Effect of chelating agent on the oxidation rate of PCP in the magnetite/H2O2 system at neutral pH

The complex [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ reacts with two molar equivalent of pyridine carboxylic acids ligands Py-2-COOH(a), Py-3-COOH(b) and Py-4-COOH(c) to yield rhodium(I) dicarbonyl chelate complex [Rh(CO)₂(L^/)](1a) {L^/ = η²-(N,O) coordinated Py-2-COO⁻(a^/)} and non-chelate complexes [Rh(CO)₂ClL^//](1b,c) {L^// = η¹-(N) coordinated Py-3-COOH(b), Py-4-COOH(c)}. The complexes 1 undergo oxidative addition (OA) reactions with different electrophiles such as CH₃I, C₂H₅I, C₆H₅CH₂Cl and I₂ to give penta coordinated Rh(III) complexes of the types [Rh(CO)(CORⁿ)XL^/], {n = 1,2,3; R¹ = CH₃(2a); R² = C₂H₅(3a); X = I and R³ = CH₂C₆H₅ (4a); X = Cl}, [Rh(CO)I₂L^/](5a), [Rh(CO)(CORⁿ)ClXL^//] {R¹ = CH₃(6b,c); R² = C₂H₅(7b,c); X = I and R³ = CH₂C₆H₅ (8b,c); X = Cl} and [Rh(CO)ClI₂L^//](9b,c). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Kinetic data for the reaction of 1a–b with CH₃I indicate a first order reaction. The catalytic activity of 1a–c for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and its ester is evaluated and a higher turn over number (TON = 810–1094) is obtained compared with that of the well-known commercial species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (TON = 653) at mild reaction conditions (temperature 130 ± 5 °C, pressure 35 ± 5 bar).     

H NMR Dynamic study of thermal Z/E isomerization of 5-substituted 2-alkylidene-4-oxothiazolidine derivatives: Barriers to rotation about CC bond

The rotational barriers between the configurational isomers of two structurally related push–pull 4-oxothiazolidines, differing in the number of exocyclic CC bonds, have been determined by dynamic ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The equilibrium mixture of (5-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidene)-1-phenylethanone (1a) in CDCl₃ at room temperature to 333 K consists of the E- and Z-isomers which are separated by an energy barrier ΔG^# 98.5 kJ/mol (at 298 K). The variable-temperature ¹H NMR data for the isomerization of ethyl (5-ethoxycarbonylmethylidene-4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidene)ethanoate (2b) in DMSO-d₆, possessing the two exocyclic CC bonds at the C(2)- and C(5)-positions, indicate that the rotational barrier ΔG^# separating the (2E,5Z)-2b and (2Z,5Z)-2b isomers is 100.2 kJ/mol (at 298 K). In a polar solvent-dependent equilibrium the major (2Z,5Z)-form (>90%) is stabilized by the intermolecular resonance-assisted hydrogen bonding and strong 1,5-type S · · · O interactions within the SCCCO entity. The ¹³C NMR Δδ_C(2)C(2′) values, ranging from 58 to 69 ppm in 1a–d and 49-58 ppm in 2a–d, correlate with the degree of the push-pull character of the exocyclic C(2)C(2′) bond, which increases with the electron withdrawing ability of the substituents at the vinylic C(2′) position in the following order: COPh COEt > CONHPh > CONHCH₂CH₂Ph. The decrease of the Δδ_C(2)C(2′) values in 2a–d has been discussed for the first time in terms of an estimation of the electron donor capacity of the S fragment on the polarization of the CC bonds.     

