A density functional theory study on the Ag<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>H (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–10) clusters

Density functional GGA-PW91 method with DNP basis set is applied to optimize the geometries of Ag _n H (n = 1–10) clusters. For the lowest energy geometries of Ag _n H (n = 1–10) clusters, the hydrogen atom prefers to occupy the two-fold coordination bridge site except the occupation of single-fold coordination site in AgH cluster. After adsorption of hydrogen atom, most Ag _n structures are slightly perturbed and only the Ag₆ structure in Ag₆H cluster is distorted obviously. The Ag–Ag bond is strengthened and the strength of Ag–H bond exhibits a clear odd–even oscillation like the strength of Au–H bond in Au _n H clusters, indicating that the hydrogen atom is more favorable to be adsorbed by odd-numbered pure silver clusters. The adsorption strength of small silver cluster toward H atom is obviously weaker than that of small gold cluster toward H atom due to the strong scalar relativistic effect in small gold cluster. The pronounced odd–even alternation of the magnetic moments is observed in Ag _n H systems, indicating that the Ag _n H clusters possess tunable magnetic properties by adsorbing hydrogen atom onto odd-numbered or even-numbered small silver cluster.     

All-electron relativistic calculations on hydrogen atom adsorption onto small copper clusters

An all-electron scalar relativistic calculation on Cu _n H (n = 1–13) clusters has been performed by using density functional theory with the generalized gradient approximation at the PW91 level. Our results reveal that the hydrogen atom prefers to occupy the two fold coordination site for Cu _n H (n = 2, 4–6, 8, 10–13) clusters, the single fold coordination site for Cu _n H (n = 1, 3, 7) and the three fold coordination site for Cu₉H cluster. For all Cu _n H clusters, only the Cu₁₁ structure in Cu₁₁H is distorted obviously. After adsorption, the Cu–Cu bond is strengthened and the Cu–H bond of odd-numbered Cu _n H clusters is relatively stronger than that of adjacent even-numbered Cu _n H clusters. The Cu–Cu bond-length and Cu–H bond-length for all Cu _n H clusters of our work are significantly shorter than those of previous work. This discrepancy can be explained in terms of the scalar relativistic effect. The most favorable adsorption between small copper clusters and hydrogen atom takes place in the case that hydrogen atom is adsorbed onto an odd-numbered pure Cu _n cluster and becomes Cu _n H cluster with even number of valence electrons. The odd–even alteration of magnetic moments is observed in Cu _n H clusters and may provide the material with tunable code capacity of “0” and “1” by adsorbing a hydrogen atom onto odd- or even-numbered copper clusters.     

A density functional theory study of the Au7Hn (n = 1–10) clusters

The geometries, electronic, and magnetic properties of the Au₇H_n (n = 1–10) clusters have been systematically investigated by using relativistic all-electron density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation. It is found that the Au₇ on the whole retains its triangle structure after hydrogen atoms adsorption and adsorbing hydrogen atoms can stabilize the Au₇ structure. The Au₇H₇ cluster is much higher stability than the neighboring clusters. The pronounced even–odd alternation of the magnetic moments is observed in the Au₇H_n systems indicating Au₇H_n clusters possess tunable magnetic properties by adding even or odd number of H atoms.     

Density functional study of hydrogen adsorption and dissociation on small Pdn (n = 1–7) clusters

Density functional theory has been performed to investigate the interaction of H₂ and Pd_n clusters (n = 1–7). The local minima configurations for different H₂ molecule approach modes towards Pd_n clusters are presented. Our results show that in some cases H₂ is physically adsorbed around Pd atom, and in other cases H₂ is dissociated to be H atoms. Except for PdH2, Pd_n clusters with H atoms dissociatively adsorbed are most stable. For these most stable PdnH2 clusters (n  2), the binding energy of hydrogen atom decreases as the number of Pd atom increases until n = 4, and when n  4, the binding energy almost keeps constant with the H atoms bound sites changing from Pd–Pd bonds to Pd triangle planes. Besides, the adsorption of H₂ on other low-lying isomers of Pd_n clusters is also discussed.     

