Synthesis,Coordination Behavior,and Reduction Chemistry of Cymantrenyl‐1,3‐bis(2,3,4,5‐tetraphenyl)borole

We describe the synthesis of base‐free bisborole [Cym^?(BC₄Ph₄)₂]—Cym^?=(OC)₃Mn(η⁵‐C₅H₃)—and its transformation into two fully characterized Lewis acid–base adducts with pyridine bases of the type 4‐R? NC₅H₄ (R=tBu, NMe₂). The results of electrochemical, as well as NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopic studies on [Cym^?(BC₄Ph₄)₂] and the related monoborole derivative [Cym(BC₄Ph₄)]—Cym=(OC)₃Mn(η⁵‐C₅H₄)—provided conclusive evidence for 1) the enhanced Lewis acidity of the two boron centers that result from conjugation of two borole fragments, and 2) the fact that Mn? B bonding interactions between the Lewis acidic borole moieties and the Mn center are considerably less pronounced for bisborole [Cym^?(BC₄Ph₄)₂]. In addition, the reduction chemistry of [Cym^?(BC₄Ph₄)₂] has been studied in detail, both electrochemically and chemically. Accordingly, chemical reduction of [Cym^?(BC₄Ph₄)₂] with magnesium anthracene afforded the corresponding tetraanion, which features a rare Mg? OC bonding mode in the solid state.     

Electron transfer from laser excited rydberg atoms to molecules. Absolute rate constants at low and intermediate principal quantum numbers

Using mass spectrometric detection of positive and negative ions, we have investigated ionizing reactions of Ne(ns,nd) Rydberg atoms, efficiently excited by resonant two-photon excitation of metastable Ne(3s ³ P ₂) atoms, with electron attaching moleculesBC (BC=SF₆, CCl₄, CS₂, O₂) at thermal collision energies. Absolute rate constants have been determined in the range of low and intermediate principal quantum numbersn(5≦n?30) by utilizing the photoionization signal caused by room temperature black-body radiation and the loss of Ne(3s ³ P ₂) atoms, associated with the laser excitation. Substantially differentn-dependences of the electron transfer cross section have been found for the larger molecules (BC = SF₆, CCl₄) and the smaller molecules (BC = CS₂, O₂). Simple model calculations have been performed to gain new insight into the dynamics of the electron transfer process; forBC = SF₆, our results at lown(5 ≦n ≦ 10) suggest that internal energy conversion in the Coulombic complex Ne⁺ — SF ₆ ^? is important for the formation of the detected ions.     

Gas‐phase detection of the HBCC (X1Σ) molecule: a combined crossed beam and computational study of the B(2P)+C2H2(1Σg+) reaction

A novel supersonic beam of ground‐state boron atoms [B(²P)] was employed to investigate the reaction of B(²P) with acetylene [C₂H₂(¹Σ_g⁺)] at an average collision energy of 16.3±0.4 kJ mol^?1 at the most fundamental microscopic level. The crossed molecular beam technique was used to record time of flight spectra at mass to charge ratios of 36 (¹¹BC₂H⁺), 35 (¹⁰BC₂H⁺/¹¹BC₂⁺), and 34 (¹⁰BC₂⁺) at different laboratory angles. Forward‐convolution fitting of the laboratory data showed that only a product with the gross formula BC₂H was formed via a boron versus hydrogen exchange. By combining experimental results with electronic structure calculations, the conclusion was that the reaction proceeded via the initial addition of B(²P) to the two carbon atoms of acetylene, leading to the formation of a first intermediate, the borirene radical (c‐BC₂H₂). This intermediate underwent various isomerization processes on the BC₂H₂ potential energy surface before decomposing into the linear HBCC(X¹Σ) isomer via a hydrogen atom elimination. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1359–1365, 2001     

On the initial charge separation in bacterial reaction centers: Long-range electron transfer via an exciton-charge transfer (ECT) coupling mechanism

The low-lying electronically excited states for the reaction center of Rps. viridis are investigated using PPP/CI calculations. The six pigments are treated as three interacting pairs, the symmetric special pair dimer BC_MPBC_LP and the two loosely coupledasymmetric dimers BC_LABP_L and BC_MABP_M. It is shown that the charge transfer state BC_LA⁺BP_L⁻ can fall below the special pair excitation P* due to partial charge transfer from a histidine to BC_LA and due to stabilization of BP_L⁻ by a glutamic acid residue. As a result P* can decay in 2.8 ps into BC_LA⁺BP_L⁻ which goes over into the radical pair P⁺ BP_L⁻ in less than 1 ps. The first step can be described as an excitonic interaction between P* and BC_LA⁺ BP_L⁻.     

