Coordination geometry of chromium(VI) species. The first example of cis-bridging chromate ions in helically structured catena(μ-CrO4-O,O′)[Ni(HIm)3H2O]

Nickel(II) chromate complex with imidazole (HIm) was isolated from the [Ni²⁺–HIm–CrO₄²⁻] system in various experimental conditions, i.e. reagent molar ratios and nickel(II) salts. The catena(μ-CrO₄-O,O′)[Ni(HIm)₃H₂O] (1) crystallizes in monoclinic crystal system—space group P2₁/n with cell parameters: a=11.784(2), b=8.899(2), c=13.934(3) (Å), β=95.19(3) (°). The unit cell contains two independent helixes, left- and right-handed, stabilized by intrahelical and interhelical hydrogen bonds (HB) and π–π interactions. The cis coordination of the CrO₄²⁻ anions and the HB systems appeared to be the main determinants of the helical architecture. To the best of our knowledge the cis-chromate coordination was observed for the first time. The cis coordination causes the distortion of the nickel octahedron, which was analysed by 4 K single crystal electronic spectra with D_4h symmetry approximation (gaussian resolution and crystal field parameters). This symmetry was also confirmed with the polarised electronic spectra. The magnetic properties of the complex suggest the occurrence of weak intrachain antiferromagnetic interactions between the magnetic Ni^II center. The computational DFT studies of complex 1 assuming three possible isomers mer[(HIm)₃]–cis[(CrO₄²⁻)₂], mer–trans and fac–cis suggested that the main contribution to the stability of 1 might have interhelical and intrahelical hydrogen bonds.     

Reactivity of ruthenium complexes with uninegative (X,S)-donor ligands (X = S,P)—II. Phosphine substitution in [Ru(S,S)2(PR3)2] derivatives. Crystal structure of trans-bis(O-ethyldithiocarbonate)bis(dimethylphenylphosphine)-ruthenium(II)

The complexes [Ru(S,S)₂(PPh₃)₂] [S,S = EtCOCS₂⁻, (CH₂)₄NCS₂⁻] react with a variety of tertiary phosphines with the substitution of triphenylphosphine and the formation of [Ru(S,S)₂(PR₃)₂]. The reaction occurs with the formation ofthe cis isomer, except for the complex with PMe₂Ph that gives rise to the trans isomer as the crystal structure shows. The effect of the different phosphines on the ruthenium complex is analysed in terms of the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of the isolated compounds. The cyclic voltammetric studies of the cis complexes show that isomerization to the trans isomer occurs on oxidation. This isomerization is not observed in the trans-[Ru(S,S)₂(PMe₂Ph)₂] complexes that give rise to stable trans-ruthenium(II)/ruthenium(III) couples. In a similar way the diphosphine complexes afford a quasi-reversible cis-ruthenium(II)/ruthenium(III) process.     

Multidimensional anharmonic calculation of the vibrational frequencies and intensities for the trans and cis isomers of HONO with the use of normal coordinates

The equilibrium geometry and the potential energy and dipole moment surfaces have been determined for the cis and trans isomers of the HONO molecule by an ab initio Moller–Plesset (MP2) calculation with a wide set of atomic orbitals. The multidimensional anharmonic vibrational Schrodinger equations are solved using the variational method with the Hamiltonian and wave functions written in the normal coordinates of cis and trans isomers. All one- and two-dimensional and a number of three-dimensional vibrational problems are solved to obtain the energy levels and vibrational eigenfunctions. The frequencies and intensities for the fundamental, overtone and some combination bands are determined in good agreement with the available experimental results. The calculation shows the strength of coupling between different vibrational modes and reveals the presence of strong resonances between the (v₁, v₃, v₆) and (v₁, v₃−1, v₆+2) states of cis-HONO. This fact may be important for understanding the energy redistribution between the intermolecular degrees of freedom. The magnitude and direction of vibrationally averaged ground-state dipole moment of both isomers, as well as the direction of transition dipole moments, are in good agreement with the experimental findings. The changes in the values of dipole moment and some geometrical parameters of cis- and trans-HONO on vibrational excitation are also computed.     

