Unique charge ordering of manganese in a new mixed valent phosphate

A new mixed-valent manganese phosphate, , has been synthesized using hydrothermal method. Its monoclinic C2/c structure (a=12.5506(16) Å, b=10.4816(18) Å, c=13.6723(10) Å, β=103.758(11)°) forms a 3D framework of MnO₆ octahedra, MnO₅ trigonal bipyramids, PO₄ and PO₃OH tetrahedra. The main structural feature of this phosphate deals with its [Mn₄O₁₆]_∞ chains running along , which are interconnected through PO₄ and PO₃OH tetrahedra, forming intersecting tunnels running along [110], and [001]. The geometry of the [Mn₄O₁₆]_∞ chains and the charge ordering of manganese in the latter are unique: they consist of trimeric units of divalent manganese “” alternating with single trivalent Mn^IIIO₆ octahedra along . In each “” unit one central Mn^IIO₆ octahedron shares two opposite edges with two Mn^IIO₅ trigonal bipyramids. Along , one Mn(II) octahedron alternates with one Mn(III) octahedron by sharing one corner. The relationships between the structure of this unique charge ordered phosphate and other manganese phosphates are discussed.     

Is Cd2 truly a van der Waals molecule? Analysis of rotational profiles recorded at the , transitions

Rotational profiles of the ²²⁸Cd₂ isotopomer recorded in the (υ′, υ″) = (26, 0), (27, 0), (42, 0), (45, 0), (46, 0), (48, 0) vibrational bands of the transition were analysed. As a result, the , , , , and excited- as well as the ground-state rotational constants of the (¹¹⁴Cd)₂ were determined. The analysis allowed determining the absolute values for the and excited- and ground-state bond lengths, respectively. The obtained result – the – distinctly shorter than that obtained with assumption of pure ground-state van der Waals bonding, supports a theoretical prediction of a covalent admixture to the bonding. Analysis of the partially-resolved rotational profile recorded in the (υ′, υ″) = (38, 0) band of the same isotopomer recorded at the transition allowed estimating the rotational constant in the B1_u state.     

Vibrational relaxation on the mixed vibronic levels of the and states in all-trans-neurosporene as revealed by subpicosecond time-resolved, stimulated emission and transient absorption spectroscopy

In all-trans-neurosporene, whose level is lower than the level by one vibrational quantum, the following two steps of vibrational relaxation from the mixed vibronic states were identified, in the order, stimulated emission stimulated emission transient absorption. The stimulated emission patterns were simulated by the use of Franck–Condon factors in the transitions from the pair of mixed vibronic levels down to the ground vibronic levels. The vibronic levels of the mixed and state were characterized theoretically based on the diabatic approximation.     

Structures and properties of the tin-doped carbon clusters

A systemic density functional theory study of the tin-doped carbon clusters has been carried out using B3LYP method with TZP+ basis set. For each species, the electronic states, relative energies and geometries of various isomers are reported. Except for smaller SnC₂ and the largest , the Sn-terminated linear or quasi-linear isomer is the most stable structure for clusters. The electronic ground state is alternate between ³Σ (for n-odd member) and ¹Σ (for the n-even member) for linear SnC_n and invariably ²Π for linear and , except for SnC/SnC⁺/SnC⁻,, and . The incremental binding energy diagrams show that strong even–odd alternations in the cluster stability exist for both neutral SnC_n and anionic , with their n-even members being much more stable than the corresponding odd n − 1 and n + 1 ones, while for cationic , the alternation effect is less pronounced. These parity effects also reflect in the ionization potential and electron affinity curves. By comparing with the fragmentation energies accompanying various channels, the most favorable dissociation channel for each kind of the clusters are given. All these results are very similar to those obtained previously for the clusters.     

