Theoretical studies on nitrogen‐rich furoxan‐based heterocyclic derivatives

The density functional theory method was used to study the heats of formation (HOFs), energetic properties, electronic structure of a series of 4,4″‐dinitro(3,3′:4′,3′′)tris([1,2,5]oxadiazole)‐2′‐oxide (3,4‐bis[4′‐nitrofurazan‐3′‐yl]furoxan) derivatives. The results show that the substitution of the nitro group is very useful for improving their HOFs and detonation performances. The HOFs of the title compounds are all positive and larger than those of 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazinane and 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocane. The analysis of oxygen balance shows that the studied compounds need the oxygen in the explosive. Compound A1 has larger detonation velocity and detonation pressure than those of 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocane and can be regarded as a potential candidate for high‐energy compounds because of the moderate heat of detonation, high density, and high N. In addition, the energy gaps between the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the studied compounds are further investigated.     

Computational design of tetrazolone‐based high‐energy density energetic materials: Property prediction and decomposition mechanism

The density functional theory methods are used to design a series of new highly energetic tetrazolone‐based molecules by the combination of the linked tetrazolone framework and versatile substitutes. The molecular and electronic structures, physicochemical, and energetic properties were analyzed and predicted. The decomposition mechanisms were computationally simulated, and 3 potential decomposition channels were proposed. These newly designed tetrazolone‐based compounds show high densities (up to 2.08 g/cm³) and highly positive heats of formation (407.0‐1377.9 kJ/mol) due to all right content of nitrogen and oxygen. Most of them exhibit good detonation velocity (8.31‐9.62 km/s) and detonation pressure (32.40‐43.86 GPa), and some are comparative to excellent explosive CL‐20. Results show that compounds 6 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 22 , 23 , and 24 own superior detonation performance than widely used explosive HMX and may be promising candidates of green high‐performance energetic materials.     

Computational design and screening of promising energetic materials: Novel azobis(tetrazoles) with ten catenated nitrogen atoms chain

Density functional theory methods were used to study on 2 N10 compounds, 1,1′‐azobis(tetrazole) and 1,1′‐azobis(5‐methyltetrazole). We systematically investigated 10 novel substituted azobis(tetrazoles) with 10 catenated nitrogen atoms and various energetic groups (–CF₃ 1 , –C(NO₂)₃ 3 , –N₃ 5 , –NH₂ 6 , –NHNH₂ 7 , –NHNO₂ 8 , –NO₂ 9 , –OCH₃ 10 , –OH 11 , –ONO₂ 12 ). The optimized geometry, frontier molecular orbitals, electrostatic potential, Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum were calculated for inspecting the molecular structure and stability as well as chemical reactivity. The effects of different substituents on the density, enthalpy of formation, heat of explosion, detonation velocity and pressure, and sensitivity of the azobis(tetrazole) derivatives have been investigated. Compound 9 with nitro was found to have remarkable detonation performances (D = 9.61 km/s, P = 42.14 GPa), which are close to the excellent explosive CL‐20. Results show that compounds 1 , 3 , 4 , 7 , 9 , 11, and 12 have high potential to replace RDX. It is surprising that compounds 1 , 3 , 9, and 12 possess better energetic properties than HMX. These novel substituted azobis(tetrazoles) with unique N10 structure may be promising candidates of HEDMs with outstanding performance and acceptable sensitivities.     

Computational study of pyrazine‐based derivatives and their N‐oxides as high energy materials

Gas‐phase heats of formation (HOF), solid‐phase HOF, detonation properties, electronic structure and thermal stability for a series of polynitro pyrazine derivatives containing three heterocycles have been investigated using density functional theory. It is found that the nitro group is an efficient tool to improve HOF of pyrazine derivatives. Furthermore, detonation velocities and detonation pressures of these compounds are evaluated using empirical Kamlet–Jacobs equations. As a result, it indicates that the nitro group is useful to enhance detonation properties. Detonation velocities of five compounds are 9.67, 9.20, 9.74, 9.76 and 9.87 km/s, respectively, which are significantly larger than that of HMX (9.10 km/s). Bond dissociation energy is also performed to investigate their thermal stability, showing that thermal stability of these compounds is little affected by nitro groups or the position of substituent groups. Considering solid‐phase HOF, detonation properties and thermal stability, some of pyrazine derivatives can be potential high energy density materials. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Theoretical investigations on 4,4′,5,5′‐tetranitro‐2,2′‐1H,1′H‐2,2′‐biimidazole derivatives as potential nitrogen‐rich high energy materials

