Auger recombination dynamics in clusters

Electronic relaxation dynamics following interband excitation from the 6s to the 6p band in mass selected clusters are measured through femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron imaging (TRPEI). This interband transition is pumped at 4.65 eV and probed at 1.55 eV. Auger decay of occurs on a timescale of 490 ± 100 fs, and a similar time constant is seen for the transient excited state population created by the pump pulse. These time constants are an order of magnitude faster than those seen in previous experiments in which the lone p-electron in was excited within the p-band. The results presented here imply that substantial relaxation of either electrons in the p-band or the hole in the s-band takes place prior to Auger emission, with electron–electron scattering playing a key role in the fast observed dynamics.     

Partial charge ordering in the mixed-valent compound

Crystals of the mixed-valent compound were grown from a flux. The room temperature conductivity of a crystal was 3 S/cm but decreased smoothly with decreasing temperature to 10⁻⁵ S/cm at 25 K. Magnetic susceptibility data indicate a localized moment for Rh⁴⁺. A Seebeck coefficient at 200 K of +280 μV/K further confirms that this compound is a semiconductor rather than a metal with a partially filled 4d t_2g band. A structure refinement based on single crystal X-ray diffraction data obtained at 173 and 296 K provided Rh–O distances sufficiently accurate to indicate the nature of the charge ordering between Rh³⁺ and Rh⁴⁺. The large Seebeck coefficient coupled with the high electrical conductivity indicates that this may be a promising low-temperature thermoelectric material.     

DFT study of the structure of hydroxybenzoic acids and their reactions with OH and radicals

B3LYP/6-31++G(d) method was used for the structural study of 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4,5-THBA), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHBA), and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA). Calculated structures agree with available X-ray experimental data within 2%. The phenolic OH bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) of all sites in each benzoic acid were determined and compared with those of phenol (for 4-HBA) and catechol (for 3,4-DHBA). The consistency between the calculated values and experimental ones are within 5.4% and 9.2%, respectively, for 4-HBA and 3,4-DHBA. The reactions of benzoic acids with and OH radicals were studied and it turns out that benzoic acids react differently with both radicals. We have shown that the reaction of hydroxybenzoic acids with the hydroxyl radical was governed by a phenolic hydrogen (H⁺ + e⁻) transfer from the acid to the radical, while for the superoxide radical, the reaction is governed by a proton (H⁺) transfer from the acid to the radical. The first reaction is evidenced by the delocalization of the radical on the entire quinone moiety, and the second reaction is evidenced by the negative NBO charge on the phenoxide moiety as well as the localization of the radical on the hydroperoxy (O₂H) moiety.     

Ab initio electronic and rovibrational structure of

The electronic structure of the ground state of has been investigated using relativistically-corrected CCSD(T) in conjunction with ANO-RCC (Mg) and aug-cc-pVQZ (H) basis sets. The molecular potential energy surface possessed minima corresponding to both ¹A₁ and equilibrium structures (with a ¹Σ⁺ transition state). The ¹A₁ structure possessed R_e and θ_e values of 2.0297 Å and of 22.09°, respectively. The higher-energy structure exhibited an R_e value of 2.1658 Å. Property surfaces were constructed to calculate rovibrational energies and spectral line intensities for the ground states of , (¹A′) MgHD²⁺ and . For the vibration ground state of , the vibration-averaged R_e and θ_e values were calculated to be 2.0209 Å and 22.53°, respectively. The A, B and C rotational constants were calculated to be 58.0, 2.21 and 2.11 cm⁻¹, respectively.     

Structures and properties of the tin-doped carbon clusters

A systemic density functional theory study of the tin-doped carbon clusters has been carried out using B3LYP method with TZP+ basis set. For each species, the electronic states, relative energies and geometries of various isomers are reported. Except for smaller SnC₂ and the largest , the Sn-terminated linear or quasi-linear isomer is the most stable structure for clusters. The electronic ground state is alternate between ³Σ (for n-odd member) and ¹Σ (for the n-even member) for linear SnC_n and invariably ²Π for linear and , except for SnC/SnC⁺/SnC⁻,, and . The incremental binding energy diagrams show that strong even–odd alternations in the cluster stability exist for both neutral SnC_n and anionic , with their n-even members being much more stable than the corresponding odd n − 1 and n + 1 ones, while for cationic , the alternation effect is less pronounced. These parity effects also reflect in the ionization potential and electron affinity curves. By comparing with the fragmentation energies accompanying various channels, the most favorable dissociation channel for each kind of the clusters are given. All these results are very similar to those obtained previously for the clusters.     

