Electronic,bonding, and optical properties of 1d [CuCN]n (n = 1–10) chains, 2d [CuCN]n (n = 2–10) nanorings,and 3d [Cun(CN)n]m (n = 4, m = 2, 3; n = 10, m = 2) tubes studied by DFT/TD‐DFT methods

The electronic, bonding, and photophysical properties of one‐dimensional [CuCN]_n (n = 1–10) chains, 2‐D [CuCN]_n (n = 2–10) nanorings, and 3‐D [Cu_n(CN)_n]_m (n = 4, m = 2, 3; n = 10, m = 2) tubes are investigated by means of a multitude of computational methodologies using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent‐density‐functional theory (TD‐DFT) methods. The calculations revealed that the 2‐D [CuCN]_n (n = 2–10) nanorings are more stable than the respective 1‐D [CuCN]_n (n = 2–10) linear chains. The 2‐D [CuCN]_n (n = 2–10) nanorings are predicted to form 3‐D [Cu_n(CN)_n]_m (n = 4, m = 2, 3; n = 10, m = 2) tubes supported by weak stacking interactions, which are clearly visualized as broad regions in real space by the 3D plots of the reduced density gradient. The bonding mechanism in the 1‐D [CuCN]_n (n = 1–10) chains, 2‐D [CuCN]_n (n = 2–10) nanorings, and 3‐D [Cu_n(CN)_n]_m (n = 4, m = 2, 3; n = 10, m = 2) tubes are easily recognized by a multitude of electronic structure calculation approaches. Particular emphasis was given on the photophysical properties (absorption and emission spectra) of the [CuCN]_n chains, nanorings, and tubes which were simulated by TD‐DFT calculations. The absorption and emission bands in the simulated TD‐DFT absorption and emission spectra have thoroughly been analyzed and assignments of the contributing principal electronic transitions associated to individual excitations have been made. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Lanthanide metals in the boron cages: Computational prediction of M@Bn (M = Eu,Gd; n = 38, 40)

Endohedral metalloborofullerenes (EMBFs) are novel boron analogues of the famous endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs). Many EMBFs have been proposed by theoretical calculations thus far. However, in sharp contrast to EMFs, which trap most of the lanthanides with f electrons inside the cages, the corresponding lanthanide‐based EMBFs have never been reported. In this work, the encapsulation of Eu and Gd in the B₃₈ and B₄₀ fullerenes was studied by means of density functional theory calculations. Our results revealed that Gd@B₃₈(⁹A), Eu@B₄₀(⁸B₂), and Gd@B₄₀(⁷A″) all favor the endohedral configuration, and the electronic structures can be described as Gd³⁺@ , Eu²⁺@ , and Gd³⁺@ with jailed f electron spins. The large binding energies and sizable HOMO–LUMO gaps suggest that they may be achieved experimentally. They feature σ and π double aromaticity, and their excellent stabilities were confirmed by the Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations. Finally, the infrared and UV/vis spectra were simulated to assist experimental characterization.     

Quantum chemical exploration of formaldehyde clusters (H2CO)n (n = 2–4)

Global exploration of equilibrium structures and interconversion pathways on the quantum chemical potential energy surface (PES) is performed for (H₂CO)n (n = 2–4) by using the Scaled Hypersphere Search‐Anharmonic Downward Distortion Following (SHS‐ADDF) method. Density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations with empirical dispersion corrections (D3) yielded comparable results for formaldehyde dimer in comparison with recent detailed studies at CCSD(T) levels. Based on DFT‐D3 calculations, trimer and tetramer structures and their stabilities were studied. For tetramer, a highly symmetrical S₄ structure was found as the most stable form in good accordance with experimentally determined tetramer unit in the formaldehyde crystal. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

M(SCN)2 (M = Eu,Sr, Ba): Kristallstruktur,thermisches Verhalten,Schwingungsspektroskopie

