Time-slice velocity-map ion imaging studies of the photodissociation of NO in the vacuum ultraviolet region

The time-slice velocity-map ion imaging and the resonant four-wave mixing techniques are combined to study the photodissociation of NO in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region around 13.5 eV above the ionization potential. The neutral atoms, i.e., N((2)D(o)), O((3)P(2)), O((3)P(1)), O((3)P(0)), and O((1)D(2)), are probed by exciting an autoionization line of O((1)D(2)) or N((2)D(o)), or an intermediate Rydberg state of O((3)P(0,1,2)). Old and new autoionization lines of O((1)D(2)) and N((2)D(o)) in this region have been measured and newer frequencies are given for them. The photodissociation channels producing N((2)D(o)) + O((3)P), N((2)D(o)) + O((1)D(2)), N((2)D(o)) + O((1)S(0)), and N((2)P(o)) + O((3)P) have all been identified. This is the first time that a single VUV photon has been used to study the photodissociation of NO in this energy region. Our measurements of the angular distributions show that the recoil anisotropy parameters (β) for all the dissociation channels except for the N((2)D(o)) + O((1)S(0)) channel are minus at each of the wavelengths used in the present study. Thus direct excitation of NO by a single VUV photon in this energy region leads to excitation of states with Σ or Δ symmetry (ΔΩ = ±1), explaining the observed perpendicular transition.     

Vacuum ultraviolet excitation spectroscopy of the autoionizing Rydberg states of atomic sulfur in the 73 350-84 950 cm(-1) frequency range

The photoionization efficiency (PIE) spectra of metastable sulfur (S) atoms in the 1 D and 1 S states have been recorded in the 73 350-84 950 cm(-1) frequency range by using a velocity-mapped ion imaging apparatus that uses a tunable vacuum ultraviolet laser as the ionization source. The S(1 D) and S(1 S) atoms are produced by the 193 nm photodissociation of CS2. The observed PIE spectra of S(1 D) and S(1 S) shows 35 autoionizing resonances with little or no contribution from direct photoionization into the S+(4S 3/2)+e(-) ionization continuum. Velocity-mapped ion images of the S+ at the individual autoionizing Rydberg resonances are used to distinguish whether the lower state of the resonance originates from the 1 D, 1 S, or 3P states. The analysis and assignment of the Rydberg peaks revealed 22 new Rydberg states that were not previously known. The autoionization lifetimes tau of the Rydberg states are derived from the linewidths by fitting the lines with the Fano formula. Deviations from the scaling law of tau(n*) proportional to, n*3, where n* is the effective quantum number of the Rydberg state, are observed. This observation is ascribed to perturbations by nearby triplet Rydberg states, which shorten the autoionization lifetimes of the singlet Rydberg levels.     

Relationship between symmetry of porphyrinic pi-conjugated systems and singlet oxygen (1Delta g) yields: low-symmetry tetraazaporphyrin derivatives

We have investigated the excited-state properties and singlet oxygen ((1)Delta(g)) generation mechanism in phthalocyanines (4M; M = H(2), Mg, or Zn) and in low-symmetry metal-free, magnesium, and zinc tetraazaporphyrins (TAPs), that is, monobenzo-substituted (1M), adjacently dibenzo-substituted (2AdM), oppositely dibenzo-substituted (2OpM), and tribenzo-substituted (3M) TAP derivatives, whose pi conjugated systems were altered by fusing benzo rings. The S(1)(x) and S(1)(y) states (these lowest excited singlet states are degenerate in D(4)(h) symmetry) split in the low-symmetry TAP derivatives. The excited-state energies were quantitatively determined from the electronic absorption spectra. The lowest excited triplet (T(1)(x)) energies were also determined from phosphorescence spectra, while the second lowest excited triplet (T(1)(y)) states were evaluated by using the energy splitting between the T(1)(x) and T(1)(y) states previously reported (Miwa, H.; Ishii, K.; Kobayashi, N. Chem. Eur. J. 2004, 10, 4422-4435). The singlet oxygen quantum yields (Phi(Delta)) are strongly dependent on the pi conjugated system. In particular, while the Phi(Delta) value of 2AdH(2) is smallest in our system, that of 2OpH(2), an isomer of 2AdH(2), is larger than that of 4Zn, in contrast to the heavy atom effect. The relationship between the molecular structure and Phi(Delta) values can be transformed into a relationship between the S(1)(x) --> T(1)(y) intersystem crossing rate constant (k(ISC)) and the energy difference between the S(1)(x) and T(1)(y) states (DeltaE(S)(x)(T)(y)). In each of the Zn, Mg, and metal-free compounds, the Phi(Delta)/tau(F) values (tau(F): fluorescence lifetime), which are related to the k(ISC) values, are proportional to exp(-DeltaE(S)(x)(T)(y)), indicating that singlet oxygen ((1)Delta(g)) is produced via the T(1)(y) state and that the S(1)(x) --> T(1)(y) ISC process follows the energy-gap law. From the viewpoint of photodynamic therapy, our methodology, where the Phi(Delta) value can be controlled by changing the symmetry of pi conjugated systems without heavy elements, appears useful for preparing novel photosensitizers.     

