Ab initio configuration interaction study of the low-lying 1Sigma+ electronic states of LiCl

Ab initio configuration interaction calculations have been performed for the X 1Sigma+ and B 1Sigma+ electronic states of LiCl. Potential energy curves, dipole moment functions, and dipole transition moments have been computed for internuclear distances between R = 2.5a0 and 50a0. Single- and double-excitation configuration interaction wave functions were constructed using molecular orbitals obtained from a two-state averaged multiconfiguration self-consistent-field calculation. This procedure yielded an accurate energy splitting between the covalent and ionic separated-atom limits. The calculated avoided crossing of the X and B state curves occurs at R = 16.2a0, in close agreement with previous calculations using a semiempirical covalent-ionic resonance model. X 1Sigma+ state spectroscopic constants are in excellent agreement with experimental values.     

The D 1Sigma+ state of 7LiH: comparison of observations with vibronic theory

The excited D (1)Sigma(+) electronic state of (7)LiH has been observed up to near its dissociation limit by a pulsed optical-optical double resonance fluorescence depletion spectroscopic technique. An extensive vibronic calculation has been performed with a diabatic approach with purely potential couplings involving a set of eight diabatic states of (1)Sigma(+) symmetry, corresponding to seven neutral states and one ionic state. Twenty-six new vibrational levels have been observed. Both the derived vibrational energy spacings and the vibronic ones are similarly irregular. The observed spectral linewidths and vibronic resonance widths are found to vary similarly with increasing energy. Observed asymmetric spectral lineshapes may be attributed to the strong radial couplings between the discrete levels of the D (1)Sigma(+) electronic state and the continuum states of the C (1)Sigma(+) electronic state. The mutual agreement between the spectral results and the vibronic results demonstrates that the D (1)Sigma(+) electronic state of (7)LiH is better characterized by the vibronic approach.     

Novel[1n]-meta-heterophane frameworks with a bis-betaine nature

A convergent "5 + 1" and "5 + 3" synthetic strategy allowed the synthesis of the first examples of bis-betaines 2 and 3, a prototype of phanes that incorporate heterocyclic betaines. The structure of the quadrupolar macrocyclic systems 2 and 3 together with the dicationic [1(6)]- and [1(8)] meta-heterophane precursors 5*2X and 6*2X were examined by spectroscopy using 1H and 13C NMR techniques together with 1H-DNMR studies and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.     

Ground and lowest-lying electronic states of CoN. A multiconfigurational study

The lowest-lying X1Sigma+, a3Phi, b3II, c5Delta, A1Phi, and B1II electronic states of CoN have been investigated at the ab initio MRCI and MS-CASPT2 levels, with extended atomic basis sets and inclusion of scalar relativistic effects. Among the singlet states, the A1Phi and B1II states have been described for the first time. Potential energy curves, excitation energies, spectroscopic constants, and bonding character for all states are reported. Comparison with other early transition-metal nitrides (ScN, TiN, VN, and CrN), isoelectronic (NiC) and isovalent (RhN and IrN) species has been made, besides analyzing the B1II <=> X1+ electronic transition in terms of Franck-Condon factors, Einstein coefficients, and radiative lifetimes. At both levels of theory, the following energetic order has been obtained: X1Sigma+, a3Phi, b3II, c5Delta, A1Phi, and B1II, with good agreement with experimental results. In contrast, previous DFT and MRCI calculations predicted the ground state to be the 5Delta state.     

[1+1+1] Cyclotrimerization for the Synthesis of Cyclopropanes

The synthesis of small rings by functionalization of C(sp³)?H bonds remains a great challenge. We report for the first time a copper‐catalyzed [1+1+1] cyclotrimerization of acetophenone derivatives under mild reaction conditions. The reaction has a broad scope for the stereoselective synthesis of cyclopropanes by trimerization of acetophenone. The developed transformation is based on an extraordinary copper‐catalyzed cascade process that allows saturated carbocycles to be obtained for the first time by cyclotrimerization through functionalization of C(sp³)?H bonds. The cascade of sixfold C(sp³)?H bond functionalization allows the synthesis of cyclopropanes in a highly stereoselective approach.     