Heterobimetallic aluminium and zinc complex with N-arylanilido-imine ligand: Synthesis, structure and catalytic property for ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone

Treatment of a N-arylanilido-imine ligand [ortho-C₆H₄(NHAr)CHN]₂CH₂CH₂ (Ar = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) (LH₂) with one equiv. of AlMe₃ affords a monometallic complex [C₆H₄(NHAr)–CHN)]CH₂CH₂(C₆H₄(NAr)CHNAlMe₂) (1). The monometallic complex 1 reacts with one equiv. of ZnEt₂ to give a heterobimetallic complex [C₆H₄(NAr)–CHNZnEt]CH₂CH₂[C₆H₄(NAr)–CHNAlMe₂] (2). Both complexes were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses, and the molecular structures of 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The complexes 1 and 2 both are efficient catalysts for ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone in the presence of benzyl alcohol yielding polymers with narrow polydispersity values and complex 2 initiates the polymerization in a controllable manner.     

Synthesis, structure and DNA binding studies of mononuclear copper(II) complexes with mixed donor macroacyclic ligands, 2,6-bis({N-[2&3-(phenylselenato)alkyl]}benzimidoyl)-4-methylphenol

Two new phenol based macroacyclic Schiff base ligands, 2,6-bis({N-[2-(phenylselenato)ethyl]}benzimidoyl)-4-methylphenol (bpebmpH, 1) and 2,6-bis({N-[3-(phenylselenato)propyl]}benzimidoyl)-4-methylphenol (bppbmpH, 2) of the Se₂N₂O type have been prepared by the condensation of 4-methyl-2,6-dibenzoylphenol (mdbpH) with the appropriate (for specific reactions) phenylselenato(alkyl)amine. These ligands with Cu(II) acetate monohydrate in a 2:1 molar ratio in methanol form complexes of the composition [(C₆H₂(O)(CH₃){(C₆H₅)CN(CH₂)_nSe(C₆H₅)}{(C₆H₅)CO}₂Cu] (3 (n = 2), 4 (n = 3)) with the loss of phenylselenato(alkyl)amine and acetic acid. In both these complexes, one arm of the ligand molecule undergoes hydrolysis, and links with Cu(II) in a bidentate (NO) fashion, as confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography of complex 3. The selenium atoms do not form part of the copper(II) distorted square planar coordination sphere which has a trans-CuN₂O₂ core. The average Cu–N and Cu–O distances are, respectively, 1.973(3) and 1.898(2) Å. The N–Cu–N and O–Cu–O angles are, respectively, 167.4(11)° and 164.5(12)°. The compounds 1–4 have been characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, mass spectrometry, IR, electronic, ¹H and ⁷⁷Se{¹H} NMR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The interaction of complex 3 with calf thymus DNA has been investigated by a spectrophotometric method and cyclic voltammetry.     

Seeking new metalloligands: Synthesis and reactivity of palladacycles with pyridine and pyrimidine rings

Treatment of the Schiff base ligands 4-(NC₅H₄)C₆H₄C(H)N[2′-(OH)C₆H₄] (a), 3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₄C(H)N[2′-(OH)-C₆H₄] (b) and 3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₄C(H) N[2′-(OH)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃] (c) with palladium (II) acetate in toluene gave the poly-nuclear cyclometallated complexes [Pd{4-(NC₅H₄)C₆H₃C(H)N[2′-(O)C₆H₄]}]₄ (1a), [Pd{3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N[2′-(O)-C₆H₄]}]₄ (1b) and [Pd{3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N[2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃]}]₄ (1c) respectively, as air stable solids, with the ligand acting as a terdentate [C,N,O] moiety after deprotonation of the –OH group. Reaction of the cyclometallated complexes with triphenylphosphine gave the mononuclear species [Pd{4-(NC₅H₄)C₆H₃C(H) N[2′-(O)C₆H₄]}(PPh₃)], (2a), [Pd{3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H) N[2′-(O)C₆H₄]}(PPh₃)], (2b) and [Pd{3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N[2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃)}(PPh₃)], (2c) in which the polynuclear structure has been cleaved and the coordination of the ligand has not changed [C,N,O]. When the cyclometallated complexes 1b and 1c were treated with the diphosphines Ph₂P(CH₂)₄PPh₂ (dppb), Ph₂PC₅H₄FeC₅H₄PPh₂ (dppf) and Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂ (t-dppe) in a 1:2 molar ratio the dinuclear cyclometallated complexes [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N{2′-(O)C₆H₄}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(CH₂)₄PPh₂)], (3b), [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H) N{2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(CH₂)₄PPh₂)], (3c), [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N{2′-(O)C₆H₄}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)PPh₂)], (4b), [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H) N{2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(η⁵C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵C₅H₄)P-Ph₂)], (4c) and [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N{2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(CHCH)PPh₂)], (5c) were obtained as air stable solids.     

