Structures of the hexafluorocyclopropane, octafluorocyclobutane, and decafluorocyclopentane radical anions probed by experimental and computational studies of anisotropic electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra

Anisotropic electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra are reported for the radical anions of hexafluorocyclopropane (c-C(3)F(6)(-)), octafluorocyclobutane (c-C(4)F(8)(-)), and decafluorocyclopentane (c-C(5)F(10)(-)) generated via gamma-irradiation in plastically crystalline tetramethylsilane (TMS) and rigid 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF) matrices. By combining the analysis of these experimental ESR spectra involving anisotropic hyperfine (hf) couplings with a series of quantum chemical computations, the geometrical and electronic structure of these unusual perfluorocycloalkane radical anions have been characterized more fully than in previous studies that considered only the isotropic couplings. Unrestricted Hartree-Fock (UHF) computations with the 6-311+G(d,p) basis set predict planar ring structures for all three radical anions, the ground electronic states being (2)A(2)(") for c-C(3)F(6)(-) (D(3h) symmetry), (2)A(2u) for c-C(4)F(8)(-) (D(4h)), and (2)A(2)(") for c-C(5)F(10)(-) (D(5h)), in which the respective six, eight, and ten 19F-atoms are equivalent by symmetry. A successful test of the theoretical computation is indicated by the fact that the isotropic 19F hf couplings computed by the B3LYP method with the 6-311+G(2df,p) basis set for the optimized geometries are in almost perfect agreement with the experimental values: viz., 19.8 mT (exp) vs 19.78 mT (calc) for c-C(3)F(6)(-); 14.85 mT (exp) vs 14.84 mT (calc) for c-C(4)F(8)(-); 11.6 mT (exp) vs 11.65 mT (calc) for c-C(5)F(10)(-). Consequently, the same computation method has been applied to calculate the almost axially symmetric anisotropic 19F hf couplings for the magnetically equivalent 19F atoms: (-4.90 mT, -4.84 mT, 9.75 mT) for c-C(3)F(6), (-3.54 mT, -3.48 mT, 7.02 mT) for c-C(4)F(8)(-), and (-2.62 mT, -2.56 mT, 5.18 mT) for c-C(5)F(10)(-). ESR spectral simulations performed using the computed principal values of the hf couplings and the spatial orientations of the 19F nuclei as input parameters reveal an excellent fit to the experimental anisotropic ESR spectra of c-C(3)F(6)(-), c-C(4)F(8)(-), and c-C(5)F(10)(-), thereby providing a convincing proof of the highly symmetric D(nh) structures that are predicted for these negative ions. Furthermore, using the computed 19F principal values and their orientations, the effective 19F anisotropic hf couplings along the molecular symmetry axes were evaluated for c-C(3)F(6)(-) and c-C(4)F(8)(-) and successfully correlated with the positions of the characteristic outermost features in both the experimental and calculated anisotropic spectra. In addition, the electronic excitation energies and oscillator strengths for the c-C(3)F(6)(-) , c-C(4)F(8)(-), and c-C(5)F(10)(-) radical anions were computed for the first time using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) methods.     

On the structure of negative ions formed by dissociative electron attachment by monochlorophenol molecules

The energetics of negative ion formation by resonant dissociative electron attachment by o-, m-, and p-chlorophenol molecules was studied. The structures of some fragment ions and their neutral partners were established. Hidden rearrangement processes leading to the formation of oxy anions by the detachment of chlorine atoms from molecular ions were found. The O—H bond dissociation energies for o-, m-, and p-chlorophenol molecules were 3.74±0.11, 3.72±0.17, and 3.94±0.11 eV, respectively.     

Ab initio MO calculations of hyperfine coupling constants. A basis set study for 19F, 35Cl, 19F,and 35Cl

Hyperfine coupling constants (HFCC ) of the ¹⁹F and ³⁵Cl atoms and the ¹⁹F and ³⁵Cl radical anions have been calculated by the unrestricted Hartree–Fock (UHF ) method using polarization and diffuse functions with contracted double-zeta as well as uncontracted basis sets. The A_dip values are fairly insensitive to changes in the basis set and show good accordance with experimental and other theoretical studies. The isotropic HFCCS a_N of ¹⁹F, ¹⁹F, and ³⁵Cl show strong dependence on d functions and the state of contraction of the s, p set. Spin-projected UHF wave functions lead to better agreement with experiment.     

