SPIROPHOSPHORANES – STRUCTURE REACTIVITY

Abstract

The first part of this article will deal with the reactions of spirophosphoranes with a P[sbnd]H bond. These compounds contain two five-membered rings and have four oxygen atoms, or three oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom, or two oxygen and two nitrogen atoms directly bonded to the phosphorus atom, which in all cases bears an hydrogen atom (Scheme 1). The most remarkable property of these compounds is undoubtedly their ability to give rise to a tautomeric equilibrium between the tri- and penta-coordinated structures P_III→P_V.     

Stabilization of boron clusters with classical fullerene structures by combined doping effect: a quantum chemical study

A combined approach (endohedral doping and exohedral environment) to stabilization of boron clusters with classical fullerene structures has been studied. The boron clusters with classical fullerene structures are stable when heteroatomic part of the complex (endohedral atom and exohedral environment) donates in total 18 electrons to the composite system, stability of which depends on the coordination capabilities and donor ability of the endohedral and surrounding atoms. The most effective stabilization is achieved in the case of the endohedral transition metals atoms, whereas the most effective environment is given by the lithium surrounding.

     

Why do the second row transition metal atoms prefer 5s14dm+1 to 5s24dm?

Numerical Hartree-Fock (NHF) calculations have been performed for 332 ground and low-lying excited states of the fifth period atoms Rb through Xe, with our special interest in the states arising from the 5s ²4d ^m , 5s ¹4d ^m +1, and 5s ⁰ 4d ^m +2 configurations of the second row transition metal atoms. Among various properties, orbital energies and mean values ofr of the outermost orbitals of each symmetry are presented as well as total energies. It is discussed in some detail why the second row transition metal atoms have a tendency to prefers ¹ d ^m +1 as the ground configuration in contrast to the preferreds ² d ^m configuration in the first row transition metal atoms. Our systematic NHF computations reported in this and the previous papers conclude that the Hartree-Fock method correctly predicts the experimental ground state of the atoms He through Xe with the sole exception for Zr.     

Model potentials for molecular calculations. II. The spd-MP set for transition metal atoms Sc through Hg

Model potential parameters and valence orbitals were generated for the transition metal atoms Sc through Hg. They are named the spd-MPs and are supplementary to the sd-MPs presented in the preceding article. The outermost core np electrons were treated explicitly together with valence nd and (n + 1)s electrons, and the remaining electrons were replaced by a model potential. The model potential parameters and valence orbitals were determined in the same way as the sd-MPs. Major relativistic effects (via the mass velocity and Darwin terms) were also incorporated in the spd-MPs for the second-and third-row transition metal atoms. The results of numerical nonrelativistic Hartree-Fock (HF) calculations for the first-row transition metal atoms and of the quasirelativistic HF calculations with Cowan and Griffin's method for the second-row and third-row transition metal atoms were used as reference data in determination of the spd-MPs.     

Electronic structure,chemical bonding,and oxidation numbers of first‐row transition metals in [MePIm2] complexes and their cations

The qualitative structures of the upper one‐electron energy levels of imidazole‐coordinated first‐row transition metal porphyrin [MePIm₂] complexes established in the present study have shown that the second oxidation number of the first‐row transition metals in the neutral complexes do not change in their cations and double cations. It was found that occupied orbitals of the density functional theory method obtained with B3LYP functional are not correctly ordered. Therefore, they cannot be used in investigations of the orbital structure of the upper molecular orbitals. A qualitative analysis of density functional theory method wave functions in terms of Mulliken and natural charges of atoms, together with an analysis of electrostatic potentials of the neutral [MePIm₂] complex, its single and double cations, demonstrates that the highest occupied orbitals of these complexes are mainly formed by atomic orbitals of the porphyrin ring atoms. Therefore, transition metal atoms are not active in chemical reactions with these complexes unless the 3d electrons of transition metal atoms are excited, for example by light. A mechanism of an electron transfer reaction that occurs between a heme cytochrome and Fe‐oxide mineral surface is discussed in the light of the obtained results. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011     

Theoretical Screening of Transition Metal Doped Defective MoS2 as Efficient Electrocatalyst for CO Conversion to CH4

CO is a key intermediate during electrochemical CO₂ conversion. The deep reduction of CO to value-added chemical products is a crucial strategy for effective carbon utilization. Single transition metal atoms supported by two-dimensional material present a novel paragon for various catalytic reactions. Herein, we employ first principle theory to study a series of single 3d-transition metal atoms supported by monolayered MoS₂ with S vacancy as efficient electrocatalyst for CO electroreduction to CH₄. The screening result indicates that Cr doped defective MoS₂ (labeled as Cr/S_v-MoS₂) is beneficial to electroreduction of CO to CH₄, with even less negative limiting potential (−0.32 V) than Cu that has been widely studied as the most promising electrocatalyst in experiment. The outstanding activity is derived from the regulation of the d-band-center of doped Cr and Mo atoms exposed on the surface. This discovery provides a theoretical basis for the preparation of future electrocatalysts for CORR.     

