Noble gas-transition-metal complexes: coordination of VO2 and VO4 by Ar and Xe atoms in solid noble gas matrixes

The matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and quantum chemical calculation results indicate that vanadium oxides, VO2 and VO4, coordinate noble gas atoms in forming noble gas complexes. The results showed that VO2 coordinates two Ar or Xe atoms and that VO4 coordinates one Ar or Xe atom in solid noble gas matrixes. Hence, the VO2 and VO4 molecules trapped in solid noble gas matrixes should be regarded as the VO2(Ng)2 and VO4(Ng) (Ng = Ar or Xe) complexes. The total V-Ng binding energies were predicted to be 12.8, 18.2, 5.0, and 7.3 kcal/mol, respectively, for the VO2(Ar)2, VO2(Xe)2, VO4(Ar), and VO4(Xe) complexes at the CCSD(T)//B3LYP level of theory.     

Coordination of ScO+ and YO+ by multiple Ar, Kr, and Xe atoms in noble gas matrixes: a matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study

The combination of matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and quantum chemical calculation results provide strong evidence that scandium and yttrium monoxide cations, ScO+ and YO+, coordinate multiple noble gas atoms in forming noble gas complexes. The results showed that ScO+ coordinates five Ar, Kr, or Xe atoms, and YO+ coordinates six Ar or Kr and five Xe atoms in solid noble gas matrixes. Hence, the ScO+ and YO+ cations trapped in solid noble gas matrixes should be regarded as the [ScO(Ng)5]+ (Ng = Ar, Kr, or Xe), [YO(Ng)6]+ (Ng = Ar or Kr) or [YO(Xe)5]+ complexes. Experiments with dilute krypton or xenon in argon or krypton in xenon produced new IR bands, which are due to the stepwise formation of the [ScO(Ar)(5-n)(Kr)n]+, [ScO(Kr)(5-n)(Xe)n]+ (n = 1-5), [YO(Ar)(6-n)(Kr)n]+ (n = 1-6), and [YO(Ar)(6-n)(Xe)n]+ (n = 1-4) complexes.     

Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study of NgMO (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe; M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) complexes

The matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and quantum chemical calculation results indicate that late transition metal monoxides CrO through NiO coordinate one noble gas atom in forming the NgMO complexes (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe; M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) in solid noble gas matrixes. Hence, the late transition metal monoxides previously characterized in solid noble gas matrixes should be regarded as the NgMO complexes, which were predicted to be linear. The M-Ng bond distances decrease, while the M-Ng binding energies increase from NgCrO to NgNiO. In contrast, the early transition metal monoxides, ScO, TiO, and VO, are not able to form similar noble gas atom complexes.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and photoluminescence properties of new oxyborates, Mg5NbO3(BO3)3 and Mg5TaO3(BO3)3, with novel warwickite-type superstructures

Single crystals of new oxyborates, Mg₅NbO₃(BO₃)₃ and Mg₅TaO₃(BO₃)₃, were prepared at 1370 °C in air using B₂O₃ as a flux. They were colorless and transparent with block shapes. X-ray diffraction analysis of the single crystals revealed Mg₅NbO₃(BO₃)₃ and Mg₅TaO₃(BO₃)₃ to be isostructural. The X-ray diffraction reflections were indexed to the orthorhombic Pnma (No. 62) system with a=9.3682(3) Å, b=9.4344(2) Å, c=9.3379(3) Å and Z=4 for Mg₅NbO₃(BO₃)₃ and a=9.3702(3) Å, b=9.4415(3) Å, c=9.3301(2) Å and Z=4 for Mg₅TaO₃(BO₃)₃. The crystal structures of Mg₅NbO₃(BO₃)₃ and Mg₅TaO₃(BO₃)₃ are novel warwickite-type superstructures having ordered arrangements of Mg and Nb/Ta atoms. Polycrystals of Mg₅NbO₃(BO₃)₃ prepared by solid state reaction at 1200 °C in air showed broad blue-to-green emission with a peak wavelength of 470 nm under 270 nm ultraviolet excitation at room temperature.     

