Structures of the BrF(4)(+) and IF(4)(+) cations

The large discrepancies between the calculated and observed structures for BrF(4)(+) and IF(4)(+) (Christe, K. O.; Zhang, X.; Sheehy, J. A.; Bau, R. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 6338) prompted a redetermination of the crystal structures of BrF(4)(+)Sb(2)F(11)(-) (monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 5.2289(6) A, b = 14.510(2) A, c = 14.194(2) A, beta = 90.280(1) degrees, Z = 4) and IF(4)(+)SbF(6)(-) (orthorhombic, Ibca, a = 8.2702(9) A, b = 8.3115(9) A, c = 20.607(2) A, Z = 8). It is shown that for BrF(4)(+), the large differences were mainly due to large errors in the original experimental data. For IF(4)(+)SbF(6)(-), the geometry previously reported for IF(4)(+) was reasonably close to that found in this study despite a very large R-factor of 0.15 and a refinement in an incorrect space group. The general agreement between the calculated and the redetermined geometries of BrF(4)(+) and IF(4)(+) is excellent, except for the preferential compression of one bond angle in each ion due to the influence of interionic fluorine bridges. In BrF(4)(+), the fluorine bridges are equatorial and compress this angle. In IF(4)(+), the nature of the fluorine bridges depends on the counterion, and either the axial (in IF(4)(+)SbF(6)(-)) or the equatorial (in IF(4)(+)Sb(2)F(11)(-)) bond angle is preferentially compressed. Therefore, the geometries of the free ions are best described by the theoretical calculations.     

The Osmium(VIII) Oxofluoro Cations OsO(2)F(3)(+) and F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+): Syntheses, Characterization by (19)F NMR Spectroscopy and Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Crystal Structure of F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+)Sb(2)F(11)(-), and Density Functional Theory Calculations of OsO(2)F(3)(+), ReO(2)F(3), and F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+)

Osmium dioxide tetrafluoride, cis-OsO(2)F(4), reacts with the strong fluoride ion acceptors AsF(5) and SbF(5) in anhydrous HF and SbF(5) solutions to form orange salts. Raman spectra are consistent with the formation of the fluorine-bridged diosmium cation F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+), as the AsF(6)(-) and Sb(2)F(11)(-) salts, respectively. The (19)F NMR spectra of the salts in HF solution are exchange-averaged singlets occurring at higher frequency than those of the fluorine environments of cis-OsO(2)F(4). The F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+)Sb(2)F(11)(-) salt crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Imma. At -107 degrees C, a = 12.838(3) ?, b = 10.667(2) ?, c = 11.323(2) ?, V = 1550.7(8) ?(3), and Z = 4. Refinement converged with R = 0.0469 [R(w) = 0.0500]. The crystal structure consists of discrete fluorine-bridged F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+) and Sb(2)F(11)(-) ions in which the fluorine bridge of the F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+) cation is trans to an oxygen atom (Os-O 1.676 ?) of each OsO(2)F(3) group. The angle at the bridge is 155.2(8) degrees with a bridging Os---F(b) distance of 2.086(3) ?. Two terminal fluorine atoms (Os-F 1.821 ?) are cis to the two oxygen atoms (Os-O 1.750 ?), and two terminal fluorine atoms of the OsO(2)F(3) group are trans to one another (1.813 ?). The OsO(2)F(3)(+) cation was characterized by (19)F NMR and by Raman spectroscopy in neat SbF(5) solution but was not isolable in the solid state. The NMR and Raman spectroscopic findings are consistent with a trigonal bipyramidal cation in which the oxygen atoms and a fluorine atom occupy the equatorial plane and two fluorine atoms are in axial positions. Density functional theory calculations show that the crystallographic structure of F(cis-OsO(2)F(3))(2)(+) is the energy-minimized structure and the energy-minimized structures of the OsO(2)F(3)(+) cation and ReO(2)F(3) are trigonal bipyramidal having C(2)(v)() point symmetry. Attempts to prepare the OsOF(5)(+) cation by oxidative fluorination of cis-OsO(2)F(4) with KrF(+)AsF(6)(-) in anhydrous HF proved unsuccessful.     

The syntheses of carbocations by use of the noble-gas oxidant, [XeOTeF5][Sb(OTeF5)6]: the syntheses and characterization of the CX3+ (X = Cl, Br, OTeF5) and CBr(OTeF5)2+ cations and theoretical studies of CX3+ and BX3 (X = F, Cl, Br, I, OTeF5)

