Theoretical studies of uracil–(H2O)n (n = 1–7) clusters by ab initio and ABEEMσπ/MM fluctuating charge model

Uracil–(H₂O)_n (n = 1–7) clusters were systemically investigated by ab initio methods and the newly constructed ABEEMσπ/MM fluctuating charge model. Water molecules have been gradually placed in an average plane containing uracil. The geometries of 38 uracil–water complexes were obtained using B3LYP/6-311++G** level optimizations, and the energies were determined at the MP2/6-311++G** level with BSSE corrections. The ABEEMσπ/MM potential model gives reasonable properties of these clusters when comparing with the present ab initio data. For interaction energies, the root mean square deviation is 0.96 kcal/mol, and the linear coefficient reaches 0.997. Furthermore, the ABEEMσπ charges changed when H₂O interacted with the uracil molecule, especially at the sites where the hydrogen bond form. These results show that the ABEEMσπ/MM model is fine giving the overall characteristic hydration properties of uracil–water systems in good agreement with the high-level ab initio calculations.     

Microcalorimetric titration of a tetra-p-sulphonated calix[4]arene with α,ω-alkyl diammonium ions in an aqueous solution

25,26,27,28-Tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene-5,11,17,23-tetrasulphonate was in a heat-conduction calorimeter titrated with α,ω-alkyl diammonium ions, n=(3–7), in an aqueous solution at pH 7.1. Apparent concentration binding constants (K_c) and enthalpy changes are reported for a 1 : 1 binding model at minimized concentration ranges. The standard Gibbs energy change, ΔG⁰=−RTln K_c, has a non-linear dependence of the alkyl chain length, n. The interaction is strongest at n≥5. A similar trend is observed for the enthalpy change. However, the fit of the experimental data to the 1 : 1 model was quite poor and neither 1 : 2 nor 2 : 1 models gave any further improvement. Concentration-dependent results were also obtained. It is therefore concluded that the interaction observed is more complex.     

Six-coordinate organotin(IV) complexes formed using the Kläui ligands; [CpCo{P(OR′)2O}3]SnR3 − nCln

The complexes [CpCo{P(OR′)₂O}₃]SnR_3 − nCl_n [R′ = Me, Et; R = Ph, Me] are readily prepared from the corresponding organotin chloride and the sodium salt of the Kläui ligands. The X-ray crystal structures of the full series are reported for R = Ph, n = 0-3, and these show that they are all six-coordinate, including the Ph₃Sn derivative which is the first example of a SnC₃O₃ coordination sphere. ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectra are reported, and interpreted in terms of significant second-order effects and fluxional processes.     

Neutron diffraction study of the β′ and γ phases of LiFeO2

The β, β′, γ and α phases of LiFeO₂, synthesized as powders, were annealed at different temperatures and characterized by X-ray measurements. The β′ and γ modifications were also studied by time-of-flight neutron diffraction (ISIS Facility, UK). The structure of the β′ phase was refined in the monoclinic C2/c space group (a=8.566(1), b=11.574(2), c=5.1970(5) Å, β=146.064(5)°) to wR_p=0.071–0.080 (data from four counter banks). Fe and Li atoms are ordered over two of the four independent sites, and partially disordered over the other two. The ordered Li has a distorted tetrahedral coordination. The γ structure was refined at RT (a=4.047(1), c=8.746(2) Å) and at 570 °C (a=4.082(3), c=8.822(6) Å) in the I4₁/amd symmetry, showing full order with Li in octahedral coordination at RT, and in a split-atom configuration at high temperature. On annealing, the β′ polymorph was found to transform to γ at 550 °C, thus suggesting that it is a metastable phase. Electrostatics is discussed as the driving force for the α→β′→γ ordering process of LiFeO₂.     

