Coordination of ScO+ and YO+ by multiple Ar, Kr, and Xe atoms in noble gas matrixes: a matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study

The combination of matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and quantum chemical calculation results provide strong evidence that scandium and yttrium monoxide cations, ScO+ and YO+, coordinate multiple noble gas atoms in forming noble gas complexes. The results showed that ScO+ coordinates five Ar, Kr, or Xe atoms, and YO+ coordinates six Ar or Kr and five Xe atoms in solid noble gas matrixes. Hence, the ScO+ and YO+ cations trapped in solid noble gas matrixes should be regarded as the [ScO(Ng)5]+ (Ng = Ar, Kr, or Xe), [YO(Ng)6]+ (Ng = Ar or Kr) or [YO(Xe)5]+ complexes. Experiments with dilute krypton or xenon in argon or krypton in xenon produced new IR bands, which are due to the stepwise formation of the [ScO(Ar)(5-n)(Kr)n]+, [ScO(Kr)(5-n)(Xe)n]+ (n = 1-5), [YO(Ar)(6-n)(Kr)n]+ (n = 1-6), and [YO(Ar)(6-n)(Xe)n]+ (n = 1-4) complexes.     

Noble-gas-induced disproportionation reactions: facile superoxo-to-peroxo conversion on chromium dioxide

Laser-evaporated chromium atoms are shown to insert into dioxygen to form CrO 2 in solid argon. Annealing allows diffusion and reactions to form (eta (2)-O 2) 2CrO 2, which is characterized as [(O 2 (-)) 2(CrO 2) (2+)], a side-on bonded disuperoxo-chromium dioxide complex. The (eta (2)-O 2) 2CrO 2 complex further reacts with xenon atom doped in solid argon to give (eta (1)-OO)(eta (2)-O 2)CrO 2(Xe), which can be regarded as an O 2 molecule weakly interacting with [(O 2) (2-)(CrO 2) (2+)Xe], a side-on bonded peroxo-chromium dioxide-xenon complex. The results indicate surprisingly that xenon atom induces a disproportionation reaction from superoxo to peroxo and dioxygen complex.     

Noble gas-transition-metal complexes: coordination of VO2 and VO4 by Ar and Xe atoms in solid noble gas matrixes

The matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and quantum chemical calculation results indicate that vanadium oxides, VO2 and VO4, coordinate noble gas atoms in forming noble gas complexes. The results showed that VO2 coordinates two Ar or Xe atoms and that VO4 coordinates one Ar or Xe atom in solid noble gas matrixes. Hence, the VO2 and VO4 molecules trapped in solid noble gas matrixes should be regarded as the VO2(Ng)2 and VO4(Ng) (Ng = Ar or Xe) complexes. The total V-Ng binding energies were predicted to be 12.8, 18.2, 5.0, and 7.3 kcal/mol, respectively, for the VO2(Ar)2, VO2(Xe)2, VO4(Ar), and VO4(Xe) complexes at the CCSD(T)//B3LYP level of theory.     

Noble gas-actinide complexes of the CUO molecule with multiple Ar,Kr, and Xe atoms in noble-gas matrices

Laser-ablated U atoms react with CO in excess argon to produce CUO, which is trapped in a triplet state in solid argon at 7 K, based on agreement between observed and relativistic density functional theory (DFT) calculated isotopic frequencies ((12)C(16)O, (13)C(16)O, (12)C(18)O). This observation contrasts a recent neon matrix investigation, which trapped CUO in a linear singlet state calculated to be about 1 kcal/mol lower in energy. Experiments with krypton and xenon give results analogous to those with argon. Similar work with dilute Kr and Xe in argon finds small frequency shifts in new four-band progressions for CUO in the same triplet states trapped in solid argon and provides evidence for four distinct CUO(Ar)(4-n)(Ng)(n) (Ng = Kr, Xe, n = 1, 2, 3, 4) complexes for each Ng. DFT calculations show that successively higher Ng complexes are responsible for the observed frequency progressions. This work provides the first evidence for noble gas-actinide complexes, and the first example of neutral complexes with four noble gas atoms bonded to one metal center.     

