Communication: rigorous calculation of dissociation energies (D0) of the water trimer, (H2O)3 and (D2O)3

Using a recent, full-dimensional, ab initio potential energy surface [Y. Wang, X. Huang, B. C. Shepler, B. J. Braams, and J. M. Bowman, J. Chem. Phys. 134, 094509 (2011)] together with rigorous diffusion Monte Carlo calculations of the zero-point energy of the water trimer, we report dissociation energies, D(0), to form one monomer plus the water dimer and three monomers. The calculations make use of essentially exact zero-point energies for the water trimer, dimer, and monomer, and benchmark values of the electronic dissociation energies, D(e), of the water trimer [J. A. Anderson, K. Crager, L. Fedoroff, and G. S. Tschumper, J. Chem. Phys. 121, 11023 (2004)]. The D(0) results are 3855 and 2726 cm(-1) for the 3H(2)O and H(2)O + (H(2)O)(2) dissociation channels, respectively, and 4206 and 2947 cm(-1) for 3D(2)O and D(2)O + (D(2)O)(2) dissociation channels, respectively. The results have estimated uncertainties of 20 and 30 cm(-1) for the monomer plus dimer and three monomer of dissociation channels, respectively.     

Communication: quasiclassical trajectory calculations of correlated product-state distributions for the dissociation of (H2O)2 and (D2O)2

Stimulated by recent experiments [B. E. Rocher-Casterline, L. C. Ch'ng, A. K. Mollner, and H. Reisler, J. Chem. Phys. 134, 211101 (2011)], we report quasiclassical trajectory calculations of the dissociation dynamics of the water dimer, (H(2)O)(2) (and also (D(2)O)(2)) using a full-dimensional ab initio potential energy surface. The dissociation is initiated by exciting the H-bonded OH(OD)-stretch, as done experimentally for (H(2)O)(2). Normal mode analysis of the fragment pairs is done and the correlated vibrational populations are obtained by (a) standard histogram binning (HB), (b) harmonic normal-mode energy-based Gaussian binning (GB), and (c) a modified version of (b) using accurate vibrational energies obtained in the Cartesian space. We show that HB allows opening quantum mechanically closed states, whereas GB, especially via (c), gives physically correct results. Dissociation of both (H(2)O)(2) and (D(2)O)(2) mainly produces either fragment in the bending excited (010) state. The H(2)O(J) and D(2)O(J) rotational distributions are similar, peaking at J = 3-5. The computations do not show significant difference between the ro-vibrational distributions of the donor and acceptor fragments. Diffusion Monte Carlo computations are performed for (D(2)O)(2) providing an accurate zero-point energy of 7247 cm(-1), and thus, a benchmark D(0) of 1244 ± 5 cm(-1).     

Conformer specific dissociation dynamics of iodocyclohexane studied by velocity map imaging

The photodissociation dynamics of iodocyclohexane has been studied using velocity map imaging following excitation at many wavelengths within its A-band (230 ≤ λ ≤ 305 nm). This molecule exists in two conformations (axial and equatorial), and one aim of the present experiment was to explore the extent to which conformer-specific fragmentation dynamics could be distinguished. Ground (I) and spin-orbit excited (I?) state iodine atom products were monitored by 2 + 1 resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization, and total kinetic energy release (TKER) spectra and angular distributions derived from analysis of images recorded at all wavelengths studied. TKER spectra obtained at the longer excitation wavelengths show two distinct components, which can be attributed to the two conformers and the different ways in which these partition the excess energy upon C-I bond fission. Companion calculations based on a simple impulsive model suggest that dissociation of the equatorial (axial) conformer preferentially yields vibrationally (rotationally) excited cyclohexyl co-fragments. Both I and I? products are detected at the longest parent absorption wavelength (λ ～ 305 nm), and both sets of products show recoil anisotropy parameters, β > 1, implying prompt dissociation following excitation via a transition whose dipole moment is aligned parallel to the C-I bond. The quantum yield for forming I? products, Φ(I?), has been determined by time resolved infrared diode laser absorption methods to be 0.14 ± 0.02 (at λ = 248 nm) and 0.22 ± 0.05 (at λ = 266 nm). Electronic structure calculations indicate that the bulk of the A-band absorption is associated with transition to the 4A(') state, and that the (majority) I atom products arise via non-adiabatic transfer from the 4A(') potential energy surface (PES) via conical intersection(s) with one or more PESs correlating with ground state products.     

