Three-membered ring or open chain molecule - (F3C)F2SiONMe2 a model for the alpha-effect in silicon chemistry

(F3C)F2SiONMe2 was prepared from LiONMe2 and F3CSiF3. It was characterized by gas IR and multinuclear solution NMR spectroscopy and by mass spectrometry. Its structure was elucidated by single crystal X-ray crystallography and by gas electron diffraction. (It exists as a conformer mixture.) Important findings were extremely acute SiON angles [solid 74.1(1) degrees , gas anti 84.4(32) degrees and gauche 87.8(20) degrees] and short Si...N distances [solid 1.904(2) A]. The bending potential of the SiON unit was calculated at the MP2/6-311++G(3df,2dp) level of theory and appears very flat and highly asymmetric. The calculated atomic charges (NPA) are counterintuitive to the expected behavior for a classical Si-N dative bond, as upon formation of the Si...N bond electron density is transferred mainly from oxygen to nitrogen, while the silicon charge is almost unaffected. Despite the molecular topology of a three-membered ring, the topology of the electron density shows neither a bond critical point between Si and N atoms nor a ring critical point, but the electron density and Laplacian values are related to other hypercoordinate Si compounds. The electronic properties of (F3C)F2SiONMe2 were compared to those of the adduct (F3C)F2(MeO)Si-NMe3, whose properties and structure were also calculated. The charge distribution and Laplacian values along the Si-N vectors in both molecules are similar but not equivalent. (F3C)F2SiONMe2 contains thus a nonclassical Si...N bond, and its properties can be regarded as a new model for the explanation of the old postulate of an alpha-effect in silicon chemistry, explaining the behavior of compounds with geminal Si and N atoms.     

Chlorodifluoroacetyl Azide, ClF(2)CC(O)N(3): Preparation, Properties, and Decomposition

Chlorodifluoroacetyl azide, ClF(2)CC(O)N(3), was prepared and characterized by IR (gas, Ar matrix), Raman (liquid), UV-vis (gas), and (19)F, (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The vibrational spectra were analyzed in terms of a single conformer, gauche-syn, where the Cl-C and the N(α)═N(β) bonds are gauche and syn to the C═O bond, respectively. The photo and thermal decomposition reactions of the azide were studied with the aid of matrix isolation. In both cases, a new isocyanate species ClF(2)CNCO was produced and characterized by matrix IR spectroscopy. The conformational properties and the Curtius rearrangement pathways of this new carbonyl azide were theoretically explored, which suggest the preference of a concerted over stepwise decomposition for the global minimum gauche-syn conformer.     

((Fluoroformyl)imido)sulfuryl difluoride, FC(O)N=S(O)F2: structural, conformational, and configurational properties in the gaseous and condensed phases

Structural, conformational, and configurational properties of the gaseous molecule ((fluoroformyl)imido)sulfuryl difluoride, FC(O)N=S(O)F(2), have been studied by vibrational spectroscopy (IR (gas) and Raman (liquid)) and quantum chemical calculations (HF, MP2, and B3LYP with 6-31+G* and 6-311+G* basis sets); in addition, the solid-state structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography. FC(O)N=S(O)F(2) exists in the gas phase as a mixture of a favored antiperiplanar-synperiplanar form (the S=O double bond antiperiplanar with respect to the C-N single bond, and the C=O group synperiplanar with respect to the S=N double bond) in equilibrium with less abundant antiperiplanar-antiperiplanar, synclinal-synperiplanar, and synclinal-antiperiplanar structures. The crystalline solid at 163 K (monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 5.1323(7) A, b = 15.942(2) A, c = 16.798(2) A, beta = 95.974(3) degrees , Z = 12) consists of three similar antiperiplanar-synperiplanar forms.     