Coordination of niobium and tantalum oxides by Ar, Xe and O2: Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study of NbO2(Ng)2 (Ng = Ar, Xe) and MO4(X) (M = Nb, Ta; X = Ar, Xe, O2) in solid argon

The combination of matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and quantum chemical calculation results indicate that the NbO₂ molecule is coordinated by two noble gas atoms in forming the NbO₂(Ng)₂ (Ng = Ar, Xe) complexes in solid noble gas matrixes. In contrast, the TaO₂ molecule is not able to form similar noble gas complex. The niobium and tantalum dioxides further react with dioxygen to form the side-on bonded superoxo-dioxide complexes MO₄ (M = Nb, Ta), which are coordinated by one argon atom in solid argon matrix. The coordinated Ar atom in MO₄(Ar) can be replaced by O₂ or Xe in forming the MO₆ and MO₄(Xe) complexes. The results indicate that the NbO₂, NbO₄ and TaO₄ molecules trapped in solid noble gas matrixes should be regarded as the NbO₂(Ng)₂ and MO₄(Ng) (Ng = Ar, Xe; M = Nb, Ta) complexes instead of “isolated” metal oxide species.     

Interconvertible side-on- and end-on-bonded oxo-superoxo titanium ozonide complexes

This report presents the preparation and characterization of two interconvertible titanium ozonide complexes using matrix-isolation infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations (B3LYP/6-311+G(d)). The titanium atoms react with O2 to form primarily the inserted TiO2 molecules in solid argon, which further react with O2 to form OTi(eta2-O2)(eta2-O3) via a weakly bonded TiO2(O2)2 intermediate. The OTi(eta2-O2)(eta2-O3) complex is characterized as [(TiO)2+(O2-)(O3-)], that is, a side-on-bonded oxo-superoxo titanium ozonide complex. The side-on-bonded complex rearranges to a less stable end-on-bonded OTi(eta2-O2)(eta1-O3) isomer under 532 nm laser irradiation, while the reverse reaction (end-on to side-on) proceeds upon sample annealing.     

Bonding of multiple noble-gas atoms to CUO in solid neon: CUO(Ng)n (Ng=Ar, Kr, Xe; n=1, 2, 3, 4) complexes and the singlet-triplet crossover point

Laser-ablated U atoms co-deposited with CO in excess neon produce the novel CUO molecule, which forms distinct Ng complexes (Ng=Ar, Kr, Xe) with the heavier noble gases. The CUO(Ng) complexes are identified through CO isotopic and Ng reagent substitution and comparison to results of DFT frequency calculations. The U[bond]C and U[bond]O stretching frequencies of CUO(Ng) complexes are slightly red-shifted from neon matrix (1)Sigma(+) CUO values, which indicates a (1)A' ground state for the CUO(Ng) complexes. The CUO(Ng)(2) complexes in excess neon are likewise singlet molecules. However, the CUO(Ng)(3) and CUO(Ng)(4) complexes exhibit very different stretching frequencies and isotopic behaviors that are similar to those of CUO(Ar)(n) in a pure argon matrix, which has a (3)A" ground state based on DFT vibrational frequency calculations. This work suggests a coordination sphere model in which CUO in solid neon is initially solvated by four or more Ne atoms. Up to four heavier Ng atoms successively displace the Ne atoms leading ultimately to CUO(Ng)(4) complexes. The major changes in the CUO stretching frequencies from CUO(Ng)(2) to CUO(Ng)(3) provides evidence for the crossover from a singlet ground state to a triplet ground state.     