Conformation Analysis of the 8-Membered Ring of 12H-Dibenzo [d,g] [1, 3, 2] dioxathiocines: Symmetric and Asymmetric Conformations

The 12H-dibenzo [d, g] dioxathiocines 2 and 4 are prepared by condensation of the corresponding bis[phenols] 1 and 3 with SOCl₂ and SCl₂, respectively. X-Ray analysis reveals the presence of the boat-chair (BC) form as the only conformer in the solid state of the cyclic thiodioxy derivative 4a , whereas the sulfinyldioxy compound 2a exists in the asymmetric axial boat (B) form, i. e. with endo (axial) orientation of the exocyclic O-atom. Conformational analysis using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy indicates the presence of a boat form for compounds 2 , whereas compounds 4 again exist in the boat chair form. A comparison of ¹H-NMR and thermodynamic parameters with those of the cyclic sulfinyldioxy compound 5 with an equilibrium between e-BC and a-BC form (i.e. BC form with equatorial and axial orientation of the exocyclic O-atom) is made.     

On the early charge separation and recombination processes in bacterial reaction centers

A new mechanism for the rapid initial charge separation in bacterial reaction centers is investigated. It can be characterized as a combined exciton-electron transfer mechanism. It involves as first step the deactivation of the initially excited dimer (BC_LPBC_MP)^* together with a charge transfer transition between the accessory monomer BC_LA and the pheophytine BP_L leading to the state BC⁺_LABP⁻_L. This first step is followed by a rapid electron transfer from the dimer to the cation BC⁺_LA. It is shown that this mechanism is consistent with the pertinent experimental facts from absorption and emission spectra as well as time resolved measurements related to the initial charge separation and subsequent recombination processes.     

Sensing Characteristics of a Graphene‐like Boron Carbide Monolayer towards Selected Toxic Gases

By using first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory, we study the adsorption efficiency of a BC₃ sheet for various gases, such as CO, CO₂, NO, NO₂, and NH₃. The optimal adsorption position and orientation of these gas molecules on the BC₃ surface is determined and the adsorption energies are calculated. Among the gas molecules, CO₂ is predicted to be weakly adsorbed on the graphene‐like BC₃ sheet, whereas the NH₃ gas molecule shows a strong interaction with the BC₃ sheet. The charge transfer between the molecules and the sheet is discussed in terms of Bader charge analysis and density of states. The calculated work function of BC₃ in the presence of CO, CO₂, and NO is greater than that of a bare BC₃ sheet. The decrease in the work function of BC₃ sheets in the presence of NO₂ and NH₃ further explains the affinity of the sheet towards the gas molecules. The energy gap of the BC₃ sheets is sensitive to the adsorption of the gas molecules, which implies possible future applications in gas sensors.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Reactivity of Borole‐Functionalized Ferrocenes

Herein, we report on the synthesis of ferrocenylborole [Fc(BC₄Ph₄)₂] featuring two borole moieties in the 1,1′‐positions. The results of NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction studies provided conclusive evidence for the enhanced Lewis acidity of the boron centers resulting from the conjugation of two borole fragments. This finding was further validated by the reaction of [Fc(BC₄Ph₄)₂] and the 4‐Me‐NC₅H₄ adduct of monoborole [Fc(BC₄Ph₄)], which led to quantitative transfer of the Lewis base. The coordination chemistry of ferrocenylboroles was further studied by examining their reactivity towards several pyridine bases. Accordingly, the strong Lewis acidity of boroles in general was nicely demonstrated by the reaction of [Fc(BC₄Ph₄)] with 4,4′‐bipyridine. Unlike common borane derivatives such as [FcBMe₂], which only forms a 2:1 adduct, we also succeeded in the isolation of a 1:1 Lewis acid/base adduct, with one nitrogen donor of 4,4′‐bipyridine remaining uncoordinated. In addition, the reduction chemistry of ferrocenylboroles [Fc(BC₄Ph₄)] and [Fc(BC₄Ph₄)₂] has been studied in more detail. Thus, depending on the reducing agent and the reaction stoichiometry, chemical reduction of [Fc(BC₄Ph₄)] might lead to the migration of the borolediide fragment towards the iron center, affording dianions with either η⁵‐coordinated C₅H₄ or η⁵‐coordinated BC₄Ph₄ moieties. In contrast, no evidence for borole migration was observed during reduction of bisborole [Fc(BC₄Ph₄)₂], which readily resulted in the formation of the corresponding tetraanion. Finally, our efforts to further enhance the borole ratio in ferrocenylboroles aiming at the synthesis of [Fc(BC₄Ph₄)₄] failed and, instead, generated an uncommon ansa‐ferrocene containing two borole fragments in the 1,1′‐positions and a B₂C₄ ansa‐bridge.     

