Observation of symmetry lowering and electron localization in the doublet-states of a spin-frustrated equilateral triangular lattice: Cu3(O2C16H23) x 1.2C6H12

Cu3(O2C16H23)6.1.2C6H12, containing a Cu36+ core in an equilateral triangle geometry, has been found to be a versatile model system for investigating the spin-frustration phenomenon in a triangular lattice. It affords well-resolved EPR spectra from both of the two possible (Stotal = 1/2 and 3/2) spin states of the Cu36+ core. From 295 to 100 K, the spectra consist of a triplet, but with the central line overlapped by an additional, sharp peak, which replaces the triplet at 30 K and below. The triplet was thus assigned to the excited state with Stotal = 3/2, located at 324 +/- 5 K ( approximately 225 cm-1), with the zero-field parameters D = -535 G, E = 0, g parallel = 2.209 and g perpendicular = 2.057. The singlet was attributed to the Stotal = 1/2 state, with gxx = 2.005, gyy = 2.050, gzz = 2.282, and, surprisingly, a hyperfine splitting arising from a single Cu2+ nucleus, with Azz = 157 G. The detailed magnetic measurements on a three-electron, equilateral triangular system, and the observation of symmetry lowering in the doublet ground state, should be of broad theoretical and experimental interest in molecular magnetism.     

Magnetism and structure of graphene nanodots with interiors modified by boron, nitrogen, and charge

The properties (geometry, spin, and charge distribution) of a series of flat hexagonal zigzag edged graphene nanodots (GNDs), with interiors modified by centrally located substituent atoms boron and nitrogen and by positive and negative charge, have been calculated using ab initio density functional theory. The doped series X-GND has the stoichiometry C(6m(2)-1)XH(6m), zigzag size index m = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and substituent X = B or N. The undoped parents C(6m(2) )H(6m) with m ≤ 8 have spin paired ground states and the parent m = 10 has a spin polarized singlet ground state with edges that alternate α- and β-spin. The spin on the substituent atom decreases to zero with size index m and magnetization builds on the edges of all the X-GND. This demonstrates translocation of substituent spin and a proximity or directional effect for small m as the edges show different degrees of magnetization. For the largest X-GND (m = 10) the magnetization on edges resembles the calculated triplet S = 1(a) configuration of the parent (four edge spins up and two down) and has a higher apparent symmetry than the C(2v) point group of X-GND. For charged (m = 10) GNDs the edge magnetization has strength comparable to the parent on two parallel edges and weak on the other four in a perimeter pattern that resembles the triplet S = 1(b) configuration of the undoped parent and not the ground configuration of the isoelectronic X-GND molecule. Many of the results can be interpreted by simple Kekule? valence bond structures for an unpaired spin on a network where the substituent site group symmetry is not compatible with the perimeter. A deeper understanding is provided by the properties of the Kohn-Sham orbitals. The calculations of the X-doped GNDs reveal limitations in the use of the hex-radical hypothesis of the parent ground state to systems where foreign atoms lower symmetry and perturb the π- and σ-bond manifolds.     

High spin Co(I): high-frequency and -field EPR spectroscopy of CoX(PPh3)3 (X = Cl, Br)

The previously reported pseudotetrahedral Co(I) complexes, CoX(PR(3))(3), where R = Me, Ph, and chelating analogues, and X = Cl, Br, I exhibit a spin triplet ground state, which is uncommon for Co(I), although expected for this geometry. Described here are studies using electronic absorption and high-frequency and -field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) spectroscopy on two members of this class of complexes: CoX(PR(3))(3), where R = Ph and X = Cl and Br. In both cases, well-defined spectra corresponding to axial spin triplets were observed, with signals assignable to three distinct triplet species, and with perfectly axial zero-field splitting (zfs) given by the parameter D = +4.46, +5.52, +8.04 cm(-1), respectively, for CoCl(PPh(3))(3). The crystal structure reported for CoCl(PPh(3))(3) shows crystallographic 3-fold symmetry, but with three structurally distinct molecules per unit cell. Both of these facts thus correlate with the HFEPR data. The investigated complexes, along with a number of structurally characterized Co(I) trisphosphine analogues, were analyzed by quantum chemistry calculations (both density functional theory (DFT) and unrestricted Hartree-Fock (UHF) methods). These methods, along with ligand-field theory (LFT) analysis of CoCl(PPh(3))(3), give reasonable agreement with the salient features of the electronic structure of these complexes. A spin triplet ground state is strongly favored over a singlet state and a positive, axial D value is predicted, in agreement with experiment. Quantitative agreement between theory and experiment is less than ideal with LFT overestimating the zfs, while DFT underestimates these effects. Despite these shortcomings, this study demonstrates the ability of advanced paramagnetic resonance techniques, in combination with other experimental techniques, and with theory, to shed light on the electronic structure of an unusual transition metal ion, paramagnetic Co(I).     