Theoretical study on the structures and properties of LiCn, , and (n = 1–10) clusters

The lithium-doped carbon clusters LiC_n, , and (n = 1–10) have been investigated systemically with density functional theory (DFT) method at the B3LYP/6-311+G* level. According to the total energies of different kinds of isomers, the LiC_n, , and (n = 1–10) clusters have Li-terminated linear ground states structures, except for LiC₂, LiC₃, , and (n = 4–6). The incremental binding energies are evaluated to elucidate the stabilities of the clusters with different numbers of carbon atoms for neutral molecules, cations, and anions, respectively. Clear even–odd alternation effects are observed for the stability of the cationic clusters and anionic clusters, while for neutral LiC_n clusters the alternation effect is less pronounced. Similarly, the ionization potentials and electron affinities of LiC_n also express an obvious parity alternation. In addition, the most favorable dissociation channels are acquired according to the fragmentation energies accompanying various pathways.     

Franck–Condon simulation of photoelectron spectroscopy of HOO: Including Duschinsky effects

Geometry optimization and harmonic vibrational frequency calculations were performed on the and states of HOO and state of HOO⁻. The electron affinity and the term energy () of HOO were calculated at various theory levels. Franck–Condon analyses and spectral simulations were carried out on the and photodetachment processes. The spectral simulations of vibrational structures based on the computed Franck–Condon factors are in excellent agreement with the observed spectra. In addition, the equilibrium geometrical parameters of the state of HOO⁻ and state of HOO were obtained in the spectral simulations.     

Modeling of vibration–electronic–chemistry coupling in the atomic–molecular oxygen system

The comprehensive analysis of the kinetic processes in the atomic–molecular oxygen system is conducted on the base of the novel state-to-state model involving both electronically and vibrationally excited O₂ molecules: and O(³P), O(¹D) atoms as well as vibrationally excited O₃(¹A₁) molecules. The model describes properly experimental data on the total removal rate of vibrationally excited molecules, the temporal evolution of the population of , and on the variation of vibrational temperature of behind strong shock wave. It is demonstrated that to describe with reasonable accuracy the variation of macroscopic flow parameters (pressure, temperature, density, and velocity) in the post shock region it is sufficient to use the widely applied model of mode approximation but in order to predict properly the species concentrations and populations of vibronic states of molecules just downstream the shock front it is needed to use state-to-state consideration.     

Photoelectron spectroscopic study of iron–benzene cluster anions

Iron–benzene cluster anions, (n = 1–7, m = 1–4), were generated via laser vaporization and studied using mass spectrometry, anion photoelectron spectroscopy and in one case by density functional theory. Based on these studies, we propose that and Fe₁Bz₁ as well as and Fe₂Bz₁ exhibit half-sandwich structures, that and Fe₁Bz₂, and Fe₂Bz₂, as well as Fe₃Bz₂ and Fe₄Bz₂ are sandwich structures, and that and Fe₂Bz₃ and larger species form ‘rice-ball’ structures which in each case consist of benzene molecules surrounding an iron cluster core.     

Solution thermodynamics near the liquid–liquid critical point. II. Excess second-order derivatives

We present a comprehensive study of the behaviour of excess second-order derivatives of binary mixtures near the liquid–liquid critical point. Specifically, excess (isobaric and isochoric) molar heat capacities ( and ), excess (isothermal and isentropic) compressibilities ( and ), and excess isobaric thermal expansivities () have been determined over the whole composition (x) range at atmospheric pressure and in the homogeneous region within (293.15–323.15) K. Results are consistent with the predictions of the current theory of critical phenomena. Remarkably, anomalous and curves in the critical region are observed. Such anomalies, which are reported here for the first time, are of significant size for and very mild in the case of , thereby indicating that volumetric effects at near-liquid–liquid criticality are, as expected, very small.     

Ab initio electronic and rovibrational structure of

The electronic structure of the ground state of has been investigated using relativistically-corrected CCSD(T) in conjunction with ANO-RCC (Mg) and aug-cc-pVQZ (H) basis sets. The molecular potential energy surface possessed minima corresponding to both ¹A₁ and equilibrium structures (with a ¹Σ⁺ transition state). The ¹A₁ structure possessed R_e and θ_e values of 2.0297 Å and of 22.09°, respectively. The higher-energy structure exhibited an R_e value of 2.1658 Å. Property surfaces were constructed to calculate rovibrational energies and spectral line intensities for the ground states of , (¹A′) MgHD²⁺ and . For the vibration ground state of , the vibration-averaged R_e and θ_e values were calculated to be 2.0209 Å and 22.53°, respectively. The A, B and C rotational constants were calculated to be 58.0, 2.21 and 2.11 cm⁻¹, respectively.     