Water dimer proton affinity from the kinetic method: dissociation energy of the water dimer

The proton affinity of water dimer was measured, using the kinetic method with nitrile reference bases, to be 808 +/- 6 kJ mol(-1). The difference between the measured value and the proton affinity of a single water molecule (690 +/- 4 kJ mol(-1)) reflects the difference in solvation energy for two neutral water molecules (the hydrogen bond energy of water dimer), and the energy for solvation of hydronium cation and water. Using the measured proton affinity of the dimer along with ancillary data yields an experimental value of the hydrogen bond energy of neutral water dimer, 18 +/- 9 kJ mol(-1), in good agreement with previous experimental and theoretical values. The proton affinity of the dimer measured by using alcohol references is ca 100 kJ mol(-1) too low, likely because the structure of the protonated cluster is not well-suited for kinetic method measurements. These results highlight the importance of choosing reference bases that form cluster ions consisting of a proton bound complex between the water dimer and the reference base.     

Communication: The highest frequency hydrogen bond vibration and an experimental value for the dissociation energy of formic acid dimer

The highest frequency hydrogen bond fundamental of formic acid dimer, ν(24) (B(u)), is experimentally located at 264 cm(-1). FTIR spectra of this in-plane bending mode of (HCOOH)(2) and band centers of its symmetric D isotopologues (isotopomers) recorded in a supersonic slit jet expansion are presented. Comparison to earlier studies at room temperature reveals the large influence of thermal excitation on the band maximum. Together with three B(u) combination states involving hydrogen bond fundamentals and with recent progress for the Raman-active modes, this brings into reach an accurate statistical thermodynamics treatment of the dimerization process up to room temperature. We obtain D(0) = 59.5(5) kJ/mol as the best experimental estimate for the dimer dissociation energy at 0 K. Further improvements have to wait for a more consistent determination of the room temperature equilibrium constant.     

Photodissociation of the BrO radical using velocity map ion imaging: excited state dynamics and accurate D0(0)(BrO) evaluation

We have studied the photodissociation dynamics of expansion-cooled BrO radical both above (278-281.5 nm) and below (355 nm) the A (2)Pi(3/2) state threshold using velocity map ion imaging. A recently developed late-mixing flash pyrolytic reactor source was utilized to generate an intense BrO radical molecular beam. The relative electronic product branching ratios at 355 nm and from 278 to 281.5 nm were determined. We have investigated the excited state dynamics based on both the product branching and the photofragment angular distributions. We find that above the O((1)D(2)) threshold the contribution of the direct excitation to states other than the A (2)Pi(3/2) state and the role of curve crossing is considerably larger in BrO compared to that observed for ClO, in agreement with recent theoretical studies. The measurement of low velocity photofragments resulting from photodissociation just above the O((1)D(2)) threshold provides an accurate and direct determination of the A (2)Pi(3/2) state dissociation threshold of 35418+/-35 cm(-1), leading to a ground state bond energy of D(0)(0)(BrO)=55.9+/-0.1 kcal/mol.     

The photodissociation dynamics of the ethyl radical, C2H5, investigated by velocity map imaging

The photodissociation dynamics of the ethyl radical C(2)H(5) has been investigated by velocity map imaging. Ethyl was produced by flash pyrolysis from n-propyl nitrite and excited to the A? (2)A(') (3s) Rydberg state around 250 nm. The energetically most favorable reaction channel in this wavelength region is dissociation to C(2)H(4) (ethene) + H. The H-atom dissociation products were ionized in a [1+1(')] process via the 1s-2p transition. The observed translational energy distribution is bimodal: A contribution of slow H-atoms with an isotropic angular distribution peaks at low translational energies. An expectation value for the fraction of excess energy released into translation of = 0.19 is derived from the data, typical for statistical dissociation reactions. In addition, a fast H-atom channel is observed, peaking around 1.8 eV. The latter shows an anisotropic distribution with β = 0.45. It originates from a direct dissociation process within less than a rotational period. Time-delay scans with varying extraction voltages indicate the presence of two rates for the formation of H-atoms. One rate with a sub-nanosecond time constant is associated with H-atoms with large translational energy; a second one with a time constant on the order of 100 ns is associated with H-atoms formed with low translational energy. The data confirm and extend those from previous experiments and remove some inconsistencies. Possible mechanisms for the dissociation are discussed in light of the new results as well as previous ones.     

