Formation of positive cluster ions LinBr (n = 2–7) and ionization energies studied by thermal ionization mass spectrometry

Clusters of the type Li_nX (X = halides) can be considered as potential building blocks of cluster‐assembly materials. In this work, Li_nBr (n = 2–7) clusters were obtained by a thermal ionization source of modified design and selected by a magnetic sector mass spectrometer. Positive ions of the Li_nBr (n = 4–7) cluster were detected for the first time. The order of ion intensities was Li₂Br⁺ > Li₄Br⁺ > Li₅Br⁺ > Li₆Br⁺ > Li₃Br⁺. The ionization energies (IEs) were measured and found to be 3.95 ± 0.20 eV for Li₂Br, 3.92 ± 0.20 eV for Li₃Br, 3.93 ± 0.20 eV for Li₄Br, 4.08 ± 0.20 eV for Li₅Br, 4.14 ± 0.20 eV for Li₆Br and 4.19 ± 0.20 eV for Li₇Br. All of these clusters have a much lower ionization potential than that of the lithium atom, so they belong to the superalkali class. The IEs of Li_nBr (n = 2–4) are slightly lower than those in the corresponding small Li_n or Li_nH clusters, whereas the IEs of Li_nBr are very similar to those of Li_n or Li_nH for n = 5 and 6. The thermal ionization source of modified design is an important means for simultaneously obtaining and measuring the IEs of Li_nBr (n = 2–7) clusters (because their ions are thermodynamically stable with respect to the loss of lithium atoms in the gas phase) and increasingly contributes toward the development of clusters for practical applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ionization energies of K2X (X = F,Cl, Br,I) clusters

The electronic structure and properties of dipotassiummonohalides are important for understanding the unique physical and chemical behavior of M_nX systems. In the present study, K₂X (here X = F, Cl, Br, I) clusters were generated in the vapor over salts of the corresponding potassium halide, using a magnetic sector thermal ionization mass spectrometer. The ionization energies obtained for K₂F, K₂Cl, K₂Br, and K₂I molecules were 3.82 ± 0.1 eV, 3.68 ± 0.1 eV, 3.95 ± 0.1 eV, and 3.92 ± 0.1, respectively. These experimental values of ionization energies for K₂X (X = F, Br, and I) are presented for the first time. The ionization energy of K₂Cl determined by thermal ionization corresponds to previous results obtained by photoionization mass spectrometry, and it agrees with the theoretical ionization energy calculated by the ab initio method. The presently obtained results support previous theoretical predictions that the excess electron in dipotassiummonohalide clusters is delocalized over two potassium atoms, which is characteristic for F‐center clusters. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Geometries,vibrational frequencies,and electron affinities of X2Cl (X=C,Si,Ge) clusters

Ab initio quantum chemical calculations have been performed on X₂Cl^? and X₂Cl (X = C, Si, Ge) clusters. The geometrical structures, vibrational frequencies, electronic properties and dissociation energies are investigated at the Hartree–Fock (HF), Møller–Plesset second‐ and fourth‐order (MP2, MP4), CCSD(T) level with the 6‐311+G(d) basis set. The X₂Cl (X = C, Si, Ge) and X₂Cl^? (X = Si, Ge) take a bent shape obtained at the ground state, while C₂Cl^? has a linear structure. The impact on internal electron transfer between the X₂Cl and the corresponding anional clusters is studied. The three different types of electron affinities (EAs) at the CCSD(T) are reported. The most reliable adiabatic electronic affinities, obtained at the CCSD(T)/cc‐pvqz level of theory, are predicted to be 3.30, 2.62, and 1.98 eV for C₂Cl, Si₂Cl, and Ge₂Cl, respectively. The calculated EAs of C₂Cl and Ge₂Cl are in good agreement with theoretical results reported. The correlation effects and basis sets effects on the geometrical structures and dissociation energies are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007     

Kinetics and mechanism of the reduction of monochloramine by hydroxylamine and hydroxylammonium ion

