On the photodissociation of ozone in the range of 5–9 eV

The photoabsorption spectrum of ozone in the UV range (5–9 eV) is calculated from a short-time wave packet propagation using six potential energy surfaces obtained from ab initio electronic structure calculations. It is shown that the (unnamed) band around 7 eV, which is immediately adjacent to the intense Hartley band, is primarily due to excitation of three electronic states: 5 ¹A′ (3 ¹A₁), 6 ¹A′ (4 ¹A₁), and 4 ¹A″ (2 ¹B₁). Excitation of the state 8 ¹A′ (¹B₂) leads to a broad and intense band starting around 8 eV with a maximum near 9.1 eV. In full accord with the recent experimental study of Brouard et al. [M. Brouard, R. Cireasa, A.P. Clark, G.C. Groenenboom, G. Hancock, S.J. Horrocks, F. Quadrini, G.A.D. Ritchie, C. Vallance, J. Chem. Phys. 125 (2006) 133308], the excitation at 193 nm (6.42 eV) involves at least two states (5 ¹A′ and 4 ¹A″) different from the state excited in the Hartley band (3 ¹A′). The dynamics along the dissociation path is discussed in terms of one-dimensional potential curves. Several avoided crossings among the excited ¹A′ as well as the ¹A″ states point to a complicated fragmentation process. Although a quantitative analysis of branching ratios is not possible on the basis of the present calculations, we surmise, that in addition to and O(¹D) + O₂(¹Δ_g), the next higher spin-allowed channel, , also is likely to be a major product channel, in agreement with experimental observations.     

Production of HO2 and O2 by multiple ionization in water radiolysis by swift carbon ions

We present a simulation of liquid water radiolysis by swift carbon ions that explicitly takes into account multiple ionization of water molecules. For high linear energy transfer (LET), this process is not negligible with respect to single ionization. The rearrangement of highly ionized water molecules is consistent with production of atomic oxygen. Multiple ionizations is shown to be responsible for creation of a large amount of radicals and O₂ molecules. The simulated yield reproduces very well direct optical measurements for swift ions with comparable LET. Our simulation for is in also agreement with experiment.     

Rate constants of the O(D) reactions with N2, O2, N2O, and H2O at 295 K

Using a technique of laser flash photolysis coupled with vacuum ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, the rate coefficients of O(¹D) reactions with N₂, O₂, N₂O, and H₂O at 295 ± 2 K have been determined to be , k_O2=(4.06±0.24)×10^-11, k_N2O=(1.35±0.08)×10^-10 and . The quoted uncertainties include estimated errors and are the 95% confidence level. The k_N2 and k_N2O values obtained are larger than the current NASA/JPL recommendations by 26% and 16%, respectively, although they are still within the error limits associated with the recommendations.     

Computational study on the kinetics of the reaction between Ca and urea

A computational study, in the framework of statistical kinetic theories, of the reaction of Ca²⁺ with urea has been carried out. The kinetically preferred products are NH₃ + [CaOCNH]²⁺, which are the fifth products in order of stability. The second kinetically preferred products are , followed by [CaNH₃]²⁺+HNCO, whereas the most stable ones, and , appear only in residual quantities. These estimates are in agreement with the experimental evidence and provide a suitable mechanism to understand the competition between Coulomb explosion and neutral loss processes.     

On the 6Πu state of Na2

The 6¹Π_u state of sodium dimer has been observed up to v = 53 in excitation spectra of the system, recorded by polarisation labelling spectroscopy technique. The Dunham coefficients are derived and the potential energy curve constructed by the inverted perturbation approach method. Equilibrium constants for the 6¹Π_u state of Na₂ are: T_e = 35446.06 ± 0.04 cm⁻¹ (with respect to the minimum of the electronic ground state), Y₁₀ = 111.388 ± 0.019 cm⁻¹, Y₀₁ = 0.112122 ± 0.000017 cm⁻¹.     

