Crystallographic and Theoretical Evidences of Anion⋅⋅⋅Anion Interaction

Planar (HgCl₃)⁻ anions are stacked fairly closely together in a slipped parallel arrangement within several crystal structures. Quantum chemical analysis shows evidence of strong noncovalent spodium bonds between the Hg π-hole of one unit and the Cl atom of an adjacent unit. Anion⋅⋅⋅anion spodium bonds work in tandem with crystal packing forces.     

Intramolecular N−H⋅⋅⋅F Hydrogen Bonding Interaction in a Series of 4-Anilino-5-Fluoroquinazolines: Experimental and Theoretical Characterization of Electronic and Conformational Effects

The 4-anilino-6,7-ethylenedioxy-5-fluoroquinazoline scaffold is presented as a novel model system for the characterization of the weak NH⋅⋅⋅F hydrogen bonding (HB) interaction. In this scaffold, the aniline NH proton is forced into close proximity with the nearby fluorine (d_H,F∼2.0 Å, ∠∼138°), and a through-space interaction is observed by NMR spectroscopy with couplings (^1hJ_NH,F) of 19±1 Hz. A combination of experimental (NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography) and theoretical methods (DFT calculations) were used for the characterization of this weak interaction. In particular, the effects of conformational rigidity and steric compression on coupling were investigated. This scaffold was used for the direct comparison of fluoride with methoxy as HB acceptors, and the susceptibility of the NH⋅⋅⋅F interaction to changes in electron distribution and resonance was probed by preparing a series of molecules with different electron-donating or -withdrawing groups in the positions para to the NH and F. The results support the idea that fluorine can act as a weak HB acceptor, and the HB strength can be modulated through additive and linear electronic substituent effects.     

Anion⋅⋅⋅Anion Interactions Involving σ-Holes of Perrhenate,Pertechnetate and Permanganate Anions

In this communication experimental and theoretical results are reported affording strong evidence that interactions between electron rich atoms and the metal of tetroxide anions of group 7 elements are a new case of attractive and σ-hole interactions. Single crystal X-ray analyses, molecular electrostatic potentials, quantum theory of atoms-in-molecules, and noncovalent interaction plot analyses show that in crystalline permanganate and perrhenate salts the metal in Mn/ReO₄⁻ anion can act as electron acceptors, the oxygen of another Mn/ReO₄⁻ anion can act as the donor and supramolecular anionic dimers or polymers are formed. The name matere bond (MaB) is proposed to categorize these noncovalent interactions and to differentiate them from the classical metal-ligand coordination bond.     

Theoretical and Experimental Interpretation of the Signals From ΔITA

Computer modelling of time dependences of radon release rate during hydration of 3CaO·SiO₂ was carried out. It was demonstrated that the emanation thermal analysis (ETA) can be used for the characterisation of morphology changes during hydration of Portland cement clinker minerals. The presence of various additives and increased temperature affecting kinetics of hydration were simulated by the mathematical model of the radon release rate during hydration of 3CaO·SiO₂. A good agreement between the mathematical model and ETA experimental results was found.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

DFT and IsoStar Analyses to Assess the Utility of σ- and π-Hole Interactions for Crystal Engineering

The interpretation of 36 charge neutral ‘contact pairs’ from the IsoStar database was supported by DFT calculations of model molecules 1 – 12 , and bimolecular adducts thereof. The ‘central groups’ are σ-hole donors (H₂O and aromatic C−I), π-hole donors (R−C(O)Me, R−NO₂ and R−C₆F₅) and for comparison R−C₆H₅ (R=any group or atom). The ‘contact groups’ are hydrogen bond donors X−H (X=N, O, S, or R₂C, or R₃C) and lone-pair containing fragments (R₃C−F, R−C≡N and R₂C=O). Nearly all the IsoStar distributions follow expectations based on the electrostatic potential of the ‘central-’ and ‘contact group’. Interaction energies (ΔE^BSSE) are dominated by electrostatics (particularly between two polarized molecules) or dispersion (especially in case of large contact area). Orbital interactions never dominate, but could be significant (∼30 %) and of the n/π→σ*/π* kind. The largest degree of directionality in the IsoStar plots was typically observed for adducts more stable than ΔE^BSSE≈−4 kcal⋅mol⁻¹, which can be seen as a benchmark-value for the utility of an interaction in crystal engineering. This benchmark could be met with all the σ- and π-hole donors studied.     