The kinetics and mechanism by which monochloramine is reduced by hydroxylamine in aqueous solution over the pH range of 5–8 are reported. The reaction proceeds via two different mechanisms depending upon whether the hydroxylamine is protonated or unprotonated. When the hydroxylamine is protonated, the reaction stoichiometry is 1:1. The reaction stoichiometry becomes 3:1 (hydroxylamine:monochloramine) when the hydroxylamine is unprotonated. The principle products under both conditions are Cl^–, NH⁺₄, and N₂O. The rate law is given by ?[d[NH₂Cl]/dt] = k₊[NH₃OH⁺][NH₂Cl] + k₀[NH₂OH][NH₂Cl]. At an ionic strength of 1.2 M, at 25°C, and under pseudo‐first‐order conditions, k₊= (1.03 ± 0.06) ×10³ L · mol^?1 · s^?1 and k₀=91 ± 15 L · mol^?1 · s^?1. Isotopic studies demonstrate that both nitrogen atoms in the N₂O come from the NH₂OH/NH₃OH⁺. Activation parameters for the reaction determined at pH 5.1 and 8.0 at an ionic strength of 1.2 M were found to be ΔH? = 36 ± 3 kJ · mol^–1 and Δ S? = ?66 ± 9 J · K^?1 · mol^?1, and Δ H? = 12 ± 2 kJ · mol^?1 and Δ S? = ?168 ± 6 J · K^?1 · mol^?1, respectively, and confirm that the transition states are significantly different for the two reaction pathways. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 124–135, 2006     

Dynamics and structural changes of small water clusters on ionization

Despite utmost importance in understanding water ionization process, reliable theoretical results of structural changes and molecular dynamics (MD) of water clusters on ionization have hardly been reported yet. Here, we investigate the water cations [(H₂O)_{n = 2–6}⁺] with density functional theory (DFT), Möller–Plesset second‐order perturbation theory (MP2), and coupled cluster theory with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)]. The complete basis set limits of interaction energies at the CCSD(T) level are reported, and the geometrical structures, electronic properties, and infrared spectra are investigated. The characteristics of structures and spectra of the water cluster cations reflect the formation of the hydronium cation moiety (H₃O⁺) and the hydroxyl radical. Although most density functionals fail to predict reasonable energetics of the water cations, some functionals are found to be reliable, in reasonable agreement with high‐level ab initio results. To understand the ionization process of water clusters, DFT‐ and MP2‐based Born‐Oppenheimer MD (BOMD) simulations are performed on ionization. On ionization, the water clusters tend to have an Eigen‐like form with the hydronium cation instead of a Zundel‐like form, based on reliable BOMD simulations. For the vertically ionized water hexamer, the relatively stable (H₂O)₅⁺ (5sL4A) cluster tends to form with a detached water molecule (H₂O). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Vibronic spectra of the allyl radical at 6–8 eV with resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization technique

The allyl radical was produced in molecular beam by pyrolysis of allyl iodide. The vibronic spectra from ground state to six new electronic states of the allyl radical at 6–8 eV, π →3d^xz, π →3d^xy and π →ns (n=4, 6, 7, 8) were observed firstly with the aid of time-of-flight mass spectros copy and resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization technique. Vibrational progression ofv ₇(C₃ bend) with gross spacing of about 430 cm⁻¹ was observed inns Rydberg states. The adiabatic ionization potential of the allyl radical was obtained to be (65641 ± 20) cm⁻¹ ((8.138 ± 0.002) eV) by fitting the term values ofns (n=4,6,7,8) Rydberg states with Rydberg formula.     

Modulation of hydrogen bonding upon ion binding: Insights into cooperativity

The impact due to the of presence of ions, such as Mg²⁺, Na⁺, H⁺, Cl^?, and OH^? on hydrogen bonded clusters of increasing size (water, formamide, and acetamide [n = 1–10]) in the context of associated cooperativity has been explored using density functinal theory (DFT) calculations. Sequential binding energies (SBE) rise on addition of monomer in case of parent clusters. SBE for ionic clusters are several times higher than that of parent clusters initially. This behavior is more dramatic on addition of either Mg²⁺ or H⁺ compared to other ions. Interestingly, SBE of both parent and ionic clusters approach nearly uniform values beyond n = 6 irrespective of kind of ion present in the cluster with the exception of magnesium. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Effect of collision gas pressure and collision energy on reactions between oxygen and the negative molecular ion of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins in the collision cell of a triple -quadrupole mass spectrometer

Low-energy reactive collisions between the negative molecular ion of a tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and oxygen inside the collision cell of a triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometer produce a substitution ion [M ? Cl + O]^?, a phenoxide ion [C₆H_4-nO₂Cl_n]^?·, [M ? HCl]^?·, and Cl^? by which 1,2,3,4-, 1,2,3,6/1,2,3,7- and 2,3,7,8-TCDD isomers can be distinguished either directly or on the basis of intensity ratios. The collision conditions have an important effect on the relative abundances. Energy- and pressure-resolved curves show that the ions formed by a collisionally activated reaction (CAR) process, i.e. [M ? Cl + O]^? and [C₆H_4-n,O₂Cl_n]^?·, are favoured by a high pressure of oxygen (3-6 mTorr) (1 Torr = 133.3 Pa) and a low collision energy (0.1-7 eV), whereas the ions formed by a collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) process, i.e. [M ? HCl]^?· and Cl^?, are favoured by high pressure and high energy. By choosing a relatively low collision energy (5 eV) and high pressure (4 mTorr), the CAR and CAD ions can be clearly detected.     