The electronic ground state of [V(urea)6]3+ probed by NIR luminescence, electronic Raman, and high-field EPR spectroscopies

The electronic structure of a trigonally distorted vanadium(III) complex, [V(urea)6](ClO4)3, and its deuterated analogue, [V(urea-d4)6](ClO4)3 has been investigated with Raman, luminescence, and high-frequency high-field electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies and with magnetic measurements. A broad electronic Raman transition is observed at around 1400 cm(-1) and attributed to a transition to the (3)E (D3) component of the (3)T1g (O(h)) ground state. The same splitting is seen in the near-infrared luminescence spectrum in the form of a similarly broad peak at 8450 cm(-1), 1400 cm(-1) lower in energy than the (1)E --> (3)A2 spin-flip transition. Powder high-frequency and high-field electron paramagnetic resonance spectra, magnetic susceptibilities, and magnetization studies give a precise measurement of the zero-field splitting and of the g values in this complex (D = 6.00(2) cm(-1), E = 0.573(6) cm(-1), g(x) = 1.848(2), g(y) = 1.832(4), and g(z) = 1.946(7)). A set of angular overlap model parameters is proposed that reproduces all spectroscopic observations, and an analysis of the influence of the bonding of urea on the trigonal distortion of the complex is given.     

Study on the photodissociation spectra of CS2+ via B2Sigma u+ and C2Sigma g+ electronic states

The photodissociation spectra of CS(2)(+) ions via B(2)Sigma(u)(+) and C(2)Sigma(g)(+) electronic states have been studied by using two-photon excitation, where the parent CS(2)(+) ions were prepared by [3 + 1] REMPI (resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization) at 483.2 nm from the jet-cooled CS(2) molecules. The [1 + 1] photodissociation spectrum of CS(2)(+) via the B(2)Sigma(u)(+)(upsilon(1)upsilon(2)0) <-- X(2)Pi(g,3/2)(000) transition was obtained by scanning the dissociation laser in the wavelength range of 270-285 nm and detecting the signal of both S(+) and CS(+). The [1 + 1'] photodissociation spectra of CS(2)(+) were obtained by fixing the first dissociation laser at 281.94 or 277.15 nm to excite the B(2)Sigma(u)(+) (000 or 100) <-- X(2)Pi(g,3/2)(000) transitions and scanning the second dissociation laser in the range of 606-763 nm to excite C(2)Sigma(g)(+)(upsilon(1)upsilon(2)0) <-- B(2)Sigma(u)(+)(000,100) transitions. New spectroscopic constants of nu(1) = 666.2 +/- 2.5 cm(-1), nu(2) = 363.2 +/- 1.9 cm(-1), chi(11) = -5.5 +/- 0.1 cm(-1), chi(22) = 1.6 +/- 0.1 cm(-1), chi(12) = -8.6 +/- 0.2 cm(-1), and k(122) = 44.9 +/- 2.5 cm(-1) (Fermi resonance constant) for the C(2)Sigma(g)(+) state are deduced from the [1 + 1'] photodissociation spectra. On the basis of the [1 + 1] and [1 + 1'] photodissociation spectra, the wavelength and level dependence of the product branching ratios CS(+)/S(+) has been found and the dissociation dynamics of CS(2)(+) ions via B(2)Sigma(u)(+) and C(2)Sigma(g)(+) electronic states are discussed.     

The mechanism of the rhodium(I)-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] carbocyclization reaction of dienes and CO: a computational study

The rhodium(I) catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] carbocyclization of tethered diene-enes to afford substituted hexahydropentalenones with high levels of diastereoselectivity was modeled using density functional theory. Previously, this transformation was observed to be facile, whereas the analogous bis-ene substrate could not be cyclized under any reasonable conditions. To establish a conceptual understanding of the carbocyclization mechanism and to identify the functional role of the diene fragment we analyzed the simulated reaction mechanisms using the two parent systems. We discovered a thus far unrecognized, but intuitively plausible, role of the CO ligand for controlling the electron density at the metal center, which affects the feasibility of oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps that are key components of the mechanism. Our calculations suggest that the diene moiety is unique and required because of its ability to undergo a eta(2)-->eta(4) reorganization allowing for the thermoneutral expulsion of one CO ligand, which in turn generates an electron-rich, coordinatively saturated Rh(I) center that can efficiently promote the oxidative addition with a low barrier. A number of functionalization strategies were considered explicitly to derive a rational plan for optimizing the catalysis and to expose the roles of the different components of the reactant-catalyst complex.     