A density functional study of bare and hydrogenated platinum clusters

We perform density functional theory calculations using Gaussian atomic-orbital methods within the generalized gradient approximation for the exchange and correlation to study the interactions in the bare and hydrogenated platinum clusters. The minimum-energy structures, binding energies, relative stabilities, vibrational frequencies and the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular-orbital gaps of Pt_nH_m (n = 1–5, m = 0–2) clusters are calculated and compared with previously studied pure platinum and hydrogenated platinum clusters. We investigate any magic behavior in hydrogenated platinum clusters and find that Pt₄H₂ is more stable than its neighboring sizes. The lowest energy structure of Pt₄ is found to be a distorted tetrahedron and that of Pt₅ is found to be a bridge site capped tetrahedron which is a new global minimum for Pt₅ cluster. The successive addition of H atoms to Pt_n clusters leads to an oscillatory change in the magnetic moment of Pt₃–Pt₅ clusters.     

Growth Pattern, Electronic Structures and Magnetic Moments of Small Lutetium Clusters

The lowest-energy configurations, electronic structures and magnetic moments of small Lu _n (n = 2–20) clusters have been investigated within the framework of density functional theory. The results show that Lu _n (n = 4, 8, 13, and 18) clusters are more stable than their respective neighbors, and structural transformation reveals at n = 16. As the number of atoms increases, the magnetic moments increase in an alternating fashion until they reach a maximum of 4.00 μ_B for Lu₈ clusters, followed by even–odd oscillation between 0.00 and 1.00 μ_B over the range n = 9–20.     

Structural Growth Sequences and Electronic Properties of Lanthanum-Doped-Gold Clusters

The geometries, stabilities, and electronic properties of Au _n La (n = 2–8) clusters have been systematically investigated by using density-functional theory. The results show that the doped La atom prefers to locate at the center site with the number of Au atom increasing from 2 to 8. Furthermore, the Au _n La clusters are more stable than the Au _n+1 clusters. The charges transfer from La atom to Au atoms at n = 2–4, but charge-transferring is reversed at n = 5.     

Ionic crystals based on Keggin anion and mixed-valent diruthenium tetracetate: [Ru2(CH3COO)4(H2O)2]2[HnXW12O40]·[Ru2(CH3COO)4(H2O)Cl]·12H2O (X = B,Si, Ge)

Three new ionic crystals based on Keggin anion and mixed-valent diruthenium tetracetate, [Ru₂(CH₃CO₂)₄(H₂O)₂]₂[H_nXW₁₂O₄₀]·[Ru₂(CH₃CO₂)₄(H₂O)Cl]·12H₂O {X = B, n = 3 (1); X = Si, n = 2 (2); X = Ge, n = 2 (3)}, have been prepared in acidic aqueous solution at about pH 3.0 by reaction of K₄BW₁₂O₄₀·mH₂O, K₈SiW₁₁O₃₉·mH₂O and K₈GeW₁₁O₃₉·mH₂O with diruthenium tetracetate Ru₂(CH₃COO)₄Cl, respectively, and their structures were determined by X-Ray diffraction analysis. They are isostructural structure with the ratio of heteropolytungstate anion, Ru₂(CH₃CO₂)₄⁺ cation and neutral molecular Ru₂(CH₃CO₂)₄Cl of 1:2:1. The cyclic voltammetry in 0.5 M KNO₃ aqueous solution at pH 3.0 show the respective electrochemical behaviors of the W-centers and Ru₂-centers for these three complexes. Magnetic data analysis shows that diruthenium units display the ground state electronic configuration π*²δ* with large positive D value.     

Triruthenium carbonyl complexes containing bidentate pyridine–alkoxide ligands for highly efficient oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols

Reactions of substituted pyridylalkanol 6-CH₃PyCH₂CH(OH)R (R = Ph (L¹H), R = 4-CH₃C₆H₄ (L²H), R = 4-OCH₃C₆H₄ (L³H), R = 4-ClC₆H₄ (L⁴H), R = 4-BrC₆H₄ (L⁵H), R = 4-CF₃C₆H₄ (L⁶H)) with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ in refluxing tetrahydrofuran afforded the corresponding ruthenium carbonyl complexes [6-CH₃PyCH₂CHRO]₂Ru₃(CO)₈ (R = Ph ( 1a ), R = 4-CH₃C₆H₄ ( 1b ), R = 4-OCH₃C₆H₄ ( 1c ), R = 4-ClC₆H₄ ( 1d ), R = 4-BrC₆H₄ ( 1e ), R = 4-CF₃C₆H₄ ( 1f )) in good yields. These ruthenium complexes were well characterized using elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared and NMR spectroscopies. Furthermore, their crystal structures were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complexes 1a – 1f were found to be highly active toward oxidation of a wide range of primary and secondary alcohols to corresponding aldehydes and ketones within 5 minutes in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide as oxidant.     