Fragmentation behavior of Si2Cln+ cations (n = 1—6)

Sector-field mass spectrometry was used to probe the fragmentation patterns of the cationic silicon chlorides Si₂Cl_n ⁺ (n = 1—6). For almost all Si₂Cl_n ⁺ ions, Si—Si fragmentation predominates the Si—Cl bond cleavage both in the metastable ion and collisional activation mass spectra. Analysis of the fragmentation patterns indicates that the long-lived radical cation Si₂Cl₆ ^·+ corresponds to a complex [SiCl₂·SiCl₄]^·+ rather than the intact molecular ion of hexachlorodisilane. The behavior of Si₂Cl₅ ⁺ is consistent with the formation of the (trichlorosilyl)dichlorosilyl cation Cl₃SiSICl₂ ⁺. Structural aspects are also discussed for the other Si₂Cl_n ⁺ species. A semi-quantitative analysis of the fragmentation patterns in conjunction with the literature thermochemistry data was used to estimate some thermochemical properties of the Si₂Cl_n ⁺ cations.     

Die Kristallstruktur des 1 : 1-Adduktes zwischen Antimontrichlorid und Diphenylammoniumchlorid,SbCl3 · (C6H5)2NH2+Cl−

The Crystal Structure of the 1:1 Addition Compound between Antimony Trichloride and Diphenylammonium Chloride, SbCl₃ · (C₆H₅)₂NH₂⁺Cl^? The 1:1 addition compound between antimony trichloride and diphenylammoniumchloride SbCl₃ · (C₆H₅)₂NH₂⁺Cl^? crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 5.668(8), b = 20.480(12), c = 14.448(17) Å, β = 110.4(1)° and Z = 4 formula units. Chains of SbCl₃ molecules and anion cation chains are bridged by Cl ions and form square tubes. The coordination of the Sb atoms by Cl atoms by Cl atoms and Cl ions is distorted octahedral. Mean distances are Sb? Cl = 2.37 Å for Sb? Cl (3×), 3.09 Å for Sb…Cl^? (2×) and 3.42 Å for Sb…Cl (1×). The Sb…Cl^? contacts and hydrogen bonds NH…Cl^? at 3.15 Å generate tetrahedral coordination of the Cl ions.     

Die Darstellung der Methylthio(trihalogen)phosphonium-Salze ClnBr3−nPSCH3+MF6−(n = 0–3; M = As,Sb) und Hal3PSCH3+SbCl6−(Hal = Br,Cl)

The Preparation of Methylthio(trihalogeno)phosphonium Salts Cl_nBr_3?nPSCH₃⁺MF₆^?(n = 0–3; M = As, Sb) and Hal₃PSCH₃⁺SbCl₆^?(Hal = Br, Cl) The methylthio(trihalogeno) phosphonium salts Br_nCl_3?nPSCH₃⁺MF₆^? (n = 0–3; M = As, Sb) are prepared by methylation of the corresponding thiophosphorylhalides Br_nCl_3?nPS in the system SO₂/CH₃F/MF₅. The hexachloroantimonates Hal₃PSCH₃⁺SbCl₆^?(Hal = Br, Cl) are synthesized by thiomethylation of PBr₃ and PCl₃ with CH₃SCl/SbCl₅. All salts are characterized by vibrational and NMR spectroscopy.     

Renium(V) complexation with <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-ethylthiourea

The stepwise complexation of rhenium(V) with N-ethylthiourea has been studied by the potentiometric method in 6 mol/L HCI at 298 K. It has been found that rhenium(V) forms five complex species with this ligand of the following compositions: [ReOLCl₄]^?, [ReOL₂Cl₃], [ReOL₃Cl₂]⁺, [ReOL₄Cl]²⁺, and [ReOL₅]³⁺. The calculated logarithms of stepwise formation constants of the complexes are the following: logK₁ = 4.10 ± 0.05, logK₂ = 3.16 ± 0.02, logK₃ = 2.61 ± 0.02, logK₄ = 2.26 ± 0.02, and logK₅ = 1.80 ± 0.02. It has been shown that the introduction of the ethyl radical into the thiourea molecule leads to an increase in the stability of rhenium(V) complexes.     