Absolute vibrational and electronic cross sections for low-energy electron (2-12 eV) scattering from condensed pyrimidine

Low-energy vibrational and electronic electron-energy-loss (EEL) spectra of pyrimidine condensed on a thin film of solid argon held at 18 K are reported for the incident-energy range of 2-12 eV. Sensitivity to symmetry and spin forbidden transitions as well as correlations to the triplet states of benzene make it possible to ascribe the main features, below 7 eV in the electronic part of the EEL spectrum, to triplet transitions. The lowest EEL feature with an energy onset at 3.5 eV is attributed to a transition to the (3)B(1)(n-->pi(*)) valence electronic state and the next triplet n-->pi(*) transition to a (3)A(2) state located around 4.5 eV. The remaining EEL features at 4.3, 5.2, 5.8, and 6.5 eV are all assigned to pi-->pi(*) transitions to states of symmetry (3)B(2), (3)A(1), (3)B(2), and (3)B(2)+(3)A(1), respectively. The most intense maximum at 7.6 eV is found to correspond to both (1)B(2) and (1)A(1) transitions, as in the vacuum ultraviolet spectra. Absolute inelastic cross sections per scatterer are derived from a single collision treatment described herein. Their values are found to lie within the 10(-17) cm(2) range for both the electronic and the vibrational excitations. Features in the energy dependence of the cross sections are discussed, whenever possible, by comparison with data and mechanisms found in the gas phase. A maximum over the 4-5 eV range is attributed to a B (2)B(1) shape resonance and another one observed in the 6-7 eV range is ascribed to either or both sigma(*) shape resonances of (2)A(1) and (2)B(2) symmetries.     

Electronically driven magnetic transition and dimensionality crossover in Li4 clusters

The existence of a new metastable phase of Li₄ with spin triplet in the shape of a distorted tetrahedron is proposed. It is 0.4 eV above the spin-singlet planar ground state of the tetramer. The transition from the singlet to the triplet configuration does not occur as soon as the cluster assumes a three-dimensional geometry, but waits till the dihedral angle is 110°. Such a dimensionality crossover accompanied by a change in spin multiplicity should be observable.     

Hydrogen bridging in the compounds X2H (X=Al,Si,P,S)

X2H hydrides (X=Al, Si, P, and S) have been investigated using coupled cluster theory with single, double, and triple excitations, the latter incorporated as a perturbative correction [CCSD(T)]. These were performed utilizing a series of correlation-consistent basis sets augmented with diffuse functions (aug-cc-pVXZ, X=D, T, and Q). Al2H and Si2H are determined to have H-bridged C2v structures in their ground states: the Al2H ground state is of 2B1 symmetry with an Al-H-Al angle of 87.6 degrees, and the Si2H ground state is of 2A1 symmetry with a Si-H-Si angle of 79.8 degrees. However, P2H and S2H have nonbridged, bent Cs structures: the P2H ground state is of 2A' symmetry with a P-P-H angle of 97.0 degrees, and the S2H ground state is of 2A' symmetry with a S-S-H angle of 93.2 degrees. Ground state geometries, vibrational frequencies, and electron affinities have been computed at all levels of theory. Our CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVQZ adiabatic electron affinity of 2.34 eV for the Si2H radical is in excellent agreement with the photoelectron spectroscopy experiments of Xu et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 108, 7645 (1998)], where the electron affinity was determined to be 2.31+/-0.01 eV.     

