A two-dimensional Be2Au monolayer with planar hexacoordinate s-block metal atoms: a superconducting global minimum Dirac material with two perfect Dirac node-loops

Using a starlike Be₆Au₇⁻ cluster as a building block and following the bottom-up strategy, an intriguing two-dimensional (2D) binary s-block metal Be₂Au monolayer with a P6/mmm space group was theoretically designed. Both the Be₆Au₇⁻ cluster and the 2D monolayer are global minima featuring rule-breaking planar hexacoordinate motifs (anti-van''t Hoff/Le Bel arrangement), and their high stabilities are attributed to good electron delocalization and electronic-stabilization-induced steric force. Strikingly, the Be₂Au monolayer is a rare Dirac material with two perfect Dirac node-loops in the band structure and is a phonon-mediated superconductor with a critical temperature of 4.0 K. The critical temperature can be enhanced up to 11.0 K by applying compressive strain at only 1.6%. This study not only identifies a new binary s-block metal 2D material, namely Be₂Au, which features planar hexacoordination, and a candidate superconducting material for further explorations, but also provides a new strategy to construct 2D materials with novel chemical bonding.

A topological superconductor, named Be₂Au monolayer, containing planar hexacoordinate s-block metal (Be and Au) atoms was theoretically designed by rationally assembling related clusters.     

Planar tetracoordinate fluorine atoms

Among the list of planar tetracoordinate atoms, fluorine is missing. So far, there are no theoretical or experimental reports suggesting their existence. Herein, we introduce the first six combinations (FIn₄⁺, FTl₄⁺, FGaIn₃⁺, FIn₂Tl₂⁺, FIn₃Tl⁺, and FInTl₃⁺) whose global minima contain a planar tetracoordinate fluorine. The bonding analyses indicate that the interactions between the fluorine and the peripheral atoms are significantly electrostatic, which is also reflected in the electronic delocalization. As opposed to other planar tetracoordinate systems with carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen atoms, the fluorine in the ptFs does not act as a σ-acceptor, restraining any back-donation. On the other hand, σ-electrons show a diatropic response, which would characterize these clusters as σ-aromatic.

The first global minima with a planar tetracoordinate fluorine atom are introduced. Their stabilization depends mainly on subtle ionic interactions and an adequate cavity.     

Argon Adsorption on Cationic Gold Clusters Aun+ (n ≤ 20)

The interaction of Au_n⁺ (n ≤ 20) clusters with Ar is investigated by combining mass spectrometric experiments and density functional theory calculations. We show that the inert Ar atom forms relatively strong bonds with Au_n⁺. The strength of the bond strongly varies with the cluster size and is governed by a fine interplay between geometry and electronic structure. The chemical bond between Au_n⁺ and Ar involves electron transfer from Ar to Au, and a stronger interaction is found when the Au adsorption site has a higher positive partial charge, which depends on the cluster geometry. Au₁₅⁺ is a peculiar cluster size, which stands out for its much stronger interaction with Ar than its neighbors, signaled by a higher abundance in mass spectra and a larger Ar adsorption energy. This is shown to be a consequence of a low-coordinated Au adsorption site in Au₁₅⁺, which possesses a large positive partial charge.     

Ab initio calculations and molecular dynamics simulation of H2 adsorption on CN3Be3+ cluster

Hydrogen adsorption properties of the CN₃Be₃⁺ cluster have been studied using density functional theory and MP2 method with a 6–31++G** basis set. Five hydrogen molecules get adsorbed on the CN₃Be₃⁺ cluster with a hydrogen storage capacity of 10.98 wt%. Adsorption of three H₂ molecules on one of the three Be atoms in a cluster is reported for the first time. It is due to the more positive charge on this Be atom than the remaining two. The average value for H₂ adsorption energy in CN₃Be₃⁺ (5H₂) complexes is 0.41 (0.43) eV/H₂ at MP2 (wB97XD) level, which fits well within the ideal range. Adsorption energy from electronic structure calculations plays an important role in retaining the number of H₂ molecules on a cluster during atom-centered density matrix propagation (ADMP) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. According to ADMP-MD simulations, out of five H₂ adsorbed molecules on CN₃Be₃⁺, four and two H₂ molecules remain absorbed on CN₃Be₃⁺ cluster at 275 K and 350 K, respectively, during the simulation.