Vibrational spectra, crystal structures, constitutional and rotational isomerism of FC(O)SCN and FC(O)NCS

Fluorocarbonyl thio- and isothiocyanate, FC(O)SCN and FC(O)NCS, were fully characterized by IR (gas, Ar and N(2) matrixes), Raman (liquid and solid), UV (gas), and (13)C NMR (liquid) spectroscopy, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their vibrational and conformational properties were analyzed using matrix isolation techniques guided by quantum chemical calculation at the ab initio [MP2 and CCSD(T)], density functional theory B3LYP, and CBS-QB3 levels of theory. A complete assignment of the fundamental modes of FC(O)SCN was performed. In both the gas and liquid states, FC(O)SCN and FC(O)NCS were found to exist as two conformers (C(s) symmetry), in which the carbonyl double bond (C═O) adopts a synperiplanar (syn) and an antiperiplanar (anti) orientation with respect to either the SCN or NCS group. For FC(O)SCN, the conformational enthalpy difference, ΔH° = H°(anti) - H°(syn), was determined by matrix IR experiments to be 0.9 ± 0.2 kcal mol(-1). The conformational equilibria were evaluated by fast-cooling gaseous samples highly diluted in argon at different temperatures as cryogenic matrixes. The conformational properties of both molecules were analyzed in terms of the hyperconjugative electronic effect applying the natural bond orbital method. The kinetics of the thermal conversion of the high-energy anti into the syn FC(O)NCS conformer was studied in Ar and N(2) matrixes at cryogenic temperatures. The reversed syn → anti photoisomerization was observed using UV-vis light. Rearrangement of FC(O)SCN into FC(O)NCS was observed in the neat liquid and in solution. Under 193 nm (ArF excimer laser) irradiation, FC(O)NCS isolated in cryogenic Ar matrixes forms FC(O)SCN. At low temperature, single crystals of the two constitutional isomers were obtained using a miniature zone melting procedure. According to X-ray diffraction, they exclusively crystallize in their syn forms (C(s) symmetry) in the orthorhombic crystal system.     

Chlorocarbonyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, ClC(O)OSO2CF3: structure and conformational properties in the gaseous and condensed phases

Pure chlorocarbonyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, ClC(O)OSO(2)CF(3), has been prepared in about 58% yield by the ambient-temperature reaction between ClC(O)SCl and AgCF(3)SO(3). The conformational properties of the gaseous molecule have been studied by vibrational spectroscopy [IR(gas), IR(matrix), and Raman(liquid)] and quantum chemical calculations (HF and B3LYP with 6-31+G* basis sets); in addition, the solid-state structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography. ClC(O)OSO(2)CF(3) exists in the gas phase as a mixture of trans [ClC(O) group trans with respect to the CF(3) group] and gauche conformers, with the trans form being the more abundant [66(8)% from IR(matrix) measurements]. In both conformers, the C=O bond of the ClC(O) group is oriented synperiplanar with respect to the S-O single bond. The experimental free energy difference between the two forms, DeltaG degrees = 0.8(2) kcal mol(-1) (IR), is slightly smaller than the calculated value (1.0-1.5 kcal mol(-1)). The crystalline solid at 150 K [monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 7.3951(9) angstroms, b = 24.897(3) angstroms, c = 7.4812(9) angstroms, beta = 99.448(2) degrees, Z = 8] consists surprisingly of both trans and gauche forms. Whereas the more stable conformer for the more or less discrete molecules and the polarization effects would tend to favor the trans form, the packing effects would stabilize the gauche rotamer in the solid state.     

Synthesis and characterization of the phosphorus triazides OP(N3)3 and SP(N3)3

Two explosive triazides of phosphorus(V), OP(N(3))(3) and SP(N(3))(3), have been prepared as neat substances and structurally characterized. Both compounds can be handled in gas, liquid, and solid states in submillimolar quantities. The melting points of OP(N(3))(3) and SP(N(3))(3) are +22 and -30 °C, respectively. The two triazides have been characterized by IR (Ar matrix and gas phase) and Raman (solid) spectroscopies. Their single-crystal structures were obtained by X-ray diffraction and found to be significantly distorted from the predicted ideal C(3) symmetry because of intermolecular interactions. The spectroscopic and structural properties are discussed in combination with density functional theory calculations.     