Spectroscopic study of molecular structures of novel Schiff base derived from o-phthaldehyde and 2-aminophenol and its coordination compounds together with their biological activity

New Schiff base (H₂L) ligand is prepared via condensation of o-phthaldehyde and 2-aminophenol. The metal complexes of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with the ligand are prepared in good yield from the reaction of the ligand with the corresponding metal salts. They are characterized based on elemental analyses, IR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, electron spin resonance (ESR), molar conductance, ¹H NMR and thermal analysis (TGA). From the elemental analyses data, the complexes are proposed to have the general formulae [M(L)(H₂O)n]·yH₂O (where M = Mn(II) (n = 0, y = 1), Fe(II) (n = y = 0), Co(II) (n = 2, y = 0), Ni(II) (n = y = 2), Cu(II) (n = 0, y = 2) and Zn(II) (n = y = 0), and [MCl(L)(H₂O)]·yH₂O (where M = Cr(III) and Fe(III), y = 1–2). The molar conductance data reveal that all the metal chelates are non-electrolytes. IR spectra show that H₂L is coordinated to the metal ions in a bi-negatively tetradentate manner with ONNO donor sites of the azomethine N and deprotonated phenolic-OH. This is supported by the ¹H NMR and ESR data. From the magnetic and solid reflectance spectra, it is found that the geometrical structures of these complexes are octahedral (Cr(III), Fe(III), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes), tetrahedral (Mn(II), Fe(II) and Zn(II) complexes) and square planar (Cu(II) complex). The thermal behaviour of these chelates is studied and the activation thermodynamic parameters, such as, E*, ΔH*, ΔS* and ΔG* are calculated from the DrTGA curves using Coats-Redfern method. The parent Schiff base and its eight metal complexes are assayed against two fungal and two bacterial species. With respect to antifungal activity, the parent Schiff base and four metal complexes inhibited the growth of the tested fungi at different rates. Ni(II) complex is the most inhibitory metal complex, followed by Cr(III) complex, parent Schiff base then Co(II) complex. With regard to bacteria, only two of the tested metal complexes (Mn(II) and Fe(II)) weakly inhibit the growth of the two tested bacteria.     

Synthesis of a series of new ruthenium organometallic complexes derived from pyridine‐imine ligands and their catalytic activity in oxidation of secondary alcohols

Reactions of pyridine imines [C₅H₄N‐2‐C(H) = N‐C₆H₄‐R] [R = H (1), CH₃ (2), OMe (3), CF₃ (4), Cl (5), Br (6)] with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ in refluxing toluene gave the corresponding dinuclear ruthenium carbonyl complexes of the type {μ‐η²‐CH[(2‐C₅H₄N)(N‐C₆H₄‐R)]}₂Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐CO) [R = H (7); CH₃ (8); OMe (9); CF₃ (10); Cl (11); Br (12)]. All six novel complexes were separated by chromatography, and fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR spectroscopy. Molecular structures of 7, 10, 11, and 12 were determined by X‐ray crystal diffraction. Further, the catalytic performance of these complexes was also tested. The combination of {μ‐η²‐CH[(2‐C₅H₄N)(N‐C₆H₄‐R)]}₂Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐CO) and NMO afforded an efficient catalytic system for the oxidation of a variety secondary alcohols.     

First-principles study of O2 adsorption and dissociation on the CuCr2O4 (100) surface

The adsorption and dissociation of molecular oxygen on spinel CuCr₂O₄ (100) surface were carried out by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). The calculated results indicate that the Cr site is most favorable for atomic oxygen adsorption, with an adsorption energy of 402.8 kJ/mol. For molecular oxygen adsorption, there are three types of favorable interaction modes: O₂ forms bonds with the Cu site or O₂ binds to two Cr sites or O₂ interacts with both Cu and Cr sites simultaneously. The lowest activation energy (E_a = 35.4 kJ/mol) was found through exploring possible reaction pathways for O₂ dissociation. The relationship between E_a and reaction enthalpy (ΔH) for O₂ dissociation adsorption reactions fits Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi (BEP) behavior.     