Theoretical investigation of excited states of C(3)

In this work, we present ab initio calculations for the potential energy surfaces of C(3) in different electronic configurations, including the singlet ground state [X (1)Sigma(g) (+),((1)A(1))], the triplet ground state [a (3)Pi(u),((3)B(1), (3)A(1))], and some higher excited states. The geometries studied include triangular shapes with two identical bond lengths, but different bond angles between them. For the singlet and triplet ground states in the linear geometry, the total energies resulting from the mixed density functional--Hartree-Fock and quadratic configuration interaction methods reproduce the experimental values, i.e., the triplet occurs 2.1 eV above the singlet. In the geometry of an equilateral triangle, we find a low-lying triplet state with an energy of only 0.8 eV above the energy of the singlet in the linear configuration, so that the triangular geometry yields the lowest excited state of C(3). For the higher excited states up to about 8 eV above the ground state, we apply time-dependent density functional theory. Even though the systematic error produced by this approach is of the order of 0.4 eV, the results give different prospective to insight into the potential energy landscape for higher excitation energies.     

High‐spin states in tetrahedral X4 clusters (X = H,Li, Na,K)

The high‐spin electronic states for lithium, sodium, and potassium four‐atom clusters were studied. In particular, we performed coupled cluster geometry optimization of the quintet state in tetrahedral geometry. The quintet state of these systems is characterized by having all the valence electron unpaired, giving rise to the so‐called no‐pair bonding. Single‐point full configuration interaction computations on the equilibrium geometries for the various clusters are also presented. The analysis of the valence orbitals in a localized representation confirms the importance of the p atomic orbitals to explain this unusual type of bond. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010     

Synthesis, structure, and emissive properties of copper(I) complexes [CuI2(micro-X)2(micro-1,8-naphthyridine)(PPh3)2] (X=I, Br) with a butterfly-shaped dinuclear core having a short Cu-Cu distance

New dinuclear copper(I) complexes [Cu2(micro-X)2(micro-1,8-naphthyridine)(PPh3)2] (X=I, Br) having the butterfly-shaped {Cu2(micro-X)2} unit show red phosphorescence at room temperature in the solid state. Molecular orbital calculations show that the emissions of the new complexes are not directly related to their short Cu...Cu separations [2.6123(5) and 2.6271(4) A] and are assignable to the triplet charge-transfer excited states from the {Cu2(micro-X)2} core to 1,8-naphthyridine.     

State-specific reactions of Cu(+)(1S, 3D) with CH3X and CF3X (X = Cl, Br, I): exploring the influence of dipole orientation on association and C-X bond activation

The reactions of gas-phase Cu(+)((1)S) and Cu(+)((3)D) with CF(3)X and CH(3)X (X = Cl, Br, and I) have been examined experimentally using the drift cell technique at 3.5 Torr in He at room temperature. State-specific product channels and overall bimolecular rate constants for depletion of the two Cu(+) states were determined using electronic state chromatography. The results showed that Cu(+)((1)S) participates exclusively in association with all of these neutrals, whereas, depending on the neutral, Cu(+)((3)D) initiates up to three bimolecular processes, resulting in the formation of CuX(+), CuC(H/F)(3)(+), and C(H/F)(3)X(+). Possible structures for the singlet association products were explored using density functional methods. These calculations indicated that Cu(+) preferentially associates with the labile halogen (Cl, Br, I) with all neutrals except CF(3)Cl, for which a "backside" geometry occurs in which Cu(+)((1)S) is weakly bound to the -CF(3) end of the molecule. All products observed on the triplet reaction surface can be understood in terms of either known or calculated thermochemical requirements. Product distributions and overall reaction efficiencies for C-X bond activation (X = Br, I) through Cu(+)((3)D) suggest that the orientation of the neutral dipole has little or no effect in controlling access to specific product channels. Likewise, second-order rate constants for reactions with X = Br and I indicate efficient depletion of Cu(+)((3)D) and do not exhibit the dramatic variations in reaction efficiency previously observed with CH(3)Cl and CF(3)Cl. These results suggest that C-X bond activation proceeds through a bond-insertion mechanism as opposed to direct abstraction.     