     

Bare Clusters Derived from Protein Templates: Au25+, Au38+ and Au102+

A discrete sequence of bare gold clusters of well‐defined nuclearity, namely Au₂₅⁺, Au₃₈⁺ and Au₁₀₂⁺, formed in a process that starts from gold‐bound adducts of the protein lysozyme, were detected in the gas phase. It is proposed that subsequent to laser desorption ionization, gold clusters form in the gas phase, with the protein serving as a confining growth environment that provides an effective reservoir for dissipation of the cluster aggregation and stabilization energy. First‐principles calculations reveal that the growing gold clusters can be electronically stabilized in the protein environment, achieving electronic closed‐shell structures as a result of bonding interactions with the protein. Calculations for a cluster with 38 gold atoms reveal that gold interaction with the protein results in breaking of the disulfide bonds of the cystine units, and that the binding of the cysteine residues to the cluster depletes the number of delocalized electrons in the cluster, resulting in opening of a super‐atom electronic gap. This shell‐closure stabilization mechanism confers enhanced stability to the gold clusters. Once formed as stable magic number aggregates in the protein growth medium, the gold clusters become detached from the protein template and are observed as bare Au_n⁺ (n=25, 38, and 102) clusters.     

Be2C Monolayer with Quasi‐Planar Hexacoordinate Carbons: A Global Minimum Structure

The design of new materials is an important subject in order to attain new properties and applications, and it is of particular interest when some peculiar topological properties such as reduced dimensionality and rule‐breaking chemical bonding are involved. In this work, we designed a novel two‐dimensional (2D) inorganic material, namely Be₂C monolayer, by comprehensive density functional theory (DFT) computations. In Be₂C monolayer, each carbon atom binds to six Be atoms in an almost planar fashion, forming a quasi‐planar hexacoordinate carbon (phC) moiety. Be₂C monolayer has good stability and is the lowest‐energy structure in 2D space confirmed by a global minima search based on the particle‐swarm optimization (PSO) method. As a semiconductor with a direct medium band gap, Be₂C monolayer is promising for applications in electronics and optoelectronics.     

A DFT-Based Study of the Low-Energy Electronic Structures and Properties of Small Gold Clusters

Gold clusters Au_n of size n = 2–12 atoms were studied by the density-functional theory with an ab-initio pseudopotential and a generalized gradient approximation. Geometry optimizations starting from a number of initial candidate geometries were performed for each cluster size, so as to determine a number of possible low-energy isomers for each size. Along with the lowest-energy structures, metastable structures were obtained for many cluster sizes. Interestingly, a metastable planar zigzag arrangement of Au atoms was obtained for every cluster size n ≥ 5. The stable electronic structure, binding energy, relative stability and HOMO–LUMO gap for the lowest-energy isomer were calculated for each cluster size. Variation of the electronic properties with size is investigated in this paper and compared with experimental results and other calculations.     

[N(PPh3)2]2[{Au3Ag2(C2Ph)6} {Au3Cu2(Cu2Ph)6}]: Co-crystallized pentanuclear bimetallic gold-silver and gold-copper clusters

The X-ray structural study of the reaction product of equimolar amounts of [Au₃Cu₂(C₂Ph)₆]. [{Au(C₂Ph)} _n ], and [Ag(C₂Ph)} _n ] revealed two bimetallic anionic [N(PPh₃)₂] + [Au₃Ag₂(C₂Ph)₆]^– and [N(PPh₃)₂]⁺[Au₃Cu₂ (C₂ Pg)₆] — clusters co-crystallized in one asymmetric unit. Each cluster has trigonal bipyramidal geometry with three gold atoms occupying equatorial planes and two silver or copper atoms in the apical positions. Our earlier conclusion based upon spectroscopic characterization describing the product of be above reaction as trimetallic cluster containing three coinage-metals with an overall composition [Au₃CuAg(C₂Ph)₆]^–, was erroneous.Presented at the 210th ACS Meeting, August 19–24, 1995, Chicago, Illinois.     