Phase Transition Originating from Order–Disorder Transformations of Carboxy Oxygen Atoms Coupled with Dynamic Proton Motions in [PhCH2NH(CH3)2]2C2O4⋅H2C2O4

A new molecular phase transition material, [PhCH₂NH(CH₃)₂]₂C₂O₄?H₂C₂O₄, which undergoes a reversible phase transition at 151.6 K, has been successfully synthesized. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), specific heat capacity, and dielectric measurements confirm its reversible phase transition with a large thermal hysteresis of 15.1 K, demonstrating that the phase transition is typical first order. Variable‐temperature single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal that the order–disorder transformations of carboxy oxygen atoms induce the structural phase transition. A slight reorientation of the oxalic acid unit is discovered to accompany the ordering of carboxy oxygen atoms at low temperature. The DSC measurement result of the deuterated analog is different to that of 1 , indicating that proton dynamic motions in hydrogen bonds also contribute to the phase transition.     

Magnetism in Simple Metal and 4<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis> Transition Metal Clusters

In this review article I discuss two aspects of magnetism in small metal clusters. The first question discussed is whether simple metal clusters, that obey electronic shell models and mimic properties of elemental atoms, also obey Hund’s rule of maximum spin multiplicity. The second question is whether small clusters of 4d transition metal atoms, that are non-magnetic in the bulk, have magnetic ground states. The question arises because calculations showed that small V clusters are magnetic although the bulk metal is not. We discuss known results on Rh clusters in detail to show that small clusters are generally magnetic, but it is difficult to unequivocally identify the ground state due to the presence of many isomers and spin states that are very close in energy.     

On the connections between the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and density functional theory (DFT): a letter from Richard F. W. Bader to Lou Massa

A 31-year-old letter from Professor Richard F. W. Bader to Professor Lou Massa outlining the connections between the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and density functional theory (DFT) especially with regard to the first Hohenberg-Kohn theorem is brought to light. This connection has not often been the topic of such a focused review by Bader and is presented here for the first time. The scientific importance of this letter is, in the opinion of the presenter, as timely today as it was back then in 1986. In Bader’s own opening words: “... that if I sent you a summary of what I think are the important connections between our work and density functional theory, ...”. He then takes us in a grand tour of the foundations of QTAIM culminating into the antecedents of a paper he later published with Professor Pierre Becker, whereby the Hohenberg-Kohn theorem is shown to operate at the level of an atom-in-a-molecule. Bader closes his letter by suggesting to Massa: “Study these two charge distributions – they are proof of the theorem of Hohenberg and Kohn”. By that Bader meant that when the charge distributions of two atoms or groups are identical within a given precision, then the kinetic and total energy contributions of these atoms to the corresponding molecular quantities are also identical. It is revealing to follow the intellectual threads weaved by Bader which provides us with a glimpse of his thought processes and intuition that guided him to some of his key discoveries. The lucidity, rigor, and clarity characteristic of Bader and the informality of style of a letter makes it of pedagogic and historic interest.

     

Computational modeling of structure and magnetic properties of dinuclear di-o-benzoquinone iron complexes with linear polycyclic linkers

Density functional theory (DFT UTPSSh/6-311++G(d,p)) quantum chemical modeling of geometry, energy and magnetic characteristics of binuclear iron complexes, in which iron atoms coordinated by 2,11-diaza[3.3](2,6)pyridinophane bases are connected by di-o-benzoquinone ligands with acene linkers, was performed. It is established that the energy diff erence between electromeric forms of the studied compounds is determined by the type of the alkyl substituents at the nitrogen atoms of the tetraazamacrocyclic ligand and does not depend on the structure of the polycyclic chain. The possibility of controlling magnetic properties of the molecules of this type by means of external influences is predicted based on the facts that terminal metal-containing fragments are capable of undergoing thermally induced spin-state switching rearrangements, while the singlet-triplet transition of the acene linker can be induced by light irradiation.

     

Critical Properties of n-Alkanes and the Relevance of Polymer Models to the Heavy Fluid Metals Rb and Cs

Abstract

n-alkane critical constants as determined experimentally for n ≤ 18 are first compared and contrasted with the predictions of various models. Qualitative accord is found, but only one quantitative prediction, that of Wertheim's model for the critical temperature T_c, is found to fit the experimental data over the admittedly limited range of n available.