Spectra and structure of silicon containing compounds. XXXIX. Raman and infrared spectra,conformational stability,vibrational assignment and ab initio calculations of n-propyltrifluorosilane

The infrared (3100-40 cm(-1)) spectra of gaseous and solid and Raman (3200-20 cm(-1)) spectra of liquid with qualitative depolarization values and solid n-propyltrifluorosilane, CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)SiF(3), have been recorded. Additionally the infrared spectra of the sample in nitrogen and argon matrices have been recorded. Both the anti and gauche conformers have been identified in the fluid phases but only the anti conformer remains in the solid. Variable temperature (-105 to -150 degrees C) studies of the infrared spectra of the sample dissolved in liquid krypton have been recorded and the enthalpy difference has been determined to be 135+/-14 cm(-1) (1.62+/-0.17 kJ mol(-1)) with the anti conformer the more stable form. At ambient temperature it is estimated that there is 51+/-2% of the gauche conformer present. Also the enthalpy difference in the liquid was obtained from variable temperature studies of the Raman spectra and from three conformer pairs an average value of 179+/-18 cm(-1) (2.14+/-0.22 kJ mol(-1)) was obtained again with the anti form the more stable conformer. Relatively complete vibrational assignments are proposed for both conformers based on the relative infrared and Raman spectral intensities, infrared band contours, depolarization ratios which are supported by normal coordinate calculations. The geometrical parameters, harmonic force constants, vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities, Raman activities, depolarization ratios, and energy differences have been obtained for the anti and gauche conformers from ab initio MP2/6-31G(d) calculations. Structural parameters and energy differences have also been obtained utilizing the larger 6-311+G(d, p) and 6-311+G(2d, 2p) basis sets. By utilizing the previously reported microwave rotational constants for five isotopomers of CH(3)SiF(3) along with ab initio predicted structural values, r(0) parameters have been obtained for methyltrifluorosilane. Similarly, from the ab initio predicted parameters "adjusted r(0)" parameters have been estimated for both conformers of n-propyltrifluorosilane. The results are discussed and compared with those obtained for some similar molecules.     

Trifluoromethyl chlorosulfonate, CF3OSO2Cl: gas phase and crystal structure, conformation and vibrational analysis studied by experimental and theoretical methods

The geometric structure and conformational properties of trifluoromethyl chlorosulfonate (chlorosulfuric acid trifluoromethyl ester), CF(3)OSO(2)Cl, have been determined by X-ray crystallography, gas electron diffraction (GED), and vibrational spectroscopy (IR(gas), IR(matrix), and Raman(liquid)). These experimental investigations were supplemented by quantum chemical calculations (B3LYP with 6-311G* and 6-311+G(3df) basis sets). All experimental methods result in a single conformer with gauche orientation of the CF(3) group relative to the S[bond]Cl. The dihedral angle delta(COSCl) is determined to be 91.7(3) degrees in the crystal and 94(3) degrees in the gas phase. This dihedral angle corresponds to a near-eclipsed orientation of the O[bond]C relative to one of the S[double bond]O bonds (delta(CO[bond]SO) = -23.0(3) degrees and -21(3) degrees in the crystal and gas phase, respectively).     

Molecular structure of 1,1,2,2-tetra-tert-butyldisilane: unusual structural motifs in sterically crowded disilanes

The molecular structure of 1,1,2,2-tetra-tert-butyldisilane has been determined by gas-phase electron diffraction supported by ab initio calculations, in the solution phase by Raman spectroscopy, and in the solid phase by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The gas-phase structure (C2 symmetry) was found to be almost anticlinal, a most unusual and unexpected result. In the favoured conformation, contact between tert-butyl groups at each end of the molecule is avoided by a large deviation of the angles around the silicon atoms from the parent tetrahedral angle of 109.5 degrees. In fact, the Si-Si-C angles returned from the gas electron diffraction refinement are 117.0(5) and 110.7(6) degrees, indicating the large degree of flexibility about the silicon centres. The ab initio methods and gas electron diffraction results indicate that there is only one conformer of But2HSiSiHBut2 in the gaseous mixture. Variable temperature Raman studies indicate the possibility of a further higher energy conformer existing in the liquid phase. However, this seems quite improbable from other observations made for the Raman spectra at all temperatures. The X-ray structure is close to that observed in the gas phase, with phiHSiSiH = 94.2(18) degrees. There is a large amount of disorder about one of the silicon postions and one of the tert-butyl groups within the crystal structure, which makes detailed direct comparison with the gaseous structure difficult.     

Fluorocarbonyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, FC(O)OSO2CF3: structure and conformational properties in the gaseous and condensed phases

Pure fluorocarbonyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, FC(O)OSO(2)CF(3), is prepared in about 70% yield by the ambient-temperature reaction between FC(O)SCl and AgCF(3)SO(3). The geometric structure and conformational properties of the gaseous molecule have been studied by gas electron diffraction (GED), vibrational spectroscopy [IR(gas), IR(matrix), and Raman(liquid)] and quantum chemical calculations (HF, MP2, and B3LYP with 6-311G basis sets); in addition, the solid-state structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography. FC(O)OSO(2)CF(3) exists in the gas phase as a mixture of trans [FC(O) group trans with respect to the CF(3) group] and gauche conformers with the trans form prevailing [67(8)% from GED and 59(5)% from IR(matrix) measurements]. In both conformers the C=O bond of the FC(O) group is oriented synperiplanar with respect to the S-O single bond. The experimental free energy difference between the two forms, DeltaG degrees = 0.49(13) kcal mol(-1) (GED) and 0.22(12) kcal mol(-1) (IR), is slightly smaller than the calculated value (0.74-0.94 kcal mol(-1)). The crystalline solid at 150 K [monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.983(1) A, b = 6.4613(6) A, c = 8.8508(8) A, beta = 104.786(2) degrees ] consists exclusively of the trans conformer.     

A prototype hybrid 7π quinone-fused 1,3,2-dithiazolyl radical

Reaction of 1,4-naphthoquinone and SNSMF(6) (M = As, Sb) in SO(2) solution in a 1 : 2 molar ratio led to the naphthoquinone fused 1,3,2-dithiazolylium salts, 3MF(6) quantitatively by multinuclear NMR (87% isolated yield of 3SbF(6)) via the cycloaddition and oxidative dehydrogenation chemistry of SNS(+) with formation of NH(4)SbF(6) and S(8). The product 3SbF(6) was fully characterized by IR, Raman, multinuclear {(1)H, (13)C, (14)N} NMR, elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry and single crystal X-ray crystallography. The reduction of 3SbF(6) with ferrocene (Cp(2)Fe) in refluxing acetonitrile (CH(3)CN) led to the first isolation of a fused quinone-thiazyl radical, 3˙ in 73% yield. The prototype hybrid quinone-thiazyl radical 3˙ was fully characterized by IR, Raman microscopy, EI-MS, elemental analysis, solution and solid state EPR, magnetic susceptibility (2-370 K) and was found to form π*-π* dimers in the solid state as determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Furthermore, the thermal decomposition of 3˙ led to a novel quinone-fused 1,2,3,4-tetrathiine, 10 (x = 2) and the known 1,2,5-thiadiazole, 11. The energetics of the cycloadditon and oxidative dehydrogenation chemistry of SNS(+) and 1,4-naphthoquinone leading to 3SbF(6) were estimated in the gas phase and SO(2) solution by DFT calculations (PBE0/6-311G(d)) and lattice enthalpies obtained by the volume based thermodynamic (VBT) approach in the solid state. The gas phase ion energetics (ionization potential (IP) and electron affinity (EA)) of 3˙ are compared to related 1,3,2- and 1,2,3-dithiazolyl radicals.     

