Hydrogen Cyanide Exchange on [Al(HCN)6]3+ – A DFT Study

The hydrogen cyanide exchange mechanism of [Al(HCN)₆]³⁺ has been investigated by DFT calculations (B3LYP/6‐311+G**). The calculations provide theoretical evidence that the hydrogen cyanide exchange proceeds via a limiting dissociative (D) mechanism involving a stable five‐coordinate intermediate [Al(HCN)₅ · (HCN)₂]³⁺. The activation energy for the D‐mechanism is 23.4 kcal · mol^–1, which is 2.8 kcal · mol^–1 lower than for the seven‐coordinate transition state [Al(HCN)₇]^3+? for the alternative associative (A) pathway. The difference in stability between the two intermediates [Al(HCN)₅ · (HCN)₂]³⁺ (12.1 kcal · mol^–1) and [Al(HCN)₇]³⁺ (25.7 kcal · mol^–1) in comparison to [Al(HCN)₆ · (HCN)]³⁺ is much more pronounced and further supports a limiting dissociative mechanism.     

Ligand‐Exchange Processes on Solvated Zinc Cations: Water Exchange on [Zn(H2O)4(L)]2+⋅2 H2O (L=Heterocyclic Ligand)

The water‐exchange mechanisms of [Zn(H₂O)₄(L)]²⁺?2 H₂O (L=imidazole, pyrazole, 1,2,4‐triazole, pyridine, 4‐cyanopyridine, 4‐aminopyridine, 2‐azaphosphole, 2‐azafuran, 2‐azathiophene, and 2‐azaselenophene) have been investigated by DFT calculations (RB3LYP/6‐311+G**). The results support limiting associative reaction pathways that involve the formation of six‐coordinate intermediates [Zn(H₂O)₅(L)]²⁺?H₂O. The basicity of the coordinated heterocyclic ligands shows a good correlation with the activation barriers, structural parameters, and stability of the transition and intermediate states.     

Ligand Exchange Processes on Solvated Beryllium Cations V. Water Exchange on [Be(X)(H2O)3]+ (X: H–,F–, Cl–, Br–, OH–, CN–, NCNCN–)‡

The water exchange reaction of Be^II complexes in the series [Be(X)(H₂O)₃]⁺ (X = H^–, F^–, Cl^–, Br^–, OH^–, CN^–, NCNCN^–) was studied by DFT calculations (RB3LYP/6‐311+G**) and identified as an associative interchange mechanism. The influence of X on the activation energies was examined and found to be largely negligible, thus making them all act as spectator ligands. The energies for addition of a fourth water molecule, representing the second coordination sphere, were approximately half of that found for similar dicationic complexes and close to that found for monocationic species like [Li(H₂O)₄]⁺.     

Ligand Exchange Processes on Solvated Beryllium Cations. II [Be(solvent)(12‐Crown‐4)]2+

The solvation and solvent exchange mechanism of [Be(12‐crown‐4)]²⁺ in water and ammonia was studied by DFT calculations (RB3LYP/6‐311+G**). In solution, five‐fold coordinated Be²⁺ species of quadratic pyramidal [Be(H₂O)(12‐crown‐4)]²⁺ and [Be(NH₃)(12‐crown‐4)]²⁺ exist. The water and ammonia exchange reactions follow an associative interchange mechanism, similar to that found for the pure solvent complexes [Be(H₂O)₄]²⁺ and [Be(NH₃)₄]²⁺. The activation barriers are clearly smaller than for the pure solvent complexes, viz. [Be(H₂O)(12‐crown‐4)]²⁺: 6.0 kcal/mol and [Be(NH₃)(12‐crown‐4)]²⁺: 15.3 kcal/mol.     

Ligand Exchange Processes on Solvated Beryllium Cations. IV [Be(H2O)2(imidazole‐based Chelate)]1)

The water exchange reaction of [Be(H₂O)₂(1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylate)] and [Be(H₂O)₂(1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium‐4,5‐dicarboxylate)]⁺ in water was studied by DFT calculations (RB3LYP/6‐311+G**) and identified as an associative interchange mechanism. The activation barriers for [Be(H₂O)₂(1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylate)] (16.6 kcal/mol) and [Be(H₂O)₂(1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium‐4,5‐dicarboxylate)]⁺ (13.8 kcal/mol) are similar to the barrier for [Be(H₂O)₄)]²⁺ and independent of the overall charge. NICS calculations show no indication that the aromaticity of the imidazole ring is affected during the water exchange process.     