M(SCN)₂ (M = Eu, Sr, Ba): Crystal Structure, Thermal Behaviour, Vibrational Spectroscopy Single crystals of M(SCN)₂ (M = Eu, Sr, Ba) have been obtained via metathesis of NaSCN and MCl₂ (M = Eu, Sr, Ba) at 340 °C. The isotypic crystal structures of the thiocyanates M(SCN)₂ (C2/c, Z = 4, Eu: a = 979.3(2), b = 660.8(1), c = 815.7(2) pm, β = 91.58(3)°, R_all = 0.0245, Sr: a = 985.5(2), b = 662.9(2), c = 819.6(2) pm, β = 91.29(3)°, R_all = 0.0435, Ba: a = 1018.8(2), b = 687.2(1), c = 852.2(1) pm, β = 92.43(2)°, R_all = 0.0392) contain alternating layers of M²⁺ and SCN^–. According to M(SCN)_4/4(NCS)_4/4 M²⁺ is eight‐coordinated by four sulfur and four nitrogen atoms forming a square antiprism. Thermal investigations show that the compounds melt without decomposition. Vibrational spectroscopic investigations are presented and discussed.     

Search for the global minimum structures of AlB3H2n (n = 0 − 6) clusters

The global minimum structures of AlB₃H_2n (n = 0–6) clusters are determined using the stochastic search method at the B3LYP/6–31G level of theory. These initially specified geometries are recalculated using B3LYP and CCSD(T) methods using the 6–311++G^** basis set. The structural and electronic properties of the two lowest‐lying isomers are presented. The structural parameters obtained for aluminum borohydride are compared with the experimental and theoretical results. The H₂ fragmentation energies of the most stable isomers are investigated. Chemical bonding analyses for the global minimum of AlB₃H_2n (n = 0–6) clusters are performed using the adaptive natural density partitioning method. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Primary Fragmentation Pathways of Gas Phase [M(Uracil−H)(Uracil)]+ Complexes (M=Zn,Cu, Ni,Co, Fe,Mn, Cd,Pd , Mg,Ca, Sr,Ba, and Pb): Loss of Uracil versus HNCO

Complexes formed between metal dications, the conjugate base of uracil, and uracil are investigated by sustained off‐resonance irradiation collision‐induced dissociation (SORI‐CID) in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer. Positive‐ion electrospray spectra show that [M(Ura?H)(Ura)]⁺ (M=Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Cd, Pd, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, or Pb) is the most abundant ion even at low concentrations of uracil. SORI‐CID experiments show that the main primary decomposition pathway for all [M(Ura?H)(Ura)]⁺, except where M=Ca, Sr, Ba, or Pb, is the loss of HNCO. Under the same SORI‐CID conditions, when M is Ca, Sr, Ba, or Pb, [M(Ura?H)(Ura)]⁺ are shown to lose a molecule of uracil. Similar results were observed under infrared multiple‐photon dissociation excitation conditions, except that [Ca(Ura?H)(Ura)]⁺ was found to lose HNCO as the primary fragmentation product. The binding energies between neutral uracil and [M(Ura?H)]⁺ (M=Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe, Cd, Pd ,Mg, Ca, Sr Ba, or Pb) are calculated by means of electronic‐structure calculations. The differences in the uracil binding energies between complexes which lose uracil and those which lose HNCO are consistent with the experimentally observed differences in fragmentation pathways. A size dependence in the binding energies suggests that the interaction between uracil and [M(Ura?H)]⁺ is ion–dipole complexation and the experimental evidence presented supports this.     

Theoretical study of the stability and properties of magic numbers (m = 5, n = 2) and (m = 6, n = 3) of bimetallic bismuth‐copper nanoclusters; Bim Cun

Inspired by the experimental discovery of magic numbers we present a first study using density functional theory for the structure and properties of neutral and cationic Bi₆Cu₃ and Bi₅Cu₂ clusters. Our results confirm predictions based on Wade's rules. The closed electron shells, characteristic of cationic clusters help impose enhanced stability, while also complying with Wade's rules. Charge distribution analysis, as well as electrostatic potential maps show that in almost all cases, Bi atoms donate charges to Cu atoms. According to the analysis of condensed Fukui indices, Cu atoms inside both clusters are not reactive. Contrastingly, Bi atoms are reactive and may be targeted by different types of attack. This study of the electronic properties may thus help to determine experimental strategies with the capacity to enhance the synthesis of catalysts.     

