Comparison of one‐parameter and linearly scaled one‐parameter double‐hybrid density functionals for noncovalent interactions

We have compared the performances of the one‐parameter and linearly scaled one‐parameter double‐hybrid density functionals (1DH‐DFs and LS1DH‐DFs) for noncovalent interactions. The only one parameter related to the Hartree–Fock (HF) exchange for each of the tested 1DH‐DFs and LS1DH‐DFs has been fitted with the well‐designed S66 database. The obtained DHDFs are dubbed as 1DH‐PBE‐NC, LS1DH‐PBE‐NC, 1DH‐TPSS‐NC, LS1DH‐TPSS‐NC, 1DH‐PWB95‐NC, and LS1DH‐PWB95‐NC, where “NC” denotes noncovalent interactions. With a specific combination of exchange and correlation functionals, the dependent parameters related to the nonlocal second‐order perturbative energies are nearly identical for the 1DH and LS1DH models. According to our benchmark computations against the S66, S22B, NCCE31, ADIM6, and L7 databases, we suggest that the 1DH‐PWB95‐NC and LS1DH‐PWB95‐NC functionals are much more suitable for evaluating noncovalent interaction energies. Unlike the versatile DHDFs with dispersion corrections for general purpose, our optimized 1DH‐DFs and LS1DH‐DFs only aim at noncovalent interactions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Communication: A global hybrid generalized gradient approximation to the exchange-correlation functional that satisfies the second-order density-gradient constraint and has broad applicability in chemistry

We extend our recent SOGGA11 approximation to the exchange-correlation functional to include a percentage of Hartree-Fock exchange. The new functional, called SOGGA11-X, has better overall performance for a broad chemical database than any previously available global hybrid generalized gradient approximation, and in addition it satisfies an extra physical constraint in that it is correct to second order in the density-gradient.     

Is combining meta‐GGA correlation functionals with the OPTX exchange functional useful?

The recent generalized gradient approximation (GGA) density functional OCS1 of Handy and Cohen is implemented in the deMon code and tested on a carefully selected set of problems. OCS1 is found to be accurate for molecular atomization energies, transition metal–ligand bonds, and systems with intramolecular hydrogen bonds. However, OCS1 encounters problems for systems with intermolecular hydrogen bonds. It also tends to elongate bond lengths systematically, and sometimes significantly. The OPTX exchange is combined with three meta‐GGA correlation functionals, Lap3, τ1, and τ2, the latter reported for the first time. The new meta‐GGA scheme OPTX exchange plus τ2 correlation called Oτ2 yields improved molecular geometries, NMR shielding constants, and an improved barrier height for the H+H₂ reaction. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006     

A monoclinic form of dendocarbin A: a borderline case of one‐dimensional isostructural polymorphism

The title compound, dendocarbin A [systematic name: (1R,5aS,9aS,9bR)‐1‐hydroxy‐6,6,9a‐trimethyldodecahydronaphtho[1,2‐c]furan‐3‐one], C₁₅H₂₂O₃, is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Drimys winteri var chilensis. The monoclinic phase described herein displays an identical molecular structure to the orthorhombic phase that we reported previously [Paz Robles et al. (2014). Acta Cryst. C 70 , 1007–1010], while varying significantly in chain pitch, and can thus be considered as a borderline case of one‐dimensional isostructural polymorphism.     

An assessment of pure,hybrid, meta,and hybrid‐meta GGA density functional theory methods for open‐shell systems: The case of the nonheme iron enzyme 8R–LOX

The performance of a range density functional theory functionals combined in a quantum mechanical (QM)/molecular mechanical (MM) approach was investigated in their ability to reliably provide geometries, electronic distributions, and relative energies of a multicentered open‐shell mechanistic intermediate in the mechanism 8R–Lipoxygenase. With the use of large QM/MM active site chemical models, the smallest average differences in geometries between the catalytically relevant quartet and sextet complexes were obtained with the B3LYP^* functional. Moreover, in the case of the relative energies between ⁴II and ⁶II , the use of the B3LYP^* functional provided a difference of 0.0 kcal mol^–1. However, B3LYP^± and B3LYP also predicted differences in energies of less than 1 kcal mol^–1. In the case of describing the electronic distribution (i.e., spin density), the B3LYP^*, B3LYP, or M06‐L functionals appeared to be the most suitable. Overall, the results obtained suggest that for systems with multiple centers having unpaired electrons, the B3LYP^* appears most well rounded to provide reliable geometries, electronic structures, and relative energies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Exploration of density functional methods for one‐electron reduction potential of nitrobenzenes