Ultrafast decay of superexcited c 4Σu- nlσg v=0,1 states of O2 probed with femtosecond photoelectron spectroscopy

Neutral superexcited states in molecular oxygen converging to the O(2)(+) c (4)Σ(u)(-) ion state are excited and probed with femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate predissociation and autoionization relaxation channels as the superexcited states decay. The c (4)Σ(u)(-) 4sσ(g) v=0, c (4)Σ(u)(-) 4sσ(g) v=1, and c (4)Σ(u)(-) 3dσ(g) v=1 superexcited states are prepared with pulsed high-harmonic radiation centered at 23.10 eV. A time-delayed 805 nm laser pulse is used to probe the excited molecular states and neutral atomic fragments by ionization; the ejected photoelectrons from these states are spectrally resolved with a velocity map imaging spectrometer. Three excited neutral O* atom products are identified in the photoelectron spectrum as 4d(1)?(3)D(J)°, 4p(1) (5)P(J)° and 3d(1) (3)D(J)° fragments. Additionally, several features in the photoelectron spectrum are assigned to photoionization of the transiently populated superexcited states. Using principles of the ion core dissociation model, the atomic fragments measured are correlated with the molecular superexcited states from which they originate. The 4d(1) (3)D(J)° fragment is observed to be formed on a timescale of 65 ± 5 fs and is likely a photoproduct of the 4sσ(g) v = 1 state. The 4p(1) (5)P(J)° fragment is formed on a timescale of 427 ± 75 fs and correlated with the neutral predissociation of the 4sσ(g) v = 0 state. The timescales represent the sum of predissociation and autoionization decay rates for the respective superexcited state. The production of the 3d(1) (3)D(J)° fragment is not unambiguously resolved in time due to an overlapping decay of a v = 1 superexcited state photoelectron signal. The observed 65 fs timescale is in good agreement with previous experiments and theory on the predissociation lifetimes of the v = 1 ion state, suggesting that predissociation may dominate the decay dynamics from the v = 1 superexcited states. An unidentified molecular state is inferred by the detection of a long-lived depletion signal (reduction in autoionization) associated with the B (2)Σ(g)(-) ion state that persists up to time delays of 105 ps.     

1B2(1Sigma(u)+) excited state decay dynamics in CS2

The authors report time resolved photoelectron spectra of the (1)B(2)((1)Sigma(u) (+)) state of CS(2) at pump wavelengths in the region of 200 nm. In contrast to previous studies, the authors find that the predissociation dynamics is not well described by a single exponential decay. Biexponential modeling of the authors' data reveals a rapid decay pathway (tau<50 fs), in addition to a longer lived channel (tau approximately 350-650 fs) that displays a marked change in apparent lifetime when the polarization of the pump laser is rotated with respect to that of the probe. Since the initially populated (1)B(2)((1)Sigma(u) (+)) state may decay to form either S((1)D) or S((3)P) products (the latter produced via a spin-orbit induced crossing from a singlet to a triplet electronic surface), this lifetime observation may be rationalized in terms of changes in the relative ionization cross section of these singlet and triplet states of CS(2) as a function of laser polarization geometry. The experimentally observed lifetime of the longer lived channel is therefore a superposition of these two pathways, both of which decay on very similar time scales.     