New quaternary carbon and nitrogen stabilized polyborides: REB15.5CN (RE: Sc, Y, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu), crystal structure and compound formation

A new family of quaternary carbon and nitrogen containing Rare Earth (RE: Sc, Y, Ho, Er, Tm and Lu) borides: REB_15.5CN, has been synthesized and structurally characterized by powder X-ray diffraction data. They are all isotypic with Sc_1−xB_15.5CN whose structure was solved based on single-crystal X-ray data and HRTEM investigations. The structure refinement converged at a R(F²) value of 0.044 for 364 reflections. The new structure type of Sc_1−xB_15.5CN is composed of a three-dimensional network based on interconnected slabs of boron (B₁₂)^ico icosahedra and (B₆)^oct octahedra. A linear [CBC] chain and nitrogen tightly bridges icosahedra. Sc partially occupies voids in the sheets of boron octahedra. It crystallizes with the trigonal space group P³m1, with Z=2. Lattice parameters (nm) are as follows: for RE: Sc, a,b=0.5568(4), c=1.0756(2); Y, a,b=0.55919(6), c=1.0873(2); Ho, a,b=0.55883(7), c=1.0878(6); Er, a,b=0.55889(5), c=1.0880(6); Tm, a,b=0.5580(1), c=1.0850(6); Lu, a,b=0.55771(9), c=1.0839(4). Magnetic characterization of ErB₁₇C_1.3N_0.6 has been performed.     

An Expected Calcium Carbido Borate Chloride: Ca9Cl8(BC2)2

Ca₉Cl₈(BC₂)₂ was obtained by solid state reaction of a mixture of CaCl₂, Ca, B and C. The structure was solved by single crystal X-ray structure determination. Ca₉Cl₈(BC₂)₂ crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm (No. 63, a = 1162.91(8) pm, b = 1341.59(10) pm and c = 1208.62(9) pm, Z = 4). The most striking element of the title compound is the bent BC₂^5– unit that is surrounded by a bicapped trigonal prismatic arrangement of calcium ions.     

Bis(ligand)metall-komplexe von nickel,palladium und platin mit cyclischen liganden vom divinylboran-typ

Nine complexes of type ML₂ with M = Ni, Pd, Pt and L = X(CHCH)₂BC₆H₅ (X = (CH₃)₂C, (CH₃)₂Si, (CH₂)₂) are described. The X-ray structural analysis of Ni[(CH₃)₂Si(CHCH)₂BC₆H₅]₂ and the ¹H and ¹¹B NMR spectra demonstrate a sandwich-type bis(η⁵-divinylborane)metal structure with C₂ molecular symmetry. All complexes show exceptional thermal stability as compared to the corresponding bis(1,5-cyclooctadienyl)metal complexes. In the ¹H NMR spectra internal rotation of the two ligands with respect to each other is observed for two Pd complexes and the Pt complexes at room temperature.     

线性BC2nB (n＝1～12)的结构特征和电子光谱的理论研究

应用密度泛函理论, 在B3LYP/6-31G^*水平上优化得到了线性簇合物BC_2nB (n＝1～12, D_(h)的平衡几何构型, 并计算了它们的谐振动频率. 在优化平衡几何构型下, 通过TD-B3LYP/cc-pvDZ和TD-B3LYP/cc-pvTZ计算, 分别得到了n＝1～12和n＝1～7的电子跃迁的垂直激发能和对应的振子强度. 在B3LYP/6-311＋G^*水平上计算得到了簇合物BC_2nB (n＝1～12, D_(h)的电离能. 基于计算结果, 导出了BC_2nB体系电子跃迁能以及第一电离能与体系大小n的解析表达式.     

BC3 Sheet Functionalized with Lithium‐Rich Species Emerging as a Reversible Hydrogen Storage Material

The decoration of a BC₃ monolayer with the polylithiated molecules CLi₄ and OLi₂ has been extensively investigated to study the hydrogen‐storage efficiency of the materials by first principles electronic structure calculations. The binding energies of both lithiated species with the BC₃ substrate are much higher than their respective cohesive energies, which confirms the stability of the doped systems. A significant positive charge on the Li atom in each of the dopants facilitates the adsorption of multiple H₂ molecules under the influence of electrostatic and van der Waals interactions. We observe a high H₂‐storage capacity of 11.88 and 8.70 wt % for the BC₃‐CLi₄ and BC₃‐OLi₂ systems, respectively, making them promising candidates as efficient energy‐storage systems.     