The ―NH₂, ―NO₂, ―NHNO₂, ―C(NO₂)₃ and ―CF(NO₂)₂ substitution derivatives of 4,4′,5,5′‐tetranitro‐2,2′‐1H,1′H‐2,2′‐biimidazole were studied at B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level of density functional theory. The crystal structures were obtained by molecular mechanics (MM) methods. Detonation properties were evaluated using Kamlet–Jacobs equations based on the calculated density and heat of formation. The thermal stability of the title compounds was investigated via the energy gaps (?E_{LUMO ? HOMO}) predicted. Results show that molecules T5 (D = 10.85 km·s^?1, P = 57.94 GPa) and T6 (D = 9.22 km·s^?1, P = 39.21 GPa) with zero or positive oxygen balance are excellent candidates for high energy density oxidizers (HEDOs). All of them appear to be potential explosives compared with the famous ones, octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazocane (HMX, D = 8.96 km·s^?1, P = 35.96 GPa) and hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20, D = 9.38 km·s^?1, P = 42.00 GPa). In addition, bond dissociation energy calculation indicates that T5 and T6 are also the most thermally stable ones among the title compounds. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Theoretical studies on a series of nitroaliphatic energetic compounds

Density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6-311G＊＊ level are performed to study the geometric and elec- tronic structures of a series of nitroaliphatic compounds. The heats of formation （HOF） are predicted through the designed isodesmic reactions. Thermal stabilities are evaluated via the homolytic bond dissociation energies （BDEs）. Further, the correlation is developed between impact sensitivity h50% and the ratio （BDE/E） of the weakest BDE to the total energy E containing zero point energy correction. In addition, the relative stability of the title compounds is evaluated based on the analysis of calculated Mulliken population and the energy gaps between the frontier orbitals. The calculated BDEs, HOFs, and energy gaps consistently indicate that compound 1,1,1,6,6,6-hexanitro-3-hexyne is the most unstable and the compound 3,3,4,4,-tetranitro-hexane is the most stable. These results provide basic information for the molecular design of novel high energetic density materials.     

Palladium‐catalyzed cyclization of 2‐alkynyl‐N‐ethanoyl anilines to indoles: synthesis,structural, spectroscopic,and mechanistic study

This study reports a facial regio‐selective synthesis of 2‐alkyl‐N‐ethanoyl indoles from substituted‐N‐ethanoyl anilines employing palladium (II) chloride, which acts as a cyclization catalyst. The mechanistic trait of palladium‐based cyclization is also explored by employing density functional theory. In a two‐step mechanism, the palladium, which attaches to the ethylene carbons, promotes the proton transfer and cyclization. The gas‐phase barrier height of the first transition state is 37 kcal/mol, indicating the rate‐determining step of this reaction. Incorporating acetonitrile through the solvation model on density solvation model reduces the barrier height to 31 kcal/mol. In the presence of solvent, the electron‐releasing (–CH₃) group has a greater influence on the reduction of the barrier height compared with the electron‐withdrawing group (–Cl). These results further confirm that solvent plays an important role on palladium‐catalyzed proton transfer and cyclization. For unveiling structural, spectroscopic, and photophysical properties, experimental and computational studies are also performed. Thermodynamic analysis discloses that these reactions are exothermic. The highest occupied molecular orbital?lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gap (4.9–5.0 eV) confirms that these compounds are more chemically reactive than indole. The calculated UV–Vis spectra by time‐dependent density functional theory exhibit strong peaks at 290, 246, and 232 nm, in good agreement with the experimental results. Moreover, experimental and computed ¹H and ¹³C NMR chemical shifts of the indole derivatives are well correlated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Theoretical study of energetic trinitromethyl‐substituted tetrazole and tetrazine derivatives

