Co‐Conformational Distribution of Nanosized [2]Catenanes Determined by Pulse EPR Measurements

The co‐conformational ensembles of three differently sized [2]catenanes were studied by measuring pair correlation functions corresponding to the separation of nitroxide spin labels—one attached to each of the two macrocycles—with the double electron–electron resonance (DEER) experiment. A geometric model for the [2]catenanes was derived that approximates the macrocycles by circles and takes into account the topological constraint. Comparison of the experimental to the theoretically predicted pair correlation functions gives insight into the co‐conformational distribution and the size of the macrocycles. It was found that the macrocycles of the medium‐ and large‐sized catenanes in chloroform are close to fully expanded, while they are partially collapsed in glassy o‐terphenyl. For the small‐sized catenane, moderate interaction between the unsaturated sections of the macrocycles in chloroform is indicated by a slight overrepresentation of short label‐to‐label separations in the pair correlation function.     

The analysis of electron pair distribution functions in molecules

Electron pair distribution functions are analyzed for a variety of SCF+CI wavefunctions, for a range of simple molecules. The statistical correlation between electrons of like spin introduced by the antisymmetry requirement on the many-electron wavefunction is contrasted with the manner in which unlike-spin electron correlation is introduced through the inclusion of configuration interaction.     

Effectively doubling the magnetic field in spin-1/2-spin-1, HSQC, HDQC, coupled HSQC, and coupled HDQC in solution NMR

Pulse sequences for spin-1/2-spin-1 pair heteronuclear single quantum correlation (HSQC), heteronuclear double quantum correlation (HDQC), and coupled-HSQC, and coupled-HDQC NMR spectroscopies are outlined, and experimental realization for a (13)C-(2)H pair is demonstrated in solution state. In both the coupled versions, conditions for generation of in-phase and antiphase multiplets in either dimension are arrived at. The patterns and the intensity ratios are explained. The double quantum (2Q) experiments confirm doubling of both the shift frequency and the splitting due to coupling (to spin 1/2) of the 2Q coherence emanating from spin 1. The frequency doubling is equivalent to the corresponding single quantum (1Q) coherence at double the magnetic field strength. The coupling doubling, however, is independent of the magnetic field strength and a signature feature of the 2Q coherence. The ramification of the relative relaxation rates of 1Q and 2Q coherences is discussed.     

Yields of excited states from geminate recombination of hydrocarbon radical ions

A theory similar to the radical pair model for CIDNP, etc., is used to describe the rate of loss of spin correlation in geminate pairs of radical ions produced by radiolysis. The ratio of the yields of triplet and singlet excited states and the effects of magnetic fields are discussed.     

Electron spin density distribution in the special pair triplet of Rhodobacter sphaeroides R26 revealed by magnetic field dependence of the solid-state photo-CIDNP effect

Photo-CIDNP (photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization) can be observed in frozen and quinone-blocked photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs) as modification of magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR signal intensity under illumination. Studying the carotenoidless mutant strain R26 of Rhodobacter sphaeroides, we demonstrate by experiment and theory that contributions to the nuclear spin polarization from the three-spin mixing and differential decay mechanism can be separated from polarization generated by the radical pair mechanism, which is partially maintained due to differential relaxation (DR) in the singlet and triplet branch. At a magnetic field of 1.4 T, the latter contribution leads to dramatic signal enhancement of about 80,000 and dominates over the two other mechanisms. The DR mechanism encodes information on the spin density distribution in the donor triplet state. Relative peak intensities in the photo-CIDNP spectra provide a critical test for triplet spin densities computed for different model chemistries and conformations. The unpaired electrons are distributed almost evenly over the two moieties of the special pair of bacteriochlorophylls, with only slight excess in the L branch.     

What Changes in Topochemistry when Going from Small Molecule Dimerizations to Polymerizations in Single Crystals?