On the noble-gas-induced intersystem crossing for the CUO molecule: experimental and theoretical investigations of CUO(Ng)n (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe; n = 1, 2, 3, 4) complexes in solid neon

Uranium atoms excited by laser ablation react with CO in excess neon to produce the novel CUO molecule, which forms distinct Ng complexes (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe) when the heavier noble gases are added. The CUO(Ng) complexes are identified through CO isotopic and Ng substitution on the neon matrix infrared spectra and by comparison to DFT frequency calculations. The U-C and U-O stretching frequencies of CUO(Ng) complexes are slightly red-shifted from frequencies for the (1)Sigma(+) CUO ground state, which identifies singlet ground state CUO(Ng) complexes. In solid neon the CUO molecule is also a complex CUO(Ne)(n), and the CUO(Ne)(n-1)(Ng) complexes are likewise specified. The next singlet CUO(Ne)(x)(Ng)(2) complexes in excess neon follow in like manner. However, the higher CUO(Ne)(x)(Ng)(n) complex (n = 3, 4) stretching modes approach pure argon matrix CUO(Ar)(n) values and isotopic behavior, which are characterized as triplet ground state complexes by DFT frequency calculations. This work suggests that the singlet-triplet crossing occurs with 3 Ar, 3 Kr, or 4 Xe and a balance of Ne atoms coordinated to CUO in the neon matrix host.     

Insertion of noble gas atoms into cyanoacetylene: an ab initio and matrix isolation study

A computational and experimental matrix isolation study of insertion of noble gas atoms into cyanoacetylene (HCCCN) is presented. Twelve novel noble gas insertion compounds are found to be kinetically stable at the MP2 level of theory, including four molecules with argon. The first group of the computationally studied molecules belongs to noble gas hydrides (HNgCCCN and HNgCCNC), and we found their stability for Ng = Ar, Kr, and Xe. The HNgCCCN compounds with Kr and Xe have similar stability to that of previously reported HKrCN and HXeCN. The HArCCCN molecule seems to have a weaker H-Ar bond than in the previously identified HArF molecule. The HNgCCNC molecules are less stable than the HNgCCCN isomers for all noble gas atoms. The second group of the computational insertion compounds, HCCNgCN and HCCNgNC, are of a different type, and they also are kinetically stable for Ng = Ar, Kr, and Xe. Our photolysis and annealing experiments with low-temperature cyanoacetylene/Ng (Ng = Ar, Kr, and Xe) matrixes evidence the formation of two noble gas hydrides for Ng = Kr and Xe, with the strongest IR absorption bands at 1492.1 and 1624.5 cm(-1), and two additional absorption modes for each species are found. The computational spectra of HKrCCCN and HXeCCCN fit most closely the experimental data, which is the basis for our assignment. The obtained species absorb at quite similar frequencies as the known HKrCN and HXeCN molecules, which is in agreement with the theoretical predictions. No strong candidates for an Ar compound are observed in the IR absorption spectra. As an important side product of this work, the data obtained in long-term decay of KrHKr+ cations suggest a tentative assignment for the CCCN radical.     

Noble gas-transition metal complexes: coordination of ScO+ by multiple Ar, Kr, and Xe atoms in noble gas matrixes

The combination of matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and density functional calculation results provides strong evidence that the transition metal monoxide cation, ScO+, coordinates five noble gas atoms in forming the [ScO(Ng)5]+ (Ng = Ar, Kr, or Xe) complexes in noble gas matrixes.     

Formation and characterization of the photochemically interconvertible side-on and end-on bonded dioxygen-iron dioxide complexes in solid argon

Two interconvertible iron dioxide-dioxygen complexes were prepared and characterized by matrix isolation infrared absorption spectroscopy as well as theoretical calculations. Iron atoms react with O2 to form the inserted FeO2 molecule in solid argon only upon UV-visible light irradiation. Annealing allows the dioxygen molecules to diffuse and to react with FeO2 and form the side-on and end-on bonded dioxygen-iron dioxide complexes, (eta2-O2)FeO2 and (eta1-O2)FeO2. The side-on bonded structure is a peroxide complex having a singlet ground state with a nonplanar C2v symmetry. The end-on bonded isomer is characterized to be a superoxide complex with a planar 3A' ' ground state. These two isomers are photoreversible, that is, near-infrared light (lambda > 850 nm) induces the conversion of the side-on bonded (eta2-O2)FeO2 complex to the end-on bonded (eta1-O2)FeO2 isomer and vice versa with red light irradiation (lambda > 600 nm).     

Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study of NgMO (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe; M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) complexes

The matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and quantum chemical calculation results indicate that late transition metal monoxides CrO through NiO coordinate one noble gas atom in forming the NgMO complexes (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe; M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) in solid noble gas matrixes. Hence, the late transition metal monoxides previously characterized in solid noble gas matrixes should be regarded as the NgMO complexes, which were predicted to be linear. The M-Ng bond distances decrease, while the M-Ng binding energies increase from NgCrO to NgNiO. In contrast, the early transition metal monoxides, ScO, TiO, and VO, are not able to form similar noble gas atom complexes.     

Noble‐Gas Complexes: Theoretical Investigation of Multicenter Polynuclear Species

Ab initio calculations at the MP2 level of theory disclose the conceivable existence of neutral complexes containing four or five distinct noble gases (Ng) each bound to a distinct Be‐atom. These multicenter polynuclear Ng molecules are formally obtained by replacing the H‐atoms of CH₄ and but‐2‐yne with ? NBeNg moieties, which behave as independent monovalent ‘functional groups’. Our investigated complexes include the five homotetranuclear [C(NBeNg)₄] complexes 1 – 5 (Ng=He? Xe), the five heterotetranuclear complexes [CN₄Be₄(He)(Ne)(Ar)(Kr)] ( 6 ), [CN₄Be₄(He)(Ne)(Ar)(Xe)] ( 7 ), [CN₄Be₄(He)(Ne)(Kr)(Xe)] ( 8 ), [CN₄Be₄(He)(Ar)(Kr)(Xe)] ( 9 ), and [CN₄Be₄(Ne)(Ar)(Kr)(Xe)] ( 10 ), and the heteropentanuclear complex [HC₄N₅Be₅(He)(Ne)(Ar)(Kr)(Xe)] ( 11 ). We also investigated the five model complexes [H₃CNBeNg] (Ng=He? Xe) containing a single ? NBeNg moiety. The geometries and vibrational frequencies of all these species, invariably characterized as minimum‐energy structures, were computed at the MP2(full)/6‐31G(d,p)/SDD level of theory, and their stability with respect to the loss of the various Ng‐atoms was evaluated by single‐point calculations at the MP2(full)/6‐311G(d)/SDD level of theory. The beryllium‐Ng binding energies range from ca. 17 (Ng=He) to ca. 63 (Ng=Xe) kJ/mol, and the results of natural‐bond‐orbital (NBO) and atoms‐in‐molecules (AIM) analysis reveal that the Be? Ng interaction is essentially electrostatic for helium, neon, argon, and krypton, and has probably a small covalent contribution for xenon.     

Oxidation of carbon monoxide on group 11 metal atoms: matrix-isolation infrared spectroscopic and density functional theory study

Laser-ablated Cu, Ag, and Au atoms react with CO and O2 mixture in solid argon to produce carbonyl metal oxides, (O2)Cu(CO)(n) (n = 1, 2), (eta(1)-OO)MCO (M = Ag, Au), OCAuO2CO, and OAuCO, as well as group 11 metal carbonyls and oxides. These carbonyl metal oxides are characterized using infrared spectroscopy on the basis of the results of the isotopic substitution and the CO concentration change. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed on these molecules. The identifications of these carbonyl metal oxides are confirmed by the good agreement between the experimental and calculated vibrational frequencies, relative absorption intensities, and isotopic shifts. Carbon dioxide is eliminated from these carbonyl metal oxides upon UV irradiation, providing the evidence for the oxidation of carbon monoxide on group 11 metal atoms. The present experiments also reveal that the reactivity of copper toward CO is prior to O2, and the reactivity of silver toward O2 is prior to CO, whereas the reactivity of gold toward CO is comparable to O2.     