Reactions of free gold cluster cations with H2O, CH3Cl, and mixtures thereof

The reactions of the mass-selected gas-phase gold cluster cations Au₃⁺ and Au₅⁺ with H₂O, CH₃Cl, and mixtures of these reactants were studied under well-defined multi-collision conditions in an octopole ion trap. The reaction of CH₃Cl with the gold cations was found to proceed fast at room temperature, leading to the adsorption of one CH₃Cl molecule at each ‘corner’ atom of the cluster ion. This strong adsorption hindered the coadsorption of other reactants like H₂O. However, a considerable reduction of the CH₃Cl partial pressure led to distinct patterns of H₂O/CH₃Cl coadsorption products. Furthermore, the mass spectra indicated the loss of hydrogen after the reaction of CH₃Cl with Au₃⁺.     

Structural,electronic and magnetic properties of small gold clusters with a copper impurity

A set of all-electron scalar relativistic calculations on Au _n Cu (n = 1–12) clusters has been performed using density functional theory with the generalized gradient approximation at PW91 level. The lowest energy geometries of Au _n Cu clusters may be considered as assemblies of triangular Au₃ moieties substituted with one Cu atom at the highest coordinated site. All these lowest energy geometries of the Au _n Cu clusters are slightly distorted but retain the planar structures of the Au _n+1 clusters due to the strong scalar relativistic effects. The Au–Cu bonds are stronger, and a few Au–Au bonds far from the Cu atom are weaker, than the corresponding Au–Au bonds in pure Au _n+1 clusters. After doping with a Cu atom, the thermodynamic stability and chemical reactivity are enhanced to some extent. The odd-numbered Au _n Cu clusters with even numbers of valence electrons are more stable than the neighboring even-numbered Au _n Cu clusters with odd numbers of valence electrons. Odd–even alternations of magnetic moments and electronic configurations for the Au _n Cu clusters can be observed clearly and may be understood in terms of the electron pairing effect.     

Synthesis and structure of a dmpe-substituted dinuclear complex bridged by a substituent-free gallium atom: Electronic effect of metal fragment on the iron–gallium bonding

A dinuclear complex bridged by a substituent-free gallium atom, Cp¹(dmpe)Fe–Ga–Fe(CO)₄ (1b: Cp¹ = η-C₅Me₅, dmpe = Me₂PCH₂CH₂PMe₂), was synthesized by the reaction of Cp¹Fe(dmpe)GaCl₂ with K₂[Fe(CO)₄]. Crystal structure analysis of complex 1b showed that the geometry around the gallium atom is essentially linear and the two Fe–Ga bonds are significantly shorter than those of usual single bonds, indicating the multiple bonding character of the Fe–Ga bonds. Comparison of the structure and IR data of 1b and those of Cp¹(dppe)Fe–Ga–Fe(CO)₄ (1a: dppe = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂) revealed that the Fe–Ga bond is sensitive to the electronic character of the metal fragment. The Fe–Ga bond is shortened upon introducing a more π-basic metal fragment.     

Density functional study of structural and electronic properties of maximum‐spin n+1Aun−1Ag clusters

The structures and relative stabilities of high‐spin ⁿ⁺¹Au_n?1Ag and ⁿAu_n?1Ag⁺ (n = 2–8) clusters have been studied with density functional calculation. We predicted the existence of a number of previously unknown isomers. Our results revealed that all structures of high‐spin neutral or cationic Au_n?1Ag clusters can be understood as a substitution of an Au atom by an Ag atom in the high‐spin neutral or cationic Au_n clusters. The properties of mixed gold–silver clusters are strongly sized and structural dependence. The high‐spin bimetallic clusters tend to be holding three‐dimensional geometry rather than planar form represented in their low‐spin situations. Silver atom prefers to occupy those peripheral positions until to n = 8 for high‐spin clusters, which is different from its position occupied by light atom in the low‐spin situations. Our theoretical calculations indicated that in various high‐spin Au_n?1Ag neutral and cationic species, ⁵Au₃Ag, ³AuAg and ⁵Au₄Ag⁺ hold high stability, which can be explained by valence bond theory. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009     

Direct Comparison of Subvalent,Polycationic Group 13 Cluster Compounds: Lessons learned on Isoelectronic DMPE Substituted Gallium and Indium Tetracation Salts

The tetracationic, univalent cluster compounds [{M(dmpe)}₄]⁴⁺ (M=Ga, In; dmpe=bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) were synthesized as their pf salts ([pf]⁻=[Al(OR^F)₄]⁻; R^F=C(CF₃)₃). The four-membered ring in [{M(dmpe)}₄]⁴⁺ is slightly puckered for M=Ga and almost square planar for M=In. Yet, although structurally similar, only the gallium cluster is prevalent in solution, while the indium cluster forms temperature dependent equilibria that include even the monomeric cation [In(dmpe)]⁺. This system is the first report of one and the same ligand inducing formation of isoelectronic and isostructural gallium/indium cluster cations. The system allows to study systematically analogies and differences with thermodynamic considerations and bonding analyses, but also to outline perspectives for bond activation using cationic, subvalent group 13 clusters.     