DFT study and IR spectra of hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene generation phosphorus dendrimer

The infrared (150–3500 cm⁻¹) spectra have been recorded for hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene [NP(OPh)₂]₃ and all-D isotope specie. These compounds include a cyclotriphosphazene core and terminal phenoxy groups of elementoorganic dendrimers. The structural optimization and normal mode analysis are performed for elementoorganic dendrimer on the basis of the ab initio density functional theory. It is found that the dendrimer exists in a single stable conformation with slightly non-planar cyclotriphosphazene core. Relying on DFT calculations a complete vibrational assignment is proposed for different parts of the studied dendrimers. The softness of sulphur atom in the thiophosphoryl core to nucleophilic attack is higher than the softness of the atoms of the cyclotriphosphazene core. The reactivity of the core is less than that of terminal groups.     

Vibrational relaxation on the mixed vibronic levels of the and states in all-trans-neurosporene as revealed by subpicosecond time-resolved, stimulated emission and transient absorption spectroscopy

In all-trans-neurosporene, whose level is lower than the level by one vibrational quantum, the following two steps of vibrational relaxation from the mixed vibronic states were identified, in the order, stimulated emission stimulated emission transient absorption. The stimulated emission patterns were simulated by the use of Franck–Condon factors in the transitions from the pair of mixed vibronic levels down to the ground vibronic levels. The vibronic levels of the mixed and state were characterized theoretically based on the diabatic approximation.     

Unique charge ordering of manganese in a new mixed valent phosphate

A new mixed-valent manganese phosphate, , has been synthesized using hydrothermal method. Its monoclinic C2/c structure (a=12.5506(16) Å, b=10.4816(18) Å, c=13.6723(10) Å, β=103.758(11)°) forms a 3D framework of MnO₆ octahedra, MnO₅ trigonal bipyramids, PO₄ and PO₃OH tetrahedra. The main structural feature of this phosphate deals with its [Mn₄O₁₆]_∞ chains running along , which are interconnected through PO₄ and PO₃OH tetrahedra, forming intersecting tunnels running along [110], and [001]. The geometry of the [Mn₄O₁₆]_∞ chains and the charge ordering of manganese in the latter are unique: they consist of trimeric units of divalent manganese “” alternating with single trivalent Mn^IIIO₆ octahedra along . In each “” unit one central Mn^IIO₆ octahedron shares two opposite edges with two Mn^IIO₅ trigonal bipyramids. Along , one Mn(II) octahedron alternates with one Mn(III) octahedron by sharing one corner. The relationships between the structure of this unique charge ordered phosphate and other manganese phosphates are discussed.     

Theoretical study on the structures and properties of LiCn, , and (n = 1–10) clusters

The lithium-doped carbon clusters LiC_n, , and (n = 1–10) have been investigated systemically with density functional theory (DFT) method at the B3LYP/6-311+G* level. According to the total energies of different kinds of isomers, the LiC_n, , and (n = 1–10) clusters have Li-terminated linear ground states structures, except for LiC₂, LiC₃, , and (n = 4–6). The incremental binding energies are evaluated to elucidate the stabilities of the clusters with different numbers of carbon atoms for neutral molecules, cations, and anions, respectively. Clear even–odd alternation effects are observed for the stability of the cationic clusters and anionic clusters, while for neutral LiC_n clusters the alternation effect is less pronounced. Similarly, the ionization potentials and electron affinities of LiC_n also express an obvious parity alternation. In addition, the most favorable dissociation channels are acquired according to the fragmentation energies accompanying various pathways.     

First principles study of the structure, electronic state and stability of cations

Structural and electronic properties of semiconductor binary microclusters cations have been investigated using the B3LYP-DFT method in the ranges of n=1, 2 and m=1–7. Full structural optimization, adiabatic ionization potentials calculation and frequency analysis are performed with the basis of 6-311+G(d). The charged-induced structural changes in these cations have been discussed. The strong As–As bond is also favored over Al–As bonds in the cations in comparison with corresponding neutral cluster. With As_m forming the base, adding Al atom(s) in different positions would find the stable structures of cations quickly and correctly. , , and are predicted to be species with high stabilities and possible to be produced experimentally.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties of trinuclear oxo-centered homo- and mixed-valence manganese pivalate complexes with imidazole (Im) and 1-methylimidazole (1-MeIm): and

Two new μ₃-oxo-centered trinuclear manganese complexes, one of them a homo-valence (1) pivalate complex and the other a mixed-valence (2) pivalate complex (where Im = imidazole, 1-MeIm = 1-methylimidazole), have been synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray crystallography and magnetochemistry. Complexes 1 and 2 are μ₃-oxo-trinuclear compounds with the three manganese atoms bridged by six pivalate groups. At each axial position there is an Im (1) or 1-MeIm (2) molecule. In both compounds, the manganese coordination geometry is slightly distorted octahedral, consisting of the oxygen of the central triangle, four oxygen atoms from bridging pivalate ligands, and a terminal Im or 1-MeIm nitrogen atom. The crystal packing of 1 involves hydrogen bonding between complex cations [Mn₃O(Piv)₆(Im)₃]⁺ and outersphere pivalate ions, whereas in compound 2 interactions of the C–Hπ type, formed by both the aromatic and methyl C–H groups of 1-MeIm molecules, are present. Magnetic studies reveal that both compounds represent antiferromagnetically coupled, spin-frustrated triangular systems exhibiting weak to moderate exchange coupling constants.     

