Experimental and computational studies of molecules with close,non-bonded hydrogen–hydrogen contacts: common computational methods grossly overestimate some ‘through-space’ NMR scalar coupling constants

The NMR spin–spin scalar coupling constants (J_HH's) of closely contacting, but non-bonded hydrogen atoms in a series of highly strained molecules (including a new in,in-cyclophane made specifically for this study) have been examined both experimentally and computationally. The experimental J_HH's are invariably quite small (0.1–0.6 Hz), but common DFT methods with modest basis sets nearly always overestimate these values, by factors of 10–30, and even with quite large basis sets (up to cc-pVQZ) the J_HH's of two of the molecules are overestimated by a factor of 10 or more. Possible reasons for these discrepancies are discussed.     

Spin dimer analysis of the three-dimensional antiferromagnetic ordering in the quaternary manganese sulfides BaLn2MnS5 (Ln=La, Ce, Pr)

The quaternary manganese sulfides BaLn₂MnS₅ (Ln=La, Ce, Pr) consist of (MnS₄)⁶⁻ anions separated with short S?S distances slightly longer than the van der Waals distance. Nevertheless, these sulfides are known to undergo a three-dimensional (3D) antiferromagnetic ordering at a reasonably high temperature (i.e., T_N=58.5, 62.0 and 64.5 K for Ln=La, Ce and Pr, respectively). The origin of this observation was probed by studying the Mn-S?S-Mn super-superexchange interactions of BaLn₂MnS₅ on the basis of spin dimer analysis. The non-bonding S?S contacts in the vicinity of the van der Waals distance are found essential in determining the strengths of the Mn-S?S-Mn super-superexchange interactions. The antiferromagnetic spin exchange between adjacent (MnS₄)⁶⁻ anions along the c-direction (J₂) is calculated to be stronger than that in the ab-plane (J₁) by a factor of ∼10, so that the strongly interacting spin units of BaLn₂MnS₅ (Ln=La, Ce, Pr) are 1D chains made up of the exchange paths J₂. The relative strengths of the spin exchange interactions for the J₁ and J₂ paths are consistent with the finding that the Néel temperatures of BaLn₂MnS₅ are reasonably high, and they increase in the order BaLa₂MnS₅<BaCe₂MnS₅< BaPr₂MnS₅.     

Theoretical study of intra- and inter-chain magnetic interactions in [Ni(chxn)2Br]Br2

The intra- and the inter-chain magnetic interactions in [Ni(chxn)₂Br]Br₂, which is one of the typical one-dimensional (1-D) MX complexes are examined by using an unrestricted hybrid DFT (UB3LYP) method. Calculated effective exchange integral (J) value along the 1-D chain is 2J_Intra = −4016 K and is close to an experimental result (−3600 K). On the other hand, a very weak anti-ferromagnetic inter-chain interaction through Br⁻ ions is observed. The value is estimated to be 2J_Inter = −2 to −6 K. In addition to the J values, transfer integral (t), on-site Coulomb repulsion (U) and charge transfer energy (E^CT) values along the 1-D chain are also estimated to be 0.46, 2.46 and 0.6 eV, respectively.     

Theoretical studies of d-d and d-π-d magnetic interactions in (EDT-TTFVO)2FeBr4 crystals

The effective exchange integrals (J(HB)) of the Heisenberg spin model have been evaluated by using the ab initio MO and based on Hartree-Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) for organic magnetic metals, the (EDT-TTFVO)₂FeBr₄ crystal based on the X-ray crystallographic structures at 113 K. In order to study the magnetic properties, we proposed some of the pairs, where the direct (d-d) and indirect (d-π-d) magnetic couplings between Fe(III) d-spins (S = 5/2) without/with π-dimer spins (S = 1/2) were calculated, respectively. The effective exchange integrals were evaluated by using UB3LYP method, and principal J values were 0.5, −0.1 and 0.4 K. From these results, it is found that there were three dimensional spin arrangements of Fe(III) d-spins. The Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations had been carried out with our calculated J values to evaluate the magnetic susceptibility for this molecular crystal, reproducing the experimental tendency.     

Modelling LLE and VLE of methanol + n-alkane series using GC-PC-SAFT with a group contribution kij

The fluid phase diagrams (LLE and VLE) of methanol + n-alkane mixtures series (from C₄ up to C₁₆) were modelled using GC-PC-SAFT EOS (Tamouza et al., Fluid Phase Equilibria 222–223 (2004) 67–76) combined with a recent method for computing k_ij based on the London theory (NguyenHuynh et al., Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 47 (2008) 8847–8858). This latter method requires pure compound adjustable parameters: pseudo-ionization energies J that may be calculated by group contribution in the case of n-alkane series. J_alkane is calculated from group parameters JCH₃$J_{\text{C}{\text{H}}_3}$ and JCH₂$J_{\text{C}{\text{H}}_2}$.     