Measurement of the partial photoionization cross sections and asymmetry parameters of S atoms in the photon energy range 10.0-30.0 eV using constant-ionic-state spectroscopy

The partial photoionization cross sections and asymmetry parameters of S atoms have been measured using constant-ionic-state (CIS) spectroscopy in the photon energy range 10.0-30.0 eV. The ionizations investigated in these CIS experiments are the (3p)(-1) ionizations S(+)((4)S)<--S((3)P), S(+)((2)D)<--S((3)P), and S(+)((2)P)<--S((3)P). For the first time Rydberg series which converge to the fourth ionization limit have been observed and assignments of these series have been proposed. These correspond to excitations to Rydberg states that are parts of series which converge to the fourth ionization limit, S(+)((4)P)<--S((3)P) (3s)(-1), and autoionize to the lower S(+)((4)S), S(+)((2)D), or S(+)((2)P) states. For each series observed in the CIS spectra photoelectron angular distribution studies, combined with other evidence, has allowed the angular momentum character of the free electron on autoionization to be determined.     

Electronic structures of the [V(tbpy)3]z (z = 3+, 2+, 0, 1-) electron transfer series

The electron transfer series of complexes [V((t)bpy)(3)](z) (z = 3+, 2+, 0, 1-) has been synthesized and spectroscopically characterized with the exception of the monocationic species. Magnetic susceptibility measurements (4-290 K) establish an S = 1 ground state for [V((t)bpy)(3)](3+), S = (3)/(2) for [V((t)bpy)(3)](2+), S = (1)/(2) for [V((t)bpy)(3)], and an S = 0 ground state for [V((t)bpy)(3)](1-). The electrochemistry of this series recorded in tetrahydrofuran solution exhibits four reversible one-electron transfer steps. Electronic absorption, X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and V K-edge X-ray absorption (XAS) spectra were recorded. All complexes have been studied computationally with density functional theory (DFT) using the B3LYP functional. It is unequivocally shown that the electronic structure of complexes is best described as [V(III)((t)bpy(0))(3)](3+), [V(II)((t)bpy(0))(3)](2+), [V(II)((t)bpy(?))(2)((t)bpy(0))](0), and [V(II)((t)bpy(?))(3)](1-), where ((t)bpy(0)) represents the neutral form of the ligand and ((t)bpy(?))(1-) is the one-electron reduced mononanionic radical form. In the neutral and monoanionic members, containing two and three ((t)bpy(?))(1-) ligands, respectively, the ligand spins are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled to the spins of the central V(II) ion (d(3); S = (3)/(2)) affording the observed ground states given above.     

Superexcited state reconstruction of HCl using photoelectron and photoion imaging

The velocity-map imaging technique was used to record photoelectron and photofragment ion images of HCl following two-photon excitation of the E Sigma(+)(0+), V 1Sigma(+)(0+) (nu=9,10,11) states and subsequent ionization. The images allowed us to determine the branching ratios between autoionization and dissociation channels for the different intermediate states. These branching ratios can be explained on the basis of intermediate state electron configurations, since the configuration largely prohibits direct ionization in a one-electron process, and competition between autoionization and dissociation into H* (n=2)+Cl and H+Cl*(4s,4p,3d) is observed. From a fit to the vibrationally resolved photoelectron spectrum of HCl+ it is apparent that a single superexcited state acts as a gateway to autoionization and dissociation into H+Cl*(4s). Potential reconstruction of the superexcited state to autoionization was undertaken and from a comparison of different autoionization models it appears most likely that the gateway state is a purely repulsive and low-n Rydberg state with a (4Pi) ion core.     