Tunneled Intergrowth Structures in the Ga2O3–In2O3–SnO2 System

The structures of several Ga₂O₃–In₂O₃–SnO₂ phases were investigated using high-resolution electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Rietveld analysis of time-of-flight neutron diffraction data. The phases, expressed as Ga_4−4xIn_4xSn_n−4O_2n−2 (n=6 and 7–17, odd), are intergrowths between the β-gallia structure of (Ga,In)₂O₃ and the rutile structure of SnO₂. Samples prepared with n≥9 crystallize in C2/m and are isostructural with intergrowths in the Ga₂O₃–TiO₂ system. Samples prepared with n=6 and n=7 are members of an alternative intergrowth series that crystallizes in P2/m. Both intergrowth series are similar in that their members possess 1-D tunnels along the b axis. The difference between the two series is described in terms of different crystallographic shear plane operations (CSP) on the parent rutile structure.     

Formation of mixed aryl–, alkyl–lithium aggregates in the heteroatom assisted lithiation of α,α′-dialkyl substituted 1,3-bis[(dimethylamino)methyl]benzene

The heteroatom assisted lithiation of 1,3-bis[1-(dimethylamino)ethyl]benzene with n-BuLi afforded 2,6-bis[1-(dimethylamino)ethyl]phenyllithium. An X-ray crystal structure determination revealed a dimeric aggregate in which the four benzylic chiral centers are identical, pointing to stereoselective crystallization. In contrast, reaction of 1,3-bis[1-(dimethylamino)propyl]benzene with n-BuLi afforded a dimeric aggregate comprising the parent lithiated compound and n-BuLi in a 1:1 molar ratio. The four Li atoms and the four bridging carbon atoms are arranged in a unique ladder-type C–Li₂–C₂′–Li₂–C framework.     

Structure–composition sensitivity in “Metallic” Zintl phases: A study of Eu(Ga1−xTtx)2 (Tt=Si, Ge, 0≤x≤1)

Two isoelectronic series, Eu(Ga_1−xTt_x)₂ (Tt=Si, Ge, 0≤x≤1), have been synthesized and characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, physical property measurements, and electronic structure calculations. In Eu(Ga_1−xSi_x)₂, crystal structures vary from the KHg₂-type to the AlB₂-type, and, finally, the ThSi₂-type structure as x increases. The hexagonal AlB₂-type structure is identified for compositions 0.18(2)≤x<0.70(2) with Ga and Si atoms statistically distributed in the polyanionic 6³ nets. As smaller Si atoms replace Ga atoms while the number of valence electrons increases, the lattice parameters, unit cell volumes, and Ga–Si distances in this phase region decrease significantly. Although aspects of X-ray diffraction results suggest puckering of the 6³ nets for the Si-richest example of the AlB₂-type Eu(Ga_1−xSi_x)₂, the complete experimental evidence remains inconclusive. On the other hand, in Eu(Ga_1−xGe_x)₂, six different structural types were observed as x varies. In addition to EuGa₂ (KHg₂-type; space group Imma) and EuGe₂ (own structure type, space group P3¯m1), the ternary phases studied show four different structures: the AlB₂-type for Ga-rich compositions; the YPtAs-type structure for EuGaGe; and two new structures, which are intergrowths of the YPtAs-type EuGaGe and EuGe₂, for Ge-rich compositions. These two Ge-rich phases include: (1) Eu(Ga_0.45(2)Ge_0.55(2))₂ containing two YPtAs-type motifs of EuGaGe plus one EuGe₂ motif; and (2) Eu(Ga_0.40(2)Ge_0.60(2))₂ containing one YPtAs-type motif alternating with a split site at and z=0.4798(2) with ca. 50% site occupancy by Ga and Ge along the c-axis. Magnetic susceptibilities of three Eu(Ga_1−xGe_x)₂ compounds display Curie–Weiss behavior above ca. 100 K, and show effective magnetic moments indicative of divalent Eu with a 4f⁷ electronic configuration, consistent with. X-ray absorption spectra (XAS). Density of states (DOS) and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) analyses, based on first principles electronic structure calculations, rationalize the observed homogeneity ranges of the AlB₂-type phases in both systems and the structural variations as a function of Tt content.     