Density functional theory method was used to study the heats of formation, energetic properties, and thermal stability for a series of trinitromethyl‐substituted tetrazole and tetrazine derivatives with different substituents. It is found that the group ―NO₂, ―NHNO₂, or ―NF₂ play a very important role in increasing the heats of formation of the derivatives. The calculated detonation velocities and pressures indicate that the group ―CF₂NF₂, ―NHNO₂, ―1H‐tetrazolyl, ―2H‐tetrazolyl, or ―1,2,4,5‐tetrazinyl is an effective structural unit for enhancing their detonation performance. An analysis of the bond dissociation energies for several relatively weak bonds indicates that incorporating the group ―NHNO₂ and ―NH₂ into parent ring decreases their thermal stability. Considering the detonation performance and thermal stability, 37 compounds may be considered as the potential high‐energy compounds. Their oxygen balances are close to zero. These results provide basic information for the molecular design of novel high‐energy compounds. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparative theoretical studies of high energetic cyclic nitramines

Density functional theory studies on cyclic nitramines were performed at B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) level. The crystal structures were obtained by molecular packing calculations. Heats of formation (HOFs) were predicted through designed isodesmic reactions. Results indicate that the value of HOF relates to the number of =N–NO₂ group and aza nitrogen atom and increases with the augment of the number of =N–NO₂ group and aza nitrogen atom for cyclic nitramines. Detonation performance was evaluated by using the Kamlet–Jacobs equations based on the calculated densities and HOFs. All the cyclic nitramines exhibit better detonation performance than 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane and 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane. The stability of cyclic nitramines was investigated by the bond dissociation energies. The result shows that the increase of =N?NO₂ group or aza nitrogen atom reduces the stability of the title compounds. These results provide basic information for molecular design of novel high energetic density materials. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Density functional theory study on a fluorescent chemosensor device of aza‐crown ether

Three derivatives of alkyl anthracene covalently bonded to aza‐18‐crown‐6 at the nitrogen position, anthracene(CH₂)_n, (n = 1–3) which act as an on–off fluorogenic photoswitch have been theoretically studied using a computational strategy based on density functional theory at B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p) method. The fully optimized geometries have been performed with real frequencies which indicate the minima states. The binding energies, enthalpies and Gibbs free energies have been calculated for aza‐18‐crown‐6 ( L ) and their metal complexes. The natural bond orbital analysis is used to explore the interaction of host–guest molecules. The absorption spectra differences between L and their metal ligands, the excitation energies and absorption wavelength for their excited states have been studied by time‐dependent density functional theory with the basis set 6‐31 + G(d,p). These fluorescent sensors and switchers based on photoinduced electron transfer mechanism have been investigated. The PET process from aza‐crown ether to fluorophore can be suppressed or completely blocked by the entry of alkali metal cations into the aza‐crown ether‐based receptor. Such a suppression of the PET process means that fluorescence intensity is enhanced. The binding selectivity studies of the aza‐crown ether part of L indicate that the presence of the alkali metal cations Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ play an important role in determining the internal charge transfer and the fluorescence properties of the complexes. In addition, the solvent effect has been investigated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

四种耐热含能化合物电子结构的第一性原理研究

本文模拟计算了2,2’,4,4’,6,6’-六硝基联苯(HNBP)、2,2’,4,4’,6,6’-六硝基二苯乙烯(HNS)、2,5-二苦基-1,3,4-噁二唑(DPO)和5,5''-双(2,4,6-三硝基苯基)-2,2''-双(1,3,4-噁二唑)(TKX-55)四种耐热含能化合物的分子结构、Mulliken电荷布居、分子静电势(MEP)和Hirshfeld表面, 通过研究其分子特性、电子特性以及分子间相互作用, 以了解高耐热性含能化合物的耐热机理. 结果表明, 桥连接结构的复杂性以及分子间强氢键相互作用会增强含能化合物的稳定性. 此外, 本研究还发现中间基团的加入会对四种含能化合物分子两侧芳香环上碳原子的电荷分布以及分子表面正负静电势区域面积产生一定的影响.     

Theoretical insights on a series of difluoramino group–based energetic molecules

A series of difluoramino group–based energetic molecules was designed and the relative properties were investigated by density functional theory. The results show that all the designed molecules have high positive heat of formation which ranges from 479.48 to 724.02 kJ/mol, detonation velocity ranges from 8.01 to 11.26 km/s, detonation pressure ranges from 28.03 to 63.46 GPa, and impact sensitivity ranges from 18.2 to 54.5 cm. Then, compounds D2, D3, D5, E4, E5, E6, and F2 were selected as the potential high energy density materials based on detonation properties and sensitivities. Natural bond orbital charges, electronic density, frontier molecular orbital, electrostatic potential on the surface, and thermal dynamic parameters of the screened molecules (compounds D2, D3, D5, E4, E5, E6, and F2) were also predicted at B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level to give a better understanding on the chemical and physical properties of them.     