Dissociation reactions of the vinyl radical in the AA″ state

In the present theoretical work we have explored mechanisms of dissociation reactions of the vinyl radical in the A²A″ state (C₂H₃ (A²A″)) and examined possible pathways for nonadiabatic dissociation of C₂H₃ (A²A″) into C₂H₂ (X¹Σ_g⁺). In the calculations we used the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and multiconfiguration second-order perturbation theory (CASPT2) methods in conjunction with the cc-pVDZ and cc-pVTZ basis sets. Mechanisms for the following three dissociation channels of C₂H₃ in the A²A″ state were explored: (1) C₂H₃ (A²A″) → C₂H₂ (trans, ³A_u) + H, (2) C₂H₃ (A²A″) → C₂H₂ (cis, ³A₂) + H, and (3) C₂H₃ (A²A″) → H₂CC (³A₂) + H. The CASSCF and CASPT2 potential energy curve calculations for the C₂H₃ (A²A″) dissociation channels (1)–(3) indicate that there is neither transition state nor intermediate for each of the channels. At the CASPT2//CASSCF/cc-pVTZ level, the dissociation energies for channels (1)–(3) are predicted to be 84.3, 91.1, and 86.9 kcal/mol, respectively. For a recently observed nonadiabatic dissociation of C₂H₃ (A²A″) into C₂H₂ (X¹Σ_g⁺) + H [J. Chem. Phys. 111 (1999) 3783], two previously suggested internal conversion (IC) pathways were examined based on our CASSCF and CASPT2 calculations. Our preliminary CASSCF and CASPT2 calculations indicate that the assumed IC pathway via the twisted C₂H₃ (A²A^′) structure might be feasible. The CASSCF/cc-pVTZ geometry optimization and frequency analysis calculations were performed for the four C_2v bridge structures in the ²B₂, ²A₂, ²B₁, and ²A₁ states along the pathways of the 1²A^′ (X²A^′), 1²A″ (A²A″), 2²A″, and 2²A^′ states of C₂H₃, respectively, and the CASPT2//CASSCF/cc-pVTZ energetic results indicate that the assumed IC pathway, via a C_2v (²A₂) structure and then ²A₂/²A₁ surface crossing, be not feasible since at their excitation wavelengths (327.4 and 366.2 nm) the C_2v (²A₂) structure could not be accessed.     

Pulse radiolysis of 9-anthrylmethylammonium cation in aqueous solution

The reaction of hydrated electron with 9-anthrylmethylammonium cation to form the respective anthracene radical anion in aqueous solution has been studied by the method of pulse radiolysis. The rate constant of the reaction of with is reported. It is demonstrated that the anthracene radical anion is unstable and undergoes further reactions. The spectra of transient intermediates, leading to the final reduction products, are presented.     

Ionization of carbon disulfide/ozone mixtures in atmospheric gases

An ionic route to the CS₂ degradation was studied by mass spectrometric and theoretical methods. Ionized mixtures containing carbon disulfide and ozone prove an effective source of ions, formed by remarkable molecular reorganization and open to further reactions with ozone and surrounding species. Both the O-transfer and dissociative oxidation processes, typical of the O₃ reactivity in ionized mixtures, were observed.     

The geometry, vibrational frequencies, thermochemistry, quadrupole moments and electronic structure of C2Na2: Comparison with C2Li2, C2H2, C2F2 and C2Cl2

The electronic structure of Na₂C₂ is studied using ab initio electronic structure methods and is compared to the companion molecule Li₂C₂. Both the linear D_∞h and planar structures are minima on the ground state potential surface with the planar D_2h conformation being the lowest energy form, similar to Li₂C₂. At the CCSD(t) level the planar form is more stable that the linear by 11.2 kcal/mol as compared with 7.34 kcal/mol for Li₂C₂. Both molecules are significantly ionic. The vibrational frequencies, atomization energy at 0 K, D₀, and the standard enthalpy of formation, are calculated and compared to those of Li₂C₂ as well as HCCH, FCCF and ClCCCl. We find D₀ and to be 331.1 and 84.92 kcal/mol for Li₂C₂ and 298.3 and 93.25 kcal/mol for Na₂C₂. We calibrate these by calculating the same quantities for HCCH, FCCF and ClCCCl.     