DFT study of electronic structure and geometry of anionic silver clusters (n = 11, 12, 17)

Based on both total energy calculations and comparison of experimental and calculated characteristics of photoelectron spectra (PHES), the structural assignment of clusters and has been made using DFT model with recently developed S2LYP functional. The calculated characteristics of PHES for the assigned structures are in excellent agreement with the experimental ones. The electronic structure, geometry and energetic characteristics of low-lying isomers have also been studied. The calculated geometrical parameters of and clusters as well as the geometries of earlier established clusters have been compared with the geometrical characteristics of anionic sodium clusters. The structures of anionic silver and sodium clusters have been found to be very similar. The difference has been observed only for . Based on similarity of the geometries of silver and sodium clusters as well as on the comparison of calculated and experimental characteristics of PHES, the geometry of cluster has been assigned.     

Nucleophilic and electrophilic radical attack on maleic and fumaric acids in aqueous solution

Rate coefficients (k) of CH₂OH, , and radical addition to maleic and fumaric acids were investigated between pH 1 and 8. Strong pH dependences observed were attributed to changes in protonation states of acids: H₂X, HX⁻ and X²⁻. k of CH₂OH, , addition to fumaric acid decreased in the order k_H2F>k_HF^->k_F^2- in agreement with the nucleophilic character of reaction. The electrophilic radical showed opposite tendency. With maleic acid the monoanion had the highest reactivity towards nucleophilic and the lowest one towards electrophilic radicals. This is attributed to a prevalence of steric over polar effects for HM⁻.     

The elliptical Penning trap: Experimental investigations and simulations

The application of an additional azimuthal quadrupolar electrostatic field to a Penning trap leads to a field configuration referred to as an elliptical Penning trap. The resulting changes of the radial ion motions have been investigated experimentally and by use of simulations. The eigenfrequencies, i.e., the magnetron frequency and the reduced cyclotron frequency , are found to be shifted with respect to those of the standard Penning trap ω₋, ω₊, respectively. As the shift of the magnetron frequency is larger than that of the reduced cyclotron frequency their sum is also a function of the ellipticity and no longer equal to the cyclotron frequency in the absence of an electric trapping field ω_c=qB/m. The frequency shifts were investigated for argon and fullerene ions. The experimental studies were performed by time-of-flight (ToF) analysis of the ion cyclotron resonance and by Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron-resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). The experimental and simulated values are in agreement with theoretical predictions [M. Kretzschmar, this issue] when the influence of higher multipole terms is taken into account.     

The photophysics of flavins: What makes the difference between gas phase and aqueous solution?

The ground and low-lying excited electronic states of isoalloxazine, 10-methylisoallox-azine and lumiflavin, three flavin-related compounds, were investigated by means of quantum chemical methods. Minimum structures were determined employing (time-dependent) Kohn–Sham density functional theory. Spectral properties were computed utilizing a combined density functional and multi-reference configuration interaction (DFT/MRCI) method. Solvent effects were mimicked by a conductor like screening model and micro-hydration with four explicit water molecules. At selected points along a linearly interpolated path connecting the Franck–Condon region and the S₁minimum, spin–orbit interaction was computed employing a nonempirical mean-field Hamiltonian. For isoalloxazine, intersystem crossing (ISC) rate constants were computed, taking both direct and vibronic spin–orbit coupling into account.On the basis of these calculations we suggest the following photo relaxation model. In the vacuum, efficient ISC takes place between the primarily excited state (S₁) and the lowest state (T₂). The energetic proximity of the state (S₂) enhances the nonradiative relaxation of S₁ by internal conversion (IC). In aqueous solution these ISC and IC channels are energetically not accessible due to the blue shift of the states. The high triplet quantum yield observed in experiment [J.T.M. Kennis, S. Crosson, M. Gauden, I.H.M. van Stokkum, K. Moffat, R. van Grondelle, Biochemistry 42 (2003) 3385–3392] is explained by the intersection between the state (S₁) potential energy hypersurface (PEH) and the second (T₂) PEH along the relaxation pathway and the strong enhancement of their spin–orbit coupling by vibronic interactions. The calculated ISC rate for this channel is in good agreement with experimental results. According to our model, lack of an efficient IC channel leads to an increased fluorescence quantum yield in aqueous solution.     