Chromium Bis(anthracene‐η6) Complexes – A DFT Study

Chromium bisanthracene‐η⁶ complexes are considered within the framework of density functional theory using LANL2DZ and 6‐31+G(d) basis sets and B3LYP functional. The complexation with both the same types of rings of anthracene decks (AA‐ and BB‐type complexes) and with different rings (AB‐type complex) are considered. The optimized geometries and the associated quantum chemical properties are comparatively discussed for the both types of basis sets used. LANL2DZ basis set yielded some unreasonable results. B3LYP/6‐31+G(d) level of calculations yielded the stability order as AA > BB > AB. IR spectra of AA and BB‐type complexes resemble each other. The C–H frequencies are almost the same for both of the anthracene decks, whereas they differ in the case of AB‐type complex. UV/Vis spectra of the complexes all absorb above 500 nm. AA and AB‐type complexes in contrast to BB‐type display rather complex pattern. The NICS(0) values of various rings in the complexes considered are obtained and discussed.     

Sonochemical Synthesis of a Novel Nanoscale Lead(II) Coordination Polymer: Synthesis,Crystal Structure,Thermal Properties,and DFT Calculations of [Pb(dmp)(μ‐N3)(μ‐NO3)]n with the Novel Pb2(μ‐N3)2(μ‐NO3)2 Unit

A new nanostructured coordination polymer of divalent lead with the ligand 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (dmp), [Pb(dmp)(μ‐N₃)(μ‐NO₃)]_n ( 1 ), was synthesized by sonochemical methods. The polymer was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. Compound 1 was structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The single‐crystal analysis shows that the coordination number of Pb^II ions is seven, (PbN₄O₃) has a “stereo‐chemically active” electron lone pair, and the coordination sphere is hemidirected. The chains interact with each other through π–π stacking interactions to create a 3D framework. The structure of the title complex was optimized by density functional calculations. The calculated structural parameters and the IR spectrum of the title complex are in agreement with the crystal structure.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Azide K4[Re6Sei8(N3)a6]·4H2O; Luminescence,Redox, and DFT Investigations of the [Re6Sei8(N3)a6]4– Cluster Unit

The reaction of K₄[Re₆Seⁱ₈(OH)^a₆] · 8H₂O with NaN₃ in water results in the formation of [Re₆Seⁱ₈(N₃)^a]^4– units that crystallize with K⁺ and H₂O to form K₄[Re₆Seⁱ₈(N₃)^a₆] · 4H₂O [P2₁/c (N°14), a = 9.0595(3) Å, b = 13.2457(4) Å, c = 13.2040(5) Å, β = 94.472(1)°]. In the solid state, the unit is characterized by N₃ linear groups forming bond angles of roughly 120° with the Re₆ cluster. The positions of the ν_as and ν_sy bands as well as N–N–N deformation modes of the N₃ groups are discussed. Luminescence properties of the [Re₆Seⁱ₈(N₃)^a]^4– unit were measured in the solid state and in an acetonitrile solution. The redox potential of the [Re₆Seⁱ₈(N₃)^a]^4–/[Re₆Seⁱ₈(N₃)^a]^3– system was measured in acetonitrile. Experimental results were analyzed in the light of density functional theory calculations.     

μ‐Rhodizonato‐1κO,1:2κO′,2κO′′‐tetra(triphenylphosphine)disilver(I): A Molecular Complex with the [C6O6]2– Ligand Template

The first silver rhodizonate and overall fourth transition metal rhodizonate complex is presented. The title compound shows a so far unobserved coordination mode of the rhodizonate ligand, which is atypically distorted from planarity. The structure discussion is accompanied by a thorough literature review of the hitherto structurally characterized rhodizonate salts and complexes.     