An ab initio potential energy surface for the υ4 vibrational mode of hydrogen peroxide

In this paper, the levels and the torsional microstates of hydrogen peroxide are determined from fully optimized ab initio calculations using a nuclear model in one dimension. Calculations have been performed at the MP2 level with the 6-311 G(2df,2pd), 6-31 1+G(2df,2pd), cc-pVTZ and AUG-cc-pVTZ basis sets including polarization orbitals and diffuse functions. The most stable conformation, calculated with the MP2/AUG-cc-pVTZ approach, is a trans–gauche conformer lying at 67.5° from the trans structure. By using the same level of calculations, the heights of the trans and cis barriers have been determined to be 386.5 and 2643.8 cm⁻¹ in a good agreement with the experimental data. The variational torsional levels split into four components by the tunnelling effect of the barriers. The splitting of the fundamental level caused by the trans barrier has been found to be 11.8683 cm⁻¹, whereas the splitting caused by the cis barrier is insignificant under n=2. Current ab initio energies confirm the experimental assignments and verify the separability of the torsion from the rest of the vibrations. However, the experimental relation of dependence on the torsion of the rotational constants cannot be reproduced in one-dimension and depends on several additional vibrational effects.     

Peptide models XXIX. cis–trans Isomerism of peptide bonds: ab initio study on small peptide model compound; the 3D-Ramachandran map of formylglycinamide

Thermodynamic separations for cis and trans-amides and formylglycinamide range from 0.00 to 4.77 kcal/mol as computed at various levels of theory. The barriers for trans→cis-isomerization, for the same set of compounds, computed at various levels of theory, were found between 15.69 and 22.67 kcal/mol. The cis- and trans-Ramachandran maps of formylglycinamide are compared and the topology of the ab initio 3D-Ramachandran map is presented for the first time.     

Ideal gas state thermodynamic functions for a series of halogenated propenes

The thermodynamic functions, C√_p, S√,—F√_o—H√)/T and (H√—H√_o)/T have been calculated in the ideal gas state at one atmosphere for the following halogenated propenes: cis-1-chloropropene; trans-1-chloropropene; cis-1-bromopropene; trans-1-bromopropene; 2-fluoropropene; 2-chloropropene; 2-bromopropene; 2-iodopropene; cis-3-fluoropropene; gauche-3-fluoropropene; isomeric-3-fluoropropene; mixture; cis-3-chloropropene; gauche-3-chloropropene; isomeric-2-chloropropene mixture; cis-3-bromopropene; gauche-3-bromopropene; isomeric-3-bromopropene; mixture; cis-3-iodopropene; gauche-3-iodopropene and isomeric-3-iodopropene mixture. The agreement with other results, whenever available, is very good.     

Construction and investigation of photo-switch property of azobenzene-bridged pillar[5]arene-based [3]rotaxanes

Series of azobenzene-bridged pillar[5]arene-based [3]rotaxanes with different alkyl chain length of guest molecules were constructed by threading-endcapping method with alkylenetriazole as axile and tetrahydrochromene as endcapping group.The encapsulation of pillar[5]arenes were proved by highresolution mass,¹ H NMR and NOESY spectra.The photo-responsive property were examined by irradiation of the synthesized [3]rotaxanes with 365 nm and blue light LED,which caused trans to cis and cis to trans isomerization,respectively.Irradiation of corresponding model guest compounds without pillar[5]arene encapsulation resulted in near completely trans to cis and cis to trans isomerization,indicating the existence of pillar[5]arenes is the determining factor for the comprised photo isomerization efficiency.     

Molecular modeling of the olefin metathesis by tungsten(0) carbene complexes

Density functional and second-order Moller–Plesset theory were used to model W(0) carbene mediated homogeneous metathesis reaction of propylene. The calculations show that the rate determining step of the metathesis is the initiation. After the initiation has been completed the rate determining step becomes dissociation of olefin–metallocarbene complex. The low stereoselectivity of the olefin metathesis reaction is due to the close matching of activation energies for cis and trans isomer formation and the fast cis–trans isomerization caused by the catalysts. The non-productive olefin metathesis reaction always dominates the reaction mixture owing to its very low activation energy. The electronic structure of metal carbene olefin complexes can be described as a combination of donor–acceptor interactions between HOMO of the olefin and LUMO of metal carbene located at carbene carbon on the one hand, and the Dewar, Chatt and Duncanson back donation scheme on the other.     