Reference is then made to critical properties of the heavy fluid alkali metals, and especially Rb and Cs, where some evidence is cited for the existence of long chains of alkali atoms. The relative constancy of the product of the critical pressure P_c and the critical volume V_c for the three heaviest alkalis is noted, a fact consistent with one of the more recent ‘polymer’ models.     

Unprecedented Cyclizations of Calix[4]arenes with Glycols under the Mitsunobu Protocol. Part 4. An Expedient Route to Thiacalix[4](Aza and Thia)Crowns

The Mitsunobu cyclization of p-t-butylthiacalix[4]arene with glycols was expanded to oligoethylene glycol analogues composed of O, S and N atoms in the chain. In this way a number of 1,3-thiacalix[4]monocrowns have been synthesized, offering simple and general access to a large variety of crowned thiacalixarenes. The binding properties of some ligands towards transition metal cations have been studied by ¹H NMR, UV/Vis spectroscopic and potentiometric methods.     

Time sequence determination of parent–daughter radionuclides using gamma-spectrometry

The acquisition of time-stamped list data provides additional information useful to gamma-spectrometry analysis. A novel technique is described that uses non-linear least-squares fitting and the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm to simultaneously determine parent-daughter atoms from time sequence measurements of only the daughter radionuclide. This has been demonstrated for the radioactive decay of short-lived radon progeny (²¹⁴Pb/²¹⁴Bi, ²¹²Pb/²¹²Bi) described using the Bateman first-order differential equation. The calculated atoms are in excellent agreement with measured atoms, with a difference of 1.3–4.8% for parent atoms and 2.4–10.4% for daughter atoms. Measurements are also reported with reduced uncertainty. The technique has potential to redefine gamma-spectrometry analysis.

     

Theoretical Study of Interaction between Hydrogen and Small Pt–Sn Intermetallic Clusters

Small clusters, which simulate the active sites of Pt–Sn intermetallics exhibiting a high level of activity and selectivity in the deoxygenation reaction of esters without the loss of carbon mass to form C₁, C₂, and carbon oxides, are constructed and studied with the density functional theory. Molecular adsorption of hydrogen, dissociation of hydrogen molecules at Pt sites, and transition of adsorbed hydrogen atoms from Pt to Sn are considered. The introduction of Sn significantly decreases the affinity of platinum to hydrogen, so that the transition of H atoms to Sn atoms is facilitated with the increase in the amount of Sn. A comparison of the activation energies for such a transition with those of the possible association of hydrogen atoms on tin and the molecular desorption of H₂ showed that the hydrogen spillover in the Pt–Sn intermetallics should not lead to a significant accumulation of hydrogen on tin. In other words, in contrast to Pt atoms, Sn atoms probably cannot serve as active sites of hydrogen adsorption in the deoxygenation reaction.     

Quantum chemical study of MoS2 hydro desulfurization catalysts

The electronic and bonding properties of MoS₂, thiophene, tetrahydrothiophene and their related adsorption systems are studied by DV-X_α calculations on model clusters. The calculated results indicate that for MoS₂ the Mo-S bonding is not very strong. The Mo atoms are held together through bonding with S and the S atoms are held together through bonding with Mo. Three types of S atoms may be distinguished by their location, coordination and bond type. The d band of MoS₂ is different from that of Group VIII transition metals and markedly influence its adsorptive properties. The adsorption of a thiophene molecule on MoS₂ is weak, the interaction is complicated, and little activation is indicated. It may be inferred that thiophene is first hydrogenated to tetrahydrothiophene and then desulfurized.     

Mössbauer studies of Fe x Zn1−x (4-amino-1,2,4-triazole)3(NO3)2 complexes possessing the1 A 1⇄5 T 2 spin transition

Mössbauer studies were carried out for the mixed complexes Fe_xZn_1?x(ATr)₃(NO₃)₂ (0.2≤x≤1) having a polynuclear chain structure, for which we had earlier found a significant decrease in the¹A₁ ⁵T₂ spin transition temperature when iron was replaced with zinc. For these complexes, we have found for the first time a tendency toward an increase in the chemical shifts and quadrupole splitting of iron atoms in the low-spin state with the degree of their replacement by other metal atoms. A correlation between these Mössbauer spectral data and the spin transition temperature was found. The results of these studies are explained in terms of the model of steric strains in molecular fragments of the chain structure of the complexes appearing when iron atoms are replaced by zinc atoms.     

Molecular and electron structure of heteropoly complexes. 4. Reduced forms of heteropolyanions

Conclusions There is a linear correlation between the band energies of the first intervalence transition and the half-wave potentials for reduction in the isostructural heteropolyanions with equal charge, XM₁₁ZO₄₀ ^n–. The intervalence transition is due to excitation of an electron from the orbital localized on the reduced atom to orbitals localized on atoms in the coordination sphere. The authors suggest that the less the delocalization of the electrons over the whole structure, the greater will be the intensity of the intervalence transition.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 2, pp. 274–278, February, 1978.     