DFT Calculations of the Molecular Force Field of Vanadyl Nitrate,VO(NO3)3

A structural and vibrational theoretical study for vanadyl nitrate was carried out. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) has been used to study vibrational properties. The structures were fully optimized at the B3LYP/6‐31G*, B3LYP/6‐311G*, and B3LYP/6‐311+G* levels of theory and the harmonic vibrational frequencies were evaluated at the same level. The calculated harmonic vibrational frequencies for vanadyl nitrate are consistent with their experimental IR and Raman spectra in gas and liquid phases. Through these calculations a precise knowledge of the normal modes of vibration was obtained, considering the coordination mode adopted by the nitrate group in the mirror plane as monodentate and bidentate. A total assignment of the observed bands in the vibrational spectra for vanadyl nitrate is proposed in this work. The nature of the V–O and V ← O bonds in the compound was systematically and quantitatively investigated by means of the Natural Bond Order (NBO) analysis. The topological properties of the electronic charge density were analyzed employing Bader's Atoms in Molecules theory (AIM).     

Reactions of Distibanes with [Fe2(CO)9]: Synthesis,Structure and DFT Calculations of [(Et2Sb)4Fe4(CO)14], [(nPr2Sb)4Fe3(CO)10], [{(Me3SiCH2)2Sb}4Fe2(CO)6], and [2‐(Me2NCH2)C6H4SbFe2(CO)8]

The iron complexes [(Et₂Sb)₄Fe₄(CO)₁₄] ( 1 ), [(nPr₂Sb)₄Fe₃(CO)₁₀] ( 2 ), [{(Me₃SiCH₂)₂Sb}₄Fe₂(CO)₆] ( 3 ), and [2‐(Me₂NCH₂)C₆H₄SbFe₂(CO)₈] ( 4 ) were prepared by reactions of distibanes with Fe₂(CO)₉. Compounds 1 – 4 were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, ¹H NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry; complex 1 was additionally characterized by density functional calculations.     

Darstellung und Strukturen neuartiger Triphenylsilylund Triphenylgermyl‐substituierter Gallane und Oligogallane – [Ga3(GePh3)6]–, das erste lineare Trigallan

Chemistry of Gallium. 20. Synthesis and Structures of Novel Triphenylsilyl and Triphenylgermyl Substituted Gallanes and Oligogallanes – [Ga₃(GePh₃)₆]^–, the First Linear Trigallane From the raction of sonochemically prepared “GaI” with LiEPh₃ (E = Si, Ge) the compounds [Li(THF)₂][GaI(EPh₃)₃] (E = Si: 22 , E = Ge: 24 ), [Li(THF)₄][GaI(SiPh₃)₃] ( 23 ), [Li(THF)₄][Ga₂(SiPh₃)₅] ( 21 ) and [Li(THF)₄][Ga₃(GePh₃)₆] ( 25 ) as well as polymeric Li(THF)I ( 20 ) were obtained and structurally characterized. 21 is a monoanionic digallane, exhibiting a trigonal planar and a tetrahedrally coordinated gallium centre. 25 has a linear Ga₃ core, where the terminal gallium atoms bear three GePh₃‐groups, each. The central Ga atom is only 2‐coordinated. Thus, 25 may be a valuable hint to the formation of larger gallium clusters with “naked” gallium atoms. Derivatives of 21 and 25 have been studied by DFT methods.     

The Distorted Structure of [Au(GeCl3)3]2–

It is well known that [Au(PR₃)₃]⁺ compounds (R any organic ligand) adopt a trigonal planar AuP₃ arrangement, small distortions being only due to steric repulsion between the ligands R. This is supported by relativistic MP2 geometry optimizations for the free gas phase species which yield the ideal trigonal planar AuP₃ structure for the model compound [Au(PH₃)₃]⁺. Model calculations on the recently synthesized compound [Au(GeCl₃)₃]^2– which is isoelectronic to [Au(PR₃)₃]⁺ also reveal a trigonal planar AuGe₃ structure. However, the recently determined X‐ray structure of [Au₂(dppm)₂][Au(GeCl₃)₃] shows a T‐shaped AuGe₃ arrangement. We demonstrate that this distortion is caused by solid state effects, that is the influence of the counter cations are necessary in order to obtain the observed symmetry breaking. However, unlike AuF₃ which has recently been determined by electron diffraction to be T‐shaped in the gas phase caused by a first‐order Jahn‐Teller effect, this distortion cannot be so easily rationalized by a similar AuGe₃ Jahn‐Teller effect along the e′ distortion mode. Model calculations on Na₂[Au(GeCl₃)₃] show that the strong Coulomb interaction between the negatively charged chlorine atoms and the Na⁺ ions leads to a distortion from a trigonal planar to the T‐shaped AuGe₃ arrangement lowering the energy by 137 kJ mol^–1.     