This publication promotes the increased necessity for strain management in topochemical reactions with an enlarged structural extension of the molecular products formed, i. e., when going from small molecule dimerizations, through linear polymerizations to the formation of 2D polymers. Further, it promotes to combine the trap model for photon absorption with concrete molecular scale consequences of this absorption on topochemical transformations and briefly discusses the expected consequences topological dimensionality of the forming (macro)molecular products has on trap location. The time appears ripe for going in this direction because local information concerning structural changes within single crystals is now accessible by the 3D-ΔPDF method. This method greatly facilitates the analysis of diffuse X-ray scattering providing access to concrete values of pair distribution functions and, thus, factual information on which and how distances change near a reaction site. Although only based on a first case where distance changes could be quantified in a lateral polymerization, the thoughts put forward may ignite more research towards a full understanding of all the action that occurs when a photochemically triggered topochemical reaction takes place. The 3D-ΔPDF method is so attractive for this purpose because it provides otherwise inaccessible local information in pair correlation functions rather than average structure information, which is used through the ubiquitous Bragg scattering.     

Magnetless Device for Conducting Three‐Dimensional Spin‐Specific Electrochemistry

Electron spin states play an important role in many chemical processes. Most spin‐state studies require the application of a magnetic field. Recently it was found that the transport of electrons through chiral molecules also depends on their spin states and may also play a role in enantiorecognition. Electrochemistry is an important tool for studying spin‐specific processes and enantioseparation of chiral molecules. A new device is presented, which serves as the working electrode in electrochemical cells and is capable of providing information on the correlation of spin selectivity and the electrochemical process. The device is based on the Hall effect and it eliminates the need to apply an external magnetic field. Spin‐selective electron transfer through chiral molecules can be monitored and the relationship between the enantiorecognition process and the spin of electrons elucidated.     

Towards understanding of magnetic interactions within a series of tetrathiafulvalene-pi conjugated-verdazyl diradical cation system: a density functional theory study

The intramolecular magnetic exchange coupling constants (J) for a series of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and verdazyl diradical cations connected by a range of pi conjugated linkers have been investigated by means of methodology based on unrestricted density functional theory. The magnetic interaction between radicals is transmitted via pi-electron conjugation for all considered compounds. The calculation of J yields strong or medium ferromagnetic coupling interactions (in the range of 56 and 300 K) for diradical cations connected by linkers with an even number of carbon atoms that are able to provide a spin polarization pathway, while antiferromagnetic coupling is predicted when linkers with an odd number of carbon atoms are employed. The topological analysis of spin density distributions have been used to reveal the effects of the spin polarization on both linkers and spin carriers. The absence of heteroatoms that impede the spin polarization pathway, and the existence of a unique spin polarization path instead of several possible competitive routes are factors which contribute to large positive J values favoring ferromagnetic interactions between the two terminal pi-radicals. The magnitude of J depends strongly on the planarity of the molecular structure of the diradical cation since a more effective orbital overlap between the two pi-systems can be achieved. Hence, the dependence of J on the torsion angle (theta) of each spin carrier has been analyzed. In this respect, our findings show that this geometrical distortion reduces largely the calculated J values for ferromagnetic couplings, leading to weak antiferromagnetic interactions for a torsion angle of 90 degrees .     

Atomic force microscopy study of the adsorption and electrostatic self-organization of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers on mica

The adsorption behavior of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers to mica surfaces was investigated as a function of ionic strength and pH. The conformation and lateral distribution of the adsorbed dendrimers of generations G8 and G10 were obtained ex situ by tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM). The deposition kinetics of the dendrimers was found to follow a diffusion-limited process. Fractional surface coverage and pair correlation functions of the adsorbed dendrimers were obtained from the AFM images. The data are interpreted in terms of the random sequential adsorption (RSA) model, where electrostatic repulsion due to overlapping double layers is considered. Although the general trends typical for an RSA-determined process are well-reproduced, quantitative agreement is lacking at low ionic strengths.     