Blue-shifted hydrogen-bonded complexes. II. CH3F(HF)1 n 3 and CH2F2(HF)1 n 3

The equilibrium structures, binding energies, and vibrational spectra of the clusters CH₃F(HF)_{1 n 3} and CH₂F₂(HF)_{1 n 3} have been investigated with the aid of large-scale ab initio calculations performed at the Møller–Plesset second-order level. In all complexes, a strong C–FH–F halogen–hydrogen bond is formed. For the cases n = 2 and n = 3, blue-shifting C–HF–H hydrogen bonds are formed additionally. Blue shifts are, however, encountered for all C–H stretching vibrations of the fluoromethanes in all complexes, whether they take part in a hydrogen bond or not, in particular also for n = 1. For the case n = 3, blue shifts of the ν(C–H) stretching vibrational modes larger than 50 cm⁻¹ are predicted. As with the previously treated case of CHF₃(HF)_{1 n 3} complexes (A. Karpfen, E. S. Kryachko, J. Phys. Chem. A 107 (2003) 9724), the typical blue-shifting properties are to a large degree determined by the presence of a strong C–FH–F halogen–hydrogen bond. Therefore, the term blue-shifted appears more appropriate for this class of complexes. Stretching the C–F bond of a fluoromethane by forming a halogen–hydrogen bond causes a shortening of all C–H bonds. The shortening of the C–H bonds is proportional to the stretching of the C–F bond.     

Lithiated γ-O-functionalized propyl phenyl sulfides and sulfones of the type Li[CH(SOxPh)CH2CH2OR] (x = 0, 2). [Li{CH(SPh)CH2CH2Ot-Bu}(tmeda)] – A structurally characterized organolithium inner complex

Lithiation of O-functionalized alkyl phenyl sulfides PhSCH₂CH₂CH₂OR (R = Me, 1a; i-Pr, 1b; t-Bu, 1c; CPh₃, 1d) with n-BuLi/tmeda in n-pentane resulted in the formation of α- and ortho-lithiated compounds [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR}(tmeda)] (α-2a–d) and [Li{o-C₆H₄SCH₂CH₂CH₂OR)(tmeda)] (o-2a–d), respectively, which has been proved by subsequent reaction with n-Bu₃SnCl yielding the requisite stannylated γ-OR-functionalized propyl phenyl sulfides n-Bu₃SnCH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR (α-3a–d) and n-Bu₃Sn(o-C₆H₄SCH₂CH₂CH₂OR) (o-3a–d). The α/ortho ratios were found to be dependent on the sterical demand of the substituent R. Stannylated alkyl phenyl sulfides α-3a–c were found to react with n-BuLi/tmeda and n-BuLi yielding the pure α-lithiated compounds α-2a–c and [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR}] (α-4a–b), respectively, as white to yellowish powders. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂Ot-Bu}(tmeda)] (α-2c) exhibited a distorted tetrahedral coordination of lithium having a chelating tmeda ligand and a C,O coordinated organyl ligand. Thus, α-2c is a typical organolithium inner complex.Lithiation of O-functionalized alkyl phenyl sulfones PhSO₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OR (R = Me, 5a; i-Pr, 5b; CPh₃, 5c) with n-BuLi resulted in the exclusive formation of the α-lithiated products Li[CH(SO₂Ph)CH₂CH₂OR] (6a–c) that were found to react with n-Bu₃SnCl yielding the requisite α-stannylated compounds n-Bu₃SnCH(SO₂Ph)CH₂CH₂OR (7a–c). The identities of all lithium and tin compounds have been unambiguously proved by NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn).     