H homonuclear dipolar decoupling at high magic-angle spinning frequencies with rotor-synchronised symmetry sequences

We demonstrate here application of symmetry-adapted sequences of the form to obtain high-resolution ¹H spectra in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance under high-speed magic-angle spinning. Experimental results are shown for samples of alanine and glycine for spinning speeds up to 30 kHz with radio-frequency nutation rates of around 100 kHz.     

Resonant photoemission spectroscopy study of electronic structure of V2O5

The electronic structure of V₂O₅ has been studied by resonant photoemission spectroscopy (RPES) and band structure calculation. The RPES data showed that the valence band (VB) of V₂O₅ is formed by strong hybridization of O2p and V3d states, the contribution from V3d state is predominant in the high binding energy (BE) region of the VB. The approximate charge distributions of O and V ions in V₂O₅ are calculated for the first time as from the RPES data.     

Crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of new fluoride compound Na2K2NdF7

New fluoride compound Na₂K₂NdF₇ has been synthesised and obtained in the single crystal form by the Bridgman method. The crystal is cubic, space group , with lattice parameters a = 1.28283 (15) nm. In this structure Nd³⁺ ions reside in sites with C_4v symmetry. Judd–Ofelt analysis of optical absorption spectra revealed that radiative lifetime of the ⁴F_3/2 level of Nd³⁺ equals to 460 μs. Measured lifetime is 2.8 μs for Na₂K₂NdF₇ and 439 μs for Na₂K₂La_0.99Nd_0.01F₇, in agreement with the calculated value.     

The interaction of H2, CO, CO2, H2O and NH3 on ZnO surfaces: an Oniom Study

We have used the Oniom method with three layers in order to study the interaction of CO, H₂, H₂O, NH₃ and CO₂ molecules with the ZnO surfaces using a (ZnO)₃₄₈ cluster model. The layers are divided into the high layer at the CCSD level, the medium layer at the RHF level and the low level layer using the UFF force field method. The orbital and binding energies of the adsorbed molecules, Mulliken and ChelpG charges as well as geometrical parameters were analyzed and compared with the available experimental and theoretical data.     

Gas-phase reactivities of charged platinum dimers with ammonia: A combined experimental/theoretical study

Computational and experimental studies of with ammonia are reported. While ammonia is dehydrogenated with either cluster type, the reaction efficiencies are quite different with  = 0.27 for [K. Koszinowski, D. Schröder, H. Schwarz, J. Phys. Chem. A 107 (2003) 4999.] and  = 0.0033 for . DFT-based relativistic calculations are consistent with this distinct behavior, with maximum energies along the reaction path of −13.3 kcal/mol for the cationic and +1.4 kcal/mol for the anionic clusters relative to the reactants. The recently proposed mechanism for the system [D. Xu. X.-Y. Chen, S.-G. Wang, Int, J. Quant. Chem. 107 (2007) 1985.] needs to be modified to account for the experimental findings.     

Second-sphere coordination in hexaamminecobalt(III) salt with organic sulphonate anion: Synthesis, characterisation and X-ray crystal structure of [Co(NH3)6](CH3SO3)3

Reaction of hexaamminecobalt(III) chloride with the silver salt of methanesulphonic acid in aqueous medium (1:3 molar ratio) forms hexaamminecobalt(III) methanesulphonate, [Co(NH₃)₆](CH₃SO₃)₃, in high yield. This cobalt(III) complex has been characterized by spectroscopic techniques (UV/visible, IR and NMR) and its solubility product determined. The X-ray crystal structure shows that the [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ cations interact at the second sphere by sharing edges with the anions, via N–H  O hydrogen bonds. The structure is related to that of [Co(NH₃)₆]Cl(CH₃SO₃)₂, but is modified to accommodate additional anions in place of Cl⁻.     

The interstellar gas-phase formation of CO2 – Assisted or not by water molecules?