Structure and photoabsorption properties of cationic alkali dimers solvated in neon clusters

We present a theoretical investigation of the structure and optical absorption of M(2)(+) alkali dimers (M=Li,Na,K) solvated in Ne(n) clusters for n=1 to a few tens Ne atoms. For all these alkali, the lowest-energy isomers are obtained by aggregation of the first Ne atoms at the extremity of the alkali molecule. This particular geometry, common to other M(2)(+)-rare gas clusters, is intimately related to the shape of the electronic density of the X (2)Σ(g)(+) ground state of the bare M(2)(+) molecules. The structure of the first solvation shell presents equilateral Ne(3) and capped pentagonal Ne(6) motifs, which are characteristic of pure rare gas clusters. The size and geometry of the complete solvation shell depend on the alkali and were obtained at n=22 with a D(4h) symmetry for Li and at n=27 with a D(5h) symmetry for Na. For K, our study suggests that the closure of the first solvation shell occurs well beyond n=36. We show that the atomic arrangement of these clusters has a profound influence on their optical absorption spectrum. In particular, the XΣ transition from the X (2)Σ(g)(+) ground state to the first excited (2)Σ(u)(+) state is strongly blueshifted in the Frank-Condon area.     

The diazocarbene (CNN) molecule: characterization of the X 3Sigma- and A 3Pi electronic states

The ground (X (3)Sigma(-)) and first excited triplet (A (3)Pi) electronic states of diazocarbene (CNN) have been investigated systematically starting from the self-consistent-field theory and proceeding to the coupled cluster with single, double, and full triple excitations (CCSDT) method with a wide range of basis sets. While the linear X (3)Sigma(-) ground state of CNN has a real degenerate bending vibrational frequency, the A (3)Pi state of CNN is subject to the Renner-Teller effect and presents two distinct real vibrational frequencies along the bending coordinate. The bending vibrational frequencies of the A (3)Pi state were evaluated via the equation-of-motion coupled cluster (EOM-CC) techniques. The significant sensitivity to level of theory in predicting the ground-state geometry, harmonic vibrational frequencies, and associated infrared intensities has been attributed to the fact that the reference wave function is strongly perturbed by the excitations of 1pi-->3pi followed by a spin flip. At the highest level of theory with the largest basis set, correlation-consistent polarized valence quadruple zeta (cc-pVQZ) CCSDT, the classical X-A splitting (T(e) value) was predicted to be 68.5 kcal/mol (2.97 eV, 24 000 cm(-1)) and the quantum mechanical splitting (T(0) value) to be 69.7 kcal/mol (3.02 eV, 24 400 cm(-1)), which are in excellent agreement with the experimental T(0) values, 67.5-68.2 kcal/mol (2.93-2.96 eV, 23 600-23 900 cm(-1)). With the EOM-CCSD method the Renner parameter (epsilon) and averaged bending vibrational frequency (omega(2)) for the A (3)Pi state were evaluated to be epsilon=-0.118 and omega(2)=615 cm(-1), respectively. They are in fair agreement with the experimental values of epsilon=-0.07 and nu(2)=525 cm(-1).     