Syntheses,Crystal Structures and Thermal Behavior of Five New Complexes Containing 2, 4, 6‐Trifluorobenzoate as Ligand

Five new complexes containing 2, 4, 6‐trifluorobenzoateas ligand have been synthesized and structurally characterized, namely Li(C₆F₃H₂COO)(H₂O) (P2₁, Z = 2, 1 ),Cs(C₆F₃H₂COO)(C₆F₃H₂COOH) (P2₁/c, Z = 4, 2 ),Cu(C₆F₃H₂COO)₂(H₂O)₂ (P$\bar{1}$ , Z = 1, 3 ), Cu(C₆F₃H₂COO)₂(MeOH) (P2₁/c. Z = 4, 4 ) and Ag(C₆F₃H₂COO)(H₂O) (C2/c, Z = 8, 5 ). 1 – 3 and 5 are coordination polymers forming strands ( 1 , 3 , 5 ) or corrugated layers ( 2 ). In 1 and 2 the benzoate ligand acts as a bridging ligand, whereas in 3 and 5 the benzoate ligand is not bridging and the molecular units are interconnected by bridging water molecules. In 4 and 5, dimeric Cu₂ and Ag₂ units, respectively, are formed with short M ··· M contacts. The dimeric units in 4 resemble the well‐known paddlewheel structural motif. In 5 these dimeric units are further connected by bridging water molecules, whereas in 4 only very weak F ··· H interactions connect the dimeric units. DTA/TG experiments on 1 , 3 and 4 reveal that in a first step solvent molecules (H₂O, MeOH) are unquestionably released. In 1 – 5 the torsion angles of the carboxylate group with respect to the aromatic ring deviate significantly from zero. These results are in very good agreement with the results of quantum chemical calculations of free 2, 4, 6‐trifluorobenzoic acid and its dimer at the DFT and RI‐MP2 level of theory.     

Water exchange rates and mechanisms in tetrahedral [Be(H2O)4]2+ and [Li(H2O)4]+ complexes using DFT methods and cluster‐continuum models

The water exchange reactions in aquated Li⁺ and Be²⁺ ions were investigated with density functional theory calculations performed using the [Li(H₂O)₄]⁺·14H₂O and [Be(H₂O)₄]²⁺·8H₂O systems and a cluster‐continuum approach. A range of commonly used functionals predict water exchange rates several orders of magnitude lower than the experimental ones. This effect is attributed to the overstabilization of coordination number four by these functionals with respect to the five‐coordinated transition states responsible for the associative ( A ) or associative interchange ( I_a ) water exchange mechanisms. However, the M06 and M062X functionals provide results in good agreement with the experimental data: M062X/TZVP calculations yield a concerted I_a mechanism for the water exchange in [Be(H₂O)₄]²⁺·8H₂O that gives an average residence time of water molecules in the first coordination sphere of 260 μs. For [Li(H₂O)₄]⁺·14H₂O the water exchange reaction is predicted to follow an A mechanism with a residence time of inner‐sphere water molecules of 25 ps.     

Mixed‐Ligand Complexes of Zinc(II) with α‐Hydroxycarboxylates and Aromatic N‐N Donor Ligands: Synthesis,Crystal Structures and Effect of Weak Interactions on their Crystal Packing