Noble gas-transition metal complexes: coordination of ScO+ by multiple Ar, Kr, and Xe atoms in noble gas matrixes

The combination of matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and density functional calculation results provides strong evidence that the transition metal monoxide cation, ScO+, coordinates five noble gas atoms in forming the [ScO(Ng)5]+ (Ng = Ar, Kr, or Xe) complexes in noble gas matrixes.     

On the noble-gas-induced intersystem crossing for the CUO molecule: experimental and theoretical investigations of CUO(Ng)n (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe; n = 1, 2, 3, 4) complexes in solid neon

Uranium atoms excited by laser ablation react with CO in excess neon to produce the novel CUO molecule, which forms distinct Ng complexes (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe) when the heavier noble gases are added. The CUO(Ng) complexes are identified through CO isotopic and Ng substitution on the neon matrix infrared spectra and by comparison to DFT frequency calculations. The U-C and U-O stretching frequencies of CUO(Ng) complexes are slightly red-shifted from frequencies for the (1)Sigma(+) CUO ground state, which identifies singlet ground state CUO(Ng) complexes. In solid neon the CUO molecule is also a complex CUO(Ne)(n), and the CUO(Ne)(n-1)(Ng) complexes are likewise specified. The next singlet CUO(Ne)(x)(Ng)(2) complexes in excess neon follow in like manner. However, the higher CUO(Ne)(x)(Ng)(n) complex (n = 3, 4) stretching modes approach pure argon matrix CUO(Ar)(n) values and isotopic behavior, which are characterized as triplet ground state complexes by DFT frequency calculations. This work suggests that the singlet-triplet crossing occurs with 3 Ar, 3 Kr, or 4 Xe and a balance of Ne atoms coordinated to CUO in the neon matrix host.     

Theoretical study on the CH3NgF species

Geometrical parameters, harmonic vibrational frequencies, atomic charge distributions, bonding character, and relative stability of the CH₃NgF (Ng = He, Ar, Kr, or Xe) species were investigated at the MP2 level of theory. CH₃HeF was also predicted stable at the CCSD(T) level. All the four CH₃NgF species have C _3v symmetry. Ng–F bond lengths of the CH₃NgF species are all longer than those of the corresponding HNgF species. The calculated infrared intensities of the C–Ng and Ng–F stretching vibrations are much larger than those of the other vibrations, which is advantageous for the experimental spectroscopic identification of the species. The atoms in molecules (AIM) topological analysis indicated that the three Ng–F (Ng = He, Ar, or Kr) bonds are dominated by electrostatic interaction whereas the two C–Ng (Ng = Ar or Kr) bonds are dominated by covalent interaction. In contrast, the bond length analysis seems to indicate that both the Ng–F and C–Ng bonds are dominated by covalent interaction. According to the MP2 calculations, CH₃HeF and CH₃ArF are higher in energy than the dissociation limits CH₃ + He + F and CH₃ + Ar + F by 15.10 and 2.64 kcal/mol whereas CH₃KrF and CH₃XeF are lower in energy than CH₃ + Kr + F and CH₃ + Xe + F by 16.80 and 38.44 kcal/mol, respectively.     

Isomerism in tetrahedral rhenium cluster complexes [Re4Q4(PMe2Ph)4X8]·nCH2Cl2 (Q = Se, X = Br; Q = Te, X = Cl, Br)

Three new tetrahedral rhenium cluster compounds [Re₄Se₄(PMe₂Ph)₄Br₈]·1.5CH₂Cl₂ (1), [Re₄Te₄(PMe₂Ph)₄Br₈]·CH₂Cl₂ (2), and [Re₄Te₄(PMe₂Ph)₄Cl₈]·CH₂Cl₂ (3) have been synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding precursor chalcohalide complexes [Re₄Q₄(TeX₂)₄X₈] (X = Br, Q = Se (for 1), Te (for 2); X = Cl, Q = Te (for 3)) with dimethylphenylphosphine in CH₂Cl₂. All compounds have been characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction and elemental analyses, IR and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. ³¹P NMR spectroscopy indicates the formation of isomers in solution, confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis.     