Smectic C phenylpyridines with an alkenyloxy chain

Abstract

The known 5-n-alkoxy-2-[4-(n-alkoxy)phenyl]pyridines exhibit high smectic C transition temperatures as well as various highly ordered smectic mesophases. An unsaturated carbon-carbon double bond has now been introduced into the terminal alkoxy chain of these heterocyclic materials to produce the corresponding alkenyloxy substituted derivatives. The postion and nature (E/Z) of the double bond has been varied systematically and the effect on the liquid crystal transition temperatures determined. A number of homologous series of the most promising alkenyloxy substituted materials has been prepared and evaluated. The position and nature (E/Z) of the double bond changes the conformation of the alkenyloxy chain to a significant degree. This can lead to slightly higher smectic C transition temperatures for compounds with a trans-double bond (E) at an even number of carbon atoms from the molecular core. However, the highly ordered mesophase transition temperatures are increased to a greater degree leading to a reduction in the smectic C temperature range. Significantly lower transition temperatures (including the melting point) are observed for materials with a cis-double bond (Z) at an odd number of carbon atoms from the molecular core. Comparisons with the corresponding alkoxy substituted materials (i.e. without a double bond) are made. These new alkenyloxy materials can be used to increase the smectic C and nematic transition temperatures of chiral mixtures for electrooptical display devices based on ferroelectric effects.     

The Orbital Origins of Magnetism: From Atoms to Molecules to Ferromagnetic Alloys

A chemical view of spin magnetic phenomena in finite (atoms and molecules) and infinite (transition metals and their alloys) systems using the concepts of bonding and electronic shielding is presented. The concept is intended to serve as a semiquantitative signpost for the synthesis of new ferromagnets. After a concise overview of the historic development of related theories developed within the physics community, the consequences of spin-spin coupling (made manifest in the exchange or Fermi hole) in atoms and molecules are explored. Upon moving to a paramagnetic state, the majority/minority spin species become more/less tightly bound to the nucleus, resulting in differences in the energies and spatial extents of the two sets of spin orbitals. By extrapolating well-known arguments from ligand-field theory, the paucity of ferromagnetic transition metals arises from quenching the paramagnetism of the free atoms due to strong interatomic interactions in the solid state. Critical valence electron concentrations in Fe, Co, and Ni, however, result in local electronic instabilities due to the population of antibonding states at the Fermi level varepsilon(F). Removal of these antibonding states from the vicinity of varepsilon(F) is the origin of ferromagnetism; in the pure metals this results in strengthening the chemical bonds. In the 4d and 5d transition metals, the valence d orbitals are too well shielded from the nucleus, so a transition to a ferromagnetic state does not result in sufficiently large changes to occur. Thus, the exceptional occurence of ferromagnetism only in the first transition series appears to parallel the special main-group chemistry of the first long period. A connection between ferromagnetism in the transition metals and Pearson's absolute hardness eta is easily established and shows that ferromagnetism appears only when eta<0.2 eV in the nonmagnetic calculation. As expected from the principle of maximum hardness, Fe, Co, and Ni all become harder upon moving to the more stable ferromagnetic state. Magnetism in intermetallic alloys follows the same path. Whether or not an alloy contains ferromagnetic elements, the presence of antibonding states at varepsilon(F) serves as a "fingerprint" to indicate a ferromagnetic instability. The differences in the sizes of the local magnetic moments on the constituent atoms of a ferromagnetic alloy can be understood in terms of the relative contributions to the density of states at varepsilon(F) in the nonmagnetic calculations. Appropriately parameterized, nonmagnetic, semi-empirical calculations can also be used to expose the ferromagnetic instability in elements and alloys. These techniques, which have become relatively commonplace, can be used to guide the synthetic chemist in search of new ferromagnetic materials.     

Direct Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction of Cage B−H Bonds by Grignard Reagents: A Route to Regioselective B4‐Alkylation of o‐Carboranes

Direct nucleophilic substitution reaction of cage B−H bonds of o ‐carboranes by Grignard reagents in the absence of any transition metals has been achieved for the first time, and leads to the regioselective synthesis of a series of 4‐alkyl‐1,2‐diaryl‐o ‐carboranes in very high yields. The presence of two electron‐withdrawing aryl groups on the cage carbon atoms is crucial to realizing the reaction. The regioselectivity is controlled by both electronic and steric factors. This work represents a new strategy for the development of methods for carborane functionalization.