The CCl(3)(+) and CBr(3)(+) cations have been synthesized by oxidation of a halide ligand of CCl(4) and CBr(4) at -78 degrees C in SO(2)ClF solvent by use of [XeOTeF(5)][Sb(OTeF(5))(6)]. The CBr(3)(+) cation reacts further with BrOTeF(5) to give CBr(OTeF(5))(2)(+), C(OTeF(5))(3)(+), and Br(2). The [XeOTeF(5)][Sb(OTeF(5))(6)] salt was also found to react with BrOTeF(5) in SO(2)ClF solvent at -78 degrees C to give the Br(OTeF(5))(2)(+) cation. The CCl(3)(+), CBr(3)(+), CBr(OTeF(5))(2)(+), C(OTeF(5))(3)(+), and Br(OTeF(5))(2)(+) cations and C(OTeF(5))(4) have been characterized in SO(2)ClF solution by (13)C and/or (19)F NMR spectroscopy at -78 degrees C. The X-ray crystal structures of the CCl(3)(+), CBr(3)(+), and C(OTeF(5))(3)(+) cations have been determined in [CCl(3)][Sb(OTeF(5))(6)], [CBr(3)][Sb(OTeF(5))(6)].SO(2)ClF, and [C(OTeF(5))(3)][Sb(OTeF(5))(6)].3SO(2)ClF at -173 degrees C. The CCl(3)(+) and CBr(3)(+) salts were stable at room temperature, whereas the CBr(n)(OTeF(5))(3-n)(+) salts were stable at 0 degrees C for several hours. The cations were found to be trigonal planar about carbon, with the CCl(3)(+) and CBr(3)(+) cations showing no significant interactions between their carbon atoms and the fluorine atoms of the Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) anions. In contrast, the C(OTeF(5))(3)(+) cation interacts with an oxygen of each of two SO(2)ClF molecules by coordination along the three-fold axis of the cation. The solid-state Raman spectra of the Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) salts of CCl(3)(+) and CBr(3)(+) have been obtained and assigned with the aid of electronic structure calculations. The CCl(3)(+) cation displays a well-resolved (35)Cl/(37)Cl isotopic pattern for the symmetric CCl(3) stretch. The energy-minimized geometries, natural charges, and natural bond orders of the CCl(3)(+), CBr(3)(+), CI(3)(+), and C(OTeF(5))(3)(+) cations and of the presently unknown CF(3)(+) cation have been calculated using HF and MP2 methods have been compared with those of the isoelectronic BX(3) molecules (X = F, Cl, Br, I, and OTeF(5)). The (13)C and (11)B chemical shifts for CX(3)(+) (X = Cl, Br, I) and BX(3) (X = F, Cl, Br, I) were calculated by the GIAO method, and their trends were assessed in terms of paramagnetic contributions and spin-orbit coupling.     

Tetrachloro- and Tetrabromostibonium(V) Cations: Raman and (19)F, (121)Sb, and (123)Sb NMR Spectroscopic Characterization and X-ray Crystal Structures of SbCl(4)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) and SbBr(4)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-)

The stable salts, SbCl(4)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) and SbBr(4)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-), have been prepared by oxidation of Sb(OTeF(5))(3) with Cl(2) and Br(2), respectively. The SbBr(4)(+) cation is reported for the first time and is only the second example of a tetrahalostibonium(V) cation. The SbCl(4)(+) cation had been previously characterized as the Sb(2)F(11)(-), Sb(2)Cl(2)F(9)(-), and Sb(2)Cl(0.5)F(10.5)(-) salts. Both Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) salts have been characterized in the solid state by low-temperature Raman spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Owing to the weakly coordinating nature of the Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) anion, both salts are readily soluble in SO(2)ClF and have been characterized in solution by (121)Sb, (123)Sb, and (19)F NMR spectroscopy. The tetrahedral environments around the Sb atoms of the cations result in low electric field gradients at the quadrupolar (121)Sb and (123)Sb nuclei and correspondingly long relaxation times, allowing the first solution NMR characterization of a tetrahalocation of the heavy pnicogens. The following crystal structures are reported: SbCl(4)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-), trigonal system, space group P&thremacr;, a = 10.022(1) ?, c = 18.995(4) ?, V = 1652.3(6) ?(3), D(calc) = 3.652 g cm(-)(3), Z = 2, R(1) = 0.0461; SbBr(4)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-), trigonal system, space group P&thremacr;, a = 10.206(1) ?, c = 19.297(3) ?, V = 1740.9(5) ?(3), D(calc) = 3.806 g cm(-)(3), Z = 2, R(1) = 0.0425. The crystal structures of both Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) salts are similar and reveal considerably weaker interactions between anion and cation than in previously known SbCl(4)(+) salts. Both cations are undistorted tetrahedra with bond lengths of 2.221(3) ? for SbCl(4)(+) and 2.385(2) ? for SbBr(4)(+). The Raman spectra are consistent with undistorted SbX(4)(+) tetrahedra and have been assigned under T(d)() point symmetry. Trends within groups 15 and 17 are noted among the general valence force constants of the PI(4)(+), AsF(4)(+), AsBr(4)(+), AsI(4)(+), SbCl(4)(+) and SbBr(4)(+) cations, which have been calculated for the first time, and the previously determined force constants for NF(4)(+), NCl(4)(+), PF(4)(+), PCl(4)(+), PBr(4)(+), and AsCl(4)(+), which have been recalculated for the P and As cations in the present study. The SbCl(4)(+) salt is stable in SO(2)ClF solution, whereas the SbBr(4)(+) salt decomposes slowly in SO(2)ClF at room temperature and rapidly in the presence of Br(-) ion and in CH(3)CN solution at low temperatures. The major products of the decompositions are SbBr(2)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-), as an adduct with CH(3)CN in CH(3)CN solvent, and Br(2).     