Intra- and intermolecular electronic relaxation of the second excited singlet and the lowest excited triplet states of 1,3-dimethyl-4-thiouracil in solution

Intramolecular processes of deactivation of 1,3-dimethyl-4-thiouracil (DMTU) from the second excited singlet (S2) (pi, pi*) and the lowest excited triplet (T1) (pi, pi*) states have been studied using perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane (PFDMCH) as a solvent. The spectral and photophysical (PP) properties of DMTU in CCl4, hexane and water have also been described. For the first time, the fluorescence from S2 state DMTU has been observed. The picosecond lifetime of DMTU in the S2 state (tau(S2)) in PFDMCH has been proposed to be determined by a very fast intramolecular reversible process of hydrogen abstraction from the ortho methyl group by the thiocarbonyl group. The shortening of tau(S2) in CCl4 is interpreted to be caused by the intermolecular interactions between DMTU (S2) and the solvent. Results of the phosphorescence decay as a function of DMTU concentration were analyzed using the Stern-Volmer formalism, which enabled determination of the intrinsic lifetime of the T1 state (tau0(T1)) and rate constants of self-quenching (k(sq)). The lifetimes, tau0(T1), of DMTU in PFDMCH and CCl4 are much longer than the values hitherto obtained in more reactive solvents. The PP properties of DMTU both in the S2 and T1 states have been shown to be determined by the thiocarbonyl group.     

An examination of structural characteristics of phenylacetylene by vibronic and rovibronic simulations of ab initio data

The structural properties of phenylacetylene have been investigated in the S(0)((1)A(1)) neutral ground and S(1)((1)B(2)) and S(2)((1)A(1)) singlet excited states and the D(0)((2)B(1)) cationic state using both rovibronic and multidimensional Franck-Condon simulations from data determined via correlated ab initio methods. Results are compared to experimental and ab initio data reported in the literature. (10,10)-CASSCF and a hybrid CASSCF/SACCI frequency analysis using the cc-pVDZ Dunning basis set have been employed to produce vibronic simulations of REMPI/FES, dispersed fluorescence, TPES and MATI spectra. Calculated rotational constants are used where appropriate to compare to rotationally resolved experimental studies. Whilst the simulations are of generally good quality, it is apparent that the distortion of the ring along the long axis upon electronic excitation is underestimated, resulting in smaller predicted changes in ipso and para CCC bond angles and weaker activities in the 6a and 9a modes compared with experiment. Simulations of one-photon MATI spectra on the other hand, which do not rely on excited state methodologies, compare very well with experiment, suggesting that the neutral and cationic ground state geometries are quite accurate, as are the predicted changes in geometry accompanying ionisation. Simulated rotational and vibrational profiles, as well as other calculated physical data, show good agreement with the numerous experimental and computational studies of phenylacetylene in the literature.     

Inner-valence photoionization of O((1)D): experimental evidence for the 2s(2)2p(4)((1)D)-->2s(1)2p(5)((1)P) transition

Photoionization and autoionization of electronically excited atomic oxygen O((1)D) are investigated in the energy range between 12 and 26 eV using tunable laser-produced plasma radiation in combination with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A broad, asymmetric, and intense feature is observed that is peaking at 20.53+/-0.05 eV. It is assigned to the 2s(2)2p(4)((1)D)-->2s(1)2p(5)((1)P) transition, which subsequently autoionizes by a Coster-Kronig transition, as predicted by the previous theoretical work [K. L. Bell et al., J. Phys. B 22, 3197 (1989)]. Specifically, the energy of the unperturbed transition occurs at 20.35+/-0.07 eV. Its shape is described by a Fano profile revealing a q parameter of 4.25+/-0.8 and a width of gamma=2.2+/-0.15 eV. Absolute photoionization cross section sigma is derived, yielding sigma=22.5+/-2.3 Mb at the maximum of the resonance. In addition, weak contributions to the O((1)D) yield from dissociative ionization originating from molecular singlet oxygen [O(2)((1)Delta(g))] are identified as well. Possible applications of the 2s(2)2p(4)((1)D)-->2s(1)2p(5)((1)P) transition as a state-selective and sensitive probe of excited oxygen in combination with photoionization mass spectrometry are briefly discussed.     