Efficient hydrogen peroxide generation from organic matter in a bioelectrochemical system

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an important industrial chemical, but its current production methods are highly energy-intensive. This study presents a novel process for the production of H₂O₂ based on the bioelectrochemical oxidation of wastewater organics at an anode coupled to the cathodic reduction of oxygen to H₂O₂. At an applied voltage of 0.5 V, this system was capable of producing 1.9 ± 0.2 kg H₂O₂/m³/day from acetate at an overall efficiency of 83.1 ± 4.8%. As most of the required energy was derived from the acetate, the system had a low energy requirement of 0.93 kWh/kg H₂O₂.     

Capture of aromatic carboxylate anion through second sphere coordination: Topological complementarity of [cis-Co(en)2(N3)2] and ions

[cis-Co(en)₂(N₃)₂]C₇H₃ClNO₄·1.25H₂O (Cocnb) was synthesised and detailed packing analyses were undertaken to delineate the topological complementarity of [cis-Co(en)₂(N₃)₂]⁺ and a 2-chloro-4-nitro benzoate anion (cnb) for second sphere coordination in the crystal lattice. The complex was completely characterised by elemental analyses, spectroscopic studies (IR, UV/visible, ¹H and ¹³C NMR). The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic (space group C2/c) with a = 21.9843(18), b = 8.7959(7), c = 23.0121(18) Å, β = 116.426(1)°, V = 3984.9(6) Å³, and Z = 8. In the crystal lattice, discrete ions of [cis-Co(en)₂(N₃)₂]⁺ and cnb are arranged in A–B–A–B pattern (in both a and c directions of the lattice) forming columns of anions and cations. The anionic columns are π stacked and are involved in extensive hydrogen bonding interaction. It appears that the topological feature of [cis-Co(en)₂(N₃)₂]⁺ is conducive for generating second sphere interactions with aromatic carboxylates. This strategy may be used as a viable method for the capture of aromatic carboxylate anions.     

Interligand interactions involved in the molecular recognition between copper(II) complexes and adenine or related purines

The available crystal structure information in the CSD database on ternary species prepared by the reaction of diverse copper(II) complexes (CuL) and purine, adenine and guanine or related purine derivatives is considered in order to deepen the intra-molecular interligand interactions affecting the molecular recognition patterns of the ‘metal complex + purine nucleobase’ and closely related systems. The degree of protonation and the possibilities of different tautomeric forms in the purine-like moieties are taken into account. The main conclusion is a general trend to form a CuN(purine-like) coordination bond which can be reinforced by an intra-molecular interligand H-bonding interaction. NH(purines)A (O or Cl acceptor) or NH(amino ligand L)O6(oxo-purines) are commonly observed. In addition, selected examples revealed that the presence of a variety of non-coordinating groups in L or in the purine-like nucleobases can significantly influence the structurally observed molecular recognition pattern. Moreover, examples are known where binuclear cores of the types Cu^II₂(μ₂-N3,N9-adeninate)₄(aqua)₂ or Cu^I₂(μ₂-N3,N9-adeninate)₂(aqua)₂ recognise CuL chelates by means of the expectable pattern (CuN7 coordination bond + N6HO(L) interaction).     