Cyclopropyl carbanions derived from esters of 2-phenylcyclopropylcarboxylic acids: Configurational stability and reaction with electrophiles

The base-catalyzed cis-trans isomerization of cis and trans-alkyl 2-phenylcyclopropylcarboxylates was studied in several aprotic solvents. It was found that contact ion-pain of the derived carbanion lithium salts were configurationally more stable than the solvent-separated ones. Reaction of either the cis or the trans esters with MeI, and the reaction of the cis ester with Ph₂C = O, resulted in the corresponding I-substituted derivatives having cis geometry only. This was explained as due to steric hindrance to elctrophilic attack exerted by the 2-phenyl group in the case of the trans substrate. The trans esters did not react with Ph₂C=O. Inhibition of the trans-to-cis isomerization of the carbanion salt of the trans substrate in presence of Ph₂C=O could lead to this result.     

Cis- and trans-3-hexene: infrared spectrum in liquid argon solution, ab initio calculations of equilibrium geometry, normal coordinate analysis, and vibrational assignments

The infrared spectra of cis-3-hexene and trans-3-hexene dissolved in liquid argon have been obtained at temperatures from 93 to 120 K. The absorptions were observed with a low-temperature cell and a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer. Ab initio molecular orbital calculations were performed to obtain the equilibrium geometry, vibrational frequencies, force fields, and infrared intensities. The calculations were done at the Hartree-Fock level using 6-31G basis set. The Cartesian force fields from ab initio calculations have been converted to the force field in symmetry coordinates. The scale factors of ab initio calculated force fields were determined. Normal coordinate calculations were performed using a scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) force field. Vibrational normal modes calculated for the lowest energy rotamers of cis- and trans-3-hexene have been assigned to infrared absorption bands observed in liquid argon solution. The assignments were based on calculated frequencies and potential energy distributions. The equilibrium geometries of the two lowest energy rotamers (symmetry C₂ and C_s) of cis-3-hexene and of the three lowest energy rotamers (symmetry C_i, C₂, and C₁) of trans-3-hexene were calculated. Variable temperature studies of the infrared spectrum of cis- and trans-3-hexenes dissolved in liquid argon were done to obtain the ΔH of conversion between the rotamers C₂ and C_s of cis-3-hexene and between the rotamers C_i, C₂, and C₁ of trans-3-hexene.     

Investigations on the peculiar permeation properties of volatile organic compounds and permanent gases through PTMSP

In contrast to common glassy polymers, poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP), a high free volume glassy polymer, shows a preferable permeation of large condensable organic vapors in comparison to permanent gases. In order to investigate this phenomenon, a systematic permeability study over a large activity range has been performed on PTMSP with three types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as diffusing probes: toluene, dimethylketone and dichloromethane. PTMSP was synthesized with different catalytic systems (Nb or Ta based) able to induce controlled sub-molecular cis–trans structures. Whereas dimethylketone and dichloromethane permeability can be correctly described by a classical dual-mode equation, a peculiar bell shaped pattern was obtained for toluene, with a minimum permeability located at an activity value around a=0.3–0.4. In that case, only a dual-mode expression taking into account a concentration dependent diffusion coefficient can account for the results.

On the other hand some apparent conflicting data recorded from PTMSP brand new films were related to the microstructure of the polymer main chain thanks to ¹³C NMR spectroscopy analysis showing importance of cis- and trans-forms of the main chain of PTMSP. cis-Structure is more flexible and can be responsible for the creation of a higher density physical network (HDN) in polymeric matrix; conversely, trans-structure is more rigid and can provide lower density physical network (LDN). The higher permeability recorded for several probes through PTMSP synthesized with TaCl₅/Al(i-Bu)₃ catalytic system compared to those of NbCl₅ based polymer can be explained by the geometric difference of the macromolecule networks.     

Unimolecular reactions on formaldehyde S0 PES

The competitive unimolecular reactions of formaldehyde, H₂CO→H₂+CO; H₂CO→trans-HCOH and H₂CO→H+HCO, were comparatively studied under the direct dynamics formalism, using Density functional and ab initio levels of theory. In addition, the geometric isomerization trans-HCOH→cis-HCOH was evaluated. Calculated reaction path properties were used in the determination of Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus microcanonical rate coefficients. The reaction dynamics was evaluated for each individual process based on the nuclear displacements in the reaction path and normal coordinate analysis. Our results found are in very good agreement with experimental barrier heights and quantum yields trends.     

