Study on the Geometric and Electronic Structures of Al<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>Si<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis></Subscript> (n = 3, 4, 5; m = 1, 2, 3, 4) Clusters

Genetic algorithm combined with the semi-empirical Hamitonian AM1/PM3 is used to search the low energy isomers of Al _n Si _m (n = 3, 5, m ≤ 3 and n = 4, m ≤ 4) and the charged clusters with 20 and 28 valence electrons. The candidate structures were optimized by the density functional theory PBE0 and B3LYP models with the triply split basis sets including polarization functions. The electronic structures show that Al–Si binary clusters behave like metal clusters. The molecular orbitals accord with that predicted by the jellium model, and the electron localization function shows the valence electrons are delocalized over the entire clusters. The clusters having 20 and 28 valence electrons exhibit pronounced stabilities and large energy gaps. The 20 valence electrons of Al₄Si₂ and Al₃Si₃ ⁺, Al₅Si^? form closed shells 1S ²1P ⁶2S ²1D ¹⁰. Al₄Si₄ and Al₅Si₃ ^? have oblate structures and the P, D, F levels spilt considerably in these clusters. The electron density distributions suggest that doping silicon in the aluminum clusters enhances the stability considerably.     

Chlorine-passivated superatom Al<Subscript>37</Subscript> clusters for nonlinear optics

Utilizing a facile top-down synthetic procedure, here we report the finding of a chlorine-passivated Al₃₇ superatom cluster. It is demonstrated that the presence of electrophilic groups, severing as protecting ligands, alters the valence electron count of the metallic core and stabilize the as-prepared aluminum clusters especially when even-numbered chlorine atoms are located at equilibrium positions. Following the discussion regarding their reasonable stabilities, we illustrate the feasible reaction pathways in forming such chlorine-passivated Al₃₇ superatom clusters which bear delocalized superatomic orbitals with five valence 3P⁵ electrons shifting to the chlorine ligands indicative of a closed electron shell 2F¹⁴ of the metal core. The successful synthesis of such chlorine-protected aluminum clusters evidences the compatibility of general theory of cluster chemistry in both gas phase and wet chemistry. Such simple-ligand-protected aluminum clusters exhibit reverse-saturated-absorption (RSA) nonlinear optical property pertaining to electronic transitions within the discrete energy states of cluster materials.     

Revisiting the structural and electronic properties of neutral,mono- and di-anionic titanium-doped silicon clusters TiSin0/−/2− (n = 6-16)

The systematic structures search for neutral and Zintl anionic Ti-doped silicon clusters TiSi_n^0/−/2− (n = 6-16) have been carried out using the ABCluster global search technique combined with a double-hybrid density functional method. Based on the predicted energies, adiabatic electron affinities, vertical detachment energies and the consistency between simulated and experimental photoelectron spectroscopy, the true global minimum structures are confirmed. The results show that structural growth pattern of neutral TiSi_n clusters is from linked structures (n = 10-12) to encapsulated configurations (n = 13-16). In contrast, the evolution pattern of Zintl anionic TiSi_n^−/2− clusters begins with the pentagonal bipyramid structure (n = 6). As the Si atoms increase, these Si atoms attach to the surface adjacent to Ti atom, and gradually surround Ti atom. Eventually, the encapsulated structure is formed when n = 12. Moreover, two extra electrons not only perfect the structure of TiSi₁₂ but also improve its chemical and thermodynamic stability.     

All-Metallic Zn=Zn Double-π Bonded Octahedral Zn2M4 (M=Li,Na) Clusters with Negative Oxidation State of Zinc

Zn=Zn double bonded-especially double-π bonded-systems are scarce due to strong Coulomb repulsion caused by the Zn atom's internally crowded d electrons and very high energy of the virtual π orbitals in Zn₂ fragments. It is also rare for Zn atoms to exhibit negative oxidation states within reported Zn−Zn bonded complexes. Herein, we report Zn=Zn double-π bonded octahedral clusters Zn₂M₄ (M=Li, Na) bridged by four alkali metal ligands, in which the central Zn atom is in a negative oxidation state. Especially in D_4h−Zn₂Na₄, the natural population analysis shows that the charge of the Zn atom reaches up to −0.89 |e| (−1.11 |e| for AIM charge). Although this cooperation inevitably increases the repulsion between two Zn atoms, the introduction of the s¹-type ligands results in occupation of degenerated π orbitals and the electrons being delocalized over the whole octahedral framework as well, in turn stabilizing the octahedral molecular structure. This study demonstrates that maintaining the degeneracy of the π orbitals and introducing electrons from equatorial plane are effective means to construct double-π bonds between transitional metals.     