Theoretical study of the reaction of carbon monoxide with oxygen molecules in the ground triplet and singlet delta states

Quantum chemical calculations were carried out to study the reaction of carbon monoxide with molecular oxygen in the ground triplet and singlet delta states. Transition states and intermediates that connect the reactants with products of the reaction on the triplet and singlet potential energy surfaces were identified on the base of coupled-cluster method. The values of energy barriers were refined by using compound techniques such as CBS-Q, CBS-QB3, and G3. The calculations showed that there exists an intersection of triplet and singlet potential energy surfaces. This fact leads to the appearance of two channels for the triplet CO+O(2)(X(3)Σ(g)(-)) reaction, which produces atomic oxygen in the ground O((3)P) and excited O((1)D) states. The appropriate rate constants of all reaction paths were estimated on the base of nonvariational transition-state theory. It was found that the singlet reaction rate constant is much greater than the triplet one and that the reaction channel CO+O(2)(a(1)Δ(g)) should be taken into consideration to interpret the experimental data on the oxidation of CO by molecular oxygen.     

Photophysical properties of glucoconjugated chlorins and porphyrins and their associations with cyclodextrins

Glucoconjugated analogues of the meta-hydroxyphenyl porphyrin (m-THPP) and meta-hydroxyphenyl chlorin (m-THPC) has been recently synthesized. The characteristics of their triplet states have been determined with regard to their involvement in the photodynamic (PDT) efficiency. In the case of porphyrin derivatives, triplet quantum yields (Phi(T)) were ranging from 0.42 to 0.55 and triplet life times (tau(T)) from 1 to 5 micros. High reaction rate constants (k(q)) with molecular oxygen (k(q): 1.2-1.6 x 10(9)s(-1)) have been found. The triplet lifetimes of chlorin derivatives were about four times higher than those of porphyrins whereas the Phi(T) and k(q) values remained quite similar. Singlet oxygen yields of glucosylated and non-glucosylated porphyrins and chlorins were not significantly different within experimental errors (Phi(Delta)((1)O(2)): 0.41-0.58). Furthermore, it has been shown that glucoconjugated photosensitizers could undergo associations with the methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (Me-beta-CD) which exhibit high triplet lifetimes and singlet oxygen yields ranging from 0.27 to 0.48.     

On the nature of the bonding in 1:1 adducts of O2

A survey of the potential energy surface for a 1:1 copper dioxygen complex, (C(3)N(2)H(5))CuO(2), reveals two distinct states in the valence region, a singlet ((1)A(1)) and a triplet ((3)B(1)). The former spans a continuum from Cu(III)-O(2)(2-) to Cu(I)-O(2)((1)Delta(g)), while the latter spans Cu(II)-O(2)(1-) to Cu(I)-O(2)((3)Sigma(g)(-)). The point at which the potential energy curves for the two states cross marks an abrupt discontinuity in electron distribution, where the system shifts from dominant Cu(III)-O(2)(2-) character to Cu(II)-O(2)(1-). On this basis, we argue that there is no continuum between Cu(III)-peroxide and Cu(II)-superoxide: the two are represented by distinct states that differ both in symmetry and multiplicity.     

Proton formation in 2+1 resonance enhanced multiphoton excitation of HCl and HBr via (Omega=0) Rydberg and ion-pair states

Molecular beam cooled HCl was state selected by two-photon excitation of the V (1) summation operator(0(+)) [v=9,11-13,15], E (1) summation operator(0(+)) [v=0], and g (3) summation operator(-)(0(+)) [v=0] states through either the Q(0) or Q(1) lines of the respective (1,3) summation operator(0(+))<--<--X (1) summation operator(0(+)) transition. Similarly, HBr was excited to the V (1) summation operator(0(+)) [v=m+3, m+5-m+8], E (1) summation operator(0(+)) [v=0], and H (1) summation operator(0(+)) [v=0] states through the Q(0) or Q(1) lines. Following absorption of a third photon, protons were formed by three different mechanisms and detected using velocity map imaging. (1) H(*)(n=2) was formed in coincidence with (2)P(i) halogen atoms and subsequently ionized. For HCl, photodissociation into H(*)(n=2)+Cl((2)P(12)) was dominant over the formation of Cl((2)P(32)) and was attributed to parallel excitation of the repulsive [(2) (2)Pi4llambda] superexcited (Omega=0) states. For HBr, the Br((2)P(32))Br((2)P(12)) ratio decreases with increasing excitation energy. This indicates that both the [(3) (2)Pi(12)5llambda] and the [B (2) summation operator5llambda] superexcited (Omega=0) states contribute to the formation of H(*)(n=2). (2) For selected intermediate states HCl was found to dissociate into the H(+)+Cl(-) ion pair with over 20% relative yield. A mechanism is proposed by which a bound [A (2) summation operatornlsigma] (1) summation operator(0(+)) superexcited state acts as a gateway state to dissociation into the ion pair. (3) For all intermediate states, protons were formed by dissociation of HX(+)[v(+)] following a parallel, DeltaOmega=0, excitation. The quantum yield for the dissociation process was obtained using previously reported photoionization efficiency data and was found to peak at v(+)=6-7 for HCl and v(+)=12 for HBr. This is consistent with excitation of the repulsive A(2) summation operator(12) and (2) (2)Pi states of HCl(+), and the (3) (2)Pi state of HBr(+). Rotational alignment of the Omega=0(+) intermediate states is evident from the angular distribution of the excited H(*)(n=2) photofragments. This effect has been observed previously and was used here to verify the reliability of the measured spatial anisotropy parameters.     