Using state of the art methods of quantum chemistry, potential energy surfaces for the formation of and CO₂ (³B₂) from CO + O (¹D) and CO + O (³P), respectively, have been studied. At the MRSDCI level, we show that the formation of from O (³P) is strongly connected with the height of the barrier localized on the CO + O (³P) entrance channel. At the CCSD(T) level with a large basis set we calculate this barrier to be 5.9 kcal/mol. Consequently, we confirm that the gas-phase formation of CO₂ in interstellar molecular clouds is inefficient. To mimic the formation of CO₂, through the Eley–Rideal mechanism, on the water ice surfaces of interstellar grains, we have extended our study to consider the formation of CO₂ in the presence of water molecules. We show, using density functional and CCSD(T) methods, that the barrier located on the CO + O (³P) reaction entrance channel is hardly affected by the presence of water molecules. We therefore suggest that CO₂ formation, through the Eley–Rideal mechanism, on the water ice surfaces of interstellar grains, should be inefficient too.     

The temperature dependence of the kinetic isotope effect in the reaction of F atoms with CH4 and CD4

The kinetic isotope effect k_F+CH4/k_F+CD4 has been determined by reacting F atoms with mixtures of CH₄ and CD₄, using a discharge-flow-mass spectrometric technique. Experiments were carried out at four temperatures in the temperature range 183–298 K. The Arrhenius expression corresponding to the results is k_F+CH4/k_F+CD4=(0.99±0.02)×exp[(100±5)/T]. The present results are compared with previous published experimental and theoretical results.     

Theoretical studies on the aromaticity of η-cyclopentadienyl cobalt dithiolene complexes

Some η⁵-cyclopentadienyl cobalt dithiolene complexes CpCoS₂C₂R₂ have been optimized at B3LYP/6-311++G(d) level. The optimized geometries agree well with experiment. The analyses of nature bond orbital and nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) at B3LYP/6-311++G(d) and GIAO-B3LYP/6-311++G(d) levels reveal the aromatic character of the η⁵-cyclopentadienyl cobalt dithiolene complexes. However, their aromaticity is weaker than that of the isolated . There are two reasons for the change of heterocyclic aromaticity of the metal dithiolene in the η⁵-cyclopentadienyl cobalt dithiolene complexes with respect to that of the isolated . The better equalization of bond lengths in the isolated cation is the first reason. The other reason is that the contribution to the NICS from the metallic cobalt atom is much larger in the isolated cation . The planar character of cyclopentadienyl is destroyed slightly in the complexes. At the same time, the size of cyclopentadienyl (Cp) becomes bigger than the isolated Cp⁻¹ and this is caused by the cobalt atom in the pentagon. The π-electron delocalization causes stronger aromaticity of the Cp in the complexes than that of the isolated Cp⁻¹.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structural characterization of two new modified polyoxometalates constructed of positive and negative metal–oxo cluster ions

Two new interesting polyoxometalate derivatives 1 and 2 constructed of modified metal–oxo cluster ions carrying positive and negative changes, respectively, was hydrothermally prepared and structurally characterized by IR, ESR, XPS, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. The result of structure determination shows that compound 1 and 2 are isostructural and both contain polyoxocation and polyoxoanion, and both cation and anion are built on mixed Mo–V tetra-capped pseudo-Keggin units with P centre, [Mo₈V₈O₄₀(PO₄)]ⁿ⁻, bonded to four or two [Ni(2,2′-bipy)₂H₂O]²⁺ complexes, respectively, via terminal oxygen of the capping V atoms. Magnetism measurement indicates that there exists antiferromagnetic interaction in complex 1 and 2.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic and thermal studies of the reactions of the donors piperazine and N,N′-dimethylpiperazine with σ- and π-acceptors

The interactions of the electron donors piperazine (PIP) and N,N′-dimethylpiperazine (DMPIP) with the σ-acceptor iodine and the π-acceptors tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) were studied spectrophotometrically in chloroform at 25 °C. The electronic and infrared spectra of the resulting charge-transfer complexes were recorded, in addition to thermal analysis. The results obtained showed that the stoichiometries of the reactions are not fixed and depend on the nature of both the donor and the acceptor. The formed CT-complexes have the formulas of , [(PIP)(TCNE)₂], [(PIP)(DDQ)₂], , [(DMPIP)(TCNE)₂] and [(DMPIP)(DDQ)₂]. A general mechanism explaining the formation of triiodide complexes was suggested.