The novel arsenate Na4Co7−xAl2/3x(AsO4)6 (x = 1.37): crystal structure,charge‐distribution and bond‐valence‐sum investigations

The title compound, tetrasodium cobalt aluminium hexaarsenate, Na₄Co_7−xAl_2/3x(AsO₄)₆ (x = 1.37), is isostructural with K₄Ni₇(AsO₄)₆; however, in its crystal structure, some of the Co²⁺ ions are substituted by Al³⁺ in a fully occupied octahedral site (site symmetry 2/m) and a partially occupied tetrahedral site (site symmetry 2). A third octahedral site is fully occupied by Co²⁺ ions only. One of the two independent tetrahedral As atoms and two of its attached O atoms reside on a mirror plane, as do two of the three independent Na⁺ cations, all of which are present at half‐occupancy. The proposed structural model based on a careful investigation of the crystal data is supported by charge‐distribution (CHARDI) analysis and bond‐valence‐sum (BVS) calculations. The correlation between the X‐ray refinement and the validation results is discussed.     

Correlation between electron delocalization and structural planarization in small water rings

The discovery of the covalent‐like character of the hydrogen bonding (H‐bonding) system [Science 342 , 611(2013)] has promoted a renewal of our understanding of the electronic and geometric structures of water clusters. In this work, based on density functional theory calculations, we show that the preferential formation of a stable quasiplanar structure of (H₂O)_n(n = 3–6) is closely related to three kinds of delocalized molecular orbitals (MOs; denoted as MO‐I, II, and III) of water rings. These originate from the 2p lone pair electrons of oxygen (O), the 2p bond electrons of O and the 1s electrons of H and the 2s electrons of O and 1s electrons of H, respectively. To maximize the orbital overlaps of the three MOs, geometric planarization is needed. The contribution of the orbital interaction is more than 30% in all the water rings according to our energy decomposition analysis, highlighting the considerable covalent‐like characters of H‐bonds. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

On the binding in carbides

The two-correlations model for the binding in alloy phases is applied to carbides. The model considers a valence electron spatial correlation (namedb correlation) and a core electron spatial correlation (namedc correlation) and assumes that they are in good commensurability with the crystal cella and with one another; the types of the correlations together with the commensurability are named a binding. The well known concept of interstitial structures of carbides is extended by the assumption that the valence electrons of the C atoms and the peripheral d electrons of the transition metal atoms (T atoms) take part in thec correlation while the valence electrons of the T atoms form ab correlation which lies in good commensurability with thec correlation and contributes thus to the stability of a phase. This model explains the high melting temperature of TiC, it gives the sequence of structures for increasing C mole fraction in a mixture like WC _M (M=undetermined mole number) and it affords a simple interpretation of the martensite phenomenon. Only in B ⁿ atom carbides, like Al₄C₃ or SiC, the valence electrons of B ⁿ and of C appear to form ab correlation, so that the core electrons of the C and of the B ⁿ atoms form thec correlation. By these assumptions becomes clear why great atoms like Tl, Pb, Bi do not form interstitial compounds with C, or why in the SiC compound and in Al₄C₃(AlN) _M there are many homeotypic phases (polytypes). In three component carbides also, the occurrence of certain structural types is better understood by the analysis of the binding.

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Über die Bindungstypen in Carbiden