Noble gas-actinide complexes of the CUO molecule with multiple Ar,Kr, and Xe atoms in noble-gas matrices

Laser-ablated U atoms react with CO in excess argon to produce CUO, which is trapped in a triplet state in solid argon at 7 K, based on agreement between observed and relativistic density functional theory (DFT) calculated isotopic frequencies ((12)C(16)O, (13)C(16)O, (12)C(18)O). This observation contrasts a recent neon matrix investigation, which trapped CUO in a linear singlet state calculated to be about 1 kcal/mol lower in energy. Experiments with krypton and xenon give results analogous to those with argon. Similar work with dilute Kr and Xe in argon finds small frequency shifts in new four-band progressions for CUO in the same triplet states trapped in solid argon and provides evidence for four distinct CUO(Ar)(4-n)(Ng)(n) (Ng = Kr, Xe, n = 1, 2, 3, 4) complexes for each Ng. DFT calculations show that successively higher Ng complexes are responsible for the observed frequency progressions. This work provides the first evidence for noble gas-actinide complexes, and the first example of neutral complexes with four noble gas atoms bonded to one metal center.     

Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study of noble gas coordinated rhodium-dioxygen complexes

Reactions of rhodium atoms with dioxygen molecules in solid argon have been investigated using matrix isolation infrared absorption spectroscopy. The rhodium-dioxygen complexes, Rh(eta2-O2), Rh(eta2-O2)2, and Rh(eta2-O2)2(eta1-OO), are produced spontaneously on annealing. The Rh(eta2-O2) complex rearranges to the inserted RhO2 molecule under visible light irradiation. Experiments doped with xenon in argon show that the rhodium-dioxygen complexes are coordinated by one or two noble gas atoms in solid noble gas matrixes. Hence, the Rh(eta2-O2), Rh(eta2-O2)2, and Rh(eta2-O2)2(eta1-OO) molecules trapped in solid noble gas matrixes should be regarded as the Rh(eta2-O2)(Ng)2, Rh(eta2-O2)2(Ng)2, and Rh(eta2-O2)2(eta1-OO)(Ng) (Ng = Ar or Xe) complexes. The product absorptions are identified on the basis of isotopic substitution and density functional theory calculations.     

Synthesis, DNA-binding and photocleavage studies of [Ru(phen)2(pbtp)] and [Ru(bpy)2(pbtp)] (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; pbtp = 4,5,9,11,14-pentaaza-benzo[b]triphenylene)

Based on the ligand dppz (dppz = dipyrido-[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine), a new ligand pbtp (pbtp = 4,5,9,11,14-pentaaza-benzo[b]triphenylene) and its polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(phen)₂(pbtp)]²⁺ (1) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and [Ru(bpy)₂(pbtp)]²⁺ (2) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ES-MS and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The DNA-binding of these complexes were investigated by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. The experimental results indicate that both complexes 1 and 2 bind to CT-DNA in classical intercalation mode, and can enantioselectively interact with CT-DNA. It is interesting to note that the pbtp ruthenium(II) complexes, in contrast to the analogous dppz complexes, do not show fluorescent behavior when intercalated into DNA. When irradiated at 365 nm, both complexes promote the photocleavage of pBR 322 DNA.     

Noble‐Gas Complexes: Theoretical Investigation of Multicenter Polynuclear Species