Substituent effect of the spin-coupling constant through m-phenylene in m-xylylene and its derivatives

Density functional UB3LYP calculations with the broken symmetry approach and spin-projection method on m-xylylene diradical and its derivatives have been performed to investigate the dependence of the spin-coupling constant through m-phenylene on the number of phenyl substituents on the two radical sites. The results show that the coupling constant (or the singlet-triplet gap) steadily decreases on increasing the number of phenyl substituents on the two radical sites. This trend is ascribed to more spin delocalization into the phenyl substituents and the larger twist angle of the phenyl substituents out of the m-phenylene plane when the degree of phenyl substitution is increased. For Schlenk's hydrocarbon, the coupling constant J is 1.52 kcal/mol, only one quarter of that in the parent m-xylylene.     

Can One Assess the π Character of a C–C Bond with the Help of the NMR Spin–Spin Coupling Constants?

Measured one‐bond spin–spin coupling constants (SSCC) ¹J(CC) can be used to describe the nature of the C–C bond, provided one is able to separate the various coupling mechanisms leading to ¹J(CC). The Fermi‐contact (FC) term probes the first‐order density at the positions of the coupling nuclei, whereas the noncontact terms (the paramagnetic spin orbit (PSO) and the spin–dipole (SD) terms) probe the π character of the C–C bond (the diamagnetic spin orbit (DSO) term can mostly be neglected). A model is tested, in which the value of the FC(CC) term is estimated with the help of measured SSCCs ¹J(CH). The difference between the measured J(CC) and the estimated FC(CC) values, Δ(CC)=PSO(CC)+SD(CC)+DSO(CC), provides a semiquantitative measure of the π character of a C–C multiple bond. The applicability and limitations of this approach are discussed by partitioning the four Ramsey terms of the SSCC ¹J(CC) into one‐ and two‐orbital contributions. The FC, PSO, and SD terms of ¹J(CC) are explained and analyzed with regard to their relationship to other C–C bond properties. It is shown that empirical relationships between measured SSCCs and the s character of a bond need reconsideration.     

One-bond CC spin—spin coupling constants in derivatives of benzene. Non-linearity of 1J(CC) vs substituent electronegativity

A set of one-bond CC coupling constants has been determined for mono- and disubstituted benzenes. Large ¹J(CC) values have been found within the benzene rings bearing highly electronegative substituents such as halogens, methoxy and nitro groups and small values for those with electropositive substituents. The total range of ¹J(CC) couplings observed in our work is larger than 50 Hz. These large variations of CC spin—spin couplings are interpreted in terms of Fermi-contact contributions and the redistribution of s-electrons within a CC bond under influence of substituents. Contrary to some previous findings the data obtained in the present work indicate that the relationship between ¹J(CC) and the substituent electronegativity is not linear.     

Temperature dependences of J(C,H) and J(C,D) in 13CH4 and some of its deuterated isotopomers

The nuclear spin—spin coupling constants J(C,H) and J(C,D) have been measured over the temperature range 200–370 K for the methane isotopomers ¹³CH₄, ¹³CH₃D, ¹³CHD₃ and ¹³CD₄. The coupling constants increase with increasing temperature for any one isotopomer and decrease with increasing secondary deuterium substitution at any one temperature. The results are entirely attributable to intramolecular effects and the data have been fitted by a weighted least-squares regression analysis to a spin—spin coupling surface thereby yielding a value for ¹J_e(C,H), the coupling constant at equilibrium geometry, and values for the bond length derivatives of the coupling. We find that ¹J_e(C,H) = 120.78 (±0.05) Hz which is about 4.5 Hz smaller than the observed value in ¹³CH₄ gas at room temperature. Results are also reported for J(H,D) in ¹³CH₃D and ¹³CHD₃ for which no temperature dependence was detected.     