Theoretical studies on 2‐(5‐amino‐3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazolyl)‐3,5‐dinitropyridine (PRAN) and its derivatives

In this work, a set of derivatives of 2‐(5‐amino‐3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazolyl)‐3,5‐dinitropyridine (PRAN) with different energetic substituents (?N₃, –NO₂, –NH₂, –NF₂) have been studied at the Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr/aug‐cc‐pvdz, Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr/6‐31G(d), Becke, three‐parameter, Perdew 86/6‐31G(d), and Becke three‐parameter, Perdew–Wang 91/6‐31G(d,p) levels of density functional theory. The gas‐phase heats of formation were predicted with isodesmic reactions and the condensed‐phase HOFs were estimated with the Politzer approach. The effects of different functionals and basis sets were analyzed. –N₃ and –NO₂ greatly increase while –NH₂ and –NF₂ slightly decrease heats of formation. An analysis of the bond dissociation energies and impact sensitivity shows that all compounds have good stability. The crystal densities (1.82–2.00 g/cm³) computed from molecular packing calculations are big for all compounds and that of the –NF₂ derivative is the largest. All derivatives have higher detonation velocity and detonation pressure than PRAN. Compounds 3 and 4 (R = NO₂ and NF₂) have better performance than hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐trizine and the performance of 4 is quite close to that of 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane, they are promising candidates of high energy compounds and worth further investigations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Theoretical studies on structure and performance of [1,2,5]‐oxadiazolo‐[3,4‐d]‐pyridazine‐based derivatives

Based on energetic compound [1,2,5]‐oxadiazolo‐[3,4‐d]‐pyridazine, a series of functionalized derivatives were designed and first reported. Afterwards, the relationship between their structure and performance was systematically explored by density functional theory at B3LYP/6‐311 g (d, p) level. Results show that the bond dissociation energies of the weakest bond (N–O bond) vary from 157.530 to 189.411 kJ · mol^?1. The bond dissociation energies of these compounds are superior to that of HMX (N–NO_2, 154.905 kJ · mol^?1). In addition, H1, H2, H4, I2, I3, C1, C2, and D1 possess high density (1.818–1.997 g · cm^?3) and good detonation performance (detonation velocities, 8.29–9.46 km · s^?1; detonation pressures, 30.87–42.12 GPa), which may be potential explosives compared with RDX (8.81 km · s^?1, 34.47 GPa ) and HMX (9.19 km · s^?1, 38.45 GPa). Finally, allowing for the explosive performance and molecular stability, three compounds may be suggested as good potential candidates for high‐energy density materials. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Understanding halogen‐substituent assistance in H‐atom abstraction‐based reactions of CHCl•− with CH4 − nXn (X = H,F, Cl; n = 0–3)

The effect of halogen‐substituent on hydrogen abstraction mechanisms was studied by applying density functional theory functional calculations to the gas‐phase reactions between CHCl^?? and CH_{4 ? n}X_n (X = H, F, Cl; n = 0–3), and it is found that a heavier X substituent in the substrate results in a greater stabilization of corresponding complex, a lower activation energy, a faster H‐abstraction reaction, and greater exothermicity. However, CH₄– reaction is more reactive than CH₃F– reaction under the same condition because of dominant π‐donation from the electronegative F atom. We also explored the reactivity difference for the seven reactions in terms of factors derived from bond order, second‐order perturbative energy, and activation strain model analysis. The rate constants are evaluated over a wide temperature range of 298–1000 K by the conventional transition state theory. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Theoretical studies of the structural,electronic and optical properties of carbazole‐based compounds