Use of ab initio computational results and experimental frequencies to construct the internal rotational potential function for acrolein

Ab initio optimizations of the complete acrolein molecular geometry accomplished using analytical gradient methods at the 6-31G* SCF level at ten points during rotation from the planar trans- to the planar cis-form (rotation about the single C---C bond) are used to calculate the values of the Pitzer function F(φ), the coefficients of its Fourier expansion, and the coefficients in the potential energy expansion. The theoretical potential expansion coefficients are then adjusted using the experimental torsional frequencies and their overtones for the trans- and cis-forms of CH₂=CH---CH=O and CH₂=CH---CD=O. For the cis-conformer two different sets of experimental frequencies are employed. The dependence of the slope of the acrolein potential energy curve on the experimental frequency set used for the cis-rotamer is discussed.     

Binuclear methyplatinum and phenylplatinum complexes with bis(dimethylphosphino)methane ligands

Reaction of cis-[Ptph₂(SMe₂)₂] with Me₂PCH₂PMe₂ (dmpm) gave cis-[PtPh₂(dmpm-P)₂] (1) or cis,cis-[Pt₂Ph₄(μ-dmpm)₂] (2) and reaction of 1 with [Pt₂Me₄(μ-SMe₂)₂] gave cis,cis-[Ph₂Pt(μ-dmpm)₂PtMe₂] (3). Reaction of 1 with trans-[PtClR(SMe₂)₂] gave cis,trans-[Ph₂Pt(μ-dmpm)₂PtClR], R = Me (5) or Ph (6), and in polar solvents, these isomerized to give [Ph₂Pt(μ-dmpm)₂PtR]⁺Cl⁻. When R = Me, further isomerization via the phenyl group transfer gave [PhMePt(μ-dmpm)₂PtPh]⁺Cl⁻. Oxidative addition of methyl iodide occurred reversibly at the cis-[PtMe₂P₂ unit of 3 to give cis,fac-[Ph₂Pt(μ-dmpm)₂PtIMe₃] but complex 2 failed to react with MeI. A comparison with similar known complexes of Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂ (dppm) is made and differences are attributed primarily to the lower steric hindrance of dmpm.     

A theoretical study of the internal rotation and inversion in hydroxymethyl radical (CH2OH)

Ab initio SCF calculation shows that the hydroxymethyl radical (CH₂OH) is non-planar, supporting the ESR experimental evidence. The out-of-plane angle of the CH₂ group is calculated to be 25° with a barrier of 0.4 kcal/mole. The rotational barriers of the hydroxy-group of the non-planar radical are calculated to be 1.8 kcal/mole (trans) and 3.5 kcal/mole (cis), respectively.     

Kinetische und mechanistische untersuchungen von übergangsmetallkomplex-reaktionen : IX. Substitution von CO durch PPh3 in aminocarbinkomplexen: Präparative und kinetische untersuchungen

Pentacarbonyl(diethylaminocarbyne)chromium tetrafluoroborate, [(CO)₅₋ CrCNEt₂]BF₄ (I), reacts with PPh₃ with substitution of CO and formation of trans-tetracarbonyl(diethylaminocarbyne)triphenylphosphanechromium tetra-fluoroborate, trans-[PPh₃(CO)₄CrCNEt₂]BF₄ (III). Substitution of CO by PPh₃ in neutral trans-tetracarbonyl(halo)(diethylaminocarbyne)chromium complexes, trans-X(CO)₄CrCNEt₂ (IVa: X = Br, IVb: X = I), leads in a reversible reaction to the corresponding tricarbonyl complexes, mer-X(PPh₃)(CO)₃₋ CrNEt₂ (V), PPh₃ occupying the cis-position to the carbyne ligand. With PPh₃ in large excess both reactions follow a first-order rate law. This as well as the activation parameters (ΔH≠ = 104–113 kJ mol⁻¹, ΔS≠ = 64–71 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹) indicate a dissociative mechanism.     