Zusammenfassung Das Zweikorrelationenmodell für die Bindung in Legierungsphasen wird auf Carbide angewandt. Das Modell betrachtet eine Ortskorrelation der Valenzelektronen (genanntb-Korrelation) und eine Ortskorrelation der peripheren Rumpfelektronen (genanntc-Korrelation) und nimmt an, daß diese in guter Kommensurabilität mit der Kristallzellea und miteinander stehen; die Typen der Korrelationen zusammen mit der Kommensurabilität zwischen ihnen kennzeichnen den Bindungstyp. Der bekannte Begriff der Einlagerungsstrukturen der Carbide wird erweitert durch die Annahme, daß die Valenzelektronen der C-Atome und die peripheren d-Elektronen der Übergangsmetallatome (T-Atome) an derc-Korrelation teilnehmen, während die Valenzelektronen der T-Atome eineb-Korrelation bilden, die in guter Kommensurabilität zurc-Korrelation steht und so zur Stabilität der Phase beiträgt. Das Modell erklärt die hohe Schmelztemperatur von TiC, es gibt die Abfolge der Strukturen für steigenden C-Molenbruch in einer Mischung wie WC _M (M=unbestimmte Molenzahl) und es liefert eine einfache Deutung des Martensit-Phänomens. Lediglich in B ⁿ -Carbiden wie Al₄C₃ oder SiC scheinen die Valenzelektronen der B ⁿ - und der C-Atome dieb-Korrelation zu bilden, so daß die Rumpfelektronen der C- und B ⁿ -Atome diec-Korrelation bilden. Durch diese Annahmen wird klar, warum große Atome wie Tl, Pb, Bi keine Einlagerungsverbindungen mit C bilden oder warum in der Verbindung SiC oder in Al₄C₃(AlN) _M viele homöotypische Phasen (Polytype) auftreten. Auch in dreikomponentigen Carbiden wird das Auftreten bestimmter Strukturtypen besser verständlich durch die Analyse des Bindungstyps.

     

The sodium salt of 2‐hydroxy‐5‐nitrobenzylsulfonic acid

The structural data for sodium 2‐hydroxy‐5‐nitro­benzyl­sulfonate monohydrate, Na⁺·C₇H₆NO₆S^?·H₂O, which mimics an artificial substrate for human aryl­sulfatase A, viz. p‐­nitrocatechol sulfate, reveal that the geometric parameters of the substrate and its analogue are very similar. Two water mol­ecules, the phenolic O atom and three sulfonate O atoms form the coordination sphere of the Na⁺ ion, which is a distorted octahedron. The Na⁺ cations and the O atoms join to form a chain polymer.     

Reduction of Na+ within a {Mg2Na2} Assembly

Ionic compounds containing sodium cations are notable for their stability and resistance to redox reactivity unless highly reducing electrical potentials are applied. Here we report that treatment of a low oxidation state {Mg₂Na₂} species with non-reducible organic bases induces the spontaneous and completely selective extrusion of sodium metal and oxidation of the Mg^I centers to the more conventional Mg^II state. Although these processes are also characterized by a structural reorganisation of the initially chelated diamide spectator ligand, computational quantum chemical studies indicate that intramolecular electron transfer is abetted by the frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO/LUMO) of the {Mg₂Na₂} ensemble, which arise exclusively from the 3s valence atomic orbitals of the constituent sodium and magnesium atoms.     

Cesium's Off‐the‐Map Valence Orbital

The T_d ‐symmetric [CsO₄]⁺ ion, featuring Cs in an oxidation state of 9, is computed to be a minimum. Cs uses outer core 5s and 5p orbitals to bind the oxygen atoms. The valence Cs 6s orbital lies too high to be involved in bonding, and contributes to Rydberg levels only. From a molecular orbital perspective, the bonding scheme is reminiscent of XeO₄: an octet of electrons to bind electronegative ligands, and no low‐lying acceptor orbitals on the central atom. In this sense, Cs⁺ resembles hypervalent Xe.     

Unusually large 254 Atoms Counter-Ion for 5 Atoms [Ge5]2– Cluster

Abstract . With the attempt to synthesize Nb-enclosed germanium Zintl cluster ion in ethylenediamine (en) / toluene solution, the reaction of K₄Ge₉/Na₄Ge₉ with Nb(mes)₂ (mes = mesitylene) gives unexpected 18-crown-6 cleavage product of [K₁₄Na₂(NbO₂)₂(C₈H₁₆O₅)₈](Ge₅) (en) · solv in the form of very air-sensitive, light-brown, plate-like crystals. This unique compound crystallizes in monoclinic Pn (No. 7) space group, the cleavage of crown linked the 14 potassium, 2 sodium, and 2 niobium atoms into the bulky 2+ charged cation, which balances the [Ge₅]^2– anion. This compound represents the rare example of heteronuclear metal alkoxide / Zintl ion hybrid.     