The effect of attractions on the local structure of liquids and colloidal fluids

We revisit the role of attractions in liquids and apply these concepts to colloidal suspensions. Two means are used to investigate the structure; the pair correlation function and a recently developed topological method. The latter identifies structures topologically equivalent to ground state clusters formed by isolated groups of 5 ≤ m ≤ 13 particles, which are specific to the system under consideration. Our topological methodology shows that, in the case of Lennard-Jones, the addition of attractions increases the system's ability to form larger (m ≥ 8) clusters, although pair-correlation functions are almost identical. Conversely, in the case of short-ranged attractions, pair correlation functions show a significant response to adding attraction, while the liquid structure exhibits a strong decrease in clustering upon adding attractions. Finally, a compressed, weakly interacting system shows a similar pair structure and topology.     

Theory and simulation of anisotropic pair correlations in ferrofluids in magnetic fields

Anisotropic pair correlations in ferrofluids exposed to magnetic fields are studied using a combination of statistical-mechanical theory and computer simulations. A simple dipolar hard-sphere model of the magnetic colloidal particles is studied in detail. A virial-expansion theory is constructed for the pair distribution function (PDF) which depends not only on the length of the pair separation vector, but also on its orientation with respect to the field. A detailed comparison is made between the theoretical predictions and accurate simulation data, and it is found that the theory works well for realistic values of the dipolar coupling constant (λ = 1), volume fraction (φ ≤ 0.1), and magnetic field strength. The structure factor is computed for wavevectors either parallel or perpendicular to the field. The comparison between theory and simulation is generally very good with realistic ferrofluid parameters. For both the PDF and the structure factor, there are some deviations between theory and simulation at uncommonly high dipolar coupling constants, and with very strong magnetic fields. In particular, the theory is less successful at predicting the behavior of the structure factors at very low wavevectors, and perpendicular Gaussian density fluctuations arising from strongly correlated pairs of magnetic particles. Overall, though, the theory provides reliable predictions for the nature and degree of pair correlations in ferrofluids in magnetic fields, and hence should be of use in the design of functional magnetic materials.     

The spin mixing process of a radical pair in low magnetic field observed by transient absorption detected nanosecond pulsed magnetic field effect

The spin mixing process of the radical pair in the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelle is studied by using a novel technique nanosecond pulsed magnetic field effect on transient absorption. We have developed the equipment for a nanosecond pulsed magnetic field and observed its effect on the radical pair reaction. A decrease of the free radical yield by a reversely directed pulsed magnetic field that cancels static field is observed, and the dependence on its magnitude, which is called pulsed MARY (magnetic field effect on reaction yield) spectra, is studied. The observed spectra reflect the spin mixing in 50-200 ns and show clear time evolution. Theoretical simulation of pulsed MARY spectra based on a single site modified Liouville equation indicates that the fast spin dephasing processes induced by the modulation of electron-electron spin interaction by molecular reencounter affect to the coherent spin mixing by a hyperfine interaction in a low magnetic field.     

Decrement of magnetic spin effect in films of polymer composites with rubrene: Interaction of excited states with magnetic nanoparticles

For films of poly(alkane etherimide) composites containing rubrene microcrystals, the effect of Cu–Ni magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) with a reduced Curie temperature T _C (40–60°C) on luminescence and photoconductivity, as well as on the magnetic spin effect, has been observed and studied. It has been shown that this effect depends on the excitation intensity and weak heating (up to T < T _C°C). The assumption has been made that the excited states of the microcrystals (or charge carriers) interact with the MNP surface, leading to a change in their magnetic characteristics.     