Solid-state coordination chemistry of the Cu/triazolate/X system (X = F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, OH-, and SO4(2-))

Hydrothermal reactions of 1,2,4-triazole with the appropriate copper salt have provided eight structurally unique members of the Cu/triazolate/X system, with X = F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, OH-, and SO4(2-). The anionic components X of [Cu3(trz)4(H2O)3]F2 (1) and [Cu6(trz)4Br]Cu4Br4(OH) (4) do not participate in the framework connectivity, acting as isolated charge-compensating counterions. In contrast, the anionic subunits X of [Cu(II)Cu(I)(trz)Cl2] (2), [Cu6(trz)4Br2] (3), [Cu(II)Cu(I)(trz)Br2] (5), [Cu3(trz)I2] (6), [Cu6(II)Cu2(I)(trz)6(SO4)3(OH)2(H2O)] (8), and [Cu4(trz)3]OH.7.5H2O (9.7.5H2O) are intimately involved in the three-dimensional connectivities. The structure of [Cu(II)Cu(I)(trz)2][Cu3(I)I4] (7) is constructed from two independent substructures: a three-dimensional cationic {Cu2(trz)2}n(n+) component and {Cu3I4}n(n-) chains. Curiously, four of the structures are mixed-valence Cu(I)/Cu(II) materials: 2, 5, 7, and 8. The only Cu(II) species is 1, while 3, 4, 6, and 9.7.5H2O exhibit exclusively Cu(I) sites. The magnetic properties of the Cu(II) species 1 and of the mixed-valence materials 5, 7, 8, and the previously reported [Cu3(trz)3OH][Cu2Br4] have been studied. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility of 1 conforms to a simple isotropic model above 13 K, while below this temperature, there is weak ferromagnetic ordering due to spin canting of the antiferromagnetically coupled trimer units. Compounds 5 and 7 exhibit magnetic properties consistent with a one-dimensional chain model. The magnetic data for 8 were fit over the temperature range 2-300 K using the molecular field approximation with J = 204 cm(-1), g = 2.25, and zJ' = -38 cm(-1). The magnetic properties of [Cu3(trz)3OH][Cu2Br4] are similar to those of 8, as anticipated from the presence of similar triangular {Cu3(trz)3(mu3-OH)}(2+) building blocks. The Cu(I) species 3, 4, 6, and 9 as well as the previously reported [Cu(5)(trz)3Cl2] exhibit luminescence thermochromism. The spectra are characterized by broad emissions, long lifetimes, and significant Stokes' shifts, characteristic of phosphorescence.     

Molecular structure and dynamics of off-center Cu(2+) ions and strongly coupled Cu(2+)-Cu(2+) pairs in BaF(2) crystals: electron paramagnetic resonance and electron spin relaxation studies

X-band and Q-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of Cu(2+) in BaF(2) crystal were recorded in the temperature range of 4.2-200 K. Spin-Hamiltonian parameters of single Cu(2+) complexes and of Cu(2+)-Cu(2+) pairs were derived and discussed. A special attention was paid to the dimeric species. Their molecular ground state configuration was found as having antiferromagnetic intradimer coupling with the singlet-triplet splitting J=-35 cm(-1). The zero-field splitting being D=0.0365 cm(-1) at 4.2 K increases with temperature as an effect of thermal population of excited dimer configurations. Electron spin echo (ESE) method was used for measurements of electron spin lattice and phase relaxation. The spin-lattice relaxation data show that except for coupling to the host lattice phonons the Cu(2+) ions are involved in local mode motions with energy of 82 cm(-1). Phase relaxation (ESE dephasing) of single Cu(2+) ions is due to spin diffusion at low temperatures. This relaxation is hampered for temperatures higher than 30 K due to the triplet state population of neighboring Cu(2+)-Cu(2+) dimers, which disturb dipolar coupling between Cu(2+) ions. For higher temperatures the relaxation is dominated by Raman T(1) processes. Fourier transform ESE spectrum displays dipolar Cu-F splitting which allowed determination of the off-center shift of Cu(2+) as delta(s)=0.132 nm. The dynamical effects observed in EPR spectra and in electron spin relaxation both for single Cu(2+) ions and Cu(2+)-Cu(2+) pairs are discussed as due to jumps between six off-center positions in the crystal unit cell and jumps between various dimer configurations.     