Fe–Hg Interactions and P Chemical Shifts in [Fe(CO)3 (PPh2R)2(HgCl2)] (R=pym, fur, py, thi)

In order to study the effects of R group on Fe–Hg interactions and 31P chemical shifts, the structures of mononuclear complexes Fe(CO)₃(PPh₂R)₂ (R=pym:1, fur: 2, py: 3,thi: 4; pym=pyrimidine, fur=furyl, py=pyridine, thi=thiazole) and binuclear complexes [Fe(CO)₃(PPh₂R)₂(HgCl₂)] (R=pym: 5, fur: 6, py: 7, thi: 8) were studied using the density functional theory (DFT) PBE0 method. The 31P chemical shifts were calculated by PBE0-GIAO method. Nature bond orbital (NBO) analyses were also performed to explain the nature of the Fe–Hg interactions. The conclusions can be drawn as follows: (1) The complexes with nitrogen donor atoms are more stable than those with O or S atoms. The more N atoms there are, the higher is the stabilility of the complex. (2) The Fe–Hg interactions play a dominant role in the stabilities of the complexes. In 5 or 6, thereisa σ-bond between Fe and Hg atoms. However, in 7 and 8, the Fe–Hg interactions act as σ_P–Fe→n_Hg and σ_C–Fe→n_Hg delocalization. (3) Through Fe→Hg interactions, there is charge transfer from R groups towards the P, Fe, and Hg atoms, which increases the electron density on P nucleus in binuclear complexes. As a result, compared with their mononuclear complexes, the 31P chemical shifts in binuclear complexes show some reduction.     

Orthorhombic–orthorhombic phase transitions in Nd2NiO4+δ (0.067≤δ≤0.224)

Variation of the phases of Nd₂NiO_4+δ with the excess oxygen concentration δ has been examined at room temperature in the range 0.067≤δ≤0.224 using the X-ray powder diffraction technique. The phases observed at room temperature are orthorhombic-I (0.21<δ≤0.224), orthorhombic-IV (0.175<δ≤0.21), orthorhombic-II (0.15<δ≤0.175), orthorhombic-II+quasi-tetragonal-I (0.10<δ≤0.15), and quasi-tetragonal-I (0.067<δ≤0.10).     

Theoretical study of [Hg3(o-C6F4)3]n · {benzene} (n = 1, 2) complexes

The electronic structure and spectroscopic properties of [Hg₃(o-C₆F₄)₃]_n · {benzene} (n = 1, 2) were studied at the HF, MP2 and PBE levels. The interaction between [Hg₃(o-C₆F₄)₃] and benzene at the HF and MP2 levels was analyzed. Secondary π-interactions (Hg–benzene) were found to be the main contribution short-range stability in the [Hg₃(o-C₆F₄)₃] · {benzene} complex. At the MP2 and PBE levels equilibrium Hg–C distances of 338.4 and 361.4 pm; and interaction energies of 46.6 and 29.2 kJ/mol were found, respectively. The absorption spectra of these complexes were calculated by the single excitation time-dependent method at PBE level.     

New complex oxides of the A3n+3mA′nB3m+nO9m+6n family: Ba6A′Mn4O15 (A′=Mg, Ni)

Complex oxides Ba₆AMn₄O₁₅, where A=Mg (I) and Ni (II), belonging to the homologous series A_3n+3mA′_nB_3m+nO_9m+6n (n=1, m=1) were obtained by solid state reaction method from Ba carbonate and oxides MgO, NiO, MnO₂. Both new oxides are incommensurate. Their crystal structures were interpreted as composite ones with two subcells: a=10.042(3) Å, c₁=4.318(2) Å, c₂=2.565(1) Å, c₁/c₂=1.6834 for (I) and a=10.044(3) Å, c₁=4.308(2) Å, c₂=2.551(1) Å, c₁/c₂=1.6887 for (II). Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the range 2–850 K revealed antiferromagnetic correlations in Ba₆MgMn₄O₁₅ (T_N=7 K) and a pseudo-square-planar environment of some Ni²⁺ cations in Ba₆NiMn₄O₁₅.     

