Graphitic carbon nitride C6N9H3·HCl: Characterisation by UV and near-IR FT Raman spectroscopy

The graphitic layered compound C₆N₉H₃·HCl was prepared by reaction between melamine and cyanuric chloride under high pressure-high temperature conditions in a piston cylinder apparatus and characterised using SEM, powder X-ray diffraction, UV Raman and near-IR Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy with near-IR excitation. Theoretical calculations using density functional methods permitted evaluation of the mode of attachment of H atoms to nitrogen sites in the structure and a better understanding of the X-ray diffraction pattern. Broadening in the UV and near-IR FT Raman spectra indicate possible disordering of the void sites within the graphitic layers or it could be due to electron-phonon coupling effects.     

First-principles prediction of metastable niobium and tantalium nitrides M4N5 and M5N6 stoichiometry

A first-principles plane-wave pseudopotential method based on the density functional theory is used to investigate the structural, elastic and electronic properties of M₄N₅ and M₅N₆ (M = a transition metal (TM) Nb, Ta). C₃₃ elastic constant for all compounds is found to be much larger than C₁₁, indicating that a-axis is more compressible than c-axis. Interestingly, we find that C₃₃ and C₁₁ are significantly larger than other elastic constants, resulting in a pronounced elastic anisotropy.     

First principles calculations of electronic and optical properties of Ag2S

A theoretical study of structural, electronic and optical properties of Ag₂S is presented using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method within density functional theory (DFT). In this approach, the modified Becke Johnson (MBJ) potential coupled with Local Density Approximation (LDA) was used for the exchange-correlation potential calculation. Ground state properties are determined for the bulk material in monoclinic phase. Band structure reveals that this compound is a direct energy band gap semiconductor. MBJLDA results for the band gap of this compound are much better than those obtained using LDA, Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation (PBE-GGA) and Engel–Vosko's GGA (EV-GGA). A very good agreement is observed between MBJLDA band gap and corresponding experimental values as compared to other calculations. Optical constants including the dielectric function, refractive index, extinction coefficient, electron energy loss function, reflectivity and absorption coefficient are obtained and discussed.     

Pressure induced structural phase transition of OsB2: First-principles calculations

Orthorhombic OsB₂ was synthesized at 1000 °C and its compressibility was measured by using the high-pressure X-ray diffraction in a Diacell diamond anvil cell from ambient pressure to 32 GPa [R.W. Cumberland, et al. (2005)]. First-principles calculations were performed to study the possibility of the phase transition of OsB₂. An analysis of the calculated enthalpy shows that orthorhombic OsB₂ can transfer to the hexagonal phase at 10.8 GPa. The calculated results with the quasi-harmonic approximation indicate that this phase transition pressure is little affected by the thermal effect. The calculated phonon band structure shows that the hexagonal P 6₃/mmc structure (high-pressure phase) is stable for OsB₂. We expect the phase transition can be further confirmed by the experimental work.     

分子基磁体Cr[N(CN)2]2电子结构和半金属性的第一性原理研究

The electronic structure and half-metallicity of molecule-based ferromagnet Cr[N(CN)₂]₂ have been investigated using first-principles with generalized gradient approximation. The total energy, spin-polarized electronic band structure, density of states (DOSs) and spin mag-netic moments were all calculated. The calculations reveal that the compound Cr[N(CN)₂]₂ is a really half-metallic ferromagnet with a integral magnetic moment of 2.0000 μB per molecule in the optimized lattice constant. Based on the spin distribution and the DOS, it is found that the total magnetic moment is mainly from the Cr²⁺ with relative small contribution from C and N atoms. The sensitivity of the half-metallicity to small change in lattice constant is also discussed.     

Physical Properties of Si2Ge and SiGe2 in Hexagonal Symmetry: First-Principles Calculations