An unprecedented Cu–Schiff base complex existing as two different trinuclear units with strong antiferromagnetic couplings

A new tetradentate N₂O₂ donor Schiff base ligand [OHC₆H₄CHNCH₂CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)NCHC₆H₄OH = H₂L ] was obtained by 1:2 condensation of 1,3-diaminopentane with salicylaldehyde and has been used to synthesise an unusual copper(II) complex whose asymmetric unit presents two structurally different almost linear trinuclear units [Cu₃(μ-L)₂(ClO₄)₂] [Cu₃(μ-L)₂(H₂O)(ClO₄)₂] (1). The ligand and the complex were characterised by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy in addition electrochemical and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were performed for the complex. The magnetic properties of 1 reveal the presence of strong intra-trimer (J₁ = −202(3) cm⁻¹ and J₂ = −233(3) cm⁻¹) as well as very weak inter-trimer (zJ′ = −0.11(1) cm⁻¹) antiferromagnetic interactions.     

Theoretical studies upon the electronic structures and spectroscopic properties for a series of luminescent terpyridyl platinum(II) phenylacetylide complexes

A comprehensive calculations were carried out to get a deep insight into the ground- and excited-state electronic structures and the spectroscopic properties for a series of [Pt(4-X–trpy)CCC₆H₄R]⁺ complexes (trpy = 2,2′,6′,2″-terpyridine; X = H, R = NO₂ (1), Cl (2), C₆H₅ (3) and CH₃ (4); R = Cl, X = CH₃ (5) and C₆H₅ (6)). MP2 (second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation) and CIS (single-excitation configuration interaction) methods were employed to optimize the structures of 1–6 in the ground and excited states, respectively. The investigation showed that substituted phenylacetylide and trpy ligands only give rise to a small variation in geometrical structures but lead to a sizable difference in the electronic structures for 1–6 in the ground and excited states. The introduction of electron-rich groups into the phenylacetylide and/or terpyridyl ligands produces two different low-lying absorptions for 1 and 2–6, i.e., Pt(5d) → π^*(trpy) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) mixed with π → π^*(CCPh) intraligand charge transfer (ILCT) for 1 and Pt(5d)/π(CCPh) → π^*(trpy) charge transfer (MLCT and LLCT) for 2–6. Remarkable electronic resonance on the whole Pt–CCPh–NO₂ moiety for 1 may be responsible for the difference. Solvatochromism calculation revealed that only LLCT/MLCT transitions showed the solvent dependence, consistent with the experimental observations.     

Synthesis and characterization of new heterocyclic Schiff base palladacycles: Ring activation through N-oxide formation

Reaction of the Schiff base ligand derived from 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde NC₅H₄C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂], (1), with palladium(II) acetate in toluene at 60 °C for 24 h gave [Pd{NC₅H₄C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}₂(OCOCH₃)₂], (2), with two ligands coordinated through the pyridine nitrogen. Treatment of the Schiff base ligand derived from 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde N-oxide, 4-(O)NC₅H₄C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂], (4), with palladium(II) acetate in toluene at 75 °C gave the dinuclear acetato-bridged complex [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}(OCOCH₃)]₂, (5) with metallation of an aromatic phenyl carbon. Reaction of complex 5 with sodium chloride or lithium bromide gave the dinuclear halogen-bridged complexes [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}(Cl)]₂, (6) and [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}(Br)]₂, (7), after the metathesis reaction. Reaction of 6 and 7 with triphenylphosphine gave the mononuclear species [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}(Cl)(PPh₃)], (8) and [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}-(Br)(PPh₃)], (9), as air stable solids. Treatment of 6 and 7 with Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂ (dppe) in a complex/diphosphine 1:2 molar ratio gave the mononuclear complexes [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}(PPh₂(CH₂)₂PPh₂)][Cl], (10), and [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}(PPh₂(CH₂)₂PPh₂)][PF₆], (11), with a chelating diphosphine. The molecular structure of complex 9 was determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis.     

