Determination of the Electron Density Distribution in the Bonds of a Fullerene Derivative by High-Resolution X-Ray Structure Analysis

Bent bonds in the strained fullerene system , restricted to the [5,6] bonds, were detected by high-resolution X-ray structure analysis of the 1,2-dihydro[60]fullerene derivative 1 . In addition the maxima of electron densities are higher in the [6,6] bonds than in the [5,6] bonds—an important finding with respect to the question of the extent of electron delocalization in fullerenes.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Theoretical Study of Trifluoromethyl Derivatives of C84(23) Fullerene

Trifluoromethylation of a higher fullerene mixture with CF₃I was performed in ampoules at 550 °C. HPLC separation followed by crystal growth and X‐ray diffraction study resulted in the structure elucidation of nine CF₃ derivatives of D_2d‐C₈₄ (isomer 23). The molecular structures of C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₄, C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₈, C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₀, C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₂, two isomers of C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₄, two isomers of C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₆, and C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₈ were discussed in terms of their addition patterns and the relative formation energies. Extensive theoretical DFT calculations were performed to identify the most stable molecular structures. It was found that the addition of CF₃ groups to the C₈₄(23) fullerene is governed by two main rules: no additions in positions of triple hexagon junctions and predominantly para additions in C₆(CF₃)₂ hexagons on the fullerene cage. The only exception with an isolated CF₃ group in C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₂ is discussed in more detail.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Theoretical Study of Trifluoromethyl Derivatives of C84(22) Fullerene

Trifluoromethylation of higher fullerene mixtures with CF₃I was performed in ampoules at 400 to 420 and 550 to 560 °C. HPLC separation followed by crystal growth and X‐ray diffraction studies allowed the structure elucidation of nine CF₃ derivatives of D₂‐C₈₄ (isomer 22). Molecular structures of two isomers of C₈₄(22)(CF₃)₁₂, two isomers of C₈₄(22)(CF₃)₁₄, four isomers of C₈₄(22)(CF₃)₁₆, and one isomer of C₈₄(22)(CF₃)₂₀ were discussed in terms of their addition patterns and relative formation energies. DFT calculations were also used to predict the most stable molecular structures of lower CF₃ derivatives, C₈₄(22)(CF₃)_2–10. It was found that the addition of CF₃ groups to C₈₄(22) is governed by two rules: additions can only occur at para positions of C₆(CF₃)₂ hexagons and no additions can occur at triple‐hexagon‐junction positions on the fullerene cage.     

Dimers of Nineteen‐Electron Sandwich Compounds: Crystal and Electronic Structures,and Comparison of Reducing Strengths

The dimers of some Group 8 metal cyclopentadienyl/arene complexes and Group 9 metallocenes can be handled in air, yet are strongly reducing, making them useful n‐dopants in organic electronics. In this work, the X‐ray molecular structures are shown to resemble those of Group 8 metal cyclopentadienyl/pentadienyl or Group 9 metal cyclopentadienyl/diene model compounds. Compared to those of the model compounds, the DFT HOMOs of the dimers are significantly destabilized by interactions between the metal and the central C?C σ‐bonding orbital, accounting for the facile oxidation of the dimers. The lengths of these C?C bonds (X‐ray or DFT) do not correlate with DFT dissociation energies, the latter depending strongly on the monomer stabilities. Ru and Ir monomers are more reducing than their Fe and Rh analogues, but the corresponding dimers also exhibit much higher dissociation energies, so the estimated monomer cation/neutral dimer potentials are, with the exception of that of [RhCp₂]₂, rather similar (?1.97 to ?2.15 V vs. FeCp₂^+/0 in THF). The consequences of the variations in bond strength and redox potentials for the reactivity of the dimers are discussed.     

n‐Dopants Based on Dimers of Benzimidazoline Radicals: Structures and Mechanism of Redox Reactions