The photochemical [4+4] cyclodimerization of 2-pyrazinone in the solid state

Irradiation of 1-methyl-5,6-diphenyl-2-pyrazinone (Ia) in the solid state gave the [4+4] anti dimer (II) in 100% yield, while (Ia) in a solution phase was inert upon irradiation.     

Domino Constructions of Pentacyclic Indeno[2,1-c]quinolines and Pyrano[4,3-b]oxepines by [4+1]/[3+2+1]/[5+1] and [4+3] Multiple Cyclizations

New three-component domino reactions have been discovered. The reactions are easy to perform (see scheme; MW=microwave irradiation) and proceed with fast rates, which makes work-up convenient. Most of the multiple stereocenters and the geometry are controlled well. The stereochemistry has been unequivocally determined by X-ray structural analysis.     

Synthesis of symmetric macrocyclic diesterdihyrazides using successive [2+1]- and [1+1]-condensations

Potentially useful symmetric macrocyclic diesterdihydrazides were synthesized efficiently from available petrochemical products (tetrahydropyran and 4-methyltetrahydropyran) using successive [2+1]-condensation of 8-hydroxyoctan-2-one and its 6-methyl derivative with glutaric and adipic chlorides and [1+1]-condensation of the intermediate diketodiesters with glutaric dihydrazide.     

Rydberg-valence interactions of CO, and spectroscopic evidence characterizing the C' 1Sigma+ valence state

Rotationally cold absorption and two-photon ionization spectra of CO in the 90-100 nm region have been recorded at a resolution of 0.3-1.0 cm(-1). The analyses of up to four isotopomers seek to clarify the observations in regions where the Rydberg levels built on the ground state X (2)Sigma(+) of the ion interact with valence states of (1)Sigma(+) and (1)Pi symmetry. Previous observations of the 3ssigma, B (1)Sigma(+) Rydberg state, reviewed by Tchang-Brillet et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 96, 6735 (1992)], have been extended to energies above its avoided crossing with the repulsive part of the D(') (1)Sigma(+) valence state where resonances of varying intensities and widths have been attributed to the fully coupled 3ssigma or 4ssigma and D(') potentials, and where the B state approaches a second avoided crossing with the C(') (1)Sigma(+) valence state [Cooper and Kirby, J. Chem. Phys. 87, 424 (1987); 90, 4895 (1989); Chem. Phys. Lett. 152, 393 (1988)]. Fragments of a progression of weak and mostly diffuse bands, observed for all four isotopomers, have been assigned to the C(')<--X transition. The least-squares modeling of the 4p and 5p complexes reveals the 3ppi, E (1)Pi Rydberg state to be one of the perturbers, violating the Deltav=0 selection rule for Rydberg-Rydberg interactions on account of its rapid transition with increasing v from Rydberg to valence state. A second (1)Pi perturber, very loosely bound and clearly of valence type, contributes to the confusion in the published literature surrounding the 5p, v=0 complex.     

DFT study on [4+2] and [2+2] cycloadditions to [60] fullerene

The functionalisation of C₆₀ fullerene with 2,3-dimethylene-1,4-dioxane (I) and 2,5-dioxabicyclo [4.2.0]octa-1(8),6-diene (II) was investigated by the use of density functional theory calculations in terms of its energetic, structural, field emission, and electronic properties. The functionalisation of C₆₀ with I was previously reported experimentally. The I and II molecules are preferentially attached to a C—C bond shared and located between two hexagons of C₆₀ via [4+2] and [2+2] cycloadditions bearing reaction energies of ?15.9 kcal mol^?1 and ?72.4 kcal mol^?1, respectively. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap and work function of C₆₀ are significantly reduced following completion of the reactions. The field electron emission current of the C₆₀ surface will increase after functionalisation of either the I or II molecule.     