Searching new structures of beryllium-doped in small-sized magnesium clusters: Be2MgnQ (Q = 0, −1; n = 1–11) clusters DFT study

Using CALYPSO method to search new structures of neutral and anionic beryllium-doped magnesium clusters followed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, an extensive study of the structures, electronic and spectral properties of Be₂Mg_n^Q (Q = 0, −1; n = 2–11) clusters is performed. Based on the structural optimization, it is found that the Be₂Mg_n^Q (Q = 0, −1) clusters are shown by tetrahedral-based geometries at n = 2–6 and tower-like-based geometries at n = 7–11. The calculations of stability indicate that Be₂Mg₅^Q=0, Be₂Mg₅^Q=−1, and Be₂Mg₈^Q=−1 clusters are “magic” clusters with high stability. The NCP shows that the charges are transferred from Mg atoms to Be atoms. The s- and p-orbitals interactions of Mg and Be atoms are main responsible for their NEC. In particular, chemical bond analysis including molecular orbitals (MOs) and chemical bonding composition for magic clusters to further study their stability. The results confirmed that the high stability of these clusters is due to the interactions between the Be atom and the Mg₅ or Mg₈ host. Finally, theoretical calculations of infrared and Raman spectra of the ground state of Be₂Mg_n^Q (Q = 0, −1; n = 1–11) clusters were performed, which will be absolutely useful for future experiments to identify these clusters.     

Quantum chemical study of IrFn (n = 1–7) clusters: An investigation of superhalogen properties

In present investigation, the interactions of iridium (Ir) atom with fluorine (F) atoms have been studied using the density functional theory. Up to seven F atoms were able to bind to a single Ir atom which resulted in increase of electron affinities successively, reaching a peak value of 7.85 eV for IrF₇. The stability and reactivity of these clusters were analyzed by calculating highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)–LUMO gaps, molecular orbitals and binding energies of these clusters. The unusual properties of these clusters are due to the involvement of inner shell 5d‐electrons, which not only allows IrF_n clusters to belong to the class of superhalogens but also shows that its valence can exceed the nominal value of 2. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Resonant emission of UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>, U<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>8</Subscript>, and UO<Subscript>2+<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript> valence electrons under SR excitation near the O<Subscript>4,5</Subscript>(U) absorption edge

The structure of the resonant electron emission (REE) spectra of UO₂ (REE appears under the excitation with synchrotron radiation near the O_4,5(U) absorption edge at ∼100 eV and ∼110 eV) is studied with regard to the X-ray O_4,5(U) absorption spectrum of UO₂ and a quantitative scheme of molecular orbitals based on the X-ray electron spectroscopy data and the results of a relativistic calculation of the electronic structure of UO₂. The structure of the REE spectra of U₃O₈ and UO_2+x is studied for comparison, and the effect of the uranium chemical environment in oxides on it is found. The appearance of such a structure reflects the processes of excitation and decay involving the U5d and electrons of the outer valence MOs (OVMOs, from 0 to ∼13 eV) and inner valence MOs (IVMOs, from ∼13 eV to ∼35 eV) of the studied oxides. It is noted that REE spectra show the partial density of states of U6p and U5f electrons. Based on the structure of REE spectra, it is revealed that U5f electrons directly participate (without losing the f nature) in the chemical bonding of uranium oxides and are delocalized within CMOs (in the middle of the band), which results in the enhancement of the intensity of the REE spectra of CMO electrons during resonances. The U6d electrons are found to be localized near the bottom of the outer valence band and are observed in the REE spectra of the studied oxides as a characteristic maximum at 10.8 eV. It is confirmed that U6p electrons are effectively involved in the formation of IVMOs, which leads to the appearance of the structure in the region of IVMO electron energies during resonances. This structure depends on the chemical environment of uranium in the considered oxides.     

A Topological Study of the Ferromagnetic “No-Pair Bonding” in Maximum-Spin Lithium clusters: n+1Li n (n=2–6)