Investigations on adiabatic potential energy curve of Li2()

The SAC-CI method is used to investigate the spectroscopic properties of ⁷Li₂(). The adiabatic potential energy curves are calculated and fitted to the analytic Murrell–Sorbie function. The spectroscopic parameters reproduced by the potential attained at cc-PVTZ are found to be very close to the experiments. With the potential obtained at the SAC-CI/cc-PVTZ level of theory, a total of 62 vibrational states is found when J = 0. For each vibrational state, the vibrational level, classical turning points, inertial rotation and centrifugal distortion constants are calculated. Good agreement is obtained when they are compared with the available RKR data.     

Excess thermodynamic properties, and for the binary systems {1,2-dichloropropane + 2-alkoxyethanols} at T = 298.15 K

This article presents the experimental data of and , obtained at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure, for four binary systems composed of 1,2-dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) and four 2-alkoxyethanols. The 2-alkoxyethanols are 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME), 2-ethoxyethanol (2-EE), 2-propoxyethanol (2-PE) and 2-butoxyethanol (2-BE). The of the mixture has been shown positive for 2-ME, ‘s-shaped’ for all remaining systems, being negative at low and positive at high mole fraction of 1,2-DCP. The values for all binary mixtures are also shown both positive at low and negative at high mole fraction of 1,2-DCP. The experimental results of and were fitted to Redlich–Kister equation to correlate the composition dependence of both excess properties. In this work, data were also used to test the suitability of thermodynamic models (Wilson, NRTL, and UNIQUAC equations) based on local-composition theory. The results have been qualitatively discussed in terms of the polarity, self-association, and hydrogen bond among molecules.     

A DFT study of the hydration of monophosphate complexes of iron (III),

A systematic theoretical DFT study of the bonding between the cation Fe³⁺ and the anion was carried out. The role of water ligands is presented. Several isomers with tetrahedral, bipyramidal and octahedral environments around the iron ion were investigated. 5-fold coordination of the Fe³⁺ cation is found when 5 and 6 water molecules are included. Calculated infrared spectra are also presented.     

Theoretical electronic structure including spin–orbit effects of the alkali dimer cation

A theoretical study of the electronic structure of has been performed, including or not spin–orbit coupling. Potential energy curves for all the molecular states dissociating up to the limit Cs⁺ + Cs (8s ²S_1/2), i.e 26 states in the representation and 38 states in the representation Ω_g,u, are displayed. Equilibrium distances, transition energies and depths for the wells predicted at short and large range of internuclear separation R are reported. The existence of some of the long-range wells are confirmed by a long range model. Extensive tables of energy values versus internuclear distances are available at the following address: http://lasim.univ-lyon1.fr/allouche/cs2plus.htm.     

Selecting high stability water clusters by examining locations of free OH bonds: Application in the study of clusters

Computational studies on water clusters can be quite challenging, especially when an irregular cage with non-equivalent oxygen sites are considered which may yield a large number of starting geometries that differ in relative positions of non-H-bonding H (NHB H, free OH) atoms. A detailed study on water octamers suggests that the fewest number of NHB H atoms on neighboring oxygen sites yields the most stable neutral isomer followed by those with increasing number of NHB H atoms on adjacent sites. The least stable cluster has all the NHB H atoms around a ring. By considering a regular cage structure and minimum number of NHB H atoms on adjacent sites, one can readily identify a limited number of starting geometries that are optimized to highly stable isomers. This method has been verified in the identification of the most stable isomer of (H₂O)₈ cubic cage and (H₂O)₂₀ dodecahedral cage. The same method has been applied in the study of cluster isomers.     

A novel three-dimensional mixed bridging–ligand complex with an unexpected 1,3-diaminopropane bridge

Reaction of K₃[Fe(CN)₆] with [Cu(tn)₂](ClO₄)₂ (tn=1,3-diaminopropane) leads to a novel mixed cyano and tn bridged three-dimensional (3D) bimetallic assembly (1), in which each [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ anion connects six copper(II) cations via six CN⁻ groups, whereas each copper(II) cation is linked to three [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ ions and two other copper(II) ions through Cu–NC–Fe and Cu–tn–Cu linkages, respectively. Magnetic studies reveal weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the nearest Cu^II (S=1/2) ions through the diamagnetic [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ anion.