Carbazole derivatives have drawn increasing attention recently in organic electronic device applications because of their particular optoelectronic properties. An in‐depth theoretical investigation was elaborated in this paper to reveal the molecular structures, optoelectronic properties, and the structure‐property relationships of different carbazole‐linked functional groups. The geometric and electronic structures in ground and the mobility for the hole and electron are both calculated by density functional theory method. The excited‐state geometries of these compounds were obtained through Single‐excitation Configuration Interaction method, and time‐dependent density functional theory calculation results described the absorption and emission spectra properties, respectively. Some conclusions are as follows: (1) enlarging the π‐conjugated area, the corresponding spectra red shifted markedly; (2) by introducing the electron‐donor such as carbazole, the spectra blue shifted slightly; (3) compared with compound 1, the spectra for these compounds are hardly influenced by introducing an electron‐acceptor or heterocyclic substitution. On all accounts, these compounds are interesting optoelectronic functional materials. On the basis of their structural modifiability, the arylamine derivatives substituted carbazole compounds have great potential in the applications of organic light‐emitting diodes, organic solar cells, and sensors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spectroscopic and computational studies on self‐assembly complexes of bis(pyrrol‐2‐ ylmethyleneamine) ligands linked by alkyl spacers with Cu(II)

Bis(pyrrol‐2‐ylmethyleneamine) ligands and their mononuclear monomeric and dinuclear dimeric self‐assembly complexes with Cu(II) were investigated by means of IR and Raman spectroscopies and density functional theory. The ground‐state geometries were calculated by using the Becke Lee Yang Parr composite exchange‐correlation functional (B3LYP) and a combined basis set (LanL2DZ for Cu; 6–31G(d) for C, H, N), and they were compared with the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) structures. The DFT‐calculated Cu N bond lengths are generally higher by 0.001–0.040 Å than those determined through XRD. The vibrational spectra were also calculated at the same level of theory for the optimized geometries. The calculated wavenumbers were scaled by a uniform scaling factor and compared with the experimental fundamentals. The predicted spectra are in good agreement with the experimental ones with the deviations generally less than 30 cm⁻¹. In comparison with the spectra of the ligands, the coordination effect shifts the υ(CN) wavenumber by about 50 cm⁻¹ toward a lower value. Because of the weak intermolecular C H···Cu hydrogen bond, the Cu N stretching mode is shifted toward a lower wavenumber. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The enthalpies of dissociation of the N?O bonds in two quinoxaline derivatives

The present work reports the first experimental thermochemical study of mono‐N‐oxides derived from quinoxaline, namely, 3‐methoxycarbonyl‐2‐methyl‐quinoxaline N‐oxide and 3‐ethoxycarbonyl‐2‐methyl‐quinoxaline N‐oxide. The values of the enthalpies of formation, in the condensed state, and of the enthalpies of sublimation, derived from static bomb calorimetry and Calvet microcalorimetry measurements, respectively, are combined to derive the standard molar enthalpies of formation in the gaseous phase for these two compounds. From the latter values, the first and second N? O bond dissociation enthalpies for the corresponding di‐N‐oxides have been obtained. The gas‐phase experimental results are also compared with calculated data obtained with a density functional theory approach. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vibrational characterization of L‐valine phosphonate dipeptides: FT‐IR,FT‐RS,and SERS spectroscopy studies and DFT calculations

Four L ‐valine (L ‐Val) phosphonate dipeptides that are potent inhibitors of zinc metalloproteases, namely, L ‐Val‐C(Me)₂‐PO₃H₂ (V1), L ‐Val‐CH(iP)‐PO₃H₂ (V2), L ‐Val‐CH(iB)‐PO₃H₂ (V3), and L ‐Val‐C(Me)(iP)‐PO₃H₂ (V4), are studied by Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform Raman spectroscopy (FT‐RS), and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The band assignment (wavenumbers and intensities) is made based on (B3LYP/6‐311 + + G**) calculations. Comparison of theoretical FT‐IR and FT‐RS spectra with those of SERS allows to obtain information on the orientation of these dipeptides as well as specific‐competitive interactions of their functionalities with the silver substrate. More specifically, V1 and V4 appear to interact with the silver substrate mainly via a  C_sgCH₃ moiety localized at the  N_amideC_sg(CH₃)P molecular fragment. In addition, the  POH and isopropyl units of V4 assist in the adsorption process of this molecule. In contrast, the  C_αNH₂ and  PO₃H⁻ groups of V2 and V3 interact with the silver nanoparticles, whereas their isopropyl and isobutyl fragments seem to be repelled by the silver substrate (except for the  CH₂  of V3), similar to the  C_β(CH₃)₂ fragment of L ‐Val for all L ‐Val phosphonate dipeptides investigated in this work. The adsorption mechanism of these molecules onto the colloidal silver surface is also affected by amide bond behavior. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.