Molybdenum(VI) network polymers based on anion–π interaction and hydrogen bonding: Synthesis, crystal structures and oxidation catalytic application

A crystallographic investigation of anion–π interactions and hydrogen bonds on the preferred structural motifs of molybdenum(VI) complexes has been carried out. Two molybdenum(VI) network polymers MoO₂F₄·(Hinca)₂ (1) and MoO₂F₃(H₂O)·(Hinpa) (2), where inca = isonicotinamide and inpa = isonipecotamide, have been synthesized, crystallographically characterized and successfully applied to alcohol oxidation reaction. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space C2/c: a = 16.832(3) Å, b = 8.8189(15) Å, c = 12.568(2) Å, β = 118.929(3)°, V = 1560.1(5) Å³, Z = 4. Complex 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space P-1: a = 5.459(2) Å, b = 9.189(4) Å, c = 12.204(5) Å, α = 71.341(6)°, β = 81.712(7)°, γ = 77.705(7)°, V = 564.8(4) Å³, Z = 2. Complex 1 consists of hydrogen bonding and anion–π interactions, both of which are considered as important factors for controlling the geometric features and packing characteristics of the crystal structure. The geometry of the sandwich complex of [MoO₂F₄]²⁻ with two pyridine rings indicates that the anion–π interaction is an additive and provides a base for the design and synthesis of new complexes. For complex 2, the anions and the protonated inpa ligands form a 2D supramolecular network by four different types of hydrogen contacts (N–HF, N–HO, O–HF and O–HO). The catalytic ability of complexes 1 and 2 has also been evaluated by applying them to the oxidation of benzyl alcohol with TBHP as oxidant.     

A DFT study on the mechanism of the gas phase reaction of ground-state Y (4d5s,D) with 2-butyne

The reaction of ground-state Y with 2-butyne has been investigated in detail using B3LYP method. Four pathways for elimination of H₂ were identified. Two isomers, Y(HCCC)CH₃ and Y(H₂CCCCH₂) were assigned to the observed product, YC₄H₄. The calculated PESs suggest that the concerted H₂-elimination leading to Y(H₂CCCCH₂) + H₂ product is the most favorable pathway. For the elimination of CH₃, combining the results of this work with our previous study on Y + propyne reaction, a general mechanism for the reactions of Y with 2-alkynes bearing RCCCH₃ structure was established: Y + RCCCH₃ → π-complex → TS(H-migration) → HY(CH₂CC)R → TS (CC insertion) → (CH₂)HYCCR → TS(H-migration) → H₃CYCCR → CH₃ + YC₂R. Such mechanism was found to be always energetically more favorable than the direct sp–sp³ CC bond insertion mechanism. Further, such mechanism can also be applied to the elimination of CH₄ and it can be described as: Y + CH₃CCCH₃ → π-complex → TS (H-migration) → HY(H₂CCC)CH₃ → TS(CC insertion) → (H₂CCC)HYCH₃ → TS(H-migration) → CH₄ + YC₃H₂.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, spectral and thermal analysis and biological activities of copper(II)-pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate complexes with 4-methylimidazole, imidazole, and 3,4-dimethylpyridine