The effect of solvent polarity on the balance between charge transfer and non-charge transfer pathways in the sensitization of singlet oxygen by pipi triplet states

A large set of literature kinetic data on triplet (T(1)) sensitization of singlet oxygen by two series of biphenyl and naphthalene sensitizers in solvents of strongly different polarity has been analyzed. The rate constants and the efficiencies of singlet oxygen formation are quantitatively reproduced by a model that assumes the competition of a non-charge transfer (nCT) and a CT deactivation channel. nCT deactivation occurs from a fully established spin-statistical equilibrium of (1)(T(1)(3)Sigma) and (3)(T(1)(3)Sigma) encounter complexes by internal conversion (IC) to lower excited complexes that dissociate to yield O(2)((1)Sigma(g)(+)), O(2)((1)Delta(g)), and O(2)((3)Sigma(g)(-)). IC of (1,3)(T(1)(3)Sigma) encounter complexes is controlled by an energy gap law that is generally valid for the transfer of electronic energy to and from O(2). (1,3)(T(1)(3)Sigma) nCT complexes form in competition to IC (1)(T(1)(3)Sigma) and (3)(T(1)(3)Sigma) exciplexes if CT interactions between T(1) and O(2) are important. The rate constants of exciplex formation depend via a Marcus type parabolic model on the corresponding free energy change DeltaG(CT), which varies with sensitizer triplet energy, oxidation potential, and solvent polarity. O(2)((1)Sigma(g)(+)), O(2)((1)Delta(g)), and O(2)((3)Sigma(g)(-)) are formed in the product ratio (1/6):(1/12):(3/4) in the CT deactivation channel. The balance between nCT and CT deactivation is described by the relative contribution p(CT) of CT induced deactivation calculated for a sensitizer of known triplet energy from its quenching rate constant. It is shown how the change of p(CT) influences the quenching rate constant and the efficiency of singlet oxygen formation in both series of sensitizers. p(CT) is sensitive to differences of solvent polarity and varies for the biphenyls and the naphthalenes as sigmoidal with DeltaG(CT). This quantitative model represents a realistic and general mechanism for the quenching of pipi triplet states by O(2), surpassing previous advanced models.     

Structural characterization of four members of the electron-transfer series [PdII(L)2)2]n (L = o-Iminophenolate derivative; n = 2-, 1-, 0, 1+, 2+). ligand mixed valency in the monocation and monoanion with S = (1)/(2) ground states