Ab initio calculations at the MP2 level of theory disclose the conceivable existence of neutral complexes containing four or five distinct noble gases (Ng) each bound to a distinct Be‐atom. These multicenter polynuclear Ng molecules are formally obtained by replacing the H‐atoms of CH₄ and but‐2‐yne with ? NBeNg moieties, which behave as independent monovalent ‘functional groups’. Our investigated complexes include the five homotetranuclear [C(NBeNg)₄] complexes 1 – 5 (Ng=He? Xe), the five heterotetranuclear complexes [CN₄Be₄(He)(Ne)(Ar)(Kr)] ( 6 ), [CN₄Be₄(He)(Ne)(Ar)(Xe)] ( 7 ), [CN₄Be₄(He)(Ne)(Kr)(Xe)] ( 8 ), [CN₄Be₄(He)(Ar)(Kr)(Xe)] ( 9 ), and [CN₄Be₄(Ne)(Ar)(Kr)(Xe)] ( 10 ), and the heteropentanuclear complex [HC₄N₅Be₅(He)(Ne)(Ar)(Kr)(Xe)] ( 11 ). We also investigated the five model complexes [H₃CNBeNg] (Ng=He? Xe) containing a single ? NBeNg moiety. The geometries and vibrational frequencies of all these species, invariably characterized as minimum‐energy structures, were computed at the MP2(full)/6‐31G(d,p)/SDD level of theory, and their stability with respect to the loss of the various Ng‐atoms was evaluated by single‐point calculations at the MP2(full)/6‐311G(d)/SDD level of theory. The beryllium‐Ng binding energies range from ca. 17 (Ng=He) to ca. 63 (Ng=Xe) kJ/mol, and the results of natural‐bond‐orbital (NBO) and atoms‐in‐molecules (AIM) analysis reveal that the Be? Ng interaction is essentially electrostatic for helium, neon, argon, and krypton, and has probably a small covalent contribution for xenon.     

Bond covalency in perovskite oxynitrides ATaO2N (A = Ca,Sr, Ba) studied by 14N NMR spectroscopy

Local geometry and bond ionicity around the nitride ions in simple perovskite oxynitrides ATaO₂N (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) have been investigated by solid-state magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. From all three compounds, fairly sharp ¹⁴N NMR peaks were observed, suggestive of the symmetric coordination environment of nitride ions. The ¹⁴N chemical shifts of ATaO₂N, δ = 269–272 ppm relative to NH₄Cl (δ = 0 ppm), are correlated to the bond ionicity, based on the N−Ta bond distances and Ta–N–Ta bond angles determined from the Rietveld refinement of neutron diffraction patterns. The ¹H NMR measured for BaTaO₂N presented a peak corresponding to H₂O, implying that the polycrystalline surface of present oxynitride phases is covered by hydroxide terminals.     

Alkynyl Ti-M complexes based on M(CO)4 and MO2 building blocks (M = Mo, W)

The synthesis and properties of heterobimetallic Ti-M complexes of type {[[Ti](μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)][M(μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)(CO)₄]} (M = Mo: 5, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 6, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti; M = W: 7, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 8, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti) and {[Ti](μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)₂}MO₂ (M = Mo: 13, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 14, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti). M = W: 15, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 16, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti) are reported. Compounds 5-8 were accessible by treatment of [Ti](CCSiMe₃)₂ (1, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 2, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti) with [M(CO)₅(thf)] (3, M = Mo; 4, M = W) or [M(CO)₄(nbd)] (9, M = Mo; 10, M = W; nbd = bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene), while 13-16 could be obtained either by the subsequent reaction of 1 and 2 with [M(CO)₃(MeCN)₃] (11, M = Mo; 12, M = W) and oxygen, or directly by oxidation of 5-8 with air. A mechanism for the formation of 5-8 is postulated based on the in-situ generation of [Ti](CCSiMe₃)((η²-CCSiMe₃)M(CO)₅), {[Ti](μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)₂}-M(CO)₄, and [Ti](μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)((μ-CCSiMe₃)M(CO)₄) as a result of the chelating effect exerted by the bis(alkynyl) titanocene fragment and the steric constraints imposed by the M(CO)₄ entity.The molecular structure of 5 in the solid state were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In doubly alkynyl-bridged 5 the alkynides are bridging the metals Ti and Mo as a σ-donor to one metal and as a π-donor to the other with the [Ti](CCSiMe₃)₂Mo core being planar.     