Conformational isomerism of electroactive calix[4]arenes: influence of the electronic state in the flexibility of thiophene-containing calix[4]arene

The cone-to-paco conformational isomerism of 11,23-bis(thiophen-5-yl)-26,28-dimethoxycalix[4]arene-25,27-diol, a calix[4]arene with thiophene substituents in para position with respect to the hydroxyl groups, has been investigated using ab initio and DFT quantum mechanical methods. This compound models a molecular device constituted by small oligomers of thiophene and calix[4]arene units, whose actuation mechanism is promoted by the conformational flexibility of the latter. To examine the influence of the electronic structure of this electroactive calix[4]arene, three different states have been considered: (i) neutral state; (ii) oxidized state, in which one electron is extracted from each thiophene ring; and (iii) oxidized-deprotonated state, in which the two hydroxyl groups of the oxidized compound are deprotonated. Results are discussed and compared with those obtained for the same molecule but without thiophene substituents, 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-dimethoxycalix[4]arene. Although the influence of the thiophene substituents is negligible in the neutral state, they play a crucial role in the rotational isomerism of both the oxidized and deprotonated-oxidized states.     

The electronic spectra of [n]-radialenes

Application of Simpson's Independent Systems Approach to [n]-radialenes yields predictions for their electronic spectra which are in good qualitative agreement with observation.

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Zusammenfassung Die Anwendung von Simpsons Independent Systems Approach auf [n]-Radialene liefert Voraussagen für ihre Elektronenspektren, die in guter qualitativer Übereinstimmung mit der Beobachtung stehen.

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Résumé Application du Independent Systems Approach de Simpson aux [n]-radialènes fournit des prédictions pour leurs spèctres éléctroniques, qui sont qualitativement en bon accord avec l'expérience.

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This work was supported by the Schweizerische Nationalfonds (Projekg Nr. 2766).

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I thank Dr. G. Köbrich for a stimulating correspondence and for providing a sample of the hydrocarbon II.     

A reliable ab initio potential energy surface and vibrational states for the ground electronic state of HgH2(X1Sigma+g)

A three-dimensional global potential energy surface for the ground (X (1)Sigma(+)(g))electronic state of HgH(2) is constructed from more than 13,00 ab initio points. These points are generated using an internally contracted multireference configuration interaction method with the Davidson correction and a large basis set. Low-lying vibrational energy levels of HgH(2), HHgD, and HgD(2) calculated using the Lanczos algorithm are found to be in good agreement with the available experimental band origins. The majority of the vibrational energy levels up to 9000 cm(-1) are assigned with normal mode quantum numbers. Our results indicate a gradual transition for the stretching vibrations from the normal mode regime at low energies to the local mode regime near 9000 and 8000 cm(-1) for HgH(2) and HgD(2), respectively, as evidenced by a decreasing energy gap between the (0,0,n(3)) and (1,0,n(3)-1) vibrational states and bifurcation of the corresponding wave functions.     

One-pot synthesis of [1+1] and 62-membered [2+2] Schiff base macrocycles

New [1+1] and 62-membered [2+2] Schiff base macrocycles containing a 2,6-diamidopyridine subunit have been synthesized by condensation reaction of the precursors pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide and 1,10-bis(20-formylphenyloxy)decane in the presence of phosphoric acid via a one-pot process. The cyclocondensed products were effectively isolated by gel column chromatography and characterized by ~1H NMR, FTIR, mass spectrometry and X-ray analysis. The two macrocycles have a twisted structure, and not an open ‘circular' conformation in the solid state.     

2 + 4] and [4 + 2] cycloadditions of o-thioquinones with 1,3-dienes: a computational study

Cycloadditions of o-thioquinones (o-TQs) with 1,3-dienes could proceed via either a [2 + 4] or a [4 + 2] mechanism. Under kinetic control and with acyclic dienes the reaction affords the spiro cycloadducts 5deriving from the [2 + 4] path as the main products. Under thermodynamic control, or with cyclic dienes, the o-TQs behave as heterodienes to give the benzoxathiin derivatives 4, in most cases with complete regioselectivity. In the present computational study, DFT calculations were performed in order to achieve a deep understanding of both [2 + 4] and [4 + 2] paths. The reactions of three o-TQs with six 1,3-dienes were thoroughly investigated at the B3LYP/TZVP//B3LYP6-31G level, and the two reaction mechanisms were then compared, evidencing that [2 + 4] cycloadditions are kinetically favored, strongly asynchronous, or even unconcerted, while [4 + 2] reactions are thermodynamically favored, quite asynchronous, but undoubtedly concerted. Moreover, the observed regioselectivity was rationalized by mean of the FMO theory and by comparison of the activation energies for different pathways.