In this study, three novel Cu(II)-pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate (pydc) complexes with 4-methylimidazole (4-Meim), [Cu(pydc)(H₂O)(4-Meim)₂]·H₂O (1), imidazole (im), {[Cu(μ-pydc)(im)₂]·2H₂O}_n (2), and 3,4-dimethylpyridine (dmpy), [Cu(μ-pydc)(H₂O)(dmpy)]_n (3) have been synthesized. Elemental and thermal analyses, magnetic susceptibilities, IR and UV/vis spectroscopic studies have been performed to characterize the complexes. The molecular structures of mononuclear (1) and polynuclear (2 and 3) complexes have been determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. In 1 and 2, Cu(II) ions have distorted square planer geometry, while 3 has distorted octahedral coordination. The pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate exhibits three different coordination modes namely bidentate (1), tridentate (2) and tetradentate (3). The complex 1 is further constructed to form three-dimensional framework by hydrogen bonding, C–Hπ and ππ stacking interactions. The adjacent chains of 2 and 3 are then mutually linked via hydrogen bonding, ππ and C–Hπ interactions, which are further assembled to form three-dimensional framework. 1 exhibits the magnetic moment value of 1.70 BM, which corresponds to one of the unpaired electron, while the polynuclear complexes 2 and 3 exhibit 1.58 and 1.46 BM, which is lower than the spin only value for one unpaired electron, indicates to antiferromagnetic effect. The first thermal decomposition process of all the complexes is endothermic dehydration. This stage is followed by partial (or complete) decomposition of the neutral and pydc ligands. In the later stage, the remained organic residue exothermically burns. The final decomposition products which identified by IR spectroscopy were the CuO.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of cobalt(II) and nickel(II) coordination polymers supported by functionalized dicarboxylate ligands

Four new coordination polymers of cobalt(II) and nickel(II) with functionalized dicarboxylate ligands, namely, [Co^IIL¹(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)] (1), [Ni^IIL¹(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]·H₂O (2), [Co^II₂(L²)₂(2,2′-bpy)₂(H₂O)] (3) and [Ni^II₂(L²)₂(2,2′-bpy)₂(H₂O)] (4), where H₂L¹ = 2,5-dibenzoylterephthalic acid, H₂L² = 4,6-bis(4-methylbenzoyl)isophthalic acid and 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and thermogravimetric analysis. Complex 1 exhibits a zigzag chain with a C–Hπ interaction between the phenyl ring proton and the phenyl ring of an adjacent chains to form a 2D supramolecular sheet. Complex 2 contains two helical chains which extend into 2D via a C–Hπ interaction between the pyridine ring proton and the pyridine ring. Complexes 3 and 4 are isomorphous with helical chains that extend in the same direction and further link to one another by supramolecular forces into a 2D structure. Moreover, magnetic and luminescence properties have been investigated for 1 and 2, respectively.     

A bonding study of cyclopentene (c-C5H8) adsorption on Ni(1 1 1) surface

The adsorption of cyclopentene (c-C₅H₈) on Ni(1 1 1) was studied using DFT and semiempirical calculations. Preferred site and geometry calculations were carried out considering a Ni(1 1 1) surface and a unit cell of 64-atoms. The tetrahedral threefold hollow position was identified as the most favorable site, with a surface-molecule minimum distance of 1.83 Å. A bending structure is adopted when the molecule is adsorbed where the carbon atoms of the double bond are closer to the surface forming an angle of 160° among non-equivalents carbon atoms. The metal surface was represented by a two-dimensional slab with an overlayer of c-C₅H₈/Ni of 1/9 ratio. We also computed the density of states (DOS) and the crystal orbital overlap populations (COOP) corresponding to CC, CNi, CH, and NiNi bonds. We found that both NiNi bonds interacting with the ring, and the CC bond are weakened after adsorption, this last bond is linked significantly to the surface. The hydrogen atoms belonging to the saturated carbon atoms also participate in the adsorbate–surface bonding. The main interactions include the 4s, 3p_z and 5d_z² bands of nickel and 2p_z bands of the carbon atoms of the double bond.     

Nucleophilic destruction of organophosphate toxins: A computational investigation

Computed reaction enthalpies, free energies, and activation barriers in vacuo are presented for the nucleophilic detoxification of the organophosphorus compounds (H)(HO)P(O)F, (H)(H₃CO)P(O)F and (H₃C)(CH(CH₃)₂O)P(O)F via the reaction R₁OH + (R₂)(R₃O)P(O)F → (R₂)(R₃O)P(O)(OR₁) + HF for a wide variety of R₁OH nucleophiles. Density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) computational level was employed for all the calculations. A multi-step Wright-type reaction mechanism [J. B. Wright, W.E. White, J. Mol. Struct. (THEOCHEM) 454 (1998) 259], which proceeds via a proton transfer from the nucleophile to the fluorine atom through the phosphinyl oxygen atom, was consistently found to have a lower activation barrier in the gas-phase than for the corresponding mechanism that operates via a proton transfer from the nucleophile directly to the fluorine atom. Of the nucleophilic agents investigated, peroxybenzoic acid and o-iodosobenzoic acid had the lowest classical activation barrier for the Wright-type mechanism.     