Effective monkey saddle points and berry and lever mechanisms in the topomerization of SF(4) and related tetracoordinated AX(4) species

The topomerization mechanisms of the SF(4) and SCl(2)F(2) sulfuranes, as well as their higher (SeF(4), TeF(4)) and isoelectronic analogues PF(4)(-), AsF(4)(-), SbF(4)(-), SbCl(4)(-), ClF(4)(+), BrF(4)(+), BrCl(2)F(2)(+), and IF(4)(+)), have been computed at B3LYP/6-31+G and at B3LYP/6-311+G. All species have trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) C(2)(v)() ground states. In such four-coordinated molecules, Berry rotation exchanges both axial with two equatorial ligands simultaneously while the alternative "lever" mechanism exchanges only one axial ligand with one equatorial ligand. While the barrier for the lever exchange in SF(4) (18.8 kcal mol(-1)) is much higher than that for the Berry process (8.1 kcal mol(-1)), both mechanisms are needed for complete ligand exchange. The F(ax)F(ax) and F(eq)F(eq) isomers of SF(2)Cl(2) have nearly the same energy and readily interconvert by BPR with a barrier of 7.6 kcal mol(-1). The enantiomerization of the F(ax)F(eq) chiral isomer can occur by either the Berry process (transition state barrier 8.3 kcal mol(-1)) or the "lever" mechanism via either of two C(s)() transition states, based on the TBP geometry: Cl(ax) <--> Cl(eq) or F(ax) <--> F(eq) exchanges with barriers of 6.3 and 15.7 kcal mol(-1), respectively. Full scrambling of all ligand sites is possible only by inclusion of the lever mechanism. Planar, "tetrahedral", and triplet forms are much higher in energy. The TBP C(3)(v) structures of AX(4) either have two imaginary frequencies (NIMAG = 2) for the X = F, Cl species or are minima (NIMAG = 0) for the X = Br, I compounds. These "effective monkey saddle points" have degenerate modes with two small frequencies, imaginary or real. Although a strictly defined "monkey saddle" (with degenerate frequencies exactly zero) is not allowed, the flat C(3)(v) symmetry region serves as a "transition state" for trifurcation of the pathways. The BPR mechanism also is preferred over the alternative lever process in the topomerization of the selenurane SeF(4) (barriers 5.9 vs. 12.1 kcal mol(-1)), the tellurane TeF(4) (2.1 vs. 6.4), and the interhalogen cations ClF(4)(+) (2.5 vs 14.8), BrF(4)(+) (4.7 vs. 11.3), BrF(2)Cl(2)(+) (14.6 vs. 17.4), and IF(4)(+) (1.4 vs. 6.0), as well as for the series PF(4)(-) (7.0 vs. 9.0), AsF(4)(-) (9.3 vs. 17.2), and SbF(4)(-) (3.8 vs. 5.3 kcal mol(-1)), all computed at B3LYP/6-311+G with the inclusion of quasirelativistic pseudopotentials for Te, I, and Sb. The heavier halogens increasingly favor the lever process, where the barrier (2.6 kcal mol(-1)) pertaining to the effective monkey saddle point (C(3)(v) minimum for SbCl(4)(-)) is less than that for the Berry process (8.2 kcal mol(-1)).     

Selected Ion Flow Tube Study of the Gas-Phase Reactions of CF(+), CF(2)(+), CF(3)(+), and C(2)F(4)(+) with C(2)H(4), C(2)H(3)F, CH(2)CF(2), and C(2)HF(3)

We study how the degree of fluorine substitution for hydrogen atoms in ethene affects its reactivity in the gas phase. The reactions of a series of small fluorocarbon cations (CF(+), CF(2)(+), CF(3)(+), and C(2)F(4)(+)) with ethene (C(2)H(4)), monofluoroethene (C(2)H(3)F), 1,1-difluoroethene (CH(2)CF(2)), and trifluoroethene (C(2)HF(3)) have been studied in a selected ion flow tube. Rate coefficients and product cations with their branching ratios were determined at 298 K. Because the recombination energy of CF(2)(+) exceeds the ionization energy of all four substituted ethenes, the reactions of this ion produce predominantly the products of nondissociative charge transfer. With their lower recombination energies, charge transfer in the reactions of CF(+), CF(3)(+), and C(2)F(4)(+) is always endothermic, so products can only be produced by reactions in which bonds form and break within a complex. The trends observed in the results of the reactions of CF(+) and CF(3)(+) may partially be explained by the changing value of the dipole moment of the three fluoroethenes, where the cation preferentially attacks the more nucleophilic part of the molecule. Reactions of CF(3)(+) and C(2)F(4)(+) are significantly slower than those of CF(+) and CF(2)(+), with adducts being formed with the former cations. The reactions of C(2)F(4)(+) with the four neutral titled molecules are complex, giving a range of products. All can be characterized by a common first step in the mechanism in which a four-carbon chain intermediate is formed. Thereafter, arrow-pushing mechanisms as used by organic chemists can explain a number of the different products. Using the stationary electron convention, an upper limit for Δ(f)H°(298)(C(3)F(2)H(3)(+), with structure CF(2)═CH-CH(2)(+)) of 628 kJ mol(-1) and a lower limit for Δ(f)H°(298)(C(2)F(2)H(+), with structure CF(2)═CH(+)) of 845 kJ mol(-1) are determined.     