A theoretical study of the photoelectron spectra of dichloroketene with accurate computation of ionization energies via complete basis set limit extrapolation

We calculated the equilibrium geometries and harmonic vibrational frequencies of the ground state and five cationic states of dichloroketene using (TD-)B3LYP, PBE0, and M06/M06-2X approaches. The photoelectron spectra of dichloroketene were simulated by computing Franck-Condon factors. The ionization energies were computed using the CCSD(T) approach with extrapolation to the complete basis set (CBS) limit. We propose two new CBS energy formulas (E = E_CBS + Aexp(-x) + B/(x−1) ⁿ, n = 2 or 3) and compare the performance of different CBS approaches. A new ionic state of dichloroketene belonging to the C_s point group is reported. This state is identified as the first excited state of Cl₂CCO⁺ having a double-well potential-energy curve along the CCO bending mode with a barrier height of 1.335 eV. The simulated photoelectron spectra are in agreement with the experiment. The vertical ionization energies calculated via spectral simulation are more accurate compared with those obtained at the ground-state structure. Among the CBS formulas used, the proposed ansatz with n = 2 performs best, with a mean absolute error of 0.021 and 0.012 eV for the adiabatic and vertical ionization energies, respectively.     

Extraction and isolation of the One-electron Oxidized [(Zr6Be)Cl18]5− and [(Zr6Be)Cl18]4− Clusters from solid state precursors

One-electron oxidized zirconium chloride clusters were obtained from solid state precursors Rb₅Zr₆Cl₁₈B and K₃Zr₆Cl₁₅Be by dissolution in CH₃CN in the presence of Et₄NCl and isolated as the salts (Et₄N)₄Zr₆Cl₁₈B · 2 CH₃CN and (Et₄N)₅Zr₆Cl₁₈Be · 3 CH₃CN. (Et₄N)₄Zr₆Cl₁₈B · 2 CH₃CN crystallizes in the space group P1 (#2) with a = 12.329(5) Å, b = 12.657(6) Å, c = 13.136(8) Å, α = 118.28(4)°, β = 93.45(4)°, γ = 105.54(3)°, V = 1696(2) ų, and Z = 1. (Et₄N)₅Zr₆Cl₁₈Be · 3 CH₃CN was refined in the space group C2/c (# 15) with a = 24.166(11) Å, b = 13.265(6) Å, c = 25.86(2) Å, β = 104.21(4)°, V = 8037(7) ų, and Z = 4; the space group reflects the pseudo-symmetry of the crystal, the true symmetry of the structure is lower. The removal of one electron from the Zr? Zr bonding HOMO of both clusters results in cluster expansion of similar magnitude in both compounds. Moisture from the added Et₄NCl is the likely oxidant, but the possibility that acetonitrile may be reduced by [(Zr₆Be)Cl₁₈]^6? is not ruled out.     

Die Kristallstruktur von Kalium-trithiowolframat-chlorid K3(WOS3)Cl

A recently prepared new thiotungstate has been characterized by three-dimensional X-ray structure analysis, to be a double salt, containing K₂WOS₃ and KCl in equimolar proportions: potassium trithiotungstate chloride, K₃(WOS₃)Cl. Space group: Pca2₁ with a = 12.507, b = 6.317, c = 12,371 Å, Z = 4. The compound represents a new structure type with stoichiometry M^I₂XY₄ · M^IZ. Besides isolated tetrahedral WOS₃^2- ions (bond lengths W–O 1.760 Å, W–S 2.208, 2.197, 2.196 Å) the structure contains Cl^? ions octahedrally co-ordinated by K⁺, the K⁺ ions having 5S + 10 + 2Cl as neighbours. The dimensions of the WOS₃^2? ions in this compound show that, as in other transition metal oxo-, thio- and selenoanions, strong π bonding is present, the W–S bonds taking part in the π bond system.     

A laser flash photolysis/IR diode laser absorption study of the reaction of chlorine atoms with selected alkanes

A high‐resolution IR diode laser in conjunction with a Herriot multiple reflection flow‐cell has been used to directly determine the rate coefficients for simple alkanes with Cl atoms at room temperature (298 K). The following results were obtained: k(Cl + n‐butane) = (1.91 ± 0.10) × 10^?10 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, k(Cl + n‐pentane) = (2.46 ± 0.12) × 10^?10 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, k(Cl + iso‐pentane) = (1.94 ± 0.10) × 10^?10 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, k(Cl + neopentane) = (1.01 ± 0.05) × 10^?10 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, k(Cl + n‐hexane) = (3.44 ± 0.17) × 10^?10 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 where the error limits are ±1σ. These values have been used in conjunction with our own previous measurements on Cl + ethane and literature values on Cl + propane and Cl + iso‐butane to generate a structure activity relationship (SAR) for Cl atom abstraction reactions based on direct measurements. The resulting best fit parameters are k_p = (2.61 ± 0.12) × 10^?11 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, k_s = (8.40 ± 0.60) × 10^?11 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, k_t = (5.90 ± 0.30) × 10^?11 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, with f( ? CH₂^? ) = f (? CH₂^? ) = f (?C?) = f = 0.85 ± 0.06. Tests were carried out to investigate the potential interference from production of excited state HCl(v = 1) in the Cl + alkane reactions. There is some evidence for HCl(v = 1) production in the reaction of Cl with shape n‐hexane. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 86–94, 2002     