Formation and characterization of the oxygen-rich hafnium dioxygen complexes: OHf(eta2-O2)(eta2-O3), Hf(eta2-O2)3, and Hf(eta2-O2)4

Hafnium atom oxidation by dioxygen molecules has been investigated using matrix isolation infrared absorption spectroscopy. The ground-state hafnium atom inserts into dioxygen to form primarily the previously characterized HfO(2) molecule in solid argon. Annealing allows the dioxygen molecules to diffuse and react with HfO(2) to form OHf(eta(2)-O(2))(eta(2)-O(3)), which is characterized as a side-on bonded oxo-superoxo hafnium ozonide complex. Under visible light (532 nm) irradiation, the OHf(eta(2)-O(2))(eta(2)-O(3)) complex either photochemically rearranges to a more stable Hf(eta(2)-O(2))(3) isomer, a side-on bonded di-superoxo hafnium peroxide complex, or reacts with dioxygen to form an unprecedented homoleptic tetra-superoxo hafnium complex: Hf(eta(2)-O(2))(4). The Hf(eta(2)-O(2))(4) complex is determined to possess a D(2d) geometry with a tetrahedral arrangement of four side-on bonded O(2) ligands around the hafnium atom, which thus presents an 8-fold coordination. These oxygen-rich complexes are photoreversible; that is, formation of Hf(eta(2)-O(2))(3) and Hf(eta(2)-O(2))(4) is accompanied by demise of OHf(eta(2)-O(2))(eta(2)-O(3)) under visible (532 nm) light irradiation and vice versa with UV (266 nm) light irradiation.     

The first coordination complexes of selenones: a structural comparison with complexes of sulfones

Reactivity of the two classes of very weak donors R(2)XO(2) (X = S, R = Me (1) and Ph (2); X = Se, R = Me (3) and Ph (4)) have been studied. Coordination properties of sulfones and selenones in solution and in the gas phase have been compared for the first time using a model bidentate metal complex, [Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]. Two coordination modes, bridging mu(2)-O,O' and terminal eta(1)-O, have been detected. These types of binding were realized in two series of sulfone and selenone metal complexes, polymeric mono-adducts [Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4).(R(2)XO(2))]( infinity ) (X = S, R = Me (1a); R = Ph (2a); X = Se, R = Ph (4a)) and discrete bis-adducts [Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4).(R(2)XO(2))(2)] (X = S, R = Ph (2b); X = Se, R = Me (3b)). The compositions and structures of new compounds have been confirmed by NMR and IR spectroscopy, chemical analyses, and X-ray diffraction studies. Compounds 3b and 4a are the first crystallographically characterized metal complexes having selenone ligands coordinated to the metal centers. Preparation and X-ray study of analogous metal complexes of sulfone and selenone ligands allow, for the first time, tracking the structural changes induced by metal coordination. In addition, the X-ray structure of dimethyl selenone, Me(2)SeO(2) (3), an analogue of Me(2)SO(2), has been determined. Geometries of coordinated sulfone and selenones ligands have been compared with those of the corresponding "free" molecules.     

Are matrix isolated species really “isolated”? Infrared spectroscopic and theoretical studies of noble gas-transition metal oxide complexes

In this review, we summarize our recent results on matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic studies and theoretical investigations of noble gas-transition metal oxide complexes. The results show that some transition metal oxide species trapped in solid noble gas matrices are chemically coordinated by one or multiple noble gas atoms forming noble gas complexes and, hence, cannot be regarded as isolated species. Noble gas coordination alters the vibrational frequencies as well as the geometric and electronic structures of transition metal oxide species trapped in solid noble gas matrixes. The interactions between noble gas atoms and transition metal oxides involve ion-induced dipole interactions as well as chemical bonding interactions. Periodic trends in the bonding in these noble gas-transition metal complexes are discussed.     