When Do Interacting Atoms Form a Chemical Bond? Spectroscopic Measurements and Theoretical Analyses of Dideuteriophenanthrene

Don't rewrite the textbooks! Vibrational spectra of a selectively deuterated derivative of phenanthrene indicate that the C4H???HC5 interaction in its “bay” area should be interpreted as steric (Pauli) repulsion. These findings and the results of theoretical analysis are in conflict with interpretations that describe this interaction as strongly stabilizing.

     

Competition Between the Two σ-Holes in the Formation of a Chalcogen Bond

A chalcogen atom Y contains two separate σ-holes when in a R₁YR₂ molecular bonding pattern. Quantum chemical calculations consider competition between these two σ-holes to engage in a chalcogen bond (ChB) with a NH₃ base. R groups considered include F, Br, I, and tert-butyl (tBu). Also examined is the situation where the Y lies within a chalcogenazole ring, where its neighbors are C and N. Both electron-withdrawing substituents R₁ and R₂ act cooperatively to deepen the two σ-holes, but the deeper of the two holes consistently lies opposite to the more electron-withdrawing group, and is also favored to form a stronger ChB. The formation of two simultaneous ChBs in a triad requires the Y atom to act as double electron acceptor, and so anti-cooperativity weakens each bond relative to the simple dyad. This effect is such that some of the shallower σ-holes are unable to form a ChB at all when a base occupies the other site.     

The Na⋅⋅⋅B Bond in NaBH3−: A Different Type of Bond

A newly introduced Na−B bond in NaBH₃⁻ has been a challenge for the chemical bonding community. Here, a series of MBH₃⁻ (M=Li, Na, K) species and NaB(CN)₃⁻ are studied within the context of quantum chemical topology approaches. The analyses suggest that M–B interaction cannot be classified as an ordinary covalent, dative, or even simple ionic interaction. The interactions are controlled by coulombic forces between the metals and the substituents on boron, for example, H or CN, more than the direct M–B interaction. On the other hand, while the characteristics of the (3, −1) critical points of the bonds are comparable to weak hydrogen bonds, not covalent bonds, the metal and boron share a substantial sum of electrons. To the best of the author's knowledge, the characteristics of these bonds are unprecedented among known molecules. Considering all paradoxical properties of these bonds, they are herein described as ionic-enforced covalent bonds.     

Experimental Quantification of Halogen⋅⋅⋅Arene van der Waals Contacts

Crystallographic and computational studies suggest the occurrence of favourable interactions between polarizable arenes and halogen atoms. However, the systematic experimental quantification of halogen⋅⋅⋅arene interactions in solution has been hindered by the large variance in the steric demands of the halogens. Here we have synthesized molecular balances to quantify halogen⋅⋅⋅arene contacts in 17 solvents and solvent mixtures using ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Calculations indicate that favourable halogen⋅⋅⋅arene interactions arise from London dispersion in the gas phase. In contrast, comparison of our experimental measurements with partitioned SAPT0 energies indicate that dispersion is sufficiently attenuated by the solvent that the halogen⋅⋅⋅arene interaction trend was instead aligned with increasing exchange repulsion as the halogen increased in size (ΔG_X⋅⋅⋅_Ph=0 to +1.5 kJ mol⁻¹). Halogen⋅⋅⋅arene contacts were slightly less disfavoured in solvents with higher solvophobicities and lower polarizabilities, but strikingly, were always less favoured than CH₃⋅⋅⋅arene contacts (ΔG_Me⋅⋅⋅_Ph=0 to −1.4 kJ mol⁻¹).     

Chromatography of Suspensions – An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Axial Dispersion Phenomena

Abstract

Herein is reported an experimental and theoretical investigation of axial dispersion phenomena in the chromatography of spherical suspensions in the submicron range. Peak separation and broadening were measured for a number of particle suspensions (polystyrene, polyvinylacetate, styrene-acrylic acid copolymer, butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer latices and silica particles) using different column combinations containing porous inorganic packing materials (Fractosils, Bioglass, Corning Glass) and over a wide range of carrier fluid (water containing 1 g/l Aerosol O.T. and 1 g/l potassium nitrate) flowrates. Peak separation was virtually independent of carrier fluid flowrate while peak broadening increased significantly. Analytical solutions of the integral equation which describes axial dispersion in the chromatography of suspensions have been found for a general detector which includes light scattering, refractometer and viscosity-concentration detectors. These solutions were used to obtain dispersion corrections for various particle diameter averages (number, surface, weight and volume). Corrections to number and surface average particle diameters for axial dispersion are excessive with a light scattering detector. These large corrections are related to the fact that in the Rayleigh scattering regime, the extinction coefficient is proportional to diameter to the fourth power. The refractometer gives reasonable dispersion corrections for all particle diameter averages. The theoretical equations derived herein are equally applicable to hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC) and capillary particle chromatography (CPC).     