Preparation and properties of trifluorothioacetic acid-S-(trifluoromethyl)ester, CF3C(O)SCF3

Trifluorothioacetic acid-S-(trifluoromethyl)ester, CF3C(O)SCF3, was prepared by reacting CF3C(O)Cl and AgSCF3 at 50 degrees C. The compound was characterized by (13)C-, (19)F-NMR, UV, and vibrational spectroscopy as well as by gas electron diffraction (GED) and quantum chemical calculations (HF, MP2, and B3LYP methods 6-31G(d) and 6-311+G(2df) basis sets). GED and vibrational spectroscopy result in the presence of a single conformer with C1 symmetry and synperiplanar orientation of the S-CF3 bond relative to the CO bond. This result is in agreement with quantum chemical calculations which predict the anti conformer to be higher in energy by about 4 kcal/mol. An assignment of the IR (gas) and Raman (liquid) spectra is proposed, and the GED analysis results in the following skeletal geometric parameters (r(a) and angle(a) values with 3sigma uncertainties; these parameters are thermal averages and are not inconsistent with calculated equilibrium values): C=O = 1.202(6) A, C-C = 1.525(10) A, S-C(sp(2)) = 1.774(3) A, S-C(sp(3)) = 1.824 (3) A. O=C-C = 118.7(21) degrees, O=C-S = 127.1(15) degrees, C-S-C = 99.8 (13) degrees.     

Synthesis,spectral characterization,and luminescence properties of a cup-like ligand and its magnesium(II) complex

A new tripodal ligand, N,N′,N″-tri(salicylaldehyde)triaminotriethylamine (1) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV spectroscopy, MS, and X-ray crystallography. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the three chains of the ligand form a cup-like structure. The ligand’s magnesium(II) complex has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity, and IR and UV spectroscopy. The luminescence properties of the ligand and its magnesium(II) complex were investigated in DMF, CH₃OH, and CH₃CH₂OH solution and in the solid state at room temperature.     

Spectra and structure of silicon containing compounds. XXXII. Raman and infrared spectra,conformational stability,vibrational assignment and ab initio calculations of n-propylsilane-d0 and Si-d3

The infrared (3100-40 cm(-1)) and Raman (3100-20 cm(-1)) spectra of gaseous and solid n-propylsilane, CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)SiH(3) and the Si-d(3) isotopomer, CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)SiD(3), have been recorded. Additionally, the Raman spectra of the liquids have been recorded and qualitative depolarization values obtained. Both the anti and gauche conformers have been identified in the fluid phases but only the anti conformer remains in the solid. Variable temperature (-105 to -150 degrees C) studies of the infrared spectra of n-propylsilane dissolved in liquid krypton have been recorded and the enthalpy difference has been determined to be 220+/-22 cm(-1) (2.63+/-0.26 kJ mol(-1)) with the anti conformer the more stable form. A similar value of 234+/-23 cm(-1) (2.80+/-0.28 kJ mol(-1)) was obtained for deltaH for the Si-d(3) isotopomer. At ambient temperature it is estimated that there is 30+/-2% of the gauche conformer present. The potential function governing the conformation interchange has been estimated from the far infrared spectral data, the enthalpy difference, and the dihedral angle of the gauche conformer, which is compared to the one predicted from ab initio MP2/6-31G(d) calculations. The barriers to conformational interchange are: 942, 970 and 716 cm(-1) for the anti to gauche, gauche to gauche, and gauche to anti conformers, respectively. Relatively complete vibrational assignments are proposed for both the n-propylsilane-d(0) and Si-d(3) molecules based on the relative infrared and Raman spectral intensities, infrared band contours, depolarization ratios, and normal coordinate calculations. The geometrical parameters, harmonic force constants, vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities, Raman activities and depolarization ratios, and energy differences have been obtained for the anti and gauche conformers from ab initio MP2/6-31G(d) calculations. Structural parameters and energy differences have also been obtained utilizing the larger 6-311 + G(d,p) and 6-311 + G(2d,2p) basis sets. From the isolated Si-H stretching frequency from the Si-d(2) isotopomer the r(0) distances of 1.484 and 1.485 A have been determined for the SiH(s) and SiH(a) bonds, respectively, for the anti conformer, and 1.486 A for the SiH bond for the gauche conformer. Utilizing previously reported microwave rotational constants for the anti conformer and the determined SiH distances along with ab initio predicted parameters 'adjusted r(0)' parameters have been obtained for the anti conformer. The results are discussed and compared to those obtained for some similar molecules.     