Bonding of multiple noble-gas atoms to CUO in solid neon: CUO(Ng)n (Ng=Ar, Kr, Xe; n=1, 2, 3, 4) complexes and the singlet-triplet crossover point

Laser-ablated U atoms co-deposited with CO in excess neon produce the novel CUO molecule, which forms distinct Ng complexes (Ng=Ar, Kr, Xe) with the heavier noble gases. The CUO(Ng) complexes are identified through CO isotopic and Ng reagent substitution and comparison to results of DFT frequency calculations. The U[bond]C and U[bond]O stretching frequencies of CUO(Ng) complexes are slightly red-shifted from neon matrix (1)Sigma(+) CUO values, which indicates a (1)A' ground state for the CUO(Ng) complexes. The CUO(Ng)(2) complexes in excess neon are likewise singlet molecules. However, the CUO(Ng)(3) and CUO(Ng)(4) complexes exhibit very different stretching frequencies and isotopic behaviors that are similar to those of CUO(Ar)(n) in a pure argon matrix, which has a (3)A" ground state based on DFT vibrational frequency calculations. This work suggests a coordination sphere model in which CUO in solid neon is initially solvated by four or more Ne atoms. Up to four heavier Ng atoms successively displace the Ne atoms leading ultimately to CUO(Ng)(4) complexes. The major changes in the CUO stretching frequencies from CUO(Ng)(2) to CUO(Ng)(3) provides evidence for the crossover from a singlet ground state to a triplet ground state.     

Formal chromium–chromium triple bonds and bent rings in the binuclear cycloheptatrienylchromium carbonyls (C7H7)2Cr2(CO)n (n = 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0): A density functional theory study

Binuclear cycloheptatrienylchromium carbonyls of the type (C₇H₇)₂Cr₂(CO)_n (n = 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0) have been investigated by density functional theory. Energetically competitive structures with fully bonded heptahapto η⁷-C₇H₇ rings are not found for (C₇H₇)₂Cr₂(CO)_n structures having two or more carbonyl groups. This result stands in contrast to the related (C_nH_n)₂M₂(CO)_n (M = Mn, n = 6; M = Fe, n = 5; M = Co, n = 4) systems. Most of the predicted (C₇H₇)₂Cr₂(CO)_n structures have bent trihapto or pentahapto C₇H₇ rings and CrCr distances in the range 2.4–2.5 Å suggesting formal triple bonds. In some cases rearrangement of the heptagonal C₇H₇ ring to a tridentate cyclopropyldivinyl or tridentate bis(carbene)alkyl ligand is observed. In addition structures with CO insertion into the C₇H₇–Cr bond are predicted for (C₇H₇)₂Cr₂(CO)_n (n = 6, 4, 2). The global minima found for the (C₇H₇)₂Cr₂(CO)_n derivatives for n = 6, 5, and 4 are (η⁵-C₇H₇)(OC)₂CrCr(CO)₄(η¹-C₇H₇), (η³-C₇H₇)(OC)₂CrCr(CO)₃(η^2,1- C₇H₇), and (η⁵-C₇H₇)₂Cr₂(CO)₄, respectively. The global minima for (C₇H₇)₂Cr₂(CO)_n (n = 3, 2) have rearranged C₇H₇ groups. Singlet and triplet structures with heptahapto η⁷-C₇H₇ rings are found for the dimetallocenes (η⁷-C₇H₇)₂Cr₂(CO) and (η⁷-C₇H₇)₂Cr₂, with the singlet structures being of much lower energies in both cases.     

ns2np4 (n = 4, 5) lone pair triplets whirling in M*F2E3 (M* = Kr,Xe): Stereochemistry and ab initio analyses

The stereochemistry of ns²np⁴ (n = 4, 5) lone pair LP characterizing noble gas Kr and Xe (labeled M*) in M*F₂ difluorides is examined within coherent crystal chemistry and ab initio visualizations. M*²⁺ in such oxidation state brings three lone pairs (E) and difluorides are formulated M*F₂E₃. The analyses use electron localization function (ELF) obtained within density functional theory calculations showing the development of the LP triplets whirling {E₃} quantified in the relevant chemical systems. Detailed ELF data analyses allowed showing that in α KrF₂E₃ and isostructural XeF₂E₃ difluorides the three E electronic clouds merge or hybridize into a torus and adopt a perfect gyration circle with an elliptical section, while in β KrF₂ the network architecture deforms the whole torus into an ellipsoid shape. Original precise metrics are provided for the torus in the different compounds under study. In KrF₂ the geometric changes upon β → α phase transition is schematized and mechanisms for the transformation with temperature or pressure are proposed. The results are further highlighted by electronic band structure calculations which show similar features of equal band gaps of 3 eV in both α and β KrF₂ and a reorganization of frontier orbitals due to the different orientations of the F-Kr-F linear molecule in the two tetragonal structures.     