Prediction of stable BC3N2 monolayer from first-principles calculations: Stoichiometry,crystal structure,electronic and adsorption properties

In this paper, a novel BC₃N₂ monolayer has been found with a graphene-like structure using the developed particle swarm optimization algorithm in combination with ab initio calculations. The predicted structure meets the thermodynamical, dynamical, and mechanical stability requirements. Interestingly, the BC₃N₂ plane shows a metallic character. Importantly, BC₃N₂ has an in-plane stiffness comparable to that of graphene. We have also investigated the adsorption characteristics of CO₂ on pristine monolayer and Mo functionalized monolayer using density functional theory. Subsequently, electronic structures of the interacting systems (CO₂ molecule and substrates) have been preliminarily explored. The results show that Mo/BC₃N₂ has a stronger adsorption capacity towards CO₂ comparing with the pristine one, which can provide a reference for the further study of the CO₂ reduction mechanism on the transition metal-functionalized surface as well as the new catalyst’s design.     

Dysprosium Complexes and Their Micelles as Potential Bimodal Agents for Magnetic Resonance and Optical Imaging

Six diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) bisamide derivatives functionalized with p‐toluidine (DTPA‐BTolA), 6‐aminocoumarin (DTPA‐BCoumA), 1‐naphthalene methylamine (DTPA‐BNaphA), 4‐ethynylaniline (DTPA‐BEthA), p‐dodecylaniline (DTPA‐BC₁₂PheA) and p‐tetradecyl‐aniline (DTPA‐BC₁₄PheA) were coordinated to dysprosium(III) and the magnetic and optical properties of the complexes were examined in detail. The complexes consisting of amphiphilic ligands (DTPA‐BC₁₂PheA and DTPA‐BC₁₄PheA) were further assembled into mixed micelles. Upon excitation into the ligand levels, the complexes display characteristic Dy^III emission with quantum yields of 0.3–0.5 % despite the presence of one water molecule in the first coordination sphere. A deeper insight into the energy‐transfer processes has been obtained by studying the photophysical properties of the corresponding Gd^III complexes. Since the luminescence quenching effect is decreased by the intervention of non‐ionic surfactant, quantum yields up to 1 % are obtained for the micelles. The transverse relaxivity r₂ per Dy^III ion at 500 MHz and 310 K reaches a maximum value of 27.4 s^?1 mM ^?1 for Dy‐DTPA‐BEthA and 36.0 s^?1 mM ^?1 for the Dy‐DTPA‐BC₁₂PheA assemblies compared with a value of 0.8 s^?1 mM ^?1 for Dy‐DTPA. The efficient T₂ relaxation, especially at high magnetic field strengths, is sustained by the high magnetic moment of the dysprosium ion, the coordination of water molecules with slow water exchange kinetics and long rotational correlation times. These findings open the way to the further development of bimodal optical and magnetic resonance imaging probes starting from single lanthanide compounds.     

New members of ternary rare-earth metal boride carbides containing finite boron-carbon chains: RE25B14C26 (RE=Pr, Nd) and Nd25B12C28

New ternary rare-earth metal boride carbides RE₂₅B₁₄C₂₆ (RE=Pr, Nd) and Nd₂₅B₁₂C₂₈ were synthesized by co-melting the elements. Nd₂₅B₁₂C₂₈ is stable up to 1440 K. RE₂₅B₁₄C₂₆ (RE=Pr, Nd) exist above 1270 K. The crystal structures were investigated by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Nd₂₅B₁₂C₂₈: space group P, a=8.3209(7) Å, b=8.3231(6) Å, c=29.888(2) Å, α=83.730(9)°, β=83.294(9)°, γ=89.764(9)°. Pr₂₅B₁₄C₂₆: space group P2₁/c, a=8.4243(5) Å, b=8.4095(6) Å, c=30.828(1) Å, β=105.879(4)°, V=2100.6(2) Å³, (R1=0.048 (wR2=0.088) from 2961 reflections with I_o>2σ(I_o)); for Nd₂₅B₁₄C₂₆ space group P2₁/c, Z=2, a=8.3404(6) Å, b=8.3096(6) Å, c=30.599(2) Å, β=106.065(1)°. Their structures consist of a three-dimensional framework of rare-earth metal atoms resulting from the stacking of slightly corrugated and distorted square nets, leading to cavities filled with cumulene-like molecules [B₂C₄]⁶⁻ and [B₃C₃]⁷⁻, nearly linear [BC₂]⁵⁻ and bent [BC₂]⁷⁻ units and isolated carbon atoms. Structural and theoretical analysis suggests the ionic formulation for RE₂₅B₁₄C₂₆: (RE³⁺)₂₅[B₂C₄]⁶⁻([B₃C₃]⁷⁻)₂([BC₂]⁵⁻)₄([BC₂]⁷⁻)₂(C⁴⁻)₄·5e⁻ and for Nd₂₅B₁₂C₂₈: (Nd³⁺)₂₅([B₂C₄]⁶⁻)₃([BC₂]⁵⁻)₄([BC₂]⁷⁻)₂(C⁴⁻)₄·7e⁻. Accordingly, extended Hückel tight-binding calculations indicate that the compounds are metallic in character.     