Synthesis of the C59N+ carbocation. A monomeric azafullerene isoelectronic to C60

A heterofullerene isoelectronic to C60 is reported. The azafullerenium cation C59N+ can be isolated in good yield as a carborane salt via the two-electron oxidation of the C-C bond of (C59N)2 dimer. [C59N][Ag(CB11H6Cl6)2] has been characterized by electronic, IR, Raman, and 13C NMR spectroscopies, MALDI spectrometry, DFT calculations, and X-ray crystallography.     

Fluoride-ion acceptor properties of WSF4: synthesis, characterization, and computational study of the WSF5(-) and W2S2F9(-) anions and 19F NMR spectroscopic characterization of the W2OSF9(-) anion

The new [N(CH(3))(4)][WSF(5)] salt was synthesized by two preparative methods: (a) by reaction of WSF(4) with [N(CH(3))(4)][F] in CH(3)CN and (b) directly from WF(6) using the new sulfide-transfer reagent [N(CH(3))(4)][SSi(CH(3))(3)]. The [N(CH(3))(4)][WSF(5)] salt was characterized by Raman, IR, and (19)F NMR spectroscopy and [N(CH(3))(4)][WSF(5)]·CH(3)CN by X-ray crystallography. The reaction of WSF(4) with half an aliquot of [N(CH(3))(4)][F] yielded [N(CH(3))(4)][W(2)S(2)F(9)], which was characterized by Raman and (19)F NMR spectroscopy and by X-ray crystallography. The WSF(5)(-) and W(2)S(2)F(9)(-) anions were studied by density functional theory calculations. The novel [W(2)OSF(9)](-) anion was observed by (19)F NMR spectroscopy in a CH(3)CN solution of WOF(4) and WSF(5)(-), as well as CH(3)CN solutions of WSF(4) and WOF(5)(-).     

Infrared and Raman spectra, conformational stability, ab initio calculations and vibrational assignments for trans-3-chloropropenoyl chloride

The infrared (3500-30 cm(-1)) spectra of gaseous and solid and the Raman (3500-200 cm(-1)) spectra of the liquid with quantitative depolarization ratios and solid trans-3-chloropropenoyl chloride (trans-ClCHCHCClO) have been recorded. These data indicate that both the anti (carbonyl bond trans to the carbon-carbon double bond) and syn conformers are present in the fluid states but only the anti conformer is present in the crystalline state. The mid-infrared spectra of the sample dissolved in liquid xenon as a function of temperature (-55 to -100 degrees C) have been recorded. Utilizing conformer pairs at 870 and 725 cm(-1), 1215 and 1029 cm(-1), and 1215 and 1228 cm(-1), the enthalpy difference has been determined to be 136+/-5 cm(-1) (389+/-14 cal mol(-1)) with the anti conformer the more stable form. Optimized geometries and conformational stabilities were obtained from ab initio calculations at the levels of RHF/6-31G(d), MP2/6-31G(d), MP2/6-311 + + G(d,p), MP2/6-311 + + G(2d,2p) and MP2/6-311 + + G(2df,2pd) with only the latter two calculations predicting the anti rotamer to be the more stable form. The vibrational frequencies, harmonic force constants and infrared intensities were obtained from the MP2/6-31G(d) calculations, whereas the Raman activities and depolarization values were obtained from the RHF/6-31G(d) calculations. The spectra are interpreted in detail and the results are compared with those obtained for some related molecules.     

