Natural abundance 17O NMR spectra of carbonyl metal clusters of the iron triad

¹⁷O NMR spectra (in natural abundance) have been recorded, at room temperature, for a variety of polynuclear iron, ruthenium and osmium carbonyl clusters. Rather sharp linewidths have been observed for stereochemically rigid species, whereas linewidths as large as about 200 Hz have been obtained for fluxional molecules. Even though the observed chemical shift range for terminal CO groups is not very large (about 50 ppm), taking into account linewidths, metal triad and substituent effects have been observed to different extents.     

Gold-caged metal clusters with large HOMO-LUMO gap and high electron affinity

We report a series of isoelectronic gold-caged metal clusters, M@Au14 (M = Zr, Hf), and anion clusters, M@Au14- (M = Sc, Y), all having a calculated HOMO-LUMO gap larger than the well-known tetrahedral cluster Au20-the 3D metal cluster with a very large measured HOMO-LUMO gap (1.77 eV). The clusters M@Au14 (M = Sc, Y) also exhibit a calculated electron affinity (EA) and vertical detachment energy (VDE) not only higher than the "superhalogen" icosahedral Al13 cluster but also possibly even higher than a Cl atom which has the highest (measured) elemental EA or VDE (3.61 eV).     

Interplay between collective and single electron excitations in large metal clusters

Collective and single electron excitations of large metal clusters supported on transparent substrates are investigated. The applied experimental techniques include extinction spectroscopy and laser induced dissociation accompanied by the ejection of individual atoms. The optical spectra depend on the electromagnetic far field and reflectcollective electron excitations of the conduction electrons, i.e. surface plasmons. Dissociation, however, is correlated to repulsivesingle electron energy levels. The characteristics of these localized excitations indicate a strong influence of collective excitations. In particular, it is found that nonlocal optical effects are important. In this picture surface plasmons catalytically enhance the number of single electron excitations and therefore of the metal atoms ejected as a result of the absorption of visible light. Results will be presented, which illustrate this interplay between collective and single electron excitations.     

The structure of deposited metal clusters generated by laser evaporation

Metal clusters have been produced using a laser evaporation source. A Nd-YAG laser beam focused onto a solid silver rod was used to evaporate the material, which was then cooled to form clusters with the help of a pulsed high pressure He beam. TOF mass spectra of these clusters reveal a strong occurrence of small and medium sized clusters (n<100). Clusters were also deposited onto grid supported thin layers of carbon-films which were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Very high resolution pictures of these grids were used to analyze the size distribution and the structure of the deposited clusters. The diffraction pattern caused by crystalline structure of the clusters reveals 3-and 5-fold symmetries as well asfcc bulk structure. This can be explained in terms of icosahedron and cuboctahedron type clusters deposited on the surface of the carbon layer. There is strong evidence that part of these cluster geometries had already been formed before the depostion process. The non-linear dependence of the cluster size and the cluster density on the generating conditions is discussed. Therefore the samples were observed in HREM in the stable DEEKO 100 microscope of the Fritz-Haber-Institut operating at 100 KV with the spherical aberrationc _S =0.5 mm. The quality of the pictures was improved by using the conditions of minimum phase contrast hollow cone illumination. This procedure led to a minimum of phase contrast artefacts. Among the well-crystallized particles were a great amount of five- and three-fold symmetries, icosahedra and cuboctahedra respectively. The largest clusters with five- and three-fold symmetries have been found with diameters of 7 nm; the smallest particles displaying the same undistorted symmetries were of about 2 mm. Even smaller ones with strong distortions could be observed although their classification is difficult. The quality of the images was improved by applying Fourier filtering techniques.     

A sodium atom in a large water cluster: electron delocalization and infrared spectra

Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations modeling low-energy collisions of a sodium atom with a cluster with more than 30 water molecules are presented. We follow the dynamics of the atom-cluster interaction and the delocalization of the valence electron of sodium together with the changes in the electron binding energy. This electron tends to be shared by the nascent sodium cation and the water cluster. IR spectra of the sodium-water cluster are both computationally and experimentally obtained, with a good agreement between the two approaches.     

The nu(CO) vibrational spectra of planar transition metal carbonyl clusters

The nu(CO) vibrational spectra of planar transition cluster carbonyls containing M(CO)(4) groups are studied. It is possible to anticipate qualitatively, both for the infrared and Raman, the band intensity changes associated with increasing metallic nature of the cluster. These enable a unification of the band patterns shown by the species reported. As for (idealized) spherical clusters, the spherical harmonic model (SHM), suitably modified, becomes of more general applicability as cluster size increases, although for smaller species the tensor harmonic model (THM) makes a contribution.     