The effect of electric field on hydrogen storage for B/C/N sheets

Using first-principles calculations, we investigate the adsorption behaviors of H₂ in B/C/N sheets (including BCN, BC₂N, and BC₃N) and discuss the effect of external electric fields on H₂ adsorbed for BCN and BC₂N sheets. For a single H₂ adsorbed on BCN and BC₂N sheets, the adsorption energy increases dramatically with the electric field intensity increasing, and the maximum adsorption energy can reach 0.55 eV in the electric field of F = 0.050 a.u. and one layer H₂ can adsorb on BCN and BC₂N sheets, corresponding to the maximum hydrogen storage capacity of 5.1 wt%. The average adsorption energy calculated larger than that of in the field-free case.     

Tuning Hydrogen Storage in Lithium‐Functionalized BC2N Sheets by Doping with Boron and Carbon

First‐principles calculations are used to explore the strong binding of lithium to boron‐ and carbon‐doped BC₂N monolayers (BC₂NB_C and BC₂NC_N, respectively) without the formation of lithium clusters. In comparison to BC₂N and BC₂NC_B, lithium‐decorated BC₂NB_C and BC₂NC_N systems possess stronger s–p and p–p hybridization and, hence, the binding energy is higher. Lithium becomes partially positively charged by donating electron density to the more electronegative atoms of the sheet. Attractive van der Waals interactions are responsible for binding hydrogen molecules around the lithium atoms. Each lithium atom can adsorb three hydrogen molecules on both sides of the sheet, with an average hydrogen binding energy of approximately 0.2 eV, which is in the range required for practical applications. The BC₂NB_C–Li and BC₂NC_N–Li complexes can serve as high‐capacity hydrogen‐storage media with gravimetric hydrogen capacities of 9.88 and 9.94 wt %, respectively.     

A theoretical study on surface modification of a nanosized BC3 tube using C2H4 and its derivatives

Chemical functionalization of a BC₃ nanotube (BC₃NT) with C₂X₄ (X = –H, –F, –CH₂F, –CN, –NH₂, –NO₂, –CH₃, and –OCH₃) was investigated by density functional theory calculations. It was found that C₂H₄ prefers to be added to a B–C bond of the tube wall. The interaction energies are calculated to be ranging from ?0.03 to ?40.32 kcal/mol, and their relative magnitude order is found to be as follows: C₂F₄ > C₂(NH₂)₄ > C₂H₄ > C₂(NO₂)₄ > C₂(OCH₃)₄ > C₂(CN₄)₂ > C₂(CH₃)₄ > C₂(CH₂F)₄. For chemically modified BC₃NTs with various functional groups, the functionalization energy can be correlated with the trend of relative electron-withdrawing or electron-donating capability of the adsorbates. The calculated density of states shows that the functionalization of BC₃NT with these functional groups (except C₂(NO₂)₄) can be generally classified as a certain type of “electronically harmless modification”. We believe that the preservation of electronic properties of BC₃NTs coupled with the enhancement of solubility may render the chemical modification to be an effective way for the purification of BC₃NTs. The insight provided by this theoretical study may also assist future development of BC₃NTs with targeted chemoselectivity through chemical functionalization.     

Hydrogen Storage on Li Coated BC3 Honeycomb Sheet

Using density functional theory, we investigated the hydrogen storage capacity of Li coated BC₃ honeycomb sheet. Our result indicates 18 H₂ molecules can be adsorbed on BC₃Li₆ complex with a storage gravimetric density of 9.68 wt% and the average adsorption energy reaches 0.206 eV /H₂ . This is desirable for absorbing and desorbing H₂ molecules at near ambient conditions.