Multiple-scattering approach to Sn L3-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analyses for organic tin compounds

We apply multiple-scattering calculations to the analyses of Sn L₃-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra for environmental organotin compounds such as SnCl_4−nMe_n, SnCl_4−nBt_n, and SnCl_4−nPh_n (n = 0–4) where Me = CH₃, Bt = C₄H₉, and Ph = C₆H₅. The XANES peak at 3960 eV has rich information on the local structure. Referring to the optimized structures by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, multiple-scattering calculations well explain the observed spectral changes for different “organic extents”. The present study also supports the widely-used semiempirical rule called ‘Natoli’s rule’ for these environmental compounds, which will be useful to use XANES spectra for the practical analytical tools.     

Large optical Kerr effect in bulk GeSe2–In2Se3–CsI chalcohalide glasses

Third-order nonlinear optical properties of GeSe₂–In₂Se₃–CsI chalcogenide bulk glasses are studied by Standard pico-second (ps) time-resolved optical Kerr effect (OKE) technique. The obtained χ⁽³⁾ and n₂ at 1064 nm of the glass 72.25GeSe₂–23.75In₂Se₃–5CsI are as large as 10.07 × 10⁻¹² esu and 6.5 × 10⁻¹⁸ m²/W, respectively, more than twice that of As₂S₃ glass. The relationship between glass compositions and the third-order nonlinear optical responses was analyzed by Raman spectra in terms of structural evolution. It is suggested that the tetrahedral units ([GeSe₄] and [InSe₄]) play an important role in the ultrafast third-order nonlinear optical responses of these chalcohalide glasses.     

Structures, vibrational frequencies, and electron affinities of SF5On/SF5On (n = 1–3)

The molecular structures, vibrational frequencies, and electron affinities of the SF₅O_n/SF₅O_n⁻ (n = 1–3) species have been examined with four hybrid density functional theory (DFT) methods. The basis set used in this work is of double-ζ plus polarization quality with additional diffuse s- and p-type functions, denoted DZP++. The geometries are fully optimized with each DFT method independently. The SF₅O_n (n = 1–3) species should be potential greenhouse gases. The anion SF₅O₂⁻ with C_s symmetry has a ³A″ electronic state, and the neutral SF₅O₃ with ²A″ electronic state has C_s symmetry. The anions SF₅O₂⁻ and SF₅O₃⁻ should be regarded as SF₅⁻·O₂ and SF₅O⁻·O₂ complexes, respectively. Three different types of the neutral–anion energy separation presented in this work are the adiabatic electron affinity (EA_ad), the vertical electron affinity (EA_vert), and the vertical detachment energy (VDE). The EA_ad values predicted by the B3PW91 method are 5.22 (SF₅O), 4.38 (SF₅O₂), and 3.61 eV (SF₅O₃). Compared with the experimental vibrational frequencies, the BHLYP method overestimates the frequencies, and the other three methods underestimate the frequencies. The bond dissociation energies D_e (SF₅O_n → SF₅O_n−m + O_m) for the neutrals SF₅O_n and D_e (SF₅O_n⁻ → SF₅O_n−m⁻ + O_m and SF₅O_n⁻ → SF₅O_n−m + O_m⁻) for the anions SF₅O_n⁻ are reported.     

Self‐Assembly of Dialkyltin Moieties and Mercaptobenzoic Acid into Macrocyclic Complexes with Hydrophobic “Pseudo‐Cage” or Double‐Cavity Structures: Supramolecular Infrastructures Involving Intermolecular C?H⋅⋅⋅S Weak Hydrogen Bonds and π–π Interactions