Theoretical investigation of LaC3n+ (n = 0, 1, 2) clusters by density functional theory

LaC₃ⁿ⁺ (n=0, 1, 2) clusters have been studied using B3LYP (Becke 3-parameter–Lee-Yang-Parr) density functional method. The basis set is Dunning/Huzinaga valence double zeta for carbon and [2s2p2d] for lanthanum, denoted LANL1DZ. Four isomers are presented for each cluster; two of them are edge binding isomers with C_2v symmetry, the other two are linear chains with C_∞v symmetry. Meanwhile, two spin states for each isomer, that is, singlet and triplet for LaC₃⁺, doublet and quartet for LaC₃ and LaC₃²⁺, respectively, are also considered. Geometries, vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities, and other quantities are reported and discussed. The results indicate that at some spin states; the C_2v symmetry isomers are the dominant structures, while for the other spin states, linear isomers are energetically favored. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 66 : 301–307, 1998     

Theoretical investigation of the structures and spectroscopic properties of (H2O4)n (n = 1–4) clusters

Density functional theory and ab initio calculations were performed to elucidate the hydrogen interactions in (H₂O₄)_n (n = 1–4) clusters. The optimized geometries, binding energies, and harmonic vibrational frequencies were predicted at various levels of theory. The trans conformer of the H₂O₄ monomer was predicted to be the most stable structure at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level of theory. The binding energies per H₂O₄ monomer increased in absolute value by 9.0, 10.1, and 11.8 kcal/mol from n = 2 to n = 4 at the MP2/cc‐pVTZ level of theory (after the zero‐point vibrational energy and basis set superposition error corrections). This result implies that the intermolecular hydrogen bonds were stronger in the long‐chain clusters, that is, the formation of the longer chain in the (H₂O₄)_n clusters was more energetically favorable.     

Kristallstrukturen,spektroskopische Charakterisierung und Normalkoordinatenanalyse von (n‐Bu4N)2[M(ECN)4] (M = Pd,Pt; E = S,Se)

Crystal Structures, Spectroscopic Analysis, and Normal Coordinate Analysis of ( n ‐Bu₄N)₂[M(ECN)₄] (M = Pd, Pt; E = S, Se) The reaction of (NH₄)₂[PdCl₄] or K₂[PtCl₄] with KSCN or KSeCN in aqueous solutions yields the complex anions [Pd(SCN)₄]^2–, [Pt(SCN)₄]^2– and [Pt(SeCN)₄]^2–, which are converted into (n‐Bu₄N) salts with (n‐Bu₄N)HSO₄. (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pd(SeCN)₄] is formed by treatment of (n‐Bu₄N)₂[PdCl₄] with (n‐Bu₄N)SeCN in acetone. X‐ray structure determinations on single crystals of (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pd(SCN)₄] (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 13.088(3), b = 12.481(2), c = 13.574(3) Å, β = 91.494(15)°, Z = 2), (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pd(SeCN)₄] (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 13.171(2), b = 12.644(2), c = 13.560(2) Å, β = 91.430(11)°, Z = 2) and (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pt(SeCN)₄] (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 13.167(2), b = 12.641(1), c = 13.563(2) Å, β = 91.516(18)°, Z = 2) reveal, that the compounds crystallize isotypically and the complex anions are centrosymmetric and approximate planar. In the Raman spectra the metal ligand stretching modes of (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pd(SCN)₄] ( 1 ) and (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pt(SCN)₄] ( 3 ) are observed in the range of 260–303 cm^–1 and of (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pd(SeCN)₄] ( 2 ) and (n‐Bu₄N)₂[Pt(SeCN)₄] ( 4 ) in the range of 171–195 cm^–1. The IR and Raman spectra are assigned by normal coordinate analysis using the molecular parameters of the X‐ray determination. The valence force constants are f_d(PdS) = 1.17, f_d(PdSe) = 1.17, f_d(PtS) = 1.44 and f_d(PtSe) = 1.42 mdyn/Å. The ⁷⁷Se NMR resonances are 23 for 2 , –3 for 4 and the ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR resonances 549 for 3 and 130 ppm for 4 .     