Novel synthesis of ClF(6)(+) and BrF(6)(+) salts

For a compound in a given oxidation state, its oxidizing strength increases from its anion to the neutral parent molecule to its cation. Similarly, an anion is more easily oxidized than its neutral parent molecule, which in turn is more easily oxidized than its cation. This concept was systematically exploited in our search for new superoxidizers. Transition metal fluoride anions were prepared in their highest known oxidation states by high temperature/high pressure fluorinations with elemental fluorine and subsequently converted to their more strongly oxidizing cations by a displacement reaction with a strong Lewis acid. The application of this principle resulted in new syntheses for ClF(6)(+)AsF(6)(-) and BrF(6)(+)AsF(6)(-) using the highly reactive and thermally unstable NiF(3)(+) cation that was prepared from the reaction of the NiF(6)(2)(-) anion with AsF(5) in anhydrous HF. Attempts to prepare the known KrF(+) and ClO(2)F(2)(+) cations and the yet unknown XeF(7)(+) cation by the same method were unsuccessful. The results from this and previous studies show that NiF(3)(+) is a stronger oxidative fluorinator than PtF(6), but whether its oxidizing strength exceeds that of KrF(+) remains unclear. Its failure to oxidize Kr to KrF(+) might have been due to unfavorable reaction conditions. Its failure to oxidize ClO(2)F to ClO(2)F(2)(+), in spite of its favorable oxidizer strength, is attributed to the high Lewis basicity of ClO(2)F which results in a rapid displacement reaction of NiF(3)(+) by ClO(2)F, thus generating the weaker oxidizer NiF(4) and the more difficult to oxidize substrate ClO(2)(+). Therefore, the general applicability of this approach appears to be limited to substrates that exhibit a weaker Lewis basicity than the neutral transition metal parent molecule. Compared to KrF(+)- or PtF(6)-based oxidations, the NiF(3)(+) system offers the advantages of commercially available starting materials and higher yields, but product purification can be more difficult and tedious than for KrF(+).     

Synthesis, Raman spectra and crystal structures of [Cu(XeF2)n](SbF6)2 (n=2, 4)

Pure [Cu(XeF2)2](SbF6)2 was prepared by the reaction of Cu(SbF 6) 2 with a stoichiometric amount of XeF2 in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) at ambient temperature. The reaction between Cu(SbF6)2 and XeF2 (1:4 molar ratio) in aHF yielded [Cu(XeF2)4](SbF6)2 contaminated with traces of Xe 2F 3SbF6 and CuF2. The 6-fold coordination of Cu(2+) in [Cu(XeF2)2](SbF6)2 includes two fluorine atoms from two XeF2 ligands and four fluorine atoms provided by four [SbF6](-) anions. The neighboring [Cu(XeF 2)2](2+) moieties are connected via two [SbF6] units, with the bridging fluorine atoms in cis positions, into infinite [Cu(eta(1)-XeF2)2](cis-eta(2)-SbF 6)2[Cu(eta(1)-XeF 2)2] chains. Because of the high electron affinity of Cu(2+), coordinated XeF2 shows the highest distortion (Xe-Fb=210.2(5) pm, Xe-Ft=190.6(5) pm) observed so far among all known [M(x+)(XeF2)n](A)x (A=BF4, PF6, etc.) complexes. The four equatorial coordination sites of the Cu(2+) ion in [Cu(XeF 2) 4](SbF6)2 are occupied by four XeF 2 ligands. Two fluorine atoms belonging to two [SbF6] units complete the Cu (2+) coordination environment. The neighboring [Cu(XeF2)4](2+) species are linked via one [SbF6] unit, with bridging fluorine atoms in trans positions, into linear infinite [Cu(eta(1)-XeF2)4](trans-eta(2)-SbF6)[Cu(eta(1)-XeF2)4] chains. To compensate for the remaining positive charge, crystallographically independent [SbF6](-) anions are located between the chains and are fixed in the crystal space by weak Xe...F(Sb) interactions.     