We predict two novel group 14 element alloys Si\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}Ge and SiGe\begin{document}$_2$\end{document} in \begin{document}$P$\end{document}6\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}22 phase in this work through first-principles calculations. The structures, stability, elastic anisotropy, electronic and thermodynamic properties of these two proposed alloys are investigated systematically. The proposed \begin{document}$P$\end{document}6\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}22-Si\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}Ge and \begin{document}$P$\end{document}6\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}22-SiGe\begin{document}$_2$\end{document} have a hexagonal symmetry structure, and the phonon dispersion spectra and elastic constants indicate that these two alloys are dynamically and mechanically stable at ambient pressure. The elastic anisotropy properties of \begin{document}$P$\end{document}6\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}22-Si\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}Ge and \begin{document}$P$\end{document}6\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}22-SiGe\begin{document}$_2$\end{document} are examined elaborately by illustrating the surface constructions of Young's modulus, the contour surfaces of shear modulus, and the directional dependence of Poisson's ratio; the differences with their corresponding group 14 element allotropes \begin{document}$P$\end{document}6\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}22-Si\begin{document}$_3$\end{document} and \begin{document}$P$\end{document}6\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}22-Ge\begin{document}$_3$\end{document} are also discussed and compared. Moreover, the Debye temperature and sound velocities are analyzed to study the thermodynamic properties of the proposed \begin{document}$P$\end{document}6\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}22-Si\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}Ge and \begin{document}$P$\end{document}6\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}22-SiGe\begin{document}$_2$\end{document}.     

The geometry, vibrational frequencies, thermochemistry, quadrupole moments and electronic structure of C2Na2: Comparison with C2Li2, C2H2, C2F2 and C2Cl2

The electronic structure of Na₂C₂ is studied using ab initio electronic structure methods and is compared to the companion molecule Li₂C₂. Both the linear D_∞h and planar structures are minima on the ground state potential surface with the planar D_2h conformation being the lowest energy form, similar to Li₂C₂. At the CCSD(t) level the planar form is more stable that the linear by 11.2 kcal/mol as compared with 7.34 kcal/mol for Li₂C₂. Both molecules are significantly ionic. The vibrational frequencies, atomization energy at 0 K, D₀, and the standard enthalpy of formation, are calculated and compared to those of Li₂C₂ as well as HCCH, FCCF and ClCCCl. We find D₀ and to be 331.1 and 84.92 kcal/mol for Li₂C₂ and 298.3 and 93.25 kcal/mol for Na₂C₂. We calibrate these by calculating the same quantities for HCCH, FCCF and ClCCCl.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,crystal and molecular structure of [ReOX2(bopyH)(PPh3)] complexes: DFT calculations for [ReOCl2(bopyH)(PPh3)]

The reactions of [ReOX₃(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br) with benzoylpyridine (bopy) have been examined and novel [ReOX₂(bopyH)(PPh₃)] oxocompounds have been obtained. The complexes were structurally and spectroscopically characterised. In the both structures two-electron reduced form of benzoylpyridine is coordinated to the central ion. The electronic structure of [ReOCl₂(bopyH)(PPh₃)] has been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method, and additional information about binding has been obtained by NBO analysis. The UV–Vis spectrum of the [ReOCl₂(bopyH)(PPh₃)] has been discussed on the basis of TDDFT calculations.     

Heat capacity and thermodynamic properties of N-(2-cyanoethyl) aniline (C9H10N2)

The low temperature heat capacities of N-(2-cyanoethyl)aniline were measured with an automated adiabatic calorimeter over the temperature range from 83 to 353 K. The temperature corresponding to the maximum value of the apparent heat capacity in the fusion interval, molar enthalpy and entropy of fusion of this compound were determined to be 323.33 ± 0.13 K, 19.4 ± 0.1 kJ mol⁻¹ and 60.1 ± 0.1 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, respectively. Using the fractional melting technique, the purity of the sample was determined to be 99.0 mol% and the melting temperature for the tested sample and the absolutely pure compound were determined to be 323.50 and 323.99 K, respectively. A solid-to-solid phase transition occurred at 310.63 ± 0.15 K. The molar enthalpy and molar entropy of the transition were determined to be 980 ± 5 J mol⁻¹ and 3.16 ± 0.02 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, respectively. The thermodynamic functions of the compound [H_T − H_298.15] and [S_T − S_298.15] were calculated based on the heat capacity measurements in the temperature range of 83–353 K with an interval of 5 K.     