Excess thermodynamic properties, and for the binary systems {1,2-dichloropropane + 2-alkoxyethanols} at T = 298.15 K

This article presents the experimental data of and , obtained at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure, for four binary systems composed of 1,2-dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) and four 2-alkoxyethanols. The 2-alkoxyethanols are 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME), 2-ethoxyethanol (2-EE), 2-propoxyethanol (2-PE) and 2-butoxyethanol (2-BE). The of the mixture has been shown positive for 2-ME, ‘s-shaped’ for all remaining systems, being negative at low and positive at high mole fraction of 1,2-DCP. The values for all binary mixtures are also shown both positive at low and negative at high mole fraction of 1,2-DCP. The experimental results of and were fitted to Redlich–Kister equation to correlate the composition dependence of both excess properties. In this work, data were also used to test the suitability of thermodynamic models (Wilson, NRTL, and UNIQUAC equations) based on local-composition theory. The results have been qualitatively discussed in terms of the polarity, self-association, and hydrogen bond among molecules.     

Specific fragmentation of [(CH3)2CO]Arn heteroclusters induced by the Ar L23- and O K-shell excitation

Ionic fragmentation following the inner-shell photoexcitation of [(CH₃)₂CO]Ar_n heteroclusters was investigated in the Ar L₂₃- and O K-edge regions. A partial ion yield (PIY) measurement revealed that and various acetone fragments (, , , , and CH_mCO⁺) were produced following the Ar L₂₃-shell excitation. In the O K-edge region, the PIY of O⁺ exhibited a sharp resonance peak at the O 1s → π^*(CO) resonance excitation. The selective O⁺ formation was interpreted as the suppression of statistical fragmentation, which was dominant in isolated acetone, owing to the dissipation of excess energy into Ar clusters.     

Auger recombination dynamics in clusters

Electronic relaxation dynamics following interband excitation from the 6s to the 6p band in mass selected clusters are measured through femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron imaging (TRPEI). This interband transition is pumped at 4.65 eV and probed at 1.55 eV. Auger decay of occurs on a timescale of 490 ± 100 fs, and a similar time constant is seen for the transient excited state population created by the pump pulse. These time constants are an order of magnitude faster than those seen in previous experiments in which the lone p-electron in was excited within the p-band. The results presented here imply that substantial relaxation of either electrons in the p-band or the hole in the s-band takes place prior to Auger emission, with electron–electron scattering playing a key role in the fast observed dynamics.     

Intense laser-induced decomposition of mass-selected 2-, 3-, and 4-methylaniline cations

Photodecomposition processes of 2-, 3-, and 4-methylaniline cations induced by a moderately intense (10¹¹ W/cm²) visible nanosecond laser field and an intense (10¹⁵ W/cm²) UV femtosecond laser field have been investigated using a tandem mass spectrometer. Highly unsaturated fragment cations such as and are dominantly produced by the nanosecond laser, while less unsaturated smaller fragment cations such as , and are produced mainly by the femtosecond laser. Ab initio calculations have also been performed to estimate the stable geometrical structures of and and those of possible intermediate ring compounds for discussing the photodecomposition pathways in intense laser fields.     

Effect of pressure and temperature on structural stability of potential hydrogen storage compound Li3AlH6

The crystal structure of Li₃AlH₆ was investigated at high pressures upto 27 GPa using a diamond anvil cell with synchrotron radiation in addition to high temperature X-ray diffraction. Density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations were performed simultaneously. While the structure of Li₃AlH₆ is stable on increasing temperature, the results of high pressure experiments show a pressure induced phase transition from the ambient phase to a high pressure cubic phase around 10.6 GPa. The transition pressure of 10.6 GPa and the bulk modulus value B₀ = 32(2) GPa for the phase obtained are in good agreement with the theoretical results.