with pentaruthenium carbonyl carbido cluster complexes

The reaction of Ru(5)(CO)(15)(mu(5)-C), 1, with Ph(3)SnH in the presence of UV irradiation has yielded the Ph(3)SnH adduct Ru(5)(CO)(15)(SnPh(3))(mu(5)-C)(mu-H), 3, by SnH bond activation and cleavage of one Ru-Ru bond in the cluster of 1. The reaction of 1 with Ph(3)SnH at 127 degrees C yielded the high nuclearity cluster compound Ru(5)(CO)(10)(SnPh(3))(mu-SnPh(2))(4)(&mu(5)-C)(mu-H), 4, that contains five tin ligands. Four of these are SnPh(2) groups that bridge each edge of the base of the Ru(5) square pyramidal cluster. The reaction of Ph(3)SnH with the benzene-substituted cluster Ru(5)(CO)(12)(C(6)H(6))(mu(5)-C), 2, at 68 degrees C yielded two products: Ru(5)(CO)(11)(SnPh(3))(C(6)H(6))(mu(5)-C)(mu-H), 5, and Ru(5)(CO)(10)(SnPh(3))(2)(C(6)H(6))(mu(5)-C)(mu-H)(2), 6. Both contain square pyramidal Ru(5) clusters with one and two SnPh(3) groups, respectively. At 127 degrees C, the reaction of 2 with an excess of Ph(3)SnH has led to the formation of two new high-nuclearity cluster complexes: Ru(5)(CO)(8)(mu-SnPh(2))(4)(C(6)H(6))(mu(5)-C), 7, and Ru(5)(CO)(7)(mu-SnPh(2))(4)(SnPh(3))(C(6)H(6))(mu-H), 8. Both compounds contain square pyramidal Ru(5) clusters with SnPh(2) groups bridging each edge of the square base. Compound 8 contains a SnPh(3) group analogous to that of compound 4. When treated with CO, compound 8 is converted to 4. When heated to 68 degrees C, compound 5 was converted to the new compound Ru(5)(CO)(11)(C(6)H(6))(mu(4)-SnPh)(mu(3)-CPh), 9, by loss of benzene and the shift of a phenyl group from the tin ligand to the carbido carbon atom to form a triply bridging benzylidyne ligand and a novel quadruply bridging stannylyne ligand.