Copper(II) mediated anion dependent formation of Schiff base complexes

A tetranuclear mixed ligand copper(II) complex of a pyrazole containing Schiff base and a hydroxyhexahydropyrimidylpyrazole and copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of the Schiff base having N-donor atoms have been investigated. A 2 equiv amount of 5-methyl-3-formylpyrazole (MPA) and 2 equiv of 1,3-diamino-2-propanol (1,3-DAP) on reaction with 1 equiv of copper(II) nitrate produce an unusual tetranuclear mixed ligand complex [Cu4(L1)2(L2)2(NO3)2] (1), where H2L1 = 1,3-bis(5-methyl-3-formylpyrazolylmethinimino)propane-2-ol and HL2 = 5-methyl-3-(5-hydroxyhexahydro-2-pyrimidyl)pyrazole. In contrast, a similar reaction with nickel(II) nitrate leads to the formation of a hygroscopic intractable material. On the other hand, the reaction involving 2 equiv of MPA and 1 equiv each of 1,3-DAP and various copper(II) salts gives rise to two types of products, viz. [Cu(T3-porphyrinogen)(H2O)]X2 (X = ClO4, NO3, BF4 (2)) (T3-porphyrinogen = 1,6,11,16-tetraza-5,10,15,20-tetrahydroxy-2,7,12,17-tetramethylporphyrinogen) and [Cu(H2L1)X]X x H2O (X = Cl (3), Br (4)). The same reaction carried out with nickel(II) salts also produces two types of compounds [Ni(H2L1)(H2O)2]X2 [X = ClO4 (5), NO3 (6), BF4 (7)] and [Ni(H2L1)X2] x H2O [X = Cl (8), Br (9)]. Among the above species 1, 3, and 5 are crystallographically characterized. In 1, all four copper atoms are in distorted square pyramidal geometry with N4O chromophore around two terminal copper atoms and N5 chromophore around two inner copper atoms. In 3, the copper atom is also in distorted square pyramidal geometry with N4Cl chromophore. The nickel atom in 5 is in a distorted octahedral geometry with N4O2 chromophore, where the metal atom is slightly pulled toward one of the axial coordinated water molecules. Variable-temperature (300 to 2 K) magnetic susceptibility measurements have been carried out for complex 1. The separations between the metal centers, viz., Cu(1)...Cu(2), Cu(2)...Cu(2)A, and Cu(2)A...Cu(1)A are 3.858, 3.89, and 3.858 A, respectively. The overall magnetic behavior is consistent with strong antiferromagnetic interactions between the spin centers. The exchange coupling constants between Cu(1)...Cu(2) and Cu(2)...Cu(2A) centers have turned out to be -305.3 and -400.7 cm(-1), respectively, resulting in a S = 1/2 ground state. The complexes are further characterized by UV-vis, IR, electron paramagnetic resonance, and electrochemical studies.     

Effects of cation siting and spin–spin interactions on the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of Cu exchanged X Faujasite zeolite

Copper(II) exchanged Na X Faujasite zeolite was cation exchanged at levels from one Cu(II) in 30 unit cells (0.033 Cu(II)/UC) to 38 Cu(II) per unit cell (38 Cu/UC) and was examined by continuous wave and two-pulse and three-pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) at temperatures from 10 K to 300 K. In this work exchange of Cu²⁺ into X Faujasite zeolite is shown by EPR spectral and pulsed EPR relaxation measurements to begin into site I′, where it lies coordinated to a hexagonal prism face with Si:Al ratios of predominantly 4:2 and 5:1. Spin–spin interactions influence EPR g-value averaging, spin–spin relaxation, and spin spectral diffusion in a manner highly dependent on Cu exchange. Spin–lattice relaxation is relatively independent of exchange. The marked increase observed in spin–spin relaxation and g-value averaging at 8 Cu/UC and an effective Cu–Cu distance of 1.2 nm can be understood in terms of filling sodalite cages with an average of 1 Cu²⁺ each.     

ESR and ENDOR of triplet states in the charge-transfer crystal naphthalene-tetracyanobenzene

The ENDOR spectrum of localized triplet states (X-traps) in napthalene-tetracyanobenzene crystals at 4.2 J has been analyzed. From the symmetry of the spin density distribution on the donor and acceptor, it is concluded that the chargetransfer state is distributed over one donor and two acceptors. Between 130 and 300 K, the ESR spectrum or mobile triplet excitons is measured.     