Performance of the set of density functional approaches for calculation of one‐electron reduction potentials of nitroaromatic compounds was investigated. To select the most precise and affordable method, we selected a set of model molecules and investigated effects of basis set, density functional, and solvation model on the calculation of reduction potentials. It was found that the mPWB1K/TZVP method provides the most accurate gas phase electron affinity values (RMS error is 0.1 eV). This method in conjunction with the PCM (Bondi) method yields also the most accurate difference in solvation energies of neutral oxidized form and anion‐radical reduced form. The final E⁰ values were calculated with RMS error of 0.10 V, compared with experimental values. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010     

Compressing molecular dynamics trajectories: Breaking the one‐bit‐per‐sample barrier

Molecular dynamics simulations yield large amounts of trajectory data. For their durable storage and accessibility an efficient compression algorithm is paramount. State of the art domain‐specific algorithms combine quantization, Huffman encoding and occasionally domain knowledge. We propose the high resolution trajectory compression scheme (HRTC) that relies on piecewise linear functions to approximate quantized trajectories. By splitting the error budget between quantization and approximation, our approach beats the current state of the art by several orders of magnitude given the same error tolerance. It allows storing samples at far less than one bit per sample. It is simple and fast enough to be integrated into the inner simulation loop, store every time step, and become the primary representation of trajectory data. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

An organic–inorganic hybrid compound containing imidazolium cations and a one‐dimensional lithium hexacyanidocobaltate‐based anionic framework

An organic–inorganic hybrid compound, catena‐poly[bis(3H‐imidazol‐1‐ium) [[tetracyanido‐κ⁴C‐cobalt(III)]‐μ‐cyanido‐κ²C:N‐[diaqualithium(I)]‐μ‐cyanido‐κ²N:C]], {(C₃H₅N₂)₂[CoLi(CN)₆(H₂O)₂]}_n, was synthesized by the reaction of Li₃[Co(CN)₆] with imidazolium chloride in aqueous solution. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (data collected at 273 K). In the crystal structure, neighbouring [Co(CN)₆]³⁻ anionic units are linked by Li⁺ cations through the cyanide groups in a trans mode, forming a one‐dimensional zigzag chain structure extending along the c axis. A three‐dimensional supramolecular network is formed through hydrogen‐bonding interactions and is further stabilized by weak CN...π interactions between the cyanide groups and the imidazolium cations.     

Variation of parameters in Becke‐3 hybrid exchange‐correlation functional

We have investigated the consequences of varying the three parameters in Becke's hybrid exchange‐correlation functional, which includes five contributions: Hartree–Fock exchange, local exchange, Becke's gradient exchange correction, local correlation, and some form of gradient correlation correction. Our primary focus was upon obtaining orbital energies with magnitudes that are reasonable approximations to the electronic ionization potentials; however, we also looked at the effects on molecular geometries and atomization enthalpies. A total of 12 parameter combinations was considered for each of three different gradient correlation corrections: the Lee–Yang–Parr, the Perdew‐86, and the Perdew–Wang 91. Five molecules were included in the study: HCN, N₂, N₂O, F₂O, and H₂O. For comparison, a Hartree–Fock calculation was also carried out for each of these. The 6‐31+G** basis set was used throughout this work. We found that the ionization potential estimates can be greatly improved (to much better than Hartree–Fock levels) by increasing the Hartree–Fock exchange contribution at the expense of local exchange. In itself, this also introduces major errors in the atomization enthalpies. However, this can be largely or even completely counteracted by reducing or eliminating the role of the gradient exchange correction. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 21: 227–238, 2000     

The connected‐moments polynomial approach for Hamiltonian eigenvalues calculation and its application to the one‐particle systems

The new connected‐moments polynomial approach (CMP) is developed for evaluation of Hamiltonian eigenvalues. It is based on properties of specially designed polynomial and does not use any basis set and variational procedure. Like all the methods based on hamiltonain moments knowledge, the CMP is conceptually simple but is less tedious and is usually convergent even for very “crude” trial functions. This method is applicable not only to the ground state energy calculation but also to the excited states. The formalism is presented in two modifications: non‐local (integral) and local (integral‐free) ones. An accuracy of both versions is illustrated by numerical examples of Hamiltonian eigenvalues calculations for harmonic and anharmonic oscillators. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008     

Facile one‐pot/one‐step technique for preparation of side‐chain functionalized polymers: Combination of SET‐RAFT polymerization of azide vinyl monomer and click chemistry