Olefin epoxidation catalyzed by [Ru(TDL)(tmeda)H2O] complexes (TDL = tridentate Schiff-base ligand; tmeda = tetramethylethylenediamine)

Mixed-chelate complexes of ruthenium have been synthesized using tridentate Schiff-base ligands (TDLs) derived from condensation of 2-aminophenol or 2-aminobenzoic acid with aldehydes (salicyldehyde, 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde), and tmeda (tetramethylethylenediamine). [Ru^III(hpsd)(tmeda)(H₂O)]⁺ (1), [Ru^III(hppc)(tmeda)(H₂O)]²⁺ (2), [Ru^III(cpsd)(tmeda)(H₂O)]⁺ (3) and [Ru^III(cppc)(tmeda)(H₂O)]²⁺ (4) complexes (where hpsd²⁻ = N-(hydroxyphenyl)salicylaldiminato); hppc⁻ = N-(2-hydroxyphenylpyridine-2-carboxaldiminato); cpsd²⁻ = (N-(2-carboxyphenyl)salicylaldiminato); cppc⁻ = N-2-carboxyphenylpyridine-2-carboxaldiminato) were characterized by microanalysis, spectral (IR and UV–vis), conductance, magnetic moment and electrochemical studies. Complexes 1–4 catalyzed the epoxidation of cyclohexene, styrene, 4-chlorostyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 4-methoxystyrene, 4-nitrostyrene, cis- and trans-stilbenes effectively at ambient temperature using tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) as terminal oxidant. On the basis of Hammett correlation (log k_rel vs. σ⁺) and product analysis, a mechanism involving intermediacy of a [Ru–O–OBu^t] radicaloid species is proposed for the catalytic epoxidation process.     

Coordination polymers with adamantanediacetate bridges: syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties

Abstract  Two new coordination polymers, [CoL(bpp)] _n (1) and [MnL(bipy)] _n ·0.25nH₂L·0.5nH₂O (2) (H₂L = 1,3-adamantanediacetic acid, bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine), were synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Complex 1 is an one-dimensional (1D) chain structure of Co(II) bridged by L²⁻ as well as bpp. Complex 2 consists of a two-dimensional (2D) (3,6)-connected topology layer structure. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements in the range of 2–300 K reveal the existence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions in two complexes with J = −1.74 cm⁻¹, g = 2.26 for 1 and J = −0.10 cm⁻¹, g = 1.67 for 2. Index abstract  Two mental-organic frameworks, namely [CoL(bpp)] _n (1) and [MnL(bipy)] _n ·0.25nH₂L·0.5nH₂O (2) (H₂L = 1,3-adamantanediacetic acid, bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine), have been synthesized based on 1,3-adamantanediacetic acid and N-donor coligand with metal ions Co(II) and Mn(II). The magnetic measurement of the two polymers reveals typical antiferromagnetism exchange. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Density-functional calculations of MnC(M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, n = 1–6) clusters

The structural, energetic and magnetic properties of M_nC(M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, n = 1–6) clusters are systematically investigated by density-functional calculations. We found that the ground-state geometrical structures of M_nC clusters are different from those of pure M_n+1 clusters. Fe₄C, Ni₂C and Cu₄C possess relatively higher stabilities. Doping of a C atom enhances the binding energy of M_n clusters, and the binding energies of Fe_n-C, Co_n-C and Ni_n-C are stronger than that of Cu_n-C.     

The Electronic and Magnetic Properties of a Few Transition-Metal Clusters

Using density functional theory we present a systematic study of the electronic and magnetic properties of various nickel clusters and two small bimetallic clusters, Ni _n Co _m and Ni _n Fe _m (n + m ≤ 6). A detail study of binding energy, magnetic moment and stability function of pure nickel clusters of nuclearity (N) 40–60 have been performed. We observe that the magic numbers occur at N = 43, 46, 49, 53, 55, and 58, which correspond to the most stable clusters. We find that, with increase in substitution of Co and Fe atoms in Ni cluster, while Ni _n Co _m becomes more stable, the Ni _n Fe _m clusters become less stable. The significant enhancement of average magnetic moment and suppression of local magnetic moment of nickel atoms are found in both clusters with increase in Co and Fe concentration.     

The adsorptions of silver-doped small gold clusters toward carbon monoxide molecule

An all-electron scalar relativistic calculation on Au _n AgCO (n = 1–12) clusters has been performed using density functional theory with the generalized gradient approximation at PW91 level. The introduction of impurity silver weakens the adsorption, and, however, promotes the reactivity enhancement of CO molecule. The CO molecule is relatively more favorable to be adsorbed by the odd-numbered Au _n Ag clusters with closed-shell electronic structure. The values of chemical hardness indicate that the Au _n AgCO cluster is less stable than the corresponding Au _n+1CO cluster chemically. This picture of the influence of impurity silver on the adsorption behavior of Au _n Ag (n = 1–12) clusters toward CO molecule is consistent with previous experimental work (Haeck et al. in J Phys Chem A 115:2103, 2011), in which the cluster’s reaction probability toward CO molecule is reduced upon substitution of gold atoms for silver and the clusters with closed electronic shell are the most reactive toward CO molecule.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Crystal Structures of New Difurylphosphido-bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium Carbonyl Complexes Derived from Ferrocenylacetylene Ligands