Dimers of 2‐substituted N,N′‐dimethylbenzimidazoline radicals, (2‐Y‐DMBI)₂ (Y=cyclohexyl (Cyc), ferrocenyl (Fc), ruthenocenyl (Rc)), have recently been reported as n‐dopants for organic semiconductors. Here their structural and energetic characteristics are reported, along with the mechanisms by which they react with acceptors, A (PCBM, TIPS‐pentacene), in solution. X‐ray data and DFT calculations both indicate a longer C?C bond for (2‐Cyc‐DMBI)₂ than (2‐Fc‐DMBI)₂, yet DFT and ESR data show that the latter dissociates more readily due to stabilization of the radical by Fc. Depending on the energetics of dimer (D₂) dissociation and of D₂‐to‐A electron transfer, D₂ reacts with A to form D⁺ and A^? by either of two mechanisms, differing in whether the first step is endergonic dissociation or endergonic electron transfer. However, the D⁺/0.5 D₂ redox potentials—the effective reducing strengths of the dimers—vary little within the series (ca. ?1.9 V vs. FeCp₂^+/0) (Cp=cyclopentadienyl) due to cancelation of trends in the D^+/0 potential and D₂ dissociation energy. The implications of these findings for use of these dimers as n‐dopants, and for future dopant design, are discussed.     

NMR Properties of Polylithiated C60

Endohedral, ¹³C, ⁷Li, and nucleus‐independent (NICS) chemical shifts are reported for selected Li_nC₆₀ isomers (n = 6, 12, 18) at the GIAO (gauge‐including atomic orbitals)‐SCF/DZP//BP86/3–21G level. Li₆C₆₀ closely resembles C₆₀^6– in terms of NMR criteria for aromaticity, as evidenced by an exceptionally high endohedral shielding. In contrast, nonaromaticity is indicated for Li₁₂C₆₀, based on a positive endohedral chemical shift. NICS and δ(endo) values very similar to those of Li₁₂C₆₀ are obtained for Li₁₈C₆₀. According to population analysis, indeed the same number of electrons are transferred to the fullerene cage in both cases. Endohedral chemical shifts, accessible via ³He NMR of the corresponding endohedral helium compounds, could thus be a valuable indicator for the extent of reduction of the C₆₀ molecule. Energetic estimates suggest that in the bulk, Li₁₂C₆₀ should be unstable with respect to decomposition into Li₆C₆₀ and lithium metal.     

A Silatetragallane—Classical Heterobicyclopentane or closo-Polyhedron?

Classical and nonclassical can be used to describe the bonding in the polyhedral Ga₄Si framework of the silagallanate ion [Me₃SiSi{GaSi(SiMe₃)₃}₃GaSiMe₃]⁻ (the GaSi framework is depicted in the picture). This is the result of density functional calculations that were carried out on model compounds. The cluster was obtained by ultrasonication of gallium and iodine and subsequent reaction with (Me₃Si)₃Li(thf)₃.     

Scaled Quantum Mechanical Force Fields for the Peroxynitrates. II. Fluorocarbonyl Peroxynitrate and Chlorocarbonyl Peroxynitrate.

The vibrational properties of fluorocarbonyl peroxynitrate, FC(O)OONO₂ and chlorocarbonyl peroxynitrate, ClC(O)OONO₂ were studied by means of density functional theory (DFT) methods. The obtained results served to revise the reported experimental spectra and their corresponding assignments. Subsequently, the revised data were used in the definition of scaled quantum mechanics (SQM) force fields for these peroxynitrates. A set of internal force constants was also calculated from such force fields.     

Predicting Stable Molecular Structures for (RNC)2AuIX Complexes

Calculations have been performed at the MP2 and DFT levels for investigating the reasons for the difficulties in synthesizing bis(isocyanide)gold(I) halide complexes. Three‐coordinated gold(I) complexes of the type (R₃P)₂Au^IX ( 1 ) can be synthesized, whereas the analogous isocyanide complexes (RNC)₂Au^IX ( 2 ) are not experimentally known. The molecular structures of (R₃P)₂Au^IX (X = Cl, Br, and I) and (RNC)₂Au^IX with X = halide, cyanide, nitrite, methylthiolate, and thiocyanate are compared and structural differences are discussed. Calculations of molecular properties elucidate which factors determine the strength of the gold‐ligand interactions in (RNC)₂Au^IX. The linear bonding mode of RNC favors a T‐shaped geometry instead of the planar Y‐shaped trigonal structure of (R₃P)₂Au^IX complexes that have been synthesized. An increased polarity of the Au–X bond in 2 leads to destabilization of the Y‐shaped structure. Chalcogen‐containing ligands or cyanide appear to be good X‐ligand candidates for synthesis of (RNC)₂Au^IX complexes.     