Transformation of phase size distribution into scattering intensity

A practical method of calculating the small-angle scattering intensity and the density correlation function from the phase size distribution is presented for a sample with a random two-phase morphology. The correlation function can be calculated in terms of joint probability distribution functions of the phase size distributions of the two individual phases with information from the chord length distribution. The phase size distribution is approximated as a weighted sum of exponentials, which is then transformed analytically into the correlation function and hence the small-angle scattering for any combination of phase size distributions of the two phases. This represents an extension of the Debye method for materials with more complex phase size distributions. The inverse problem of calculating the phase size distributions from the small-angle scattering requires a thermodynamic model or simplifying approximation. An example of the reverse transformation is given for a nanoporous polymer thin film. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3070–3080, 2004     

Photoelectron spectra of the decomposition of ethylene on (110) tungsten

Photoelectron spectra, LEED patterns, and work function changes were obtained for ethylene adsorbed on (110) tungsten at room temperature, and with subsequent heat treatment. For saturated adsorption of C₂H₄ on (110) W at room temperature, features in the photoelectron spectrum were observed which are believed to be due to the C, HCC, and Cmetal bonds in an adsorbed species of the form C₂H₂. The work function decreased by 1.2 eV at saturation, but LEED showed no change from the clean surface pattern. Upon heating to ≈ 500 K, where hydrogen is known to desorb, the CH bond was broken, whereas the CC and Cmetal bonds remained. The work function increased, from saturation, by ≈ 0.6 eV and the LEED pattern exhibited a large diffuse background with no new spots. Upon heating to ≈ 1100 K the CC bond broke and the LEED pattern ordered into the characteristics carbon contamination pattern.     

Towards measurement of homonuclear dipolar couplings in 1H solid-state NMR: recoupling with a rotor-synchronized decoupling scheme

We describe a magic-angle spinning NMR experiment for (1)H-(1)H homonuclear dipole-dipole coupling estimations in organic solids. The methodology involves reintroducing dipolar interactions with rotor-synchronized homonuclear decoupling pulse sequences. Frequency-selective DANTE pulses are used to isolate a specific spin pair from a natural isotopic abundance sample. The coupling of interest, between the selected spin pair, may be extracted by a non linear least-squares fit of the experimentally observed modulation of the signal intensity to an exact analytical formula. The experiment is demonstrated on natural isotopic abundance glycine and alanine powder samples.     

The loge theory as a starting point for variational calculations. I. General formalism

It is shown that any expectation value of any observable associated with a molecule is the sum of loge contributions and of loge pair contributions. This result provides a rigorous theoretical basis for the study of additive properties of molecules. It is demonstrated that molecular wave functions (exact or approximate) can be expressed as a sum of functions corresponding to the various electronic events. Furthermore any of these event functions can be expressed in terms of correlated loge functions. This expression suggests many kinds of variational procedures of calculating wave functions (known methods and new ones). The case in which noncorrelated completely localized loge functions are used is discussed. If continuous functions are used the variational equation reduces to a sum of independent variational equations, each one corresponding to a particular electronic event. This is not so when discontinuous functions are used or when a delocalized function is added to replace the correlation interloge function. The noncorrelated completely localized loge model is analyzed in more detail. It is seen that local spin operators can be introduced and that each event density operator is the product of the loge density operators. Therefore that model is an independent loge model. The corresponding generalized self-consistent field equations are derived. This treatment helps us to understand how a localized state of a molecule can produce an ion containing a delocalized region, a phenomenon which is sometimes at the origin of some misunderstanding in photoelectron spectroscopy. Finally it is seen how virtual loge functions can be introduced to describe excited states.     

Deflected spin transmission from radical substituent to Corannulene’s curved surface: Density functional theory calculations

Stable neutral radicals with spherical or curved-surface π-spin networks have drawn much attention in fullerene chemistry and molecule-based magnetism, because their intermolecular magnetic interactions are intrinsically three dimensional. Based on our previous experimental study on an oxoverdazyl radical directly conjugated with corannulene, we have carried out density functional theory calculations for a series of neutral organic π-radicals conjugated with this bowl-shaped hydrocarbon. The unpaired electron spin is delocalized from the radical substituent into the corannulene moiety, showing an uneven spin distribution with spin-rich and spin-poor regions on the curved surface of corannulene. The origin of the characteristic spin distributions was discussed on the basis of a comparison between the spin density distribution of corannulenoxyl having the curved surface structure with that of coronenoxyl bearing a flat surface structure. The magnitude of spin delocalization into the corannulene moiety significantly varies, depending on the radical employed.