Gas-phase uranyl, neptunyl, and plutonyl: hydration and oxidation studied by experiment and theory

The following monopositive actinyl ions were produced by electrospray ionization of aqueous solutions of An(VI)O(2)(ClO(4))(2) (An = U, Np, Pu): U(V)O(2)(+), Np(V)O(2)(+), Pu(V)O(2)(+), U(VI)O(2)(OH)(+), and Pu(VI)O(2)(OH)(+); abundances of the actinyl ions reflect the relative stabilities of the An(VI) and An(V) oxidation states. Gas-phase reactions with water in an ion trap revealed that water addition terminates at AnO(2)(+)·(H(2)O)(4) (An = U, Np, Pu) and AnO(2)(OH)(+)·(H(2)O)(3) (An = U, Pu), each with four equatorial ligands. These terminal hydrates evidently correspond to the maximum inner-sphere water coordination in the gas phase, as substantiated by density functional theory (DFT) computations of the hydrate structures and energetics. Measured hydration rates for the AnO(2)(OH)(+) were substantially faster than for the AnO(2)(+), reflecting additional vibrational degrees of freedom in the hydroxide ions for stabilization of hot adducts. Dioxygen addition resulted in UO(2)(+)(O(2))(H(2)O)(n) (n = 2, 3), whereas O(2) addition was not observed for NpO(2)(+) or PuO(2)(+) hydrates. DFT suggests that two-electron three-centered bonds form between UO(2)(+) and O(2), but not between NpO(2)(+) and O(2). As formation of the UO(2)(+)-O(2) bonds formally corresponds to the oxidation of U(V) to U(VI), the absence of this bonding with NpO(2)(+) can be considered a manifestation of the lower relative stability of Np(VI).     

Fluoride ion donor properties of TcO2F3 and ReO2F3: X-ray crystal structures of MO2F3.SbF5 (M = Tc, Re) and TcO2F3.XeO2F2 and Raman and NMR spectroscopic characterization of MO2F3.PnF5 (Pn = As, Sb), [ReO2F2(CH3CN)2][SbF6], and [Re2O4F5][Sb2F11

The fluoride ion donor properties of TcO2F3 and ReO2F3 toward AsF5, SbF5, and XeO2F2 have been investigated, leading to the formation of TcO2F3.PnF5 and ReO2F3.PnF5 (Pn = As, Sb) and TcO2F3.XeO2F2, which were characterized in the solid state by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. TcO2F3.SbF5 crystallizes in the monoclinic system P2(1)/n, with a = 7.366(2) A, b = 10.441(2) A, c = 9.398(2) A, beta = 93.32(3) degrees, V = 721.6(3) A3, and Z = 4 at 24 degrees C, R1 = 0.0649, and wR2 = 0.1112. ReO2F3.SbF5 crystallizes in the monoclinic system P2(1)/c, with a = 5.479(1) A, b = 10.040(2) A, c = 12.426(2) A, beta = 99.01(3) degrees, V = 675.1(2) A3, and Z = 4 at -50 degrees C, R1 = 0.0533, and wR2 = 0.1158. TcO2F3.XeO2F2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system Cmc2(1), with a = 7.895(2) A, b = 16.204(3) A, c = 5.198(1) A, beta = 90 degrees, V = 665.0(2) A3, and Z = 4 at 24 degrees C, R1 = 0.0402, and wR2 = 0.0822. The structures of TcO2F3.SbF5 and ReO2F3.SbF5 consist of infinite chains of alternating MO2F4 and SbF6 units in which the bridging fluorine atoms on the antimony are trans to each other. The structure of TcO2F3.XeO2F2 comprises two distinct fluorine-bridged chains, one of TcO2F3 and the other of XeO2F2 bridged by long Tc-F...Xe contacts. The oxygen atoms of the group 7 metals in the three structures are cis to each other and to two terminal fluorine atoms and trans to the bridging fluorine atoms. The 19F NMR and Raman spectra of TcO2F3.PnF5 and ReO2F3.PnF5 in SbF5 and PnF5-acidified HF solvents are consistent with dissociation of the adducts into cis-MO2F2(HF)2+ cations and PnF6- anions. The energy-minimized geometries of the free MO2F2+ cations and their HF adducts, cis-MO2F2(HF)2+, have been calculated by local density functional theory (LDFT), and the calculated vibrational frequencies have been used as an aid in the assignment of the Raman spectra of the solid MO2F3.PnF5 adducts and their PnF5-acidified HF solutions. In contrast, ReO2F3.SbF5 ionizes in SO2ClF solvent to give the novel Re2O4F5+ cation and Sb2F11- anion. The 19F NMR spectrum of the cation is consistent with two ReO2F2 units joined by a fluorine bridge in which the oxygen atoms are assumed to lie in the equatorial plane. The [ReO2F2(CH3CN)2][SbF6] salt was formed upon dissolution of ReO2F3.SbF5 in CH3CN and was characterized by 1H, 13C, and 19F NMR and Raman spectroscopies. The ReO2F2(CH3CN)2+ cation is a pseudooctahedral cis-dioxo arrangement in which the CH3CN ligands are trans to the oxygens and the fluorines are trans to each other.     

Products, rate constants and mechanisms of gas-phase reactions of CX(3)(+), CX(2)(+), CX(+) (X = F and/or Cl) and Cl(+) with 1,1,1- and 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane.