Stereoelectronic control of the retro diels–alder reaction in 8-(N-pyrrolidyl)bicyclo[4.3.0]nona-3,7-diene isomers

The cis- and trans-annulated isomers of 8-(N-pyrrolidyl)bicyclo[4.3.0]nona-3,7-diene show different propensities for the retro Diels–Alder fragmentation following electron impact ionization. Molecular ions of the cis-annulated isomer decompose predominantly via the retro Diels–Alder reaction to give [C₉H₁₃N] ⁺· fragments of the appearance energy (AE)=8.45±0.05eV and critical energy E_c=133±8kJ mol^?1. The trans-annulated isomer gives abundant [M–H]⁺ (AE=9.34±0.08eV) and [M–C₆H₆]⁺· fragments, in addition to [C₉H₁₃N]⁺· ions of AE=8.98±0.05eV and E_c=181±8kJ mol^?1. The ionization energies (IE) were determined as IE_cis=7.07±0.05 eV and IE_trans=7.10±0.06eV. The stereochemical information is much less pronounced in unimolecular decompositions of long-lived (metastable) molecular ions which show very similar fragmentation patterns for both geometrical isomers. Nevertheless, the isomers exhibit different kinetic energy release values in the retro Diels–Alder fragmentation; T_0.5=3.8±0.3 and 4.8±0.2 kJ mol^?1 for the cis and trans isomer respectively. Topological molecular orbital calculations indicate that the retro Diels–Alder reaction prefers a two-step path, with a subsequent cleavage of the C(5)? C(6) and C(1)? C(2) bonds. The open-ring distonic intermediate represents the absolute minimum on the reaction energy hypersurface. The cleavage of the C(1)? C(2) bond is the rate-determining step in the decomposition of the cis isomer, with the critical energy calculated as 137 kJ mol^?1. The cleavage of the C(5)? C(6) bond becomes the rate-determining step in the trans-annulated isomer because of stereoelectronic control. The difference in the energy barriers to this cleavage in the isomers (ΔE=95k Jmol^?1) provides a quantitative estimate of the magnitude of the stereoelectronic effect in cation radicals.     

Density functional study of structural and electronic properties of maximum‐spin n+1Aun−1Ag clusters

The structures and relative stabilities of high‐spin ⁿ⁺¹Au_n?1Ag and ⁿAu_n?1Ag⁺ (n = 2–8) clusters have been studied with density functional calculation. We predicted the existence of a number of previously unknown isomers. Our results revealed that all structures of high‐spin neutral or cationic Au_n?1Ag clusters can be understood as a substitution of an Au atom by an Ag atom in the high‐spin neutral or cationic Au_n clusters. The properties of mixed gold–silver clusters are strongly sized and structural dependence. The high‐spin bimetallic clusters tend to be holding three‐dimensional geometry rather than planar form represented in their low‐spin situations. Silver atom prefers to occupy those peripheral positions until to n = 8 for high‐spin clusters, which is different from its position occupied by light atom in the low‐spin situations. Our theoretical calculations indicated that in various high‐spin Au_n?1Ag neutral and cationic species, ⁵Au₃Ag, ³AuAg and ⁵Au₄Ag⁺ hold high stability, which can be explained by valence bond theory. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009     

Thermochemistry of molecular FeO,FeO+ and FeO

The gaseous oxides FeO and FeO₂ were identified by mass spectrometry as components of the effusion beam from a cell containing, initially, solid Fe₂O₃. From studies of gaseous equilibria involving these species, the dissociation energiesD₀⁰(FeO) = 96.8 ± 3 kcal (4.20 ± 0.13 eV) andD₀⁰(FeO₂) = 199.0 ± 5 kcal (8.64 ± 0.22 eV) were derived. The ionization potential of FeO was found to be 8.71 ± 0.10 eV, leading toD₀⁰(Fe⁺-O) = 78.2 ± 4.6 kcal (3.39 ± 0.20 eV).