Four novel organotin complexes of two types—[R₂Sn(o‐SC₆H₄CO₂)]₆ (R=Me, 1 ?H₂O; nBu, 2 ) and {[R₂Sn(m‐CO₂C₆H₄S)R₂Sn(m‐SC₆H₄CO₂)SnR₂]O}₂ (R=Me, 3 ; nBu, 4 )—have been prepared by treatment of o‐ or m‐mercaptobenzoic acid and the corresponding R₂SnCl₂ (R=Me, nBu) with sodium ethoxide in ethanol (95 %). All the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn) spectroscopy, TGA, and X‐ray crystallography diffraction analysis. The molecular structure analyses reveal that both 1 and 2 are hexanuclear macrocycles with hydrophobic “pseudo‐cage” structures, while 3 and 4 are hexanuclear macrocycles with double‐cavity structures. Furthermore, the supramolecular structure analyses show that looser and more intriguing supramolecular infrastructures were also found in complexes 1 – 4 , which exist either as one‐dimensional chains of rings or as two‐dimensional networks assembled from the organometallic subunits through intermolecular C? H???S weak hydrogen bonds (WHBs) and π–π interactions.     

Synthesis, characterization and comparison of group 14 pyrrolides and indolides Ph3MX (M = Si, Ge, Sn; X = C4H4N, C8H6N)

The biologically important heterocycles pyrrole, C₄H₄N, and indole, C₈H₆N, ought to be useful as reagents in organic synthesis. Unfortunately, working with them has proved to be difficult because they tend to self-polymerize in solution, especially in the presence of acid catalysts. When the self-polymerization can be controlled, however, the pyrrole and indole units should provide an important route to selective N-metal binding, particularly when these ligands are activated by alkyl-lithium reagents. Using this approach, a general synthesis of the group 14 pyrrolides and indolides, Ph₃MX (M = Si, Ge, Sn; X = C₄H₄N, C₈H₆N), has been developed and the results are reported here. The compounds are formed as high-melting, white crystalline solids and have been characterized by ¹³C-, ²⁹Si- and ¹¹⁹Sn-NMR, Raman and electron-impact mass spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. A single-crystal X-ray study of Ph₃Si(C₄H₄N) has shown that the compound is disordered in the tetragonal lattice, even at low temperature (100 K).     

Thermodynamic Quantities and Defect Structure of La0.6Sr0.4Co1−yFeyO3−δ(y=0–0.6) from High-Temperature Coulometric Titration Experiments

The partial energies and entropies of O₂in perovskite-type oxides La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_1−yFe_yO_3−δ(y=0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.4, 0.6) were determined as a function of nonstoichiometryδby coulometric titration of oxygen in the temperature range 650–950°C. An absolute reference value ofδwas obtained by thermogravimetry in air. The nonstoichiometry at a given oxygen pressure and temperature decreases with iron contenty. At low nonstoichiometries the oxygen chemical potential decreases withδ. The observed behavior can be interpreted by assuming random distribution of oxygen vacancies, an electronic structure with both localized donor states on Fe, and a partially filled itinerant electron band, of which the density of states at the Fermi level scales with the Co content. The energy of the Fe states is close to the energy at the Fermi level in the conduction band. The observed trends of the thermodynamic quantities can be interpreted in terms of the itinerant electron model only when the iron content is small. At high values ofδthe chemical potential of O₂becomes constant, indicating partial decomposition of the perovskite phase. The maximum value ofδat which the compositions are single-phase increases with temperature.     

(π-Cyclopentenyl)(π-cyclopentadienyl)nickel: A novel catalyst for the conversion of ethylene to 1-butene and n-hexenes

(π-Cyclopentenyl)(π-cyclopentadienyl)nickel, (h⁵-C₅H₅)Ni(h³-C₅H₇), is a novel, highly active, unicomponent catalyst for the conversion of ethylene to n-butenes and n-hexenes at 145–150° C. At high conversions of ethylene (70–90%), the dimeric product (80–86% yield) contains a high percentage (90–82%) of 1-butene. Experimental evidence is presented which strongly indicates that the cyclopentadienyl group remains bonded to the nickel during catalysis while the cyclopentenyl group is labile. A possible mode of activation is the reversible elimination of cyclopentadiene from (h⁵-C₅H₅)N₁(h³-C₅H₇) to generate π-cyclo pentadienylnickel hydride as a catalytically active intermediate. An improved synthesis of the title compound (70% yield) by direct hydrogenation of nickelocene is also reported.