Observation of Collective Photoswitching in Free‐Standing TATA‐Based Azobenzenes on Au(111)

Light‐induced transitions between the trans and cis isomer of triazatriangulenium‐based azobenzene derivatives on Au(111) surfaces were observed directly by scanning tunneling microscopy, allowing atomic‐scale studies of the photoisomerization kinetics. Although the azobenzene units in these adlayers are free‐standing and spaced at uniform distances of 1.26 nm, their photoswitching depends on the isomeric state of the surrounding molecules and, specifically, is accelerated by neighboring cis isomers. These collective effects are supported by ab initio calculations indicating that the electronic excitation preferably localizes on the n–π* state of trans isomers with neighboring cis azobenzenes.     

Configuration interaction and density functional study of the influence of lithium cation complexation on vertical and adiabatic excitation energies of enones

The changes in the excited state energies of representative cyclic enones (cyclopentenone and cyclohexenone) induced by lithium ion coordination have been examined using ab initio and DFT methods. Quantitative estimates of the vertical triplet state energies were obtained using configuration interaction calculations at the CIS and CIS(D) levels with the 6‐31+G(d) basis. Inclusion of perturbative doubles corrections has a marked effect on the relative energies of the n–π* and π–π* triplet states. At both CI and CIS(D) levels, lithium complexation is predicted to raise the energy of the n–π* triplet state much more than the π–π* triplet. The trends obtained at the CIS(D) level are reproduced using B3LYP/6‐31+G(d) calculations. Adiabatic excitation energies were also computed by carrying out geometry optimization of the triplet states at the B3LYP level. While the separation between the geometry optimized n–π* and π–π* triplet states is very small for the parent enones, the π–π* triplet is clearly favored in the lithium complexes. These results suggest the possibility of reversing the reactive photoexcited state in enones through cation complexation. The conclusions provide a rationale for interesting variations in product distributions observed for enones in cation exchanged zeolites. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1598–1604, 2001     

Water–Water and Water–Solute Interactions in Microsolvated Organic Complexes

A structural study of microsolvated clusters of β‐propiolactone (BPL) formed in a pulsed molecular jet expansion is presented. The rotational spectra of BPL–(H₂O)_n (n=1–5) adducts have been analyzed by broadband microwave spectroscopy. Unambiguous identification of the structures has been achieved using isotopic substitution and experimental measurements of the cluster dipole moment. The observed structures are discussed in terms of the different intermolecular interactions between water molecules and between water and BPL, which include n–π* interactions involving the lone pairs of electrons on water oxygen atoms and the antibonding orbital of the BPL carbonyl group. The changes induced in the structures of the water hydrogen‐bonding network by complexation to BPL indicate that water clusters adopt specific configurations to maximize their links to solute molecules.     

How the Chalcogen Atom Size Dictates the Hydrogen-Bond Donor Capability of Carboxamides,Thioamides, and Selenoamides

The amino groups of thio- and selenoamides can act as stronger hydrogen-bond donors than of carboxamides, despite the lower electronegativity of S and Se. This phenomenon has been experimentally explored, particularly in organocatalysis, but a sound electronic explanation is lacking. Our quantum chemical investigations show that the NH₂ groups in thio- and selenoamides are more positively charged than in carboxamides. This originates from the larger electronic density flow from the nitrogen lone pair of the NH₂ group towards the lower-lying π*_C=S and π*_C=Se orbitals than to the high-lying π*_C=O orbital. The relative energies of the π* orbitals result from the overlap between the chalcogen np and carbon 2p atomic orbitals, which is set by the carbon-chalcogen equilibrium distance, a consequence of the Pauli repulsion between the two bonded atoms. Thus, neither the electronegativity nor the often-suggested polarizability but the steric size of the chalcogen atom determines the amide's hydrogen-bond donor capability.     

Observation of Collective Photoswitching in Free-Standing TATA-Based Azobenzenes on Au(111)

Light-induced transitions between the trans and cis isomer of triazatriangulenium-based azobenzene derivatives on Au(111) surfaces were observed directly by scanning tunneling microscopy, allowing atomic-scale studies of the photoisomerization kinetics. Although the azobenzene units in these adlayers are free-standing and spaced at uniform distances of 1.26 nm, their photoswitching depends on the isomeric state of the surrounding molecules and, specifically, is accelerated by neighboring cis isomers. These collective effects are supported by ab initio calculations indicating that the electronic excitation preferably localizes on the n–π* state of trans isomers with neighboring cis azobenzenes.     