The nature of the bonding between lithium atoms, in low-spin and maximum-spin clusters, was investigated using the topological electron localization function (ELF) approach. The maximum-spin clusters are especially intriguing since their bonding is sustained without having even a single electron pair! Hence this type of bonding had been called “no-pair ferromagnetic-bonding” [Danovich, Wu, Shaik J Am Chem Soc 121:3165 (1999); Glokhovtsev, Schleyer Isr J Chem 33: 455 (1993); de Visser, Danovich, Wu, Shaik J Phys Chem A 106:4961 (2002)]. The following conclusions were reached in the study: (a) In the ground state of Li _n , covalent bonding between Li atoms is accounted by the presence of the disynaptic valence basins, which exhibit a significant degree of inter-basin delocalization. (b) Except for the ³Li₂ case, the valence basins of all maximum-spin clusters are populated by unpaired electrons. The valence basins are located off Li–Li axis (or Li–Li–Li plane), so that their spatial distribution minimizes the mutual Pauli repulsion and screens the electrostatic repulsion between the Li cores. The inter-basin delocalization is rather high, thereby indicating that the unpaired electrons are virtually delocalized over all the valence basins. (c) The ELF analysis shows that Li atoms in the low-spin clusters are bonded by “two-center two-electron” and “three-center two-electron” bonds. (d) In the maximum-spin species, bonding is sustained by “two-center one-electron” and “three-center one-electron” bonds. The latter picture is complementary to the valence bond picture [Danovich, Wu, Shaik J Am Chem Soc 121 3165 (1999); de Visser, Danovich, Wu, Shaik J Phys Chem A 106: 4961 (2002)], in which the bicentric ferromagnetic-bonding is delocalized over all the short Li–Li contacts, by the mixing of the ionic structures and other nonredundant structures into the repulsive high-spin covalent structure in which all the electrons populate the 2s atomic orbitals, i.e., the configuration. In such a manner bonding can be sustained from “purely ferromagnetic interactions” without electron pairing.Dedicated to Jean-Paul Malrieu, a friend and a poet-scientist     

Distribution of Valence Electron Density in C n H m and BnHm Framework and Polyhedral Molecules and Orbital-Reduntant Bonds

In framework molecular cations and radical cations of adamantane C₁₀H _m ^q+ and also in polyhedral molecules and molecular ions C₅H₅ ⁺, C₆H₆ ^{2 +}, B₅H₉, and B₁₀H₁₀ ^{2 -}, the charge density of valence electrons in the central areas of C _n and B _n cavities and faces is significant. In the molecule of adamantane C₁₀H₁₆, the valence electron density in central areas of the cavity and faces of the C₁₀ framework is small as compared to the electron density along its edges C-C. These distinctions are due to the fact that, in the electronic structure of C _n H ^q _m cations and radical cations and also of B _n H _m molecules and molecular ions, there is an additional orbital interaction involving vacant valence orbitals of C⁺ or B (orbital-reduntant bonds); the absence of vacant valence orbitals of C atoms in neutral adamantane molecule excludes additional orbital interactions in excess of C-H and C-C.     

First principles studies on the interaction of O2 with X@Al12 (X = Al−, P+, C,Si) clusters

The interaction of O₂ with the doped icosahedral X@Al₁₂ (X = Al^?, P⁺, C, Si) clusters with 40 valence electrons were investigated using density functional theory methods. A different behavior exhibited between Al₁₃^? and X@Al₁₂ (X = P⁺, C, Si) when they interact with O₂. The dissociation of O₂ on Al₁₃^? is strongly dependent on spin state of oxygen molecule. But X@Al₁₂ (X = P⁺, C, and Si) is not the case. The transform of spin moment from O₂ to Al₁₃^? is much faster. Small molecularly binding energy and relatively high energy barrier show that these clusters are all reluctant reacts with the ground state O₂. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010     

Electronic structure and reactivity of PO 43? , P2O 74? phosphate and SO 42? , S2O 72? sulfate anions

Group-theoretical analysis and molecular orbital methods were used to obtain (in analytical form) the electronic structure and reactivity of the PO ₄ ³⁻ , SO ₄ ²⁻ and P₂O ₇ ⁴⁻ , S₂O ₇ ²⁻ anions. The reactivity of the anions is dictated by the availability of lone electron pairs on the top quasidegenerate MOs in the form of linear combinations of group orbitals from atomic orbitals (AOs) of peripheral oxygen atoms for PO ₄ ³⁻ , SO ₄ ²⁻ and the central (bridging) atom for P₂O ₇ ⁴⁻ , S₂O ₇ ²⁻ . These electron pairs are responsible for the donor-acceptor interactions during complexation, clustering, and other (addition, substitution, etc.) reactions. Original Russian Text Copyright ? 2005 V. A. Zasukha, A. P. Shpak, V. V. Trachevskii, and E. V. Urubkova __________ Translated from Zhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 46, No. 3, pp. 405–415, May–June, 2005.