Synthesis of trans/cis 4-substituted 3-furyl-2-phenethyltetrahydroisoquinolin-1-ones: conformation of the trans-4-(pyrrolidinylcarbonyl) derivative

The title compounds were synthesized starting from homophthalic anhydride and an imine. The amides obtained showed unexpected values for ³J_3,4 that cannot be used to deduce their configuration and conformation. This problem was resolved for one representative compound (the 4-(pyrrolidinylcarbonyl) derivative) by means of detailed NMR studies, X-ray diffraction and theoretical calculations. The compound has the trans configuration. In the solid state, its conformation is with dipseudoaxial (aa) oriented substituents at positions 3 and 4. In different solvents and in the gas-phase, the majority of the data reveal that the observed value of ³J_3,4 results from an equilibrium of the ee and aa conformers.     

A proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance study of neopentylmercury compounds

Substituent effects on ¹⁹⁹Hg¹H and ¹⁹⁹Hg¹³C spinspin coupling constants have been studied for neopentylmercury derivatives, (CH₃)₃CCH₂HgR(or X), where R is covalently bonded Me, Et, t-Bu, neopentyl, and vinyl, and X is easily ionizable CN, Br, Cl, OCOCH₃, and ONO₂. Linear relationships exist between the methylene J(¹³CH) and ²J(HgH), ⁴J(HgC) and ²J(HgC) and ³J(HgC); but deviations from linearity occur for the chloride, bromide, acetate, and nitrate in the relationships between ²J(HgH) and ⁴J(HgH), ²J(HGH) and ²J(HGC). These deviations are discussed in terms of hyperconjugative p_πd_π bonding between the methylene CH bonds and mercury.     

NMR chemical shielding and spin–spin coupling constants across hydrogen bonds in uracil–α-hydroxy-N-nitrosamine complexes

One- and two bond spin–spin coupling constants, ¹ J, ^1h J , and ^2h J across X–H?O hydrogen bonds and shielding constants of bridging hydrogens have been computed for complexes formed from interaction between the α-hydroxy-N-nitrosamine (NP) and four preferential binding sites of the uracil (U) at B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p)//MP2/6-311++G(2d,2p) level of theory. All complexes are stabilized by two H_U?O_NP and H_NP?O_U hydrogen bonds. Very good correlations were found between NMR spin–spin coupling constant as well as isotropic shielding constant and the binding energy, H-bond distance, red-shift of vibration frequency, charge transfer energy, and electron density at H-bond critical point.     

A theoretical study of diborenes HLB=BLH for L=CO, NH3, OH2, PH3, SH2, ClH: structures, energies, and spin–spin coupling constants

Ab initio calculations were carried out to investigate the structures, binding energies, bonding, and NMR spin–spin coupling constants of complexes HLB=BLH, for L=CO, NH₃, OH₂, PH₃, SH₂, and ClH. Both B–B and B–H bonds lengthen on complex formation relative to singlet HBBH, and except for L=CO, the B–B bonds are double bonds. The order of stability of the trans isomers correlates with the ordering of ligands in the spectrochemical series of ligand field theory. The trans isomer is always more stable than the corresponding cis. Inverse correlations are found between ¹ J(B–B) and ¹ J(B–H) and the corresponding B–B and B–H distances. For the trans isomers, ¹ J(B–B) appears to be related to the ordering of ligands in the spectrochemical series, while ¹ J(B–H) is related to the protonation energy of the ligand L.     

19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of some trisubstituted metal trifluorophosphine complexes. Examples of [AX3]3 nuclear spin systems

The ¹⁹F NMR spectra of π-allyl-tris(trifluorophosphine)rhodium(I), [A], benzene-tris(trifluorophosphine)chromium(0), [B], and nitrosyl-tris(trifluorophosphine) rhodium(-I), [C], are presented. These are examples of [AX₃]₃ nuclear spin systems (A = phosphorus, X = fluorine). The spectra of [A] and [B] have been completely analysed to afford values of ¹J(PF), ²J(PP′), ³J(PF′) and ⁴J(FF′).     

A polystyrene-supported triflating reagent for the synthesis of aryl triflates

An insoluble polystyrene-supported triflating reagent has been prepared by suspension co-polymerization of N-(4-vinylphenyl)trifluoromethanesulphonimide, styrene and the JandaJel^® cross-linker. This reagent, in the presence of triethylamine, allows for the efficient synthesis of aryl triflates from a wide range of phenols in a process that permits the desired product to be isolated from the reaction mixture in essentially pure form via several filtration and concentration operations. Adding to the utility of this reagent is its ability to be easily recovered, regenerated and reused. Both soluble and insoluble bifunctional polymers containing trialkylamine moieties in addition to triflimide groups were also prepared and examined as triflating reagents. Unfortunately these reagents afforded only modest yields of the desired products in representative reactions.     