A hexanuclear gold carbonyl cluster

The hexanuclear gold carbonyl cluster [PPh₄]₂[Au₆(CF₃)₆Br₂(CO)₂] (4) has been obtained by spontaneous self-assembly of the following independent units: CF₃AuCO (1) and [PPh₄][Br(AuCF₃)₂] (3). The cyclo-Au₆ aggregate 4, in which the components are held together by unassisted, fairly strong aurophilic interactions (Au···Au ∼310 pm), exhibits a cyclohexane-like arrangement with chair conformation. These aurophilic interactions also result in significant ν(CO) lowering: from 2194 cm^–1 in the separate component 1 to 2171 cm^–1 in the mixed aggregate 4. Procedures to prepare the single-bridged dinuclear component 3 as well as the mononuclear derivative [PPh₄][CF₃AuBr] (2) are also reported.     

Can acyclic conformational control be achieved via a sulfur–fluorine gauche effect?

The gauche conformation of the 1,2-difluoroethane motif is known to involve stabilising hyperconjugative interactions between donor (bonding, σ_C–H) and acceptor (antibonding, σ*C–F) orbitals. This model rationalises the generic conformational preference of F–C_β–C_α–X systems (φ_FCCX ≈ 60°), where X is an electron deficient substituent containing a Period 2 atom. Little is known about the corresponding Period 3 systems, such as sulfur and phosphorus, where multiple oxidation states are possible. Conformational analyses of β-fluorosulfides, -sulfoxides and -sulfones are disclosed here, thus extending the scope of the fluorine gauche effect to the 3rd Period (F–C–C–S(O)_n; φ_FCCS ≈ 60°). Synergy between experiment and computation has revealed that the gauche effect is only pronounced in structures bearing an electropositive vicinal sulfur atom (S⁺–O^–, SO₂).     

Reduction of Digallane [(dpp‐bian)Ga?Ga(dpp‐bian)] with Group 1 and 2 Metals

The reduction of digallane [(dpp‐bian)Ga? Ga(dpp‐bian)] ( 1 ) (dpp‐bian=1,2‐bis[(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene) with lithium and sodium in diethyl ether, or with potassium in THF affords compounds featuring the direct alkali metal–gallium bonds, [(dpp‐bian)Ga? Li(Et₂O)₃] ( 2 ), [(dpp‐bian)Ga? Na(Et₂O)₃] ( 3 ), and [(dpp‐bian)Ga? K(thf)₅] ( 7 ), respectively. Crystallization of 3 from DME produces compound [(dpp‐bian)Ga? Na(dme)₂] ( 4 ). Dissolution of 3 in THF and subsequent crystallization from diethyl ether gives [(dpp‐bian)Ga? Na(thf)₃(Et₂O)] ( 5 ). Ionic [(dpp‐bian)Ga]^?[Na([18]crown‐6)(thf)₂]⁺ ( 6 a ) and [(dpp‐bian)Ga]^?[Na(Ph₃PO)₃(thf)]⁺ ( 6 b ) were obtained from THF after treatment of 3 with [18]crown‐6 and Ph₃PO, respectively. The reduction of 1 with Group 2 metals in THF affords [(dpp‐bian)Ga]₂M(thf)_n (M=Mg ( 8 ), n=3; M=Ca ( 9 ), Sr ( 10 ), n=4; M=Ba ( 11 ), n=5). The molecular structures of 4 – 7 and 11 have been determined by X‐ray crystallography. The Ga? Na bond lengths in 3 – 5 vary notably depending on the coordination environment of the sodium atom.     