An azido‐containing functional monomer, 11‐azido‐undecanoyl methacrylate, was successfully polymerized via ambient temperature single electron transfer initiation and propagation through the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (SET‐RAFT) method. The polymerization behavior possessed the characteristics of “living”/controlled radical polymerization. The kinetic plot was first order, and the molecular weight of the polymer increased linearly with the monomer conversion while keeping the relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n ≤ 1.22). The complete retention of azido group of the resulting polymer was confirmed by ¹H NMR and FTIR analysis. Retention of chain functionality was confirmed by chain extension with methyl methacrylate to yield a diblock copolymer. Furthermore, the side‐chain functionalized polymer could be prepared by one‐pot/one‐step technique, which is combination of SET‐RAFT and “click chemistry” methods. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Toward the complete range separation of non‐hybrid exchange–correlation functional

In this study, we use a very simple scheme to achieve range separation of a total exchange–correlation functional. We have utilized this methodology to combine a short‐range pure density functional theory (DFT) functional with a corresponding long‐range pure DFT, leading to a “Range‐separated eXchange–Correlation” (RXC) scheme. By examining the performance of a range of standard exchange–correlation functionals for prototypical short‐ and long‐range properties, we have chosen B‐LYP as the short‐range functional and PBE‐B95 as the long‐range counterpart. The results of our testing using a more diverse range of data sets show that, for properties that we deem to be short‐range in nature, the performance of this prescribed RXC‐DFT protocol does resemble that of B‐LYP in most cases, and vice versa. Thus, this RXC‐DFT protocol already provides meaningful numerical results. Furthermore, we envisage that the general RXC scheme can be easily implemented in computational chemistry software packages. This study paves a way for further refinement of such a range‐separation technique for the development of better performing DFT procedures. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Facile synthesis of core‐shell organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles with amphiphilic polymer shell by one‐step sol–gel reactions

Organic–inorganic hybrid core‐shell nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 100 to 1000 nm were prepared by a one‐pot synthesis based on base catalyzed sol–gel reactions using tetraethoxysilane and a triethoxysilane‐terminated polyethylene‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol) as reactants. Data from TEM, TGA, and solid‐state NMR analysis are in agreement with the formation of core‐shell nanoparticles with an inorganic‐rich core and an external shell consisting of an amphiphilic block copolymer monolayer. The influence of the organic–inorganic ratio, solution concentration, and postcuring temperature on core and shell dimensions of the nanospheres were investigated by TEM microscopy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1699–1709, 2008     

Self‐assembly of long‐chain quaternary ammonium cations in a hybrid inorganic–organic material with one‐dimensional polymeric tribromidoplumbate(II)

catena‐Poly[benzyldecyldimethylammonium [plumbate(II)‐tri‐μ‐bromido]], {(C₁₉H₃₄N)[PbBr₃]}_n, crystallizes as an inorganic–organic hybrid following monoclinic space‐group symmetry P2₁/c. The structure consists of extended chains running along the [001] direction and built of [PbBr₃]⁻ units. These inorganic chains are separated by interdigitated ammonium cations which form hydrophilic layers through weak C—H...Br interactions. The architecture is essentialy the same as found for n‐alkylbenzyldimethylammonium bromides.     

Sunlight curable hybrid organic–inorganic methacrylic‐based coatings: analysis of the cure mechanism and functional properties

An experimental ultraviolet (UV) polymerizable hybrid organic–inorganic protective coating, mainly intended for the surface protection of porous calcareous stone substrates, has been recently proposed and patented. The hybrid product evidenced an extraordinary hydrophobicity character, able to guarantee a high protection of the stone against water actions, as well as a high traspirability. Furthermore, it is able to equal the performance of commercial available coatings, with the important adjunctive advantage to be free solvent. The application of this product involves the use of a “dual curing” treatment, necessary to harden the coating applied on the substrate, representing this latter a technological limit. The dual curing treatment consists of 6 hr of exposure to a UV‐lamp plus 1 hr at 140°C in oven. In order to avoid this procedure, not easy to realize in situ, two different modifications of the composition of the hybrid product are proposed in this paper. The first one allows the photopolymerization of the hybrid coating only by sunlight exposure. The second one, even though requiring a UV exposure to photo‐polymerize the coating, does not need the subsequent thermal treatment at 140°C. Several experimental characterizations were performed on the newly developed hybrid products, in order to select an optimal composition for the formulations. The selected innovative products were, finally, applied on a calcareous stone substrate, typical of Apulia Region (Pietra Leccese, PL). Both coatings exhibit excellent water‐repellent action and a slight variation of the natural stone color. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.