Reactions of Hf, Ta, and W with O2 and CO: Metal carbide and metal oxide cation bond energies

The reactions of Hf⁺, Ta⁺, and W⁺ with O₂ and CO are studied as a function of translational energy in a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. All three reactions with O₂ form diatomic metal oxide cations in exothermic reactions that occur at the collision rate. In the CO systems, formation of both diatomic metal oxide and metal carbide cations is observed to be endothermic. The energy-dependent cross sections in the latter systems are interpreted to give 0 K bond energies (in eV) of D₀(HfC⁺) = 3.19 ± 0.03, D₀(TaC⁺) = 3.79 ± 0.04, D₀(WC⁺) = 4.76 ± 0.09, D₀(HfO⁺) = 6.91 ± 0.11, D₀(TaO⁺) = 7.10 ± 0.12, and D₀(WO⁺) = 6.77 ± 0.07. The present experimental values for TaO⁺ and WC⁺ agree well with literature thermochemistry, those for HfO⁺ and WO⁺ refine the available literature bond energies, and those for HfC⁺ and TaC⁺ are the first measurements available. The nature of the bonding in MO⁺ and MC⁺ is discussed and compared for these three metal ions and analyzed using theoretical calculations at a B3LYP/HW+/6-311+G(3df) level of theory. Bond energies for all MO⁺ and MC⁺ species are calculated using geometries calculated at this level and single point energies determined at B3LYP, CCSD, CCSD(T), QCISD, and QCISD(T) levels of theory with the same basis set. Reasonable agreement between the theoretical and experimental bond energies for the three metal oxide and three metal carbide cations is found. Potential energy surfaces for reaction of the metal cations with CO are also calculated at the B3LYP level of theory and reveal additional information about the reaction mechanisms.     

Noble gas-actinide compounds: evidence for the formation of distinct CUO(Ar)(4-n)(Xe)(n) and CUO(Ar)(4-n)(Kr)(n) (n = 1, 2, 3, 4) complexes

Laser-ablated U atoms react with CO in excess argon to produce CUO, which gives rise to 852.5 and 804.3 cm-1 infrared absorptions for the triplet state CUO(Ar)n complex in solid argon at 7 K. Relativistic density functional calculations show that the CUO(Ar) complex is stable and that up to four or five argon atoms can complex to CUO. When 1-3% Xe is added to the argon/CO reagent mixture, strong absorptions appear at 848.0 and 801.3 cm-1 and dominate new four-band progressions, which increase on annealing to 35-50 K as Xe replaces Ar in the intimate coordination sphere. Analogous spectra are obtained with 1-2% Kr added. This work provides evidence for eight distinct CUO(Ng)n(Ar)4-n (Ng = Kr, Xe, n = 1, 2, 3, 4) complexes and the first characterization of neutral complexes involving four noble-gas atoms on one metal center.     

Theoretical study of [Hg3(o-C6F4)3]n · {benzene} (n = 1, 2) complexes

The electronic structure and spectroscopic properties of [Hg₃(o-C₆F₄)₃]_n · {benzene} (n = 1, 2) were studied at the HF, MP2 and PBE levels. The interaction between [Hg₃(o-C₆F₄)₃] and benzene at the HF and MP2 levels was analyzed. Secondary π-interactions (Hg–benzene) were found to be the main contribution short-range stability in the [Hg₃(o-C₆F₄)₃] · {benzene} complex. At the MP2 and PBE levels equilibrium Hg–C distances of 338.4 and 361.4 pm; and interaction energies of 46.6 and 29.2 kJ/mol were found, respectively. The absorption spectra of these complexes were calculated by the single excitation time-dependent method at PBE level.