Equilibrium constants and kinetics of carbon monoxide insertion in alkyl complexes of ruthenium(II)

The equilibrium constants of the reaction of cis, trans-[Ru(CO)₂(PMe₃)₂(CH₃)I] (Mc) with carbon monoxide to give cis, trans[Ru(CO)₂(PMe₃)₂ (COMe)i] (Ac) and trans, trans[Ru(CO)₂(PMe₃)₂(COMe)I] (At) were measured at various temperatures in toluene. The thermodynamic parameters are compared with those obtained for the isoelectronic complexes of iron, and the trend is discussed. The kinetics of the carbonylation reaction of Mc, as well as those of the inverse decarbonylation reaction of At were measured. The kinetics of the carbonylation of the new complex trans, trans-[Ru(CO)₂(PMe₃)₂(CH₃)I] (Mt) were also investigated. All the results afford further support to the previously proposed CO insertion mechanism occurring via methyl migration. The comparison of these kinetic results with those of isoelectronic complexes of iron indicates that ruthenium is more reactive than iron, which is reflected by its greater aptitude to act as catalyst in many processes.     

Pigment Yellow 101: A showcase for photo-initiated processes in medium-sized molecules

Pigment Yellow 101 (P.Y.101) is a fluorescent yellow pigment which exhibits a surprisingly rich photochemistry of several competing reaction pathways as revealed by recent time-resolved femtosecond experiments. Our elaborate quantum chemical investigations employing density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) show that the observed fluorescence competes with excited state intramolecular proton transfer and trans–cis isomerization processes. Moreover, the experimentally observed spectral features of the complicated excited state dynamics can be assigned to stable trans-diol, trans-keto and cis-diol, cis-keto isomers on the ground and excited state surfaces. Still, due to its molecular size P.Y.101 poses a challenge to electronic structure theory and many problems occur in particular with respect to the excited state calculations. Thus, P.Y.101 serves also as an educative example for which TDDFT yields a reasonable vertical electronic spectrum, but fails in the prediction of excited state structures, when standard GGA or hybrid functionals with low fractions of Hartree–Fock exchange are employed. This failure is attributed to the charge-transfer failure of TDDFT.     

Raman and infrared spectra, conformational stability, ab initio calculations and vibrational assignments for 2-chloroethyl silane

The infrared (3500–30 cm⁻¹) spectra of gaseous and solid and the Raman (3500–10 cm⁻¹) spectra of liquid with quantitative depolarization ratios and solid 2-chloroethyl silane, ClCH₂CH₂SiH₃, have been recorded. Similar data have been recorded for the Si–d₃ isotopomer. These data indicate that two conformers, trans and gauche, are present in the fluid states but only one conformer, trans, is present in the solid. The mid-infrared spectra of the sample dissolved in liquified xenon as a function of temperature (−55 to −100°C) has been recorded. The enthalpy difference between the conformers has been determined to be 181±12 cm⁻¹ (2.17±0.14 kJ/mol) with the trans rotamer the more stable form. From the isolated Si–H frequencies from the Si–d₂ isotopomer the r_o Si–H distances of 1.484 and 1.483 Å for the trans and 1.481 for the gauche conformers have been obtained. Ab initio calculations have been carried out with several different basis sets up to MP2/6-311+G** from which structural parameters and conformational stabilities have been determined. With all the basis sets the trans form is predicted to be the more stable conformer which is consistent with the experimental results. These results are compared to the corresponding quantities for the carbon analogue.     

Vibrational spectra and rotational isomerism of ethyl trichloroacetate

The IR and Raman spectra of ethyl trichloroacetate (E-TCA) and its deuterate (E-TCA-d₅) have been measured in the liquid, glassy and crystalline states. Vibrational assignment was made by referring to isotopic wavenumber-shift, characteristic group frequencies of related esters and with the aid of a normal coordinate calculation on E-TCA and E-TCA-d₅. It is suggested that in the liquid and glassy states there exist two molecular forms (trans—trans—trans and trans—trans—gauche) with regard to the internal rotations about the ClC---C---O---CH₂CH₃ axis, and that the former persists in the crystalline state. The band pairs of E-TCA and the other ethyl esters are discussed in relation to the nature and number of rotational axes, effect of the heavy trichloromethyl group, and enhancement of band intensity by vibrational coupling.