Preparation of chalcogenolato-bridged dinuclear Tp*Rh-Cp*Ru complexes (Tp*= hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate, Cp*=eta(5)-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) and binding of dioxygen to their Ru sites

Reactions of [Tp*Rh(coe)(MeCN)](1; Tp*= hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl); coe = cyclooctene) with one equiv of diphenyl dichalcogenides PhEEPh (E = Se, Te) afforded the mononuclear Rh(III) complexes [Tp*Rh(EPh)(2)(MeCN)](2b: E = Se; 2c: E = Te), as reported previously for the formation of [Tp*Rh(SPh)(2)(MeCN)](2a) from the reaction of 1 and PhSSPh. Complexes 2a-2c were treated with the Ru(II) complex [(Cp*Ru)(4)(mu(3)-Cl)(4)](Cp*=eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) in THF at room temperature, yielding the chalcogenolato-bridged dinuclear complexes [Tp*RhCl(mu-EPh)(2)RuCp*(MeCN)](3). Complex 3a (E = S) in solution was converted slowly into a mixture of 3a and the sterically less encumbered dinuclear complex [Tp*RhCl(SPh)(mu-eta(1)-S-eta(6)-Ph)RuCp*](4a) at room temperature. In 4a, one SPh group binds only to the Rh center as a terminal ligand, while the other SPh group bridges the Rh and Ru atoms by coordinating to the former at the S atom and to the latter with the Ph group in a pi fashion. The Se analogue 3b also underwent a similar transformation under more forcing conditions, e.g. in benzene at reflux, whereas formation of the mu-eta(1)-Te-eta(6)-Ph complex was not observed for the Te analogue 3c even under these forcing conditions. When complexes 3 was dissolved in THF exposed to air, the MeCN ligand bound to Ru was substituted by dioxygen to give the peroxo complexes [Tp*RhCl(mu-EPh)(2)RuCp*(eta(2)-O(2))](5a: E = S; 5b: E = Se; 5c: E = Te). X-Ray analyses have been undertaken to determine the detailed structures for 2c, 3a, 3b, 4a, 5a, 5b, and 5c.     

Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study of noble gas coordinated dipalladium–dioxygen complexes

The reaction products of palladium atoms with molecular oxygen in solid argon have been investigated using matrix isolation infrared absorption spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. In addition to the previously reported mononuclear palladium–dioxygen complexes: Pd(η²–O₂) and Pd(η²–O₂)₂, dinuclear palladium–dioxygen complexes: Pd₂(η²–O₂) and Pd₂(η²–O₂)₂ were formed under visible light irradiation and were identified on the basis of isotopic substitution and theoretical calculations. In addition, experiments doped with xenon in argon coupled with theoretical calculations suggest that the Pd(η²–O₂), Pd₂(η²–O₂) and Pd₂(η²–O₂)₂ complexes are coordinated by two argon or xenon atoms in solid argon matrix, and therefore, should be regarded as the Pd(η²–O₂)(Ng)₂, Pd₂(η²–O₂)(Ng)₂ and Pd₂(η²–O₂)₂(Ng)₂ (NgAr or Xe) complexes isolated in solid argon.     

Noble gas-actinide compounds: evidence for the formation of distinct CUO(Ar)(4-n)(Xe)(n) and CUO(Ar)(4-n)(Kr)(n) (n = 1, 2, 3, 4) complexes

Laser-ablated U atoms react with CO in excess argon to produce CUO, which gives rise to 852.5 and 804.3 cm-1 infrared absorptions for the triplet state CUO(Ar)n complex in solid argon at 7 K. Relativistic density functional calculations show that the CUO(Ar) complex is stable and that up to four or five argon atoms can complex to CUO. When 1-3% Xe is added to the argon/CO reagent mixture, strong absorptions appear at 848.0 and 801.3 cm-1 and dominate new four-band progressions, which increase on annealing to 35-50 K as Xe replaces Ar in the intimate coordination sphere. Analogous spectra are obtained with 1-2% Kr added. This work provides evidence for eight distinct CUO(Ng)n(Ar)4-n (Ng = Kr, Xe, n = 1, 2, 3, 4) complexes and the first characterization of neutral complexes involving four noble-gas atoms on one metal center.