The Structures of Methylenebis(dichloroarsane) and Methylenebisarsonic Acid – A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study

Methylenebisarsonic acid ( 3 ) was synthesized according to a published procedure. Its molecular structure and its spectroscopic characteristics were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The first intermediate, methylenebis(dichloroarsane) ( 1 ), was structurally and spectroscopically characterized as well. Both molecules were investigated on the B3LYP/6‐31+G(2d,p) level of theory and subsequent NBO analysis.     

Tetrachlorophenyl‐λ5‐arsane and Tetramethoxyphenyl‐λ5‐arsane: Crystal Structures,NMR Spectra and Bonding Situation

Two phenyl‐substituted λ⁵‐arsanes were prepared from phenylarsonic acid in two‐step procedures. Their molecular structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. NBO analyses for the title compounds were conducted.     

Synthesis and Properties of Backbone Silylated Imidazol-2-thiones

Imidazole-2-thiones have attracted considerable interest in the past as materials for potential applications in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Herein, the synthesis of a series of backbone silylated 1,3-dialkylimidazol-2-thiones is reported. The developed synthesis protocol involves the silylation of N,N-dimethylimidazol-2-thione 1 followed by the addition of organochlorosilanes R_nSiCl_4–n (R=Me, Ph; n=0–4) and enabled the synthesis of the C-silylated derivatives with monocyclic, silyl-bridged or fused tricyclic structures. Reactivity studies performed with N,N-dimethyl-4,5-bistrimethylsilylimidazole-2-thione as a model substance showed surprisingly stable silicon-vinyl bonds and reactivity patterns closely related to those observed for the unsilylated species 1 . Combined UV-spectroscopic and computational studies revealed only minor impact of the silyl substituents on the electronic structure of the imidazol-2-thione ring.     

1,4,6,9‐Tetraoxa‐5λ4‐selena‐spiro[4.4]nonane – A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study

The symmetric spiro‐selenurane derived from ethylene glycol, 1,4,6,9‐tetraoxa‐5λ⁴‐selena‐spiro[4.4]nonane, was prepared from selenium tetrachloride and ethylene glycol and its molecular structure was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. NBO analyses for the title compound and a related compound were conducted to assess the role of the stereochemical active lone pair on the selenium atom on the structure.     

Dimensions of the Ozonide Anion in M([18]crown‐6)O3·x NH3 with M = K (x = 2), Rb (x = 1) and Cs (x = 8)

Reaction of alkali metal ozonides (KO₃, RbO₃ and CsO₃) with [18]crown‐6 in liquid ammonia yields compounds of the composition M([18]crown‐6)O₃·x NH₃ with M = K (x = 2), Rb (x = 1) and Cs (x = 8). The large intermolecular distance between adjacent radical anions in these compounds leads to almost ideal paramagnetic behavior according to Curie's law. Discrepancies concerning the structure of the ozonide anions in the K and Cs compound compared to a former investigation on Rb([18]crown‐6)O₃·NH₃ have been resolved by means of DFT calculations and a single‐crystal structure redetermination.     

Three Salts Containing the Fullerene Tetra‐Anion C604– – Synthesis,X‐Ray Single‐Crystal Structure Determination and EPR Investigation

A synthesis for four‐fold negatively charged fullerides in solution is presented. Three salts containing discrete C₆₀^4– anions were synthesized by the reduction of C₆₀ in solution using rubidium‐mercury amalgams and rubidium suboxide both in the presence of elemental mercury. The three new salts, [Rb₆DMF₁₄(C₆H₁₃N₂O₂)₂] · C₆₀ ( 1 ), [Rb(diaza‐18‐crown‐6)]₄ · C₆₀ · (en)_4.1 ( 2 ), and [Rb(benzo‐18‐crown‐6)]₄ · C₆₀ ( 3 ), were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The results clearly indicate a charge of 4– for the fulleride anions. In 1 the fulleride units are ordered, and their distortion from I_h symmetry shows similarities to binary alkali metal fullerides that contain C₆₀^4– anions. In the crystal structures of 2 and 3 the C₆₀^4– anions show a rotational disorder. In all structures the 6:6 bond lengths within the fulleride are strongly enlarged compared to the ones in neutralC₆₀. EPR measurements reveal a singlet state for the C₆₀^4– anion.