Influence of the Flexibility of Nickel PCP-Pincer Complexes on C−H and P−C Bond Activation and Ethylene Reactivity: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Investigation

Using a pincer platform based on a bridgehead NHC donor with functional side arms, the combined effect of increased flexibility in six-membered pyrimidine-type heterocycles compared to the more often studied five-membered imidazole, and rigidity of phosphane side arms was examined. The unique features observed include: 1) the reaction of the azolium C_sp2−H bond with [Ni(cod)₂] affording a carbanionic ligand in [NiCl(PC_sp3^HP)] ( 8 ) rather than a carbene; 2) its transformation into the NHC, hydrido complex [NiH(PC^NHCP)]PF₆ ( 9 ) upon halide abstraction; 3) ethylene insertion into the Ni−H bond of the latter and ethyl migration to the N−C−N carbon atom of the heterocycle in [Ni(PC^EtP)]PF₆ ( 10 ); and 4) an unprecedented C−P bond activation transforming the P−C^NHC−P pincer ligand of 8 in a C−C^NHC−P pincer and a terminal phosphanido ligand in [Ni(PPh₂)(CC^NHCP)] ( 15 ). The data are supported by nine crystal structure determinations and theoretical calculations provided insights into the mechanisms of these transformations, which are relevant to stoichiometric and catalytic steps of general interest.     

Weak σ-Hole Triel Bond between C5H5Tr (Tr=B,Al, Ga) and Haloethyne: Substituent and Cooperativity Effects

The replacement of a CH group of benzene by a triel (Tr) atom places a positive region of electrostatic potential near the Tr atom in the plane of the aromatic ring. This σ-hole can interact with an X lone pair of XCCH (X=F, Cl, Br, and I) to form a triel bond (TrB). The interaction energy between C₅H₅Tr and FCCH lies in the range between 2.2 and 4.4 kcal/mol, in the order Tr=B<Ga<Al. This bond is strengthened by halogen substituents on the ring, particularly on the site adjacent to Tr. There is a much stronger strengthening trend as the F of the FCCH nucleophile is replaced by the heavier halogen atoms, rising up to 22 kcal/mol for ICCH. Adding a Li⁺ cation above the ring pulls density toward itself and thus magnifies the Tr σ-hole. The TrB to the XCCH nucleophile is thereby magnified as is the strength of the TrB. This positive cooperativity is particularly large for Tr=B.     

Triangular Halogen Bond and Hydrogen Bond Supramolecular Complex Consisting of Carbon Tetrabromide,Halide, and Solvent Molecule： A Theoretical and Spectroscopic Study

The theoretical calculation and spectroscopic experiments indicate a kind of triangular three bonding supramolecular complexes CBr4…X^-…-H-C, which consist of carbon tetrabromide, halide, and protic solvent molecule （referring to dichloromethane, chloroform and acetonitrile）, can be formed in solution. The strength of halogen and hydrogen bonds in the triangular complexes using halide as common acceptor obeys the order of iodide〉bromide〉chloride. The halogen and hydrogen bonds work weak-cooperatively. Charge transfer bands of halogen bonding complexes between CBra and halide are observed in UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy in three solvents, and then the stoichiometry of 1：1, formation constants K and molar extinction coefficients ε of the halogen bonding complexes are obtained by Benesi-Hildebrand method. The K and ε show a dependence on the solvent dielectric constant and, on the whole, obey an order of iodide〉bromide〉chloride in the same solvents. Furthermore, the C-H vibrational frequencies of solvent molecules vary obviously with the addition of halide, which indicates the C-H…X- interaction. The experimental data indicate that the halogen bond and hydrogen bond coexist by sharing a common halide acceptor as predicted by calculation.     