DFT study of the geometry and energy order of the low singlet and triplet states of [d4-eta5-CpMo(CO)2X] 16-electron complexes (X = halogen, CN, H, and CH3)

DFT methods have been used to investigate the dependence of the geometry and energy order of the low energy states of [d(4)-eta(5)-CpMo(CO)(2)X] 16-electron complexes on X (X = halogen, CN, H and CH(3)). The calculations use a double-zeta plus polarization valence basis set on all atoms and utilize relativistic ECPs on Mo and the heavier halogens. In every case two singlet and two triplet electronic states have been considered and minimized at the B3LYP level. For X = Cl, additional calculations were carried out at the BPW91, CCSD(T), and CASSCF levels. In the C(s) point group, the singlet states are from the (1a')(2)(1a')(2) and (1a')(2)(2a')(2) configurations of the valence d(4) electrons of the metal, and are denoted (1)A'-a and (1)A'-b, respectively. The triplet species are for the lowest (3)A' and (3)A' states from the (1a')(2)(2a')(1)(1a')(1) and (1a')(2)(1a')(1)(2a')(1) d(4) configurations. For all substituents, the geometry of both the singlet and triplet states is found to distort substantially from the uniform 3-leg piano-stool structural motif, a behavior that can be related to Jahn-Teller effects. When X is a halogen or a methyl, (1)A'-b is predicted to be lower than (1)A'-a, while the reverse order of these two singlet states is calculated for X = H and CN. For all substituents (3)A' is substantially higher than (3)A'. In turn, the energy of (3)A' is calculated to be comparable to the lower singlet state of each complex. Attempts are made to rationalize some of these results using qualitative MO theory.     

Intersystem Crossing and Electron Spin Selectivity in Anthracene-Naphthalimide Compact Electron Donor-Acceptor Dyads Showing Different Geometry and Electronic Coupling Magnitudes

Anthracene-naphthalimide (An-NI) compact electron donor-acceptor dyads were prepared, in which the orientation and distance between the two subunits were varied by direct connection or with intervening phenyl linker. Efficient intersystem crossing (ISC) and long triplet state lifetime (Φ_Δ=92 %, τ_T=438 μs) were observed for the directly connected dyads showing a perpendicular geometry (81°). This efficient spin-orbit charge transfer ISC (SOCT-ISC) takes 376 fs, inhibits the direct charge recombination (CR) to ground state (¹CT→S₀, takes 3.04 ns). Interestingly, efficient SOCT-ISC for dyads with intervening phenyl linker (Φ_Δ=40 % in DCM) was also observed, although the electron donor and acceptor adopt almost coplanar geometry (dihedral angle: 15°). Time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectroscopy shows that the electron spin polarization of the triplet state, i. e. the electron spin selectivity of ISC, is highly dependent on the dihedral angle and the linker. For the dyads showing weaker coupling between the donor and acceptors, the charge separation and the intramolecular triplet energy transfer are inhibited at 80 K (frozen solution), because both the ³An and ³NI states were observed and the ESP are same as compared to the native anthracene and naphthalimide, which unravel their origin. The dyads were used as triplet photosensitizers for triplet−triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA UC). High UC quantum yield (Φ_UC=12.9 %) as well as a large anti-Stokes shift (0.72 eV) was attained by excitation into the CT absorption band.     

The electronic structure of vanadium carbide, VC

Within an energy range of 2.4 eV, we have explored 29 of the 36 states of the diatomic molecule VC that arise from the atoms in their ground state, V(4s23d3;4F)+C(2s2 2p2;3P). We use multireference methods with large atomic natural orbital basis sets. The ground state is of 2Delta symmetry with the first two excited states, 4Delta and 2Sigma+, located 4.2 and 7.0 kcal/mol above the X state. All the states examined in this work are relatively strongly bound and show significant charge transfer from V to C. The binding energy of the X 2Delta state is estimated to be 95.3 kcal/mol in good agreement with the experimental value.