Oxorhenium(V) complexes with quinoline-2-carboxylate ligand. X-ray structure of [ReOCl2(quin-2-c)(PPh3)] and [ReOBr2(quin-2-c)(AsPh3)] complexes: DFT and TD-DFT calculations for [ReOCl2(quin-2-c)(PPh3)]

Novel [ReOX₂(quin-2-c)(EPh₃)] complexes (X = Cl, Br; E = As, P; quin-2-c = quinoline-2-carboxylate ion) have been prepared by treatment of [ReOX₃(EPh₃)₂] with quinoline-2-carboxylic acid in acetone at room temperature. All the complexes were characterised by IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The crystal and molecular structures have been determined for [ReOCl₂(qiun-2c)(PPh₃)] (1) and [ReOBr₂(qiun-2c)(AsPh₃)] (4). The electronic structure of 1 has been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method. The spin-allowed electronic transitions of 1 have been calculated with the time-dependent DFT method.     

Reactivity of [ReOX3(PPh3)2] and [ReOX3(AsPh3)2] towards 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole: Synthesis, X-ray studies, spectroscopic characterization and DFT calculations for [ReOX2(hpb)(EPh3)] and [ReO(OMe)(hpb)2]·MeCN

The paper presents a combined experimental and computational study of mono- and disubstituted Re(V) oxocomplexes obtained in the reactions of [ReOX₃(EPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br; E = P, As) with 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole (Hhpb). From the reactions of [ReOX₃(PPh₃)₂] with Hhpb in molar ratio 1:1 cis and trans stereoisomers of [ReOX₂(hpb)(PPh₃)] were isolated, whereas the [ReOX₃(AsPh₃)₂] oxocompounds react with Hhpb to give only cis-halide isomers. The [ReOX₂(hpb)(EPh₃)] and [ReO(OMe)(hpb)₂]·MeCN complexes have been characterized spectroscopically and structurally (by single-crystal X-ray diffraction). The DFT and TDDFT calculations have been carried out for the trans-[ReOBr₂(hpb)(PPh₃)], cis-[ReOBr₂(hpb)(AsPh₃)] and [ReO(OMe)(hpb)₂], and their UV–Vis spectra have been discussed on this basis.     

Enthalpies of formation of nitrobuckminsterfullerenes: Extrapolation to C60(NO2)60

As with polynitrocubanes, new high-energy materials will be the likely result of bonding multiple nitro groups to a buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀) backbone. Here, we present a series of semi-empirical calculations on nitrofullerenes of varying nitro content. Enough nitrofullerene molecules were calculated to allow an extrapolation to pernitrobuckminsterfullerene, or C₆₀(NO₂)₆₀.     

The relevancy of the [B2N4] substructure in the electronic structure of the metal-rich lanthanum nitridoborate La3(B2N4)

Lanthanoide nitridoborates of the general formula Ln₃(B₂N₄) with Ln=La, Ce, Pr, and Nd occur as black crystalline materials. Their structures contain oxalate-like [B₂N₄]⁸⁻ ions being stacked in an eclipsed formation along one crystallographic direction. Electronic structures were calculated for a molecular [B₂N₄]⁸⁻, for the [B₂N₄] partial structure, and for the complete La₃(B₂N₄) structure with the extended Hückel algorithm to analyze the bonding characteristics and to trace the necessity and properties of one surplus electron of (La³⁺)₃(B₂N₄⁸⁻)(e⁻). The HOMO of a [B₂N₄]⁸⁻ is B-B σ bonding, and the LUMO is B-B π bonding but B-N antibonding. The energy band of the solid state [B₂N₄] partial structure corresponding to the LUMO is broadened as a result of intermolecular B?B interactions between adjacent [B₂N₄] units along the stacking direction. Due to bonding interactions with La d orbitals, this band is significantly lowered in energy and occupied with one electron in the band structure of La₃(B₂N₄). This singly occupied band exhibits no band crossings but creates a semimetal-like band structure situation.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterisation,crystal and molecular structure of [ReOBr(quin-2-c)2] and [ReOCl(quin-2-c)2] complexes: DFT and TD-DFT calculations for [ReOBr(quin-2-c)2]

Novel [ReOX(quin-2-c)₂] complexes (X = Cl, Br; quin-2-c = quinoline-2-carboxylate ion) have been prepared by treatment of [ReOX₃(AsPh₃)₂] with an excess of quinoline-2-carboxylic acid in acetonitrile. The complexes were characterised structurally and spectroscopically. The electronic structure of [ReOBr(quin-2-c)₂] has been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method, and additional information about binding has been obtained by NBO analysis. The UV–Vis spectrum of [ReOBr(quin-2-c)₂] has been discussed on the basis of TD-DFT calculations.     