The gas-phase ion chemistry of 1,1,1- and 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane was investigated with an ion trap mass spectrometer. Following electron ionization both compounds (M) fragment to [M - Cl](+), CX(3)(+), CX(2)(+), CX(+) (X = F and/or Cl) and Cl(+). The reactivity of each of these fragments towards their neutral precursors was studied to obtain product and kinetic data. Whereas [M - Cl](+), CCl(3)(+) and CCl(2)F(+) cations are unreactive under the experimental conditions used, all other species react via halide abstraction to give [M - Cl](+) and, to a far lesser extent, [M - F](+). In addition, CX(2)(+) ions form CClX(2)(+) in a process which formally amounts to chlorine atom abstraction, but more likely involves chloride ion abstraction followed by charge transfer. CX(+) ions also form minor amounts of CX(3)(+) product ions, possibly via chloride abstraction followed by or concerted with dihalocarbene elimination from the (incipient) [M - Cl](+) ion. Trivalent carbenium ions are less reactive than divalent species, which in turn are less reactive than the monovalent ions (reaction efficiencies are given in parentheses): CF(3)(+)(0.70) < CF(2)(+)(0.78) < CF(+)(0.96). More interestingly, within each family of ions reactivity increases with the number of fluorine substituents (e.g. CF(2)(+) > CFCl(+) > CCl(2)(+) and CF(+) > CCl(+)), i.e. reactivity increases with the ion thermochemical stability, as measured by available standard free enthalpies of formation. Evaluation of the energetics involved shows that reactions are largely driven by the stability of the neutrals more than of the ions. Finally, the products observed in the reaction of Cl(+) are attributed to ionization of the neutral via charge transfer and fragmentation.     

Electronic Structure and Properties of Trihalogen Cations X(3)(+) and XY(2)(+) (X, Y = F, Cl, Br, I)

Electronic structures, charge distributions, geometries, valence force constants, and vibrational frequencies of the homoatomic clusters F(3)(+), Cl(3)(+), Br(3)(+), and I(3)(+) and of the heteroatomic clusters ClF(2)(+), BrF(2)(+), IF(2)(+), BrCl(2)(+), ICl(2)(+), and IBr(2)(+) were determined. The self-consistent field approach extended by MP2-correlation energy or density-functional corrections was applied using various basis sets. It was found that d- and f-type polarization functions play a crucial role as in some other halogen compounds. The MP2 approach yields the most satisfactory results. The effect of the crystalline environment surrounding the Cl(3)(+), Br(3)(+), and I(3)(+) species is successfully simulated by a Madelung potential. Frequencies calculated in the crystal field are in reasonable agreement with the more reliable ones among the experimental results. Coupling force constants were determined. They are not consistent with some empirical rules. Bonding and charge distributions of the formally mixed-valence systems X(+)Y(2)(0) are discussed. X(+) behaves like a divalent chalcogen with high electronegativity. Each of the X(+)-Y bonds in XY(2)(+) is very similar to the bond in X-Y. We predict the experimentally unknown F(3)(+) to be stable in vacuum but not in the solid state. Structures and frequencies of XY(2)(+) species, which are as yet unknown, are also predicted.     

Gas-phase ion-molecule reactions of metal-carbide cations MCn+ (M=Y and La; n=2, 4, and 6) with benzene and cyclohexane investigated by FTICR mass spectrometry and DFT calculations

Yttrium- and lanthanum-carbide cluster cations YC(n)(+) and LaC(n)(+) (n = 2, 4, and 6) are generated by laser ablation of carbonaceous material containing Y(2)O(3) or La(2)O(3). YC(2)(+), YC(4)(+), LaC(2)(+), LaC(4)(+), and LaC(6)(+) are selected to undergo gas-phase ion-molecule reactions with benzene and cyclohexane. The FTICR mass spectrometry study shows that the reactions of YC(2)(+) and LaC(2)(+) with benzene produce three main series of cluster ions. They are in the form of M(C(6)H(4))(C(6)H(6))(n)(+), M(C(8)H(4))(C(6)H(6))(n)(+), and M(C(8)H(6))(C(6)H(6))(m)(+) (M = Y and La; n = 0-3; m = 0-2). For YC(4)(+), LaC(4)(+), and LaC(6)(+), benzene addition products in the form of MC(n)(C(6)H(6))(m)(+) (M = Y and La; n = 4, 6; m = 1, 2) are observed. In the reaction with cyclohexane, all the metal-carbide cluster ions are observed to form metal-benzene complexes M(C(6)H(6))(n)(+) (M = Y and La; n= 1-3). Collision-induced-dissociation experiments were performed on the major reaction product ions, and the different levels of energy required for the fragmentation suggest that both covalent bonding and weak electrostatic interaction exist in these organometallic complexes. Several major product ions were calculated using DFT theory, and their ground-state geometries and energies were obtained.     