The reaction of the ligand 2-(2-trifluoromethyl)anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol, H(2)((1)L(IP)), and PdCl(2) (2:1) in the presence of air and excess NEt(3) in CH(2)Cl(2) produced blue-green crystals of diamagnetic [Pd(II)((1)L(ISQ))(2)] (1), where ((1)L(ISQ))(*)(-) represents the o-iminobenzosemiquinonate(1-) pi radical anion of the aromatic ((1)L(IP))(2-) dianion. The diamagnetic complex 1 was chemically oxidized with 1 equiv of Ag(BF(4)), affording red-brown crystals of paramagnetic (S = (1)/(2)) [Pd(II)((1)L(ISQ))((1)L(IBQ))](BF(4)) (2), and one-electron reduction with cobaltocene yielded paramagnetic (S = (1)/(2)) green crystals of [Cp(2)Co][Pd(II)((1)L(ISQ))((1)L(IP))] (3); ((1)L(IBQ))(0) represents the neutral, diamagnetic quinone form. Complex 1 was oxidized with 2 equiv of [NO]BF(4), affording green crystals of diamagnetic [Pd(II)((1)L(IBQ))(2)](3)(BF(4))(4){(BF(4))(2)H}(2).4CH(2)Cl(2) (5). Oxidation of [Ni(II)((1)L(ISQ))(2)] (S = 0) in CH(2)Cl(2) solution with 2 equiv of Ag(ClO(4)) generated crystals of [Ni(II)((1)L(IBQ))(2)(ClO(4))(2)].2CH(2)Cl(2) (6) with an S = 1 ground state. Complexes 1-5 constitute a five-membered complete electron-transfer series, [Pd((1)L)(2)](n) (n = 2-, 1-, 0, 1+, 2+), where only species 4, namely, diamagnetic [Pd(II)((1)L(IP))(2)](2-), has not been isolated; they are interrelated by four reversible one-electron-transfer waves in the cyclic voltammogram. Complexes 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography at 100 K, which establishes that the redox processes are ligand centered. Species 2 and 3 exhibit ligand mixed valency: [Pd(II)((1)L(ISQ))((1)L(IBQ))](+) has localized ((1)L(IBQ))(0) and ((1)L(ISQ))(*)(-) ligands in the solid state, whereas in [Pd(II)((1)L(ISQ))((1)L(IP))](-) the excess electron is delocalized over both ligands in the solid-state structure of 3. Electronic and electron spin resonance spectra are reported, and the electronic structures of all members of this electron-transfer series are established.     

Dibenzo-p-dioxin. An ab initio CASSCF/CASPT2 study of the pi-pi* and n-pi* valence excited states

The pi-pi* and n-pi* valence excited states of dibenzo-p-dioxin (DD) were studied via the complete active space SCF and multiconfigurational second-order perturbation theory employing the cc-pVDZ basis set and the full pi-electron active spaces of 16 electrons in 14 active orbitals. The geometry and harmonic vibrational wavenumbers of the ground state correlate well with the experimental and other theoretical data. In particular, significant improvements over previously reported theoretical results are observed for the excitation energies. All of the pi-pi* excited states exhibit planar D(2h)minima. Thus no evidence was found for a C(2v) butterfly-like relaxation, although the wavenumbers of the b(3u) butterfly flapping mode proved exceedingly low in both the ground S(0)((1)A(g)) and the lowest dipole allowed excited S(1)((1)B(2u)) state. The calculations of oscillator strengths established the 2(1)B(2u) <-- 1(1)A(g) and 2(1)B(1u) <-- 1(1)A(g) transitions as by far the most intense, whereas the only allowed of the n-pi* transitions ((1)B(3u)) should possess only a modest intensity. Studies into dependence of the oscillator strengths on the extent of the butterfly-like folding showed that the electronic spectrum is more consistent with a folded equilibrium geometry assumed by DD in solution.     

Generation of singlet oxygen from fragmentation of monoactivated 1,1-dihydroperoxides

The first singlet excited state of molecular oxygen ((1)O(2)) is an important oxidant in chemistry, biology, and medicine. (1)O(2) is most often generated through photosensitized excitation of ground-state oxygen. (1)O(2) can also be generated chemically through the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and other peroxides. However, most of these "dark oxygenations" require water-rich media associated with short (1)O(2) lifetimes, and there is a need for oxygenations able to be conducted in organic solvents. We now report that monoactivated derivatives of 1,1-dihydroperoxides undergo a previously unobserved fragmentation to generate high yields of singlet molecular oxygen ((1)O(2)). The fragmentations, which can be conducted in a variety of organic solvents, require a geminal relationship between a peroxyanion and a peroxide activated toward heterolytic cleavage. The reaction is general for a range of skeletal frameworks and activating groups and, via in situ activation, can be applied directly to 1,1-dihydroperoxides. Our investigation suggests the fragmentation involves rate-limiting formation of a peroxyanion that decomposes via a Grob-like process.