Structure, thermodynamics, and energy content of aluminum-cyclopentadienyl clusters

We present quantum chemistry simulations of aluminum clusters surrounded by a surface layer of cyclopentadiene-type ligands to evaluate the potential of such complexes as novel fuels or energetic materials. Density functional theory simulations are used to examine the aluminum-ligand bonding and its variation as the size of the aluminum cluster increases. The organometallic bond at the surface layer arises mainly from ligand charge donation into the Al p orbitals balanced with repulsive polarization effects. Functionalization of the ligand and changes in Al cluster size are found to alter the relative balance of these effects, but the surface organometallic bond generally remains stronger than Al-Al bonds elsewhere in the cluster. In large clusters, such as the experimentally observed Al(50)Cp(12)*, this suggests that unimolecular thermal decomposition likely proceeds through loss of surface AlCp* units, exposing the strained interior aluminum core. The calculated heats of combustion per unit volume for these systems are high, approaching 60% that of pure aluminum. We discuss the possibility of using organometallic aluminum clusters as a means of achieving rapid combustion in propellants and fuels.     

The influence of vibronic interactions on the chiroptical spectra of dissymmetric pseudo tetragonal metal complexes

The influence of vibronic interactions on the chiroptical spectra associated with a threesome of nearly degenerate electronic excited states in a dissymmetric molecular system is examined on a formal theoretical model. The model considers two vibrational modes to be effective in promoting pseudo Jahn-Teller (PJT) type interactions between the three closely spaced electronic excited states. Formal expressions are developed for the rotatory strengths of individual vibronic levels derived from the coupled electronic states. Two mode (vibrational)-three state (electronic) vibronic Hamiltonians are constructed (basis set size, 63–108, depending upon interaction parameters used) and diagonalized for a large number of different parameter sets representative of various vibronic coupling strengths, electronic energy level spacings, oscillator (vibrational mode) frequencies, and electronic rotatory strengths. Diagonalization of these vibronic Hamiltonians yields vibronic wave functions and energies which are then used to calculate rotatory strength spectra for the model system. The calculated results demonstrate the profound influence which vibronic interactions of the PJT type may have on the sign patterns and intensity distributions within the rotatory strength spectrum associated with a set of nearly degenerate electronic states. The implication of these results for the interpretation of circular dichroism spectra of chiral transition metal complexes with pseudo tetragonal symmetry are discussed.     

Hyperfine structure of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of metal ketyls

Summary It was shown, by analyzing HFS in the EPR spectra of various metal ketyls, that the stabiliry of free radicals of the given type is determined by different factors. In aromatic metal ketyls the stabilizing factor is the considerable delocalization of the unpafred electron. In aliphatic metal ketyls the unpaired electron is mainly localized on the carbonyl carbon, and steric factors are more important than delocalization. In mixed ketyls of the type of trimethylacetophenone and benzoylferrocene K-ketyls, both factors act to a commensurable degree.Translated from Zhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 536–540, September–October, 1962     

Electronic properties of large metal clusters in jellium and pseudo-jellium models

The energy-density functional approach and jellium-like models are used to examine two important electronic properties of metal (Li, Na, K) clusters: their shell and supershell structures, and the behaviour of plasmon energies with increasing cluster sizes. A comparative study is made between predictions of the usual jellium model and those of the pseudo-jellium model where pseudohamiltonians are used.     

Moessbauer spectroscopy,atomic mobility and thermodynamics of ultrafine clusters

The results of atomic dynamics of ultrafines clusters of iron hydroxide and Fe ₂ O ₃ with average size 1–3nm are shown. The clusters were synthesised after chemical reaction in solution in micropores of sorbents and in topochemical reactions of thermal decomposition salts. Moessbauer spectroscopy studies are applicated. The effect of Surface Active Substance(SAS) on dynamics of clusters is observed. Thermodynamics and phemonologic models of dynamic state of cluster are considered and the probability of the coexistans solid-liquid state of cluster is discussed.     

Photoelectron spectra of hydrated electron clusters: Fitting line shapes and grouping isomers

The photoelectron spectra of (H2O)(n = 2-69) - and (D2O)(n = 2-23) - are presented, and their spectral line shapes are analyzed in detail. This analysis revealed the presence of three different groupings of species, each of which are seen over the range, n = 11-16. These three groups are designated as dipole boundlike states, seen from n = 2-16, intermediate states, found from n = 6-16, and bulk embryonts, starting at n = 11 and continuing up through the largest sizes studied. Almost two decades ago [J. V. Coe et al., J. Chem. Phys. 92, 3980 (1990)], before the present comprehensive analysis, we concluded that the latter category of species were embryonic hydrated electrons with internalizing excess electrons (thus the term embryonts). Recent experiments with colder expansion (high stagnation chamber pressures) conditions by Neumark and coworkers [J. R. R. Verlet et al., Science 307, 93 (2005)] have also found three groups of isomers including the long-sought-after surface states of large water cluster anions. This work confirms that the species here designated as embryonts are in the process of internalizing the excess electron states as the cluster size increases (for n > or = 11).     