The difurylphosphido-bridged dinuclear complex [Ru₂(CO)₆(μ-PFu₂)(μ-η¹,η²-Fu)] (Fu = 2-furyl) 1 readily reacts with two equivalents of each of the terminal alkynes HC≡CR (R = Fc, p-C₆H₄Fc, p-C₆H₄NO₂, Fc = Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₅H₄)) by an interesting head-to-tail ynyl coupling with a furan group to form a series of phosphido-bridged diruthenium compounds containing a novel furyl-substituted C₄ hydrocarbyl chain of stoichiometry [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-PFu₂){μ-η¹,η¹,η²,η³-RCC(H)C(R)C(H)Fu}] (R = Fc 2, p-C₆H₄Fc 3, p-C₆H₄NO₂ 4) in moderate to good yields. Reaction of 1 with an equimolar amount of HC≡CFc and HC≡C(p-C₆H₄NO₂) afforded a pair of isomers of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-PFu₂){μ-η¹,η¹,η²,η³-R¹CC(H)C(R²)C(H)Fu}] (R¹ = Fc, R² = p-C₆H₄NO₂ 5a; R¹ = p-C₆H₄NO₂, R² = Fc 5b) together with a small mixture of 4. X-ray crystal structures of 2, 3, 5a and 5b are reported. All of these new alkyne-derived dinuclear complexes are electron precise with 34 cluster valence electrons in which the μ-η¹,η²-furyl ligand acts as a three-electron donor and the μ-phosphido Ru₂ framework is retained in the products upon alkyne coupling reactions. The resulting organic fragment of each complex is coordinated to the Ru atoms via a π, a π-allyl and two σ bonds, and donates seven electrons to the metal core. Dedicated to the memory of Professor F. Albert Cotton.     

Dismantlement of ammonia upon interaction with Ben (n ≤ 10) clusters

The interaction of ammonia with Be_n (n < 1–10) clusters has been investigated by density functional theory and ab initio calculations. The main conclusion is that, regardless of the size of the Be cluster, neither the structure of ammonia nor that of the Be clusters are preserved due to a systematic dissociation of its N H bonds and a spontaneous H-shift toward the available Be atoms. This H migration not only leads to rather stable Be H bonds, but dramatically enhances the strength of the Be N bonds as well. Accordingly, the maximum stability is found for the interaction with the beryllium trimer, leading to a complex with three N Be and three Be H bonds. Another maximum in stability, although lower than that reached for n = 3, is found for the Be heptamer, since from n = 6, a new N Be bond is formed, so that complexes from n = 6 to n = 10 are characterized by the formation of a NBe₄ moiety, whose stability reaches a maximum at n = 7. The bonding characteristics of the different species formed are analyzed by means of AIM, NBO, ELF and AdNDP approaches.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and <Superscript>1</Superscript>H NMR spectra of a chloride-bridged chain complex of dinuclear ruthenium(II,III) 3,4,5-tri(ethoxy-<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis><Subscript>5</Subscript>)benzoate

Deuterated dinuclear ruthenium(II,III) 3,4,5-tri(ethoxy-d ₅)benzoate, [Ru₂{3,4,5-(C₂D₅O)₃C₆H₂-COO}₄Cl] _n , was synthesized by a reaction of [Ru₂(C₂H₅COO)₄Cl] _n and 3,4,5-tri(ethoxy-d ₅)benzoic acid and characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis as well as IR, UV-VIS, and ¹H NMR spectra, and compared with those of the undeuterated complex [Ru₂{3,4,5-(C₂H₅O)₃C₆H₂COO}₄Cl] _n . Single-crystal X-ray analysis showed that chloride ligands bridge the dinuclear ruthenium(II,III) units at the axial positions to form a zigzag chain molecule with the Ru¹-Cl-Ru² angle of 123.82(4)°. ¹H NMR spectra in CD₂Cl₂ displayed a broad signal attributable to o-H atoms on the phenyl rings of the benzoate ligands from approximately δ = 23 to δ = 32 at 25°C and several signals from approximately δ = −50 to δ = 50 at −80°C. These spectra show the preservation of the polymeric or oligomeric chain structure in dichloromethane, which is supported by the solution behavior confirmed by the UV-VIS spectra and electronic conductance.