Determination of the Mössbauer parameters of rare-earth nitroprussides: Evidence for new light-induced magnetic excited state (LIMES) in nitroprussides

Nitroprussides of the rare-earth elements and some mixed rare-earth-sodium nitroprussides are studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy at ambient and lower temperatures. The high precision Mössbauer measurements reveal fine changes in the electronic configurations of the nitroprusside anions. A small increase of the quadrupole splitting reveals charge polarization effects in the nitroprusside anion caused by the oblate or prolate shape of the rare-earth ion and the lanthanide contraction. Despite the very large magnetic moment of holmium a magnetic phase transition is not observed down to 300 mK. The population of the metastable states SI and SII are evidenced in europium and scandium nitroprussides, and most likely they can be populated in all rare-earth nitroprussides. No distinct correlation between the Mössbauer parameters and the decay temperatures T_c of the metastable states are found. In a very thin surface layer strong color change, which remains stable at room temperature, is detected. A quadrupole doublet with Mössbauer parameters typical for Fe(III), low spin S=1/2 state is related to a new colored photoproduct. The photoproduct is called light-induced magnetic excited state (LIMES) and explained with a photochemical redox reaction, which changes the valence, spin, and magnetic state of 4f-3d bimetallic complexes.     

The stereodynamics of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-1,3,5-oxadiazinane and 1,3,5-tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-1,3,5-triazinane—an experimental and theoretical study

Multinuclear dynamic NMR spectroscopy of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-1,3,5-oxadiazinane (3) revealed the existence of two conformers with differently oriented CF₃ groups with respect to the ring, and two dynamic processes: ring inversion and restricted rotation about the N-S bond. Two transition states connecting the two conformers and corresponding to clockwise and counterclockwise rotations about the N-S bond were found; the calculated activation barriers of about 12 kcal/mol are in excellent agreement with those measured experimentally for the related molecule 1,3,5-tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-1,3,5-triazinane (1). X-ray analysis proved the existence of the symmetric isomer of 3, which is the minor isomer in solutions but the only one in the crystal due to packing effects. The normal Perlin effect (JCH_ax<JCH_eq) was observed for 2(6)-CH₂ in 3, whereas the reversed Perlin effect was found for the 4-CH₂ group in 3 as well as for all CH₂ groups in 1 both experimentally and theoretically. The latter effect in compounds 1, 3, and 1-(methylsulfonyl)-3,5-bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-1,3,5-triazinane (2) can be considered as a genuine reverse Perlin effect since larger values of ¹J_CH are observed for longer C-H bonds.     

The linear relationship between the one-bond spin—spin coupling constants 1JCC and the product of the electronegativities Ex·Ey of substituents at the CC triple bond

The linear equation connecting the one-bond spin–spin coupling constants between carbon nuclei, J_CC, and the product of the electronegativities of substituents at the CC triple bond is derived using a large number of data for variously substituted acetylenes. The equation ¹J_CC = 23.23 E_x·E_y + 15.45 provides a means for estimation of unknown ¹J_CCs and for calculation (and/or verification) of electronegativities of substituents. The equation allows one to estimate a total range of about 350 Hz for ¹J_CCs. The smallest value (30 Hz) is predicted for dicaesium acetylide, Cs₂C₂, and the largest one for difluoroacetylene, F₂C₂ (383 Hz). The electronegativities of tin and lead, which constituted a subject of long-lasting controversy in the literature, calculated using the equation are equal to 1.74 and 1.64, respectively.     

A N NMR study of tautomerism in dimethyl dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-3,6-dicarboxylate

Dimethyl dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-3,6-dicarboxylate can exist either in 1,2- or 1,4-dihydro tautomeric forms. The ¹⁵N NMR spectra of dimethyl dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-3,6-dicarboxylate were measured at the ¹⁵N natural abundance level as well as in ¹⁵N doubly labelled selectively and in ¹⁵N completely labelled compounds (20% ¹⁵N). The J(¹⁵N,¹⁵N) value was determined in ¹⁵N completely labelled compounds (20% ¹⁵N) using 1D ¹⁵N INADEQUATE and was found to be 12.2 ± 0.2 Hz in deuteriochloroform, acetonitrile-d₃, DMSO-d₆ and CD₃OH. Very similar ¹⁵N chemical shifts and ¹J(¹⁵N,¹H) values were also observed in all the solvents. This indicates that compound 1 exists completely in the 1,4-dihydro tautomeric form (i.e., as dimethyl 1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-3,6-dicarboxylate) in all the solvents tested.