Electron attachment and detachment, and the electron affinities of C5F5N and C5HF4N

Rate constants have been measured for electron attachment to C5F5N (297-433 K) and to 2, 3, 5, 6-C5HF4N (303 K) using a flowing-afterglow Langmuir-probe apparatus (at a He gas pressure of 133 Pa). In both cases only the parent anion was formed in the attachment process. The attachment rate constants measured at room temperature are 1.8 +/- 0.5 X 10(-7) and 7 +/- 3 X 10(-10) cm(-3) s(-1), respectively. Rate constants were also measured for thermal electron detachment from the parent anions of these molecules. For C5F5N- detachment is negligible at room temperature, but increases to 2530 +/- 890 s(-1) at 433 K. For 2, 3, 5, 6-C5HF4N-, the detachment rate at 303 K was 520 +/- 180 s(-1). The attachment/detachment equilibrium yielded experimental electron affinities EA(C5F5N)=0.70 +/- 0.05 eV and EA(2, 3, 5, 6-C5HF4N)=0.40 +/- 0.08 eV. Electronic structure calculations were carried out for these molecules and related C5HxF5-xN using density-functional theory and the G3(MP2)//B3LYP compound method. The EAs are found to decrease by 0.25 eV, on average, with each F substitution by H. The calculated EAs are in good agreement with the present experimental results.     

Signs of proximate 31P, 19F and 19F, 19F spin–spin coupling constants in 2-trifluoromethylphenyldifluorophosphine

In 2-trifluoromethylphenyldifluorophosphine the proximate couplings ⁴J(¹⁹F³¹P) and ⁵J(¹⁹F¹⁹F) are + 68.3 and + 8.3 Hz, respectively. ¹J(¹³C³¹P) is ?57.0 Hz, ²J(¹³C-1, ¹⁰F) is + 9.9 Hz and ²J(¹³C-6, ¹³C-6, ³¹P) is + 10.1 Hz. The trifluoromethyl substituent induces substantial changes in some coupling constants, particularly those between the ³¹P and ring ¹³C nuclei.     

1H, 13C and 19F NMR studies on fluorinated ethers

The enflurane and ethoxyflurane ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹F NMR spectra are examined—including sign determination of FF and FH couplings—and considered in the light of previously reported results for methoxyflurane. Conformational differences between methoxyflurane and the former two molecules are indicated by through space FH coupling constants and by the nonequivalence of geminal fluorine nuclei. Populations of conformers about the CC bond are estimated.     

13C, 13C coupling constants and 13C chemical shifts of aromatic carbonyl compounds. Effects of ortho- and peri-interactions involving the carbonyl substituent

Carbon-13 n.m.r. data have been determined for a series of 26 aromatic carbonyl compounds including benzoyl, naphthoyl and pyrenoyl derivatives ¹³C labelled in the carbonyl group. Doubly labelled anthraquinone has also been included. The compounds investigated comprise non-hindered molecules and molecules in which the carbonyl substituent is subject to ortho- or peri-interactions affecting conjugation of the carbonyl group with the aromatic ring. The dependence of long range ¹³C,¹³C coupling constants involving the carbonyl carbon, in particular ²J and ³J, on steric conditions is discussed, as is the possibility of deciding on the orientation of the carbonyl bond. The following results have emerged. ²J(s-t)>²J(s-c) for ketones and aldehydes, and the reverse is valid for acids and acid derivatives. (s-t and s-c refer to the orientation of the C?O group relative to the aromatic bond in question with respect to the connecting single bond). For ketones ³J(t,s-c)<³J(t,s-t), and both of these ³J(t) values decrease with increasing angle of twist, θ, about the single bond, whereas ³J(c,s-c) increases with θ. For acids and acid derivatives no similar regularity was found. (The initial t and c refer to the geometry of the three-bond coupling path). Generally it is found that ³J(t)>³J(c) and ³J(t)>²J, confirming earlier results. Theoretical calculations on a few model compounds are qualitatively in accordance with the experimental results. Some sign determinations for coupling constants are presented. A short discussion is given of substituent effects on chemical shifts. Observed trends are consistent with earlier results.     

An experimental study of 19F-19F and 13C-19F spin-spin coupling in molecules of difluoro(fluorosulfonyl)- and difluoro(fluorosulfonyloxy)acetyl fluorides

High-resolution ¹⁹F and ¹³C NMR spectra of difluoro(fluorosulfonyl)- and difluoro(fluorosulfonyloxy) acetyl fluorides were studied, and specific features of complex spin-spin coupling of fluorine and carbon nuclei were characterized. The mechanisms of ¹⁹F and ¹³C coupling were interpreted.     

Rotational spectra, structures, hyperfine constants, and the nature of the bonding of KrCuF and KrCuCl

Rotational spectra of KrCuF and KrCuCl have been measured in the frequency range 8-18 GHz, using a pulsed jet cavity Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. The molecules were prepared by ablating Cu metal with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) and allowing the plasma to react with appropriate precursors (Kr plus SF(6) or Cl(2)) contained in the backing gas of the jet (Ar or Kr). Rotational constants, internuclear distances, vibration frequencies, and (83)Kr, Cu, and Cl nuclear quadrupole coupling constants have all been evaluated. The Kr-Cu bonds are short and the complexes are rigid. The (83)Kr coupling constant of KrCuF is large (128.8 MHz). The Cu nuclear quadrupole coupling constants differ radically from those of uncomplexed CuF and CuCl molecules. The results are supported by those of ab initio calculations, which have also yielded Mulliken populations, MOLDEN plots of valence molecular orbitals and Laplace concentrations, and electron localization functions. The results are consistent with those reported earlier for other noble gas-noble metal halide complexes. The results have been used to assess the nature of the bonding in the complexes and have produced good evidence for weak noble gas-noble metal chemical bonding.     