Shining light on dinitrogen cleavage: structural features, redox chemistry, and photochemistry of the key intermediate bridging dinitrogen complex

The key intermediate in dinitrogen cleavage by Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3, 1 (Ar = 3,5-C6H3Me2), has been characterized by a pair of single crystal X-ray structures. For the first time, the X-ray crystal structure of (mu-N2)[Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3]2, 2, and the product of homolytic fragmentation of the NN bond, NMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3, are reported. The structural features of 2 are compared with previously reported EXAFS data. Moreover, contrasts are drawn between theoretical predictions concerning the structural and magnetic properties of 2 and those reported herein. In particular, it is shown that 2 exists as a triplet (S = 1) at 20 degrees C. Further insight into the bonding across the MoNNMo core of the molecule is obtained by the synthesis and structural characterization of the one- and two-electron oxidized congeners, (mu-N2)[Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3]2[B(Ar(F))4], 2[B(Ar(F))4] (Ar(F) = 3,5-C6H3(CF3)2) and (mu-N2)[Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3]2[B(Ar(F))4]2, 2[B(Ar(F))4]2, respectively. Bonding in these three molecules is discussed in view of X-ray crystallography, Raman spectroscopy, electronic absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory. Combining X-ray crystallography data with Raman spectroscopy studies allows the NN bond polarization energy and NN internuclear distance to be correlated in three states of charge across the MoNNMo core. For 2[B(Ar(F))4], bonding is symmetric about the mu-N2 ligand and the NN polarization is Raman active; therefore, 2[B(Ar(F))4] meets the criteria of a Robin-Day class III mixed-valent compound. The redox couples that interrelate 2, 2(+), and 2(2+) are studied by cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry. Insights into the electronic structure of 2 led to the discovery of a photochemical reaction that forms NMo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 and Mo(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 through competing NN bond cleavage and N2 extrusion reaction pathways. The primary quantum yield was determined to be Phi(p) = 0.05, and transient absorption experiments show that the photochemical reaction is complete in less than 10 ns.     

Pentafluoronitrosulfane, SF5NO2

The synthesis of pentafluoronitrosulfane, SF5NO2, is accomplished either by reacting N(SF5)3 with NO2 or by the photolysis of a SF5Br/NO2 mixture using diazo lamps. The product is purified by treatment with CsF and repeated trap-to-trap condensation. The solid compound melts at -78 degrees C, and the extrapolated boiling point is 9 degrees C. SF5NO2 is characterized by 19F, 15N NMR, IR, Raman, and UV spectroscopy as well as by mass spectrometry. The molecular structure of SF5NO2 is determined by gas electron diffraction. The molecule possesses C2v symmetry with the NO2 group staggering the equatorial S-F bonds and an extremely long 1.903(7) Angstroms S-N bond. Calculated bond enthalpies depend strongly on the computational method: 159 (MP2/6-311G++(3df)) and 87 kJ mol(-1) (B3LYP/6-311++G(3df)). The experimental geometry and vibrational spectrum are reproduced reasonably well by quantum chemical calculations.     

Trichloromethyl chloroformate ("diphosgene"), ClCOOCCl3: structure and conformational properties in the gaseous and condensed phases

The conformational properties of gaseous trichloromethyl chloroformate (or "diphosgene"), ClC(O)OCCl3, have been studied by vibrational spectroscopy [IR (gas), IR (matrix), and Raman (liquid)] and quantum chemical calculations (MP2 and B3LYP with 6-311G basis sets); in addition, the structure of a single crystal at low temperature has been determined by X-ray diffraction. ClC(O)OCCl3 exhibits only one conformational form having Cs symmetry with a synperiplanar orientation of the C-O single bond relative to the C=O double bond. The calculated energy difference between the syn and anti forms, 5.73 kcal mol(-1) (B3LYP) or 7.06 kcal mol(-1) (MP2), is consistent with the experimental findings for the gas and liquid phases. The crystalline solid at 150 K [monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 5.5578(5) angstroms, b = 14.2895(12) angstroms, c = 8.6246(7) angstroms, beta = 102.443(2) degrees, Z = 4] likewise consists only of molecules in the syn form.