Ni Oxidation State and Ligand Saturation Impact on the Capability of Octaazamacrocyclic Complexes to Bind and Reduce CO2

Two 15-membered octaazamacrocyclic nickel(II) complexes are investigated by theoretical methods to shed light on their affinity forwards binding and reducing CO₂. In the first complex ¹[Ni^IIL]⁰, the octaazamacrocyclic ligand is grossly unsaturated (π-conjugated), while in the second ¹[Ni^IILH]²⁺ one, the macrocycle is saturated with hydrogens. One and two-electron reductions are described using Mulliken population analysis, quantum theory of atoms in molecules, localized orbitals, and domain averaged fermi holes, including the characterization of the Ni-C_CO2 bond and the oxidation state of the central Ni atom. It was found that in the [NiLH] complex, the central atom is reduced to Ni⁰ and/or Ni^I and is thus able to bind CO₂ via a single σ bond. In addition, the two-electron reduced ³[NiL]²⁻ species also shows an affinity forwards CO₂.     

Univalent Gallium Complexes of Simple and ansa‐Arene Ligands: Effects on the Polymerization of Isobutylene

Using [Ga(C₆H₅F)₂]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^?( 1 ) (R^F=C(CF₃)₃) as starting material, we isolated bis‐ and tris‐η⁶‐coordinated gallium(I) arene complex salts of p‐xylene (1,4‐Me₂C₆H₄), hexamethylbenzene (C₆Me₆), diphenylethane (PhC₂H₄Ph), and m‐terphenyl (1,3‐Ph₂C₆H₄): [Ga(1,4‐Me₂C₆H₄)_2.5]⁺ ( 2⁺ ), [Ga(C₆Me₆)₂]⁺ ( 3⁺ ), [Ga(PhC₂H₄Ph)]⁺ ( 4⁺ ) and [(C₆H₅F)Ga(μ‐1,3‐Ph₂C₆H₄)₂Ga(C₆H₅F)]²⁺ ( 5²⁺ ). 4⁺ is the first structurally characterized ansa‐like bent sandwich chelate of univalent gallium and 5²⁺ the first binuclear gallium(I) complex without a Ga?Ga bond. Beyond confirming the structural findings by multinuclear NMR spectroscopic investigations and density functional calculations (RI‐BP86/SV(P) level), [Ga(PhC₂H₄Ph)]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^?( 4 ) and [(C₆H₅F)Ga(μ‐1,3‐Ph₂C₆H₄)₂Ga(C₆H₅F)]²⁺{[Al(OR^F)₄] ^?}₂ ( 5 ), featuring ansa‐arene ligands, were tested as catalysts for the synthesis of highly reactive polyisobutylene (HR‐PIB). In comparison to the recently published 1 and the [Ga(1,3,5‐Me₃C₆H₃)₂]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? salt ( 6 ) (1,3,5‐Me₃C₆H₃=mesitylene), 4 and 5 gave slightly reduced reactivities. This allowed for favorably increased polymerization temperatures of up to +15 °C, while yielding HR‐PIB with high contents of terminal olefinic double bonds (α‐contents=84–93 %), low molecular weights (M_n=1000–3000 g mol^?1) and good monomer conversions (up to 83 % in two hours). While the chelate complexes delivered more favorable results than 1 and 6 , the reaction kinetics resembled and thus concurred with the recently proposed coordinative polymerization mechanism.     

Formation of gold cluster cations by direct laser vaporization

Gold cluster cations, Au⁺_n, with n= 1 to 6 have been produced by direct laser vaporization of gold metal in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Wavelength studies at λ = 532, 355, and 266 nm show similar results. However, the intensities and intensity ratios of the cluster ions strongly depended on laser power at the two longer wavelengths. Ionization energies of Au⁺ , Au⁺₂, and Au⁺₃ have also been estimated.     

K4Au8Ga: eine Auffüllungsvariante des MgCu2‐Typs

K₄Au₈Ga: a Filling Variant of the MgCu₂ Type Black, brittle single crystals of K₄Au₈Ga were obtained as the main product of the reaction of potassium azide with gold sponge and gallium at T = 770 K. The structure of the compound (space group C2/m, Z = 4, a = 20.850(4) Å, b = 5.630(1) Å, c = 10.912(2) Å, β = 97,45(2)°) was determined from X‐ray single‐crystal diffractometry data. K₄Au₈Ga crystallizes in a filling variant of the MgCu₂ type. The gold atoms form a [Au_4/2]‐framework. One quarter of the tetrahedra is filled by gallium. The potassium atoms are placed in channel‐like cavities of the Au–Ga partial structure.