The Periodate‐Based Double Perovskites M2NaIO6 (M = Ca,Sr, and Ba)

The crystal structures of the M₂NaIO₆ series (M = Ca, Sr, Ba), prepared at 650 °C by ceramic methods, were determined from conventional laboratory X‐ray powder diffraction data. Synthesis and crystal growth were made by oxidizing I^– with O₂^(air) to I⁷⁺ followed by crystal growth in the presence of NaF as mineralizator, or by the reaction of the alkali‐metal periodate with the alkaline‐earth metal hydroxide. All three compounds are insoluble and stable in water. The barium compound crystallizes in the cubic space group Fm3m (no. 225) with lattice parameters of a = 8.3384(1) Å, whereas the strontium and calcium compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c (no. 14) with a = 5.7600(1) Å, b = 5.7759(1) Å, c = 9.9742(1) Å, β = 125.362(1)° and a = 5.5376(1) Å, b = 5.7911(1) Å, c = 9.6055(1) Å, β = 124.300(1)°, respectively. The crystal structure consists of either symmetric (for Ba) or distorted (for Sr and Ca) perovskite superstructures. Ba₂NaIO₆ contains the first perfectly octahedral [IO₆]^5– unit reported. The compounds of the ortho‐periodates are stable up to 800 °C. Spectroscopic measurements as well as DFT calculations show a reasonable agreement between calculated and observed IR‐ and Raman‐active vibrations.     

Mechanochemical Synthesis and Characterization of Alkaline Earth Metal Terephthalates: M(C8H4O4)·nH2O (M = Ca,Sr, Ba)

The mechanochemical synthesis offers an easy access to obtain alkaline earth metal terephthalates M(C₈H₄O₄) · nH₂O (M = Ca, Sr, Ba). In the presented study we describe for the first time the mechanochemical synthesis of powders of Ca(C₈H₄O₄) · 3H₂O, Ca(C₈H₄O₄), Sr(C₈H₄O₄) · H₂O, and Ba(C₈H₄O₄), which so far were only synthesized as single crystals from aqueous solutions or by reactions in an autoclave. Furthermore, a new hydrate Ba(C₈H₄O₄) · 2(1.5)H₂O, not described so far in the literature, was prepared. All compounds were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, elemental analysis, FT‐IR, and MAS NMR spectroscopic measurements.     

Computational studies of stable hexanuclear CulAgmAun (l + m + n = 6; l,m, n > 0) clusters

A DFT study was carried out on the ground state structures of ternary Cu_lAg_mAu_n (l + m + n = 6) clusters, with the aim of investigating changes of thermal and kinetic stabilities as an effect of composition, as well as the composition dependence of the electrostatic potential, of stable planar structures. DFT optimizations were performed using the PBE functional and the SDD basis set. All the optimized structures adopt planar geometries with bent triangular structures. Calculated binding energy values are in the range 1.5–1.9 eV/atom, which shows their thermal stability. The predicted HOMO‐LUMO energy gap values are in the semiconductor region, providing a qualitative indication of a moderate kinetic stability. NBO analyses indicate the existence of two mechanisms promoting planar structural stability, one due to bonding‐antibonding orbital interaction, and the other one due to the well‐known spd hybridization. Wiberg indices were obtained showing interatomic bonding. Electrostatic potential calculations show the existence of nucleophilic attack regions preferentially around silver and copper atoms located at the vertices while electrophilic attack regions are found in the vicinity of gold atoms over the cluster plane. Apparently, charge transfer occurs toward gold from silver and copper atoms when the concentration is favorable in the proximity of gold atoms. In particular, if the small ternary clusters discussed here contain only one gold atom, then a high electron density is observed at the site of this gold atom. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Electronic properties of polyoxometalate derivatives [(C2B9H11) M'M5O18]n‐ (M' = TiIV,MoVI, WVI; M = MoVI,WVI): Protonation,Electronic Spectra,and Redox Properties