Compilation of inelastic electron tunnelling spectra of molecules chemisorbed on metal oxides

Inelastic electron tunnelling spectroscopy (IETS) is now a well established technique for the study of molecular adsorbates on metal oxides. It yields vibrational spectra of the adsorbates with high resolution and sensitivity to submonolayer coverage. This compilation brings together in one volume a wide range of results obtained in IETS laboratories around the world. As well as providing a ready reference, after the fashion of the various infrared spectral atlases, it is intended to show the extent of the systems to which IETS has already been applied and point the way to further fruitful areas of study. Adhesion, catalysis, lubrication and corrosion are specific areas which have benefitted from IETS investigations. Some 179 figures display spectra contributed from over 20 different research groups. At the end there is a bibliography of more than 300 references updated to mid-1984.     

Structure,dynamics and thermodynamics of small particles and inorganic clusters

This invited review attempts to draw together recent advances in the structural characterisation of clusters and our theoretical understanding of dynamics, especially coexistence phenomena. It is now possible to characterise the potential energy surface of a small cluster in great detail, both in terms of local minima and transition states. A selection of results is collected includingab initio calculations on main group ligated clusters and a wide variety of systems bound by model analytic potentials. Useful comparisons may be made between the rearrangement mechanisms supported by the various potential energy surfaces. Furthermore, knowledge of transition states enables us to explain the results of dynamical simulations in great detail, and make comparisons with thermodynamic models. For larger systems, however, the number of stationary points is daunting, yet progress is still possible in terms of the underlying potential energy surface using the harmonic superposition approximation.     

Scaling the Coulomb interaction in calculations of electron spectra of transition metal complexes

A simple technique of scaling two-electron integrals in ab initio calculations of the electronically excited states of transition metal complexes is proposed. This technique uses the fact that one-center two-electron integrals depend linearly on the scaling factor when Slater type functions are subjected to scaling transformation. This leads to a linear dependence of the d—d transition energy on the “scale” of Coulomb interaction, which allows one to affect the calculation result by varying the Slater exponential. To test the technique, ab initio configuration interaction and full active space calculations of the low excited states of the CrF ₆ ^3- , MnF ₆ ^2- , and VF ₆ ^3- complexes are performed. For transition elements, a basis of Slater type effective functions chosen from the optical spectra of the atoms and ions of transition elements is used. It is shown that in the STO-6G basis with effective exponentials, experimental transitions are reproduced with an accuracy of about 2000 cm^-1 even with the use of small active space determined by the orbitals localized on the central atom of the complex.     

Silver clusters: Optical absorption and ESR spectra; structure and calculation of electron transitions

The formation of Ag₃ ²⁺ and Ag₄ ⁺ clusters upon freezing out of aqueous-alcohol glassy solutions of AgClO₄ by γ-irradiation at 77 K was established by ESR and optical spectroscopies. The Ag₃ ²⁺ cluster is formed by subsequent addition of Ag⁺ ions to a silver atom, and the Ag₄ ⁺ cluster is most probably formed by the reduction of the Ag₄ ²⁺ cluster by alcohol radicals. The energies of optical transitions and energy gaps far the Ag₄ ^m+ cluster (m = 0 to 3) were calculated. The absorption bands of the clusters shift to the UV region as the charge increases, which agrees with the experimental results.     

Anisotropic effects in the optical spectra of magic metal clusters: the role of ionic structure

The effect of the ionic positions on the optical spectra of magic metal clusters is studied via pseudopotential perturbation theory. Electronic many-body effects are considered within perturbed time-dependent local-density-approximation. Quantitative agreement with recent experiments by Reiners et al. is obtained. In this way a natural explanation is obtained for the temperature dependence of the optical absorption of magic metal clusters.     

The influence of metal cluster size on adsorption energies: CO adsorbed on Au clusters supported on TiO2

Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) has been used to study CO adsorption on Au clusters ranging in size from 1.8 to 3.1 nm, supported on TiO(2). The adsorbed CO vibrational frequency blue-shifts slightly (approximately 4 cm(-)(1)) compared to that adsorbed on bulk Au, whereas the heats of adsorption (-DeltaH(ads)) increase sharply with decreasing cluster size, from 12.5 to 18.3 kcal/mol.     

Optical extinction on free,supported and embedded metal clusters

To study changes of the optical properties of clusters due to interactions with matrices and substrates, clusters of several nm diameter were produced by the inert gas condensation and by the gas free expansion technique. Theoretical predictions for the cluster formation process could be verified. Optical extinction was measured on the free cluster beam, after deposition on quartz substrates and after embedding in quartz matrices. Several of the samples were analyzed by TEM. It is shown, that at high source temperatureT ₀ the free clusters remain liquid on their way through the vacuum chamber but solidify there ifT ₀ is decreased. At higherT ₀ oblate ellipsoids are formed during the deposition. The spectra of the free beam deviate from theoretical predictions.