Several new two‐ligand complexes of zinc(II) with the aromatic N, N‐donor ligands 2, 2′‐bipyridine or 1, 10‐phenanthroline and one of three different α‐hydroxycarboxylates (HL′) derived of the α‐hydroxycarboxylic acids (H₂L′) (2‐methyllactic, H₂mL; mandelic, H₂M or benzilic, H₂B) were prepared. The compounds of formula [Zn(HL′)₂(NN)]·nH₂O (HL′ = HM, HB) were isolated as white powders and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The complexes of general formula [Zn(HL′)(NN)₂](HL′)·nH₂O (HL′ = HmL, HM) and [Zn(HB)₂(NN)₂], were obtained as single crystals and were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and X‐ray diffractometry. In all cases, the zinc atom is in a distorted octahedral environment. In [Zn(HL′)(NN)₂](HL′)·nH₂O the α‐hydroxycarboxylato ligands behave as bidentate chelating monoanion and an α‐hydroxycarboxylate as counterion is also present. In [Zn(HB)₂(NN)₂], the monoanionic benzilato ligand behaves as monodentate through one oxygen atom of the carboxylate function. The effect of the classical and no‐classical hydrogen bonding and of the π‐π and C‐H…π interactions in the 3D supramolecular arrangement of these molecular complexes is analyzed.     

Two 2D Metal‐organic Networks Based on a Rigid Imidazolate/Sulfonate Functionalized Ligand – Effect of the Coordination Modes of the Ligand on Crystal Structures

A rigid imidazolate/sulfonate functionalized ligand, 6‐(4‐sulfonatopheny)imidazo[4, 5‐f]isoindole‐5, 7‐dione (SPID) was designed and used for assembling reactions with Mn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions. Two 2D frameworks compounds, [Mn(H_‐1SPID)₂(DMAC)₂] ( 1 ) and [Cu(H_‐2SPID)(H₂O)₂] · 0.7DMAC · 0.3H₂O ( 2 ) (DMAC = N,N‐dimethylacetamide) were obtained. Single crystal X‐ray analyses show that 1 has a 2D (4, 4)‐net based on 4‐connected Mn²⁺ nodes and μ₂‐coordinated H_‐1SPID spacers, whereas compound 2 has a 2D (6, 3)‐net built of 3‐connected Cu²⁺ nodes and μ₃‐coordinated H_‐2SPID spacers. Additionally, the thermal behavior of 1 and 2 is presented.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Tetrahedral Zinc(II) Complexes with 3, 6,7‐Triamino‐7H‐[1, 2,4]triazolo[4, 3‐b][1, 2,4]triazole as Nitrogen‐Rich Ligand

Triaminotriazolotriazole (TATOT) was used as a nitrogen‐rich ligand for the formation of the energetic Zn^II complexes [ZnCl₂(TATOT)₂] · H₂O ( 2 ), [Zn(H₂O)(TATOT)₃](NO₃)₂ · 2H₂O ( 3 ), and [Zn(TATOT)₄](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O ( 4 ). The zinc species were prepared in a straightforward and inexpensive synthesis. The complexes 2 – 4 were structurally characterized using X‐ray diffraction. Additionally, the compounds were characterized using elemental analysis and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Finally, the sensitivities toward thermal and mechanical stimuli were determined by differential thermal analysis (DTA) and BAM (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und ‐prüfung) methods.     

Zinc(II) and Mercury(II) Complexes of Pyrazole‐Based NNN‐Type Ligands: Syntheses,X‐ray Structures,Thermal Analyses and DFT Studies

Monomeric zinc(II) and mercury(II) complexes containing tripodal nitrogen donor ligand 2,6‐bis(3,4,5‐trimethyl‐N‐pyrazolyl)pyridine (btmpp) were synthesized, and characterized by elemental and spectroscopic (IR, UV/Vis) analyses, TG‐DTA and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. X‐ray analyses of the complexes [Zn(btmpp)Cl₂] ( 2 ) and [Hg(btmpp)(SCN)₂] ( 3 ) showed that both structures crystallize in space group P2₁/c with a = 7.9722(6), b = 18.3084(13), c = 13.3117(9) Å and Z = 4 for 2 and a = 8.7830(3), b = 21.1489(7), c = 12.0682(4) Å and Z = 4 for 3 . Both monomeric units contain pentacoordinate metal ions in distorted square‐pyramidal arrangement. The structures of complexes 2 and 3 were also computed with DFT methods at B3LYP/LanL2DZ level and are in good agreement with the experimental values obtained from X‐ray analysis. The NPa charge distributions, HOMO–LUMO gaps, and dipole moments for 1 , 2 , and 3 were also reported. Natural bond orbital analyses were performed to reveal local charges and charge transfers in 1 , 2 , and 3 .