Potential energy surface of the (H2)2 dimer: an MP2 study

Fifteen structures of the (H₂)₂ dimer have been investigated at the MP2/[4s3p] level. The SCF and MP2 (2nd order Møller-Plesser treatment) interaction energies have been corrected for the basis set superposition error. Only the T-shaped structure has been established as a minimum on the potential energy surface. Two equivalent T-shaped structures are connected by a saddle point with a rhomboid structure.Dedicated to Professor J. Koutecký on the occasion of his 65th birthday     

Radiolytic decomposition of methanesulfonyl chloride in liquid cyclohexane. A kinetic determination of the bond dissociation energies D(ME-SO2) and D(c-C6H11-SO2)

The gamma radiation induced decomposition of MeSO₂Cl in cyclohexane (RH) was studied between 60 and 150°C. Throughout this temperature range the reaction proceeds by a free radical chain mechanism. Its propagation is described by the following reactions: The kinetic analysis of the results of the experiments with added SO₂, which were carried out in the temperature range of 80 to 150°C, gives 14.94 ± 0.92 and 11.91 ± 0.82 kcal/mole for D(Me-SO₂) and D(c-C₆H₁₁-SO₂), respectively. These bond dissociation energies are considerably lower than the gas-phase values, and the possible cause of this difference is discussed. Present results also seem to indicate that D(MeSO₂-H) does not exceed 95 kcal/mole. Competitive experiments with added tetrachloroethylene result in where θ = 2.303RT in kcal/mole.     

A theoretical determination of the dissociation energy of the nitric oxide dimer

Summary Multi-reference CI methods have been applied to determine the dissociation energy and structure of thecis-N₂O₂ molecule. The convergence of the theoretical result has been checked with respect to a systematic expansion of the one-electron basis set and the multi-reference CI wave function. The best calculated value, 13.8 kJ/mol, is in agreement with the experimental value, 12.2 kJ/mol. It has been obtained with an extended ANO-type basis set [6s5p3d2f], including the effect of the basis set superposition error (BSSE) in the geometry optimization, and additional effects, such as the electron correlation of core electrons and relativistic corrections, using the average coupled pair functional (ACPF) approach. The optimal geometry computed at this level was found to be:r(NN)=2.284 Å,r(NO)=1.149 Å, and s5p3d2f] basis set, the BSSE was found to be 2 kJ/mol.     

Infrared spectroscopy and effective modes analysis of the protonated water dimer H+(H2O)2 at room temperature under H/D substitution

We study the vibrational properties of the protonated water dimer and its deuterated forms at room temperature. Molecular dynamics simulations within the empirical valence bond (EVB) model are used to generate the vibrational spectra that are interpreted using the effective modes analysis (EMA). Quantum effects are taken into account through an effective parametrization of the EVB model. EMA allows for the assignment of the bands in the 1000 - 2000?cm(-1) region of the protonated water dimer from the molecular dynamics trajectory. It is then found that although this system is very anharmonic the two main bands in this spectral region arise from a linear coupling between the asymmetric OH(+)O stretch and asymmetric bend of the two water molecules. This mixing explains the simulated band shifts upon isotopic substitution of the central proton or of the hydrogens of the two water molecules.     

Identification of a near-linear supramolecular water dimer, (H2O)2, in the channel of an inorganic framework material

Supramolecular water dimer, (H(2)O)(2), is fundamentally important. During the course of our work on polyoxometalates, we have been able to identify the existence of hydrogen-bonded, near-linear water dimers in the "sinuous" channels of an inorganic framework material, Na(3)(n)(H(2)O)(6)(n)[Al(OH)(6)Mo(6)O(18)](n)() x 2nH(2)O, 1. The three-dimensional network structure of 1 in the solid state is assembled by the Anderson type of heteropolyanions as building blocks sharing sodium cations. Vibrational spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction technique, TG-DSC analyses, and single-crystal X-ray structure analysis have characterized this host-guest system, 1. Crystal data for 1: triclinic space group Ponemacr;, a = 12.0618 (3) A, b = 13.1570 (4) A, c = 14.1563 (4) A, alpha = 80.7850 (10) degrees, beta = 75.2660 (10) degrees, gamma = 68.9210 (10) degrees, and Z = 3.     