Isomerization and dissociation of C2X5+ and C2X4+* ions (X = Cl,F) from chlorofluoroethanes in an ion trap mass spectrometer

The collision-induced dissociation of C(2)X(5)(+) (C(2)Cl(2)F(3)(+), C(2)Cl(3)F(2)(+) and C(2)Cl(4)F(+)) and C(2)X(4)(+.) ions (C(2)ClF(3)(+*), C(2)Cl(2)F(2)(+*), and C(2)ClF(3)(+*)) derived from three chlorofluoroethanes (the isomeric 1,1,1- and 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrachlorodifluoroethane) was investigated by means of multi-stage mass spectrometric (MS(n)) experiments in an ion trap mass spectrometer. The observation of a common dissociation pattern for ions of any given elemental composition suggests that the experiments could not differentiate isomeric C(2)X(5)(+) ions formed from different neutral precursors and originally having different structures. For any given elemental composition, a common dissociation pattern was observed, suggesting that energy barriers for isomer interconversion are lower than for dissociation. For ions containing two or more fluorine atoms, the major (in some cases unique) dissociation involves C-C cleavage to form CX(3)(+) and CF(2). Energetically, CF(2) loss is always the most favorable reaction; mechanistically it implies, at least in some cases, rearrangement via halogen transfer from one carbon to the other (for example, in the case of the C(2)Cl(2)F(3)(+) species derived from 1,1,1-trichlorotrifluoroethane, which should have initially the Cl(2)C(+)-CF(3) structure). Similar behavior was observed with C(2)X(4)(+*) ions produced both from the three chlorofluoroethanes and from model alkenes (trifluorochloroethene and tetrachloroethene). The dissociation behavior of these C(2)X(4)(+*) species is characteristic of the ion composition, with no memory of the original neutral precursor structure. Specifically, C(2)Cl(2)F(2)(+*) ions dissociate uniquely via loss of CF(2), C(2)ClF(3)(+*) ions eliminate preferentially CF, with CF(2) loss being only a minor reaction, whereas C(2)Cl(3)F(+*) and C(2)Cl(4)(+*) dissociate exclusively via Cl elimination.     

Infrared spectroscopy of extreme coordination: the carbonyls of U(+) and UO(2)(+)

Uranium and uranium dioxide carbonyl cations produced by laser vaporization are studied with mass-selected ion infrared spectroscopy in the C-O stretching region. Dissociation patterns, spectra, and quantum chemical calculations establish that the fully coordinated ions are U(CO)(8)(+) and UO(2)(CO)(5)(+), with D(4d) square antiprism and D(5h) pentagonal bipyramid structures. Back-bonding in U(CO)(8)(+) causes a red-shifted CO stretch, but back-donation is inefficient for UO(2)(CO)(5)(+), producing a blue-shifted CO stretch characteristic of nonclassical carbonyls.     

The synthesis,vibrational spectra,and molecular structure of [Ir(CO)(6)][SbF(6)](3).4HF - the first structurally characterized salt with a tripositive,homoleptic metal carbonyl cation and the first example of a tetrahedral hydrogen-bonded (HF)(4) cluster

The reductive carbonylation of IrF(6) in a dilute solution of SbF(5) in anhydrous HF (1:6 by volume) produces surprisingly at 25 degrees C and 1.5 atm CO the complex salt [Ir(CO)(6)][SbF(6)](3).4HF, while [Ir(CO)(6)][Sb(2)F(11)](3) is obtained in liquid SbF(5) under similar conditions. Vibrational spectra in the CO stretching range for both salts and [Ir(CO)(6)](3+)((solv)) are identical within error limits, and nu(CO)(av) is with 2269 cm(-1) the highest average stretching frequency so far observed for octahedral metal carbonyl cations. A vibrational assignment supported by DFT calculations is presented, and the vibrational fundamentals are compared to those of [Os(CO)(6)](2+). The molecular structure of [Ir(CO)(6)][SbF(6)](3).4HF is determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data for [Ir(CO)(6)][SbF(6)](3).4HF: rhombohedral, R3c (No. 161), a = 14.630(4) A, c = 18.377(7) A, V = 3406.4(18) A(3), Z = 6, T = 150 K, R(1) = 0.0338 [I > 2sigma (I)], wR(2) = 0.0797). The average Ir-C bond length in the octahedral [Ir(CO)(6)](3+) cation is with 2.029(10) the longest observed for iridium carbonyl derivatives, consistent with the absence of Ir --> CO pi-back-bonding. The four solvate HF molecules form a tetrahedron via long, asymmetric, and partly delocalized hydrogen bonds with F-F edge lengths of 2.857 (3x) and 2.914 (3x) A. There is no precedent for a polyhedral (HF)(n) cluster in the gas, liquid, or solid phase. The four F atoms of the (HF)(4) cluster are coordinated to the C atoms of the six CO ligands of the cation, which again is without precedent. The coordination of one of the F atoms to three C atoms in a iso-tridentate mode with contact distances C-F(8) of 2.641(10) A is most unusual. The observed tight C-F coordination in [Ir(CO)(6)][SbF(6)](3).4HF provides conclusive evidence for the presence of electrophilic carbon in the cation and illustrates how superelectrophilic cations such as [Ir(CO)(6)](3+) are solvent stabilized in the conjugate Br?nsted-Lewis superacid HF-SbF(5).     