Vibrational satellite of Na(3d ← 3s) dipole-forbidden transition in Na/CF4 mixture

Excitation spectra of Na fluorescence in mixtures with CF₄ display a new band shifted by the energy of one-vibrational quantum of the IR active ν₃-mode of CF₄ (1281 cm⁻¹) from Na 3d states. This band is attributed to a Na(3s)CF₄(ν₃ = 0) → Na(3d)CF₄(ν₃ = 1) transition and its intensity is explained by coupling with Na(4p)CF₄(v₃ = 0) resonance state which lies  180 cm⁻¹ below in energy. An analogous satellite of the Na 6p state combined with the same vibration and lying close to the Na 7p state is reported and discussed.     

Segregated aromatic π-π stacking interactions involving fluorinated and non-fluorinated benzene rings: Cu(py)2(pfb)2 and Cu(py)2(pfb)2(H2O) (py = pyridine and pfb = pentafluorobenzoate)

The syntheses, physical characterization and crystal structures of two new molecular copper(II) complexes of composition [Cu(C₅H₅N)₂(C₇F₅O₂)₂] (1) and [Cu(C₅H₅N)₂(C₇F₅O₂)₂(H₂O)] (2) (C₅H₅N = py = pyridine and C₇F₅O₂⁻ = pfb = pentafluorobenzoate) are reported. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed that in 1, the Cu²⁺ ion, which lies on a crystallographic inversion centre, is coordinated to two py molecules and two oxygen atoms from two monodentate pfb anions, resulting in a trans-CuN₂O₂ square planar geometry. In 2, the Cu²⁺ ion is also coordinated to two py and two pfb species in addition to a water molecule in the apical site of a distorted CuN₂O₃ square pyramid. In the crystal packing, both 1 and 2 show segregated aromatic π-π stacking interactions in which (py + py) and (pfb + pfb) ring-pairings are seen, but no (py + pfb) pairings occur. Crystal data: 1: C₂₄H₁₀CuF₁₀N₂O₄, M_r = 643.88, space group , a = 8.0777 (3) Å, b = 8.0937 (3) Å, c = 10.5045 (5) Å, α = 90.916 (3)°, β = 93.189 (2)°, γ = 118.245 (3)°, V = 603.36 (4) Å³, Z = 1. 2: C₂₄H₁₂CuF₁₀N₂O₅, M_r = 661.90, space group , a = 7.5913 (5) Å, b = 15.6517 (6) Å, c = 21.1820 (14) Å, α = 95.697 (4)°, β = 94.506 (2)°, γ = 91.492 (4)°, V = 2495.2 (3) Å³, Z = 4.     

Effect of ring substituents on crystal packing and H-bonding in a series of halobis(phen)copper(II) arylphosphonic acid complexes

The synthesis and crystal structures of five new analogues of the supramolecular copper(II) organophosphonate [Cu^II(phen)₂Cl][(C₆H₅PO(OH)₂)((OH)O₂PC₆H₅)] (1) are presented. The structures contain substituted phenylphosphonic acids, and are of the general formula [Cu^II(phen)₂Cl][(XPO(OH)₂)((OH)O₂PX)] · Z, where X = o-CH₃(C₆H₅) (2); X = p-CH₃(C₆H₅), Z = H₂O · 2CH₃CH₂OH (4); X = o-NO₂(C₆H₅), m-NO₂(C₆H₅) (5); X = m-NO₂(C₆H₅) (6); X = C₁₀H₇ (7).