Quantum Monte Carlo calculations of the dissociation energy of the water dimer

We report diffusion quantum Monte Carlo (DMC) calculations of the equilibrium dissociation energy D(e) of the water dimer. The dissociation energy measured experimentally, D(0), can be estimated from D(e) by adding a correction for vibrational effects. Using the measured dissociation energy and the modern value of the vibrational energy Mas et al., [J. Chem. Phys. 113, 6687 (2000)] leads to D(e)=5.00+/-0.7 kcal mol(-1), although the result Curtiss et al., [J. Chem. Phys. 71, 2703 (1979)] D(e)=5.44+/-0.7 kcal mol(-1), which uses an earlier estimate of the vibrational energy, has been widely quoted. High-level coupled cluster calculations Klopper et al., [Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2, 2227 (2000)] have yielded D(e)=5.02+/-0.05 kcal mol(-1). In an attempt to shed new light on this old problem, we have performed all-electron DMC calculations on the water monomer and dimer using Slater-Jastrow wave functions with both Hartree-Fock approximation (HF) and B3LYP density functional theory single-particle orbitals. We obtain equilibrium dissociation energies for the dimer of 5.02+/-0.18 kcal mol(-1) (HF orbitals) and 5.21+/-0.18 kcal mol(-1) (B3LYP orbitals), in good agreement with the coupled cluster results.     

Kinetics of the gas-phase reaction between iodine and monogermane and the bond dissociation energy D(H3Ge?H)

The title reaction has been investigated in the temperature range of 403–446 K. Monoiodogermane and di-iodogermane together with hydrogen iodide were the main products, although at high conversions at least one other product was formed. GeH₃I is clearly the primary product. Initial rates were found to obey the rate law over a wide range of initial iodine and monogermane pressures. Secondary reactions (of GeH₃I with I₂) affect the subsequent kinetics, although at sufficiently high initial reactant ratios ([GeH₄]₀/[I₂]₀ ≥ 100) an integrated rate equation fits the data with the same rate constants as the initial rate expression. The observed kinetics are consistent with an iodine atom abstraction chain mechanism, and for the step log k₁ (dm³/mol·s) = (11.03 ± 0.13) – (52.3 ± 1.0 kJ/mol)/RT ln 10 has been deduced. From this the bond dissociation energy D(GeH₃? H) = 346 ± 10 kJ/mol (82.5 kcal/mol) is obtained. The significance of this value, together with derived values for Ge–Ge and Ge–C bond strengths, is discussed.     

Kinetics of the gas-phase reaction between iodine and monosilane and the bond dissociation energy D(H3Si?H)

The title reaction has been investigated in the temperature range of 494–545 K. During the early stages of reaction the only observed products were silyl iodide and hydrogen iodide. Initial rates were found to obey the rate law over a wide range of initial iodine and monosilane pressures. Secondary reactions, most probably of SiH₃I with I₂, became more important as the reaction progressed. However, provided [SiH₄]₀/[I₂]₀ > 20, these secondary processes had a negligible effect on the kinetics, and an integrated rate expression could be used. These kinetics are consistent with an iodine atom abstraction chain mechanism, and for the step has been deduced. From this the bond dissociation energy D(SiH₃? H) = 378 ± 5 kJ/mol (90 kcal/mol) is obtained. The kinetic and thermochemical implications of this value, especially to the pyrolysis of monosilane, are discussed.     

New ab initio potential energy surface and the vibration-rotation-tunneling levels of (H2O)2 and (D2O)2

We report a new full-dimensional potential energy surface (PES) for the water dimer, based on fitting energies at roughly 30,000 configurations obtained with the coupled-cluster single and double, and perturbative treatment of triple excitations method using an augmented, correlation consistent, polarized triple zeta basis set. A global dipole moment surface based on Moller-Plesset perturbation theory results at these configurations is also reported. The PES is used in rigorous quantum calculations of intermolecular vibrational frequencies, tunneling splittings, and rotational constants for (H2O)2 and (D2O)2, using the rigid monomer approximation. Agreement with experiment is excellent and is at the highest level reported to date. The validity of this approximation is examined by comparing tunneling barriers within that model with those from fully relaxed calculations.     

Vibrational deactivation of HF(υ = 1) in the H2O + HF dimer: HF(υ = 1) + H2O(000) → HF(υ = 0) + H2O(001) + ΔE

The vibration-vibration energy transfer in the near-resonant collision HF(υ = 1) + H₂O(000) → HF(υ = 0) + H₂O(001) + ΔE = 205 cm^?1 has been investigated on the basis of the model of the nonrigid H₂O-HF dimer formation for temperatures not greatly higher than room temperature. The energy mismatch ΔE is considered to be removed by the slow translational motion of two molecules in the complex about their equilibrium separation. A strong negative temperature dependence of the energy exchange rate is shown between 300 and 500 K.     

Determining the feasibility of H2O2 production at a graphite cathode using bond dissociation energy: comparing simple and nitrogen doped cathodes

Research on Chemical Intermediates - Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is commercially produced by catalytic oxidation of anthrahydroquinone, which is energy-intensive. Electrochemical production of...