Absolute Calibration of TALIF of Atomic Nitrogen by NO Titration—Experimental and Theoretical Analysis

The method of absolute calibration of the TALIF signal of atomic nitrogen by NO titration in the afterglow of a flow tube reactor has been analyzed using TALIF and emission spectroscopy. An increase in production of atomic nitrogen at titration beginning and an asymmetric parabolic curve for emission of NObands have been observed. Of three possible explanations of these effects the model of wall recombination was favored: it led to fitted wall recombination coefficients referring to wall loss factors, which where in the same dimension as literature values and was able to simulate a hysteresis effect, which has been observed experimentally. According to the observations the titration end point cannot be used to determine the atomic nitrogen density in the afterglow before any NO has been added into the system as the titer produces part of this density itself. But for absolute calibration purposes referring to the wall recombination model the linear decrease of the TALIF signal with increasing titer concentration can still be used as straight line of calibration. Only a correction of the calibration factor by a factor of 0.59 for 5 mbar titrations has to be taken into account as the titer shows wall interaction not only in a catalytic way, but is partly consumed.     

Bond energies, reaction volumes, and kinetics for σ- and π-complexes of MoCO5L

The photosubstitution reactions of molybdenum hexacarbonyl with σ and π donor ligands were investigated using photoacoustic calorimetry and computational methods in a series of linear alkane solvents (pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, decane, and dodecane). The results show that reaction volumes make a significant contribution to the photoacoustic signal and must be considered during thermodynamic calculations based on photoacoustic measurements. The enthalpies of CO substitution by an alkane solvent and subsequent substitution by each Lewis base were determined. Corresponding Mo-L bond energies (kcal mol(-1)) were calculated: L = linear alkanes (13), triethylsilane (26), 1-hexyne (27), 1-hexene (27), and benzene (17). The relative energies are in agreement with computational results. The experimental reaction volume for CO substitution by alkane was positive (15 mL mol(-1)) and negative or close to zero for alkane substitution by a Lewis base (for example, -11 mL mol(-1) for triethylsilane and 3.6 mL mol(-1) for benzene). The errors in the experimental and computational reaction volumes are large and often comparable to the reaction volumes. An improved calibration of the methods as well as a better understanding of the underlying physics involved is needed. For the Lewis bases reported in this study, the second-order rate constants for the displacement of a coordinated alkane are less than diffusion control (5 × 10(6)-4 × 10(7) M(-1) s(-1)) and decrease monotonically with the alkane chain length. The rate constants correlate better with steric effects than with bond energies. An interchange mechanism is consistent with the results.     

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.     

Comparison of Experimental Methods and Theoretical Calculations on Crystal Energies of ‘Isoenergetic’ Polymorphs of Cimetidine

The thermodynamic energy relationship between two crystal modifications of cimetidine was investigated and compared with differences in their processing properties with respect to transformation from one modification to the other.The crystal energies of the two modifications A and D were found to be almost identical and therefore the polymorphs are regarded as virtually isoenergetic crystals. This statement is based on DSC measurements of the melting points and of the enthalpies of fusion for the two crystal forms, which enable the calculation of the Gibbs free energy functions. Furthermore, the statement is supported by measurements of the enthalpies of solution in two different solvents. Both DSC and solution experiments reveal a slightly higher stability of the D modification with respect to the A form. In addition, tribomechanical treatment also indicates modification D to be the more stable one, as well as the higher density of the D form. No transformation during DSC at low heating rate was found which could be used in a stability consideration.As the explicit crystal structures of the two modifications are resolved, it was possible to calculate crystal energies theoretically as well. The theoretical results showed a remarkable difference in the crystal energies at zero degree Kelvin. Furthermore, they were just contradicting experimental findings by stating A being more stable than D. Possible reasons for this discrepancy and the feasibility of today's calculation methods with respect to prediction of stability properties are discussed.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Radiative Emissions in Visible–IR of Krypton Excilamp: Experimental and Theoretical Interpretations

Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing - The paper presents an experimental and theoretical study of the radiative emission in the pure krypton lamp excited by dielectric barrier discharge....     

Experimental and Theoretical Studies on the Inclusion Complexation of β-Cyclodextrin with Phenothiazine Derivatives

Inclusion complexation of -cyclodextrin (-CD) with N-phenylphenothiazine ( 1), N-benzylphenothiazine ( 2) and N-phenethylphenothiazine ( 3) has been studied by means of UV-vis spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The association constants (K_a) were determined to be 126, 312 and 211 dm³/mol for inclusion of -CD with 1, 2 and 3, respectively. It shows that the K_a values are affected by the substituents of the guest compounds. The structures of the complexes and the conformation of the guest compounds bound by -CD in the complex have been discussed.