A 19F, 13C,and 14N-NMR study of trifluoromethyl isocyanide

¹⁹F, ¹³C and ¹⁴N-NMR spectra of trifluoromethyl isocyanide have been recorded at -102 °C. The spectral data show only minor differences in comparison to those of hydrocarbon isocyanides.     

13C and19F NMR study of α,β-difluorostyryl derivatives of transition metal carbonylates. A method of signal assignment based on the carbon—fluorine spin-spin coupling constants

The¹³C and¹⁹F NMR spectra ofZ- andE-isomers of β-X-substituted α,β-difluorostyrenes (X=F, Cl, CpFe(CO)₂, Re(CO)₅, Re₂(CO)₉Na) were studied. Direct and long-range (across 1–5 bonds) spin-spin coupling constants and the (¹³C−¹²C) isotope shifts in the¹⁹F NMR spectra were determined. The study of the¹³C satellites in the¹⁹F NMR spectra of substituted difluorostyrenes permitted assignment of the¹³C NMR signals of the vinylic carbon atoms. Similarly, the signals in¹⁹F NMR spectra were assigned based on coupling constants of fluorine withipso-carbon. These assignments were found to be in good agreement with the data available from the literature (X=F, Cl). The developed approach was applied to the elucidation of the structure ofZ−PhCF=CClFe(CO)₂Cp. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk, Seriya Khimicheskaya. No. 8, pp. 1575–1579, August, 1998.     

High resolution 13C NMR spectroscopy V—structure dependence of the 13C,H coupling constants in aceheptylene,azulene and 5-azaazulene

In order to study the structure dependence of the ¹³C,H coupling constants in polycyclic conjugated π electron systems with 5-and 7-membered rings, the ¹H coupled ¹³C NMR spectra of aceheptylene, azulene and 5-azaazulene have been analysed. The results are discussed, including published data of monocyclic reference compounds, and are compared to theoretical values calculated by the FPT-INDO method. It is shown that, first, the geminal ¹³C,H couplings in the unsaturated 5-membered carbocycles are predominantly dependent on CC bond lengths. Second, the vicinal ¹³C,H coupling constants in 5- as well as in 7-membered unsaturated carbocyclic rings can be linearly related to the lengths of the central CC bonds. Third, the vicinal inter-ring couplings show a large variation and give information on ring junction, thus being of special value in structure determination and are governed mainly by the bond angles. Fourth, the calculated ¹³C,H couplings across one and two bonds are totally useless for practical purposes; those across three bonds, however, at least reflect the experimental trends.     

Some sum-over-states perturbation calculations of 19F?13C coupling constants for some carbocations and related fluorobenzenes

Sum-over-states perturbation calculations within the INDO framework are reported for 24 ¹J(FC) and 34 ³J(FC) couplings. In general, satisfactory agreement with the experimental data is obtained when the integral products S_F²(O) S_C²(O) and 〈r^?3〉_F 〈r^?3〉_C take the values of 136.543 au^?6 and 58.352 au^?6, respectively, for the ¹J(FC) couplings. The corresponding values for the ³J(FC) couplings are 29.520 au^?6 and 44.340 au^?6, respectively. All of the ¹J(FC) values are predicted to be negative, whereas all of the ³J(FC) values are calculated with positive signs. The results indicate the importance of including the contact, orbital and dipolar contributions in the calculations.     

An AB initio molecular orbital study of the NF2 and N2F4 molecules,and ESR hyperfine coupling constants in NF2

In this publication, we present the results of gaussian type orbital calculations of ESR hyperfine coupling constants in NF₂. We also present electron density maps for the molecule, and the results of a calculation of ΔH⁰₂₉₈ for the reaction N₂F₄ → 2NF₂.     

Calculated structures and heats of formation of some predicted C,N, O,F molecules

Twelve molecules containing only C, N, O, and F, which are of interest in the context of energetic materials, were found to have true local energy minima at the HF/6-31G^* computational level. Both HF/6-31G^* and MP2/6-31G^* geometries are presented. A density functional procedure was used to find gas phase heats of formation. These are strongly positive for most of the molecules. The nitroso group significantly increases H _o ^f.25C compared to the nitro analogue.     

Application of semi-empirical calculations of 13C chemical shifts and 1J(CH) coupling constants to the analysis of carbonium ion structures

¹³C chemical shifts and ¹³CH coupling constants for classical and non-classical structures of some typical carbonium ions have been calculated by the method of summation over excited states in the INDO approximation using a special parameterization. Comparison of the data obtained with the experimental values shows that the calculation of the chemical shifts and spin-spin coupling constants is superior to energy calculations, and provides a useful means for the study of the structure of carbonium ions.