Density functional theory is used to study the electronic structures and properties of Lindqvist‐type polyoxometalates‐supported organometallic compounds [LM'M₅O₁₈]^n– (L = [C₂B₉H₁₁]^2– (Cb), [C₅H₅]^– (Cp); M' = Ti^IV, Mo^VI, W^VI; M = Mo^VI, W^VI). [(Cb)M'M₅O₁₈]^n– are a series of novel compounds designed in this work, based on related experiment. The calculated results reveal that the Cb ligand is able to form a σ, 2π triple bond with M', which is similar to the bond character in [(Cp)M'M₅O₁₈]^n–. However, comparing with the protonation, electronic spectra and redox properties of [(Cp)M'M₅O₁₈]^n– and [M'M₅O₁₉]^n–, [(Cb)M'M₅O₁₈]^n– species show the advantageous electronic properties owning to the superior electron donating ability of the Cb ligand. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Kristallstrukturen und chemische Bindung von AM2GeSe4 (A = Sr,Ba; M = Cu,Ag)

New Noncentrosymmetric Selenogermanates. I. Crystal Structures and Chemical Bonding of AM ₂GeSe₄ ( A = Sr, Ba; M = Cu, Ag) Three new quaternary selenogermanates were synthesized by heating the elements at 983–1073 K. Their crystal structures were determined by single crystal X‐ray methods. The dark red semiconductors crystallize in noncentrosymmetric space groups. SrCu₂GeSe₄ (Ama2, a = 10.807(4) Å, b = 10.735(4) Å, c = 6.541(2) Å, Z = 4) forms a new structure type, whereas BaCu₂GeSe₄ (P3₁, a = 6.490(1) Å, c = 16.355(3) Å, Z = 3) and BaAg₂GeSe₄ (I222, a = 7.058(1) Å, b = 7.263(1) Å, c = 8.253(2) Å, Z = 2) crystallize in structures known from thiostannates. Main structural features are almost regular GeSe₄‐, but distorted CuSe₄‐ or AgSe₄‐tetrahedra sharing corners or edges. Eight selenium atoms coordinate the alkaline earth atoms in the voids of these three dimensional tetrahedral networks. Chemical bonding and the electronic structure are elucidated by self‐consistent band structure calculations and the COHP method. The electron density and the electron localization function ELF of SrCu₂GeSe₄ reveal a significant stronger covalent character for the Ge–Se bonds compared with the Cu–Se bonds. For this reason the GeSe₄ tetrahedra appear as quasi molecular entities, arranged spatially according to the motifs of closest packing. The metal atoms occupy the tetrahedral and octahedral voids of these “tetrahedra packing”. This concept allows to derive the structures of AM₂GeSe₄‐compounds from simple binary structure types as Li₃Bi or Ni₂In.     

Synthese und Kristallstruktur von Hydrogenselenaten zweiwertiger Metalle – M(HSeO4)2 (M = Mg,Mn, Zn) und M(HSeO4)2 · H2O (M = Mn,Cd)

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Hydrogen Selenates of Divalent Metals – M(HSeO₄)₂ (M = Mg, Mn, Zn) and M(HSeO₄)₂ · H₂O (M = Mn, Cd) New hydrogen selenates M(HSeO₄)₂ (M = Mg, Mn, Zn) and M(HSeO₄)₂ · H₂O (M = Mn, Cd) have been synthesized using MSeO₄ (M = Mg, Mn, Zn, Cd) and 90% selenic acid as starting materials. The crystal structures have been determined by X-ray single crystal crystallography. The compounds M(HSeO₄)₂ (M = Mg, Zn) belong to the structure type of Mg(HSO₄)₂, whereas Mn(HSeO₄)₂ forms a new structure type. Both hydrogen selenate monohydrates are isotypic to Mg(HSO₄)₂ · H₂O. In all compounds the metal atoms are octahedrally coordinated by oxygen atoms of different HSeO₄-tetrahedra. In the HSeO₄-tetrahedra the Se–OH-distances (mean value 1.70 Å) are about 0.1 Å longer than Se–O-distances (mean value 1.62 Å). In the structure of M(HSeO₄)₂ (M = Mg, Zn) there are zigzag chains of hydrogen bonded HSeO₄-tetrahedra. The structure of Mn(HSeO₄)₂ is characterized by chains of HSeO₄-tetrahedra in form of screws. Hydrogen bonds from and to water molecules connect double layers of MO₆-octahedra and HSeO₄-tetrahedra in the structures of M(HSeO₄)₂ · H₂O.