Zn(C3H3N2)2: a novel diamagnetic insulator

We have prepared polycrystalline samples of Zn(C₃H₃N₂)₂ by a liquid-mix technique. Characterization of the obtained samples has been performed with the aid of elemental, thermogravimetric, infrared spectra and X-ray powder diffraction analysis. We have measured electric permittivity (ε′, ε″), ac-conductivity (σ_ac), magnetic susceptibility (χ) and specific heat (C_p). The obtained data indicate that this material is a new diamagnetic insulator. A maximum around is found in C_pT⁻³, and it is suggested that in addition to the Debye lattice contribution, there exists a low-frequency mode assigned as an Einstein mode contribution to the total specific heat. As a main result of the study, we found ε′ to be constant in a wide temperature range and to have a small value of 2.3 at room temperature. This feature in combination with other properties like crystallization, good thermal stability (up to 400°C), weak moisture sensitivity and simple synthesis makes Zn(C₃H₃N₂)₂ to be a promising candidate for good insulating material in various applications.     

Oxorhenium complexes with the 8-quinolinolato ligand. X-ray structure and DFT calculations for [ReOX2(hqn)(AsPh3)] and [ReOX2(hqn)(PPh3)] complexes

The reactions of [ReOX₃(AsPh₃)₂] and [ReOX₃(PPh₃)₂] with 8-hydroxyquinoline (Hhqn) have been examined and the complexes [ReOX₂(hqn)(AsPh₃)] and [ReOX₂(hqn)(PPh₃)] (X = Cl, Br) have been obtained, respectively. The crystal and molecular structures of [ReOCl₂(hqn)(AsPh₃)] (1) and [ReOBr₂(hqn)(PPh₃)] (4) have been determined. The electronic structure of 1 has been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method. The spin-allowed electronic transitions of 1 have been calculated with the time-dependent DFT method, and the UV–Vis spectrum of [ReOCl₂(hqn)(AsPh₃)] has been discussed on this basis.     

The new silver(I)thioantimonate(III) [C4N2H14][Ag3Sb3S7] and a new structural variant of the silver(I)thioantimonate(III) [C2N2H9]2[Ag5Sb3S8] both synthesized under solvothermal conditions

The novel silver(I)thioantimonates(III) [C₄N₂H₁₄][Ag₃Sb₃S₇] (I) (C₄N₂H₁₂=1,4-diaminobutane) and [C₂N₂H₉]₂[Ag₅Sb₃S₈] (II) (C₂N₂H₈=ethylenediamine) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions using AgNO₃, Sb, S and the amines as structure directing molecules. Both compounds crystallize as orange needles with lattice parameters a=6.669(1) Å, b=30.440(3) Å, c=9.154(1) Å for I (space group Pnma), and a=6.2712(4) Å, b=15.901(1) Å, c=23.012(2) Å, β=95.37(1)° for II (space group P2₁/n). In both compounds the primary building units are trigonal SbS₃ pyramids, AgS₃ triangles and AgS₄ tetrahedra. In I the layered [Ag₃Sb₃S₇]²⁻ anion is constructed by two different chains. An [Sb₂S₄] chain running along [100] is formed by vertex sharing of SbS₃ pyramids. The second chain contains a Ag₃SbS₅ group composed of the AgS₄ tetrahedron, two AgS₃ units and one SbS₃ pyramid. The Ag₃SbS₅ units are joined via S atoms to form the second chain which is also directed along [100]. The layered anion is then obtained by condensation of the two individual chains. The organic structure director is sandwiched by the inorganic layers and the shortest inter-layer distance is about 6.4 Å. In II the primary building units are linked into different six-membered rings which form a honeycomb-like layer. Two such layers are connected via Ag-S bonds of the AgS₄ tetrahedra giving the final undulated double layer anion. The structure directing ethylenediamine cations are located in pairs between the layers and a sandwich-like arrangement of alternating anionic layers and organic cations is observed. The inter-layer separation is about 5.4 Å. Both compounds decompose in a more or less complex manner when heated in an argon atmosphere. The optical band gaps of about 1.9 eV for the two compounds proof the semiconducting behavior. For II the conductivity was measured with impedance spectroscopy and amounts to σ_295K=7.6×10⁻⁷ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹. At 80 °C the conductivity is significantly larger by one order of magnitude.