Effect of fluoro substitution on the fragmentation of the K-shell excited/ionized pyridine studied by electron impact

Fragmentation of the pyridine ring followed by K-shell excitation/ionization has been studied with 2-fluoropyridine (2FPy) by electron impact. Ab initio molecular orbital (MO) calculations were also carried out to investigate the electronic states correlating with specific fragment ions. The fragment ions are produced characteristically at the N 1s edge, while the spectra observed at the F 1s and C 1s edges exhibit a small difference from that at the valence ionization. The production of the C(4)H(2)(+), C(4)H(3)(+) and C(4)H(2)F(+) ions indicates that the cleavage of the N-C6 and C2-C3 bonds or the N-C2 and C5-C6 bonds is likely to occur after the N 1s excitation/ionization. Ab initio MO calculations indicate that the former fission is likely to proceed through the n(N)(1)π(2)(1)π(3)(2) and n(N)(0)π(2)(2)π(3)(2) excited states of the parent molecular dication. On the other hand, the breakage of the N-C2 and C4-C5 bonds, which specifically proceeds at the N 1s edge for 2-methylpyridine, does not occur for 2FPy. The present calculation reveals that the products of this channel are unstable by the electronegativity of fluorine and that the relative energy of the Auger-final states of 2FPy is lowered by the reorganization and electron correlation effects.     

Interpretation of indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling tensors for polyatomic xenon fluorides and group 17 fluorides: results from relativistic density-functional calculations

Significant improvements have been made recently in the calculation of NMR indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling tensors (J). In particular, the relativistic zeroth-order regular approximation density-functional theory (ZORA-DFT) approach holds great promise for the calculation of spin-spin coupling constants for a variety of chemical systems containing heavy nuclei. In the present work, the ZORA-DFT method is applied to the calculation of the complete reduced coupling tensors, K, for a range of chlorine-, bromine-, iodine-, and xenon-containing species: K(Cl,F) for ClF(2)(+), ClF(3), ClF(4)(+), ClF(5), ClF(6)(-), and ClF(6)(+); K(Br,F) for BrF(3), BrF(6)(-), and BrF(6)(+); K(I,F) for IF(4)(+) and IF(6)(+); K(Xe,F) for XeF(+), XeF(2), XeF(3)(+), XeF(4), XeF(5)(-), XeF(5)(+), and XeF(7)(+). These species represent a wide variety of geometrical bonding arrangements. Agreement between the calculated coupling constants and available experimental data is excellent, and the absolute sign of the coupling constants is provided. It is shown that (1)K(iso) may be positive or negative even within the same molecule, e.g., K(Cl,F)(iso) may be of either sign, depending on the local environment. Periodic trends in (1)K(iso) for isovalent and isostructural molecules are evident. The spin-spin coupling anisotropies, Delta K, and the orientations of the K tensors are also determined. The success of the calculations is a direct result of employing reliable geometries and considering both scalar and spin-orbit relativistic effects. The dependence of K(Cl,F)(iso) and K(Xe,F)(iso) on the local molecular and electronic structure is discussed in terms of the paramagnetic spin-orbit (PSO) and combined Fermi-contact spin-dipolar (FC+SD) coupling mechanisms. The PSO term depends strongly on the number of valence shell electron lone pairs on the central heavy atom, and the FC+SD contribution increases with the Cl[bond]F or Xe[bond]F bond length for a given series of compounds. This interpretation allows for the successful rationalization of the existing experimental data.     

Ab initio study of complexes with two cations as N-H donors to F-: structures and spin-spin coupling constants across N-H-F hydrogen bonds

A systematic ab initio study has been carried out to determine the MP2/6-31+G(d,p) structures and EOM-CCSD coupling constants across N-H-F-H-N hydrogen bonds for a series of complexes F(H(3)NH)(2)(+), F(HNNH(2))(2)(+), F(H(2)CNH(2))(2)(+), F(HCNH)(2)(+), and F(FCNH)(2)(+). These complexes have hydrogen bonds with two equivalent N-H donors to F(-). As the basicity of the nitrogen donor decreases, the N-H distance increases and the N-H-F-H-N arrangement changes from linear to bent. As these changes occur and the hydrogen bonds between the ion pairs acquire increased proton-shared character, (2h)J(F)(-)(N) increases in absolute value and (1h)J(H)(-)(F) changes sign. F(H(3)NH)(2)(+) complexes were also optimized as a function of the N-H distance. As this distance increases and the N-H...F hydrogen bonds change from ion-pair to proton-shared to traditional F-H...N hydrogen bonds, (2h)J(F)(-)(N) initially increases and then decreases in absolute value, (1)J(N)(-)(H) decreases in absolute value, and (1h)J(H)(-)(F) changes sign. The signs and magnitudes of these coupling constants computed for F(H(3)NH)(2)(+) at short N-H distances are in agreement with the experimental signs and magnitudes determined for the F(collidineH)(2)(+) complex in solution. However, even when the N-H and F-H distances are taken from the optimized structure of F(collidineH)(2)(+), (2h)J(F)(-)(N) and (1h)J(H)(-)(F) are still too large relative to experiment. When the distances extracted from the experimental NMR data are used, there is excellent agreement between computed and experimental coupling constants. This suggests that the N-H-F hydrogen bonds in the isolated gas-phase F(collidineH)(2)(+) complex have too much proton-shared character relative to those that exist in solution.