An ab initio study of heterodienophiles addition to 2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene: An example of endo-lone-pair effect on the reaction energy barrier

Transition states for the Diels-Alder reactions of 2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene with ethylene, formaldehyde, formaldimine, cis- and trans- diazene, and nitrosyl hydride were located by ab initio molecular orbital calculations. The bond orders of the new forming bonds have been used to determine the asynchronicity of the reactions. Ab initio calculations show that the energy barrier for the hetero-Diels-Alder reactions is relatively high. The highest energy barrier of 34.76 kcal/mol calculated at the MP4/6-31G*//MP2/6-31G* level was found for the exo-cis-diazene addition to 2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene. In all cases, when two diastereomeric transition structures are possible, the one with the endo hydrogen, exo lone pair was predicted to have a lower activation barrier. This behavior can be explained by the n-π and n-n loan pair repulsion interaction between the dienophile and diene heteroatoms in the corresponding transition state. The barrier is higher for those reactions which in the transition state have more lone electron pairs. Also, the barrier is higher when the lone pairs are endo oriented than when they are exo oriented in the transition state. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Steric as well as n→π* Interaction Controls the Conformational Preferences of Phenyl Acetate: Gas‐phase Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Calculations

Herein, we report that the conformational preference of phenyl acetate is governed by steric effect and n→π* interaction. Conformation‐specific electronic and IR spectroscopy combined with quantum chemistry calculations confirm the presence of only the cis conformer of phenyl acetate in the experiment. The cis conformer of phenyl acetate has n→π* interaction between the lone‐pair electrons on the carbonyl oxygen atom and the π* orbitals of the phenyl group. The n→π* interaction is absent in the trans conformer which has additional steric repulsion between the methyl group and phenyl ring. The trans conformer is higher in energy than the cis conformer by ≈3 kcal mol^?1. We have found the effect of methyl substitution on the strength of the n→π* interaction, steric repulsion, and hyperconjugation in phenyl acetate. The red‐shift observed in the cis conformer of phenyl acetate with respect to the trans conformer is affected due to the influence of the methyl substituent on the strength of the n→π* interaction as well as hyperconjugation. The present result demonstrates that the introduction of a bulkier substituent can induce steric as well as electronic control to reduce conformational heterogeneity of a molecular system. Understanding the effect of bulkier substituents to promote defined conformations having specific non‐covalent interactions may have implication in better perception of the optimum structure and function of biomolecules as well as recognition of drugs by biomolecules.     

ns2np4 (n = 4, 5) lone pair triplets whirling in M*F2E3 (M* = Kr,Xe): Stereochemistry and ab initio analyses

The stereochemistry of ns²np⁴ (n = 4, 5) lone pair LP characterizing noble gas Kr and Xe (labeled M*) in M*F₂ difluorides is examined within coherent crystal chemistry and ab initio visualizations. M*²⁺ in such oxidation state brings three lone pairs (E) and difluorides are formulated M*F₂E₃. The analyses use electron localization function (ELF) obtained within density functional theory calculations showing the development of the LP triplets whirling {E₃} quantified in the relevant chemical systems. Detailed ELF data analyses allowed showing that in α KrF₂E₃ and isostructural XeF₂E₃ difluorides the three E electronic clouds merge or hybridize into a torus and adopt a perfect gyration circle with an elliptical section, while in β KrF₂ the network architecture deforms the whole torus into an ellipsoid shape. Original precise metrics are provided for the torus in the different compounds under study. In KrF₂ the geometric changes upon β → α phase transition is schematized and mechanisms for the transformation with temperature or pressure are proposed. The results are further highlighted by electronic band structure calculations which show similar features of equal band gaps of 3 eV in both α and β KrF₂ and a reorganization of frontier orbitals due to the different orientations of the F-Kr-F linear molecule in the two tetragonal structures.     

Dimers and Trimers of Diphosphenes: A Wealth of Cyclo‐Phosphanes

Various new P‐based ring systems were synthesised by transferring established reaction routes from NP chemistry to the analogous PP compounds. Due to the different electronic situations of phosphorus and nitrogen with respect to s and p character of the lone pair, different reactivity of the phosphorus compounds was observed, especially with regard to the specificity of the reactions and the stability of the products. Whereas Mes*N?PCl (Mes*=2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenyl) is stable in the solid state and in solution, the formal phosphorus congener Mes*P?PCl is highly reactive and could not be observed. Instead, several formal dimers and trimers of Mes*P?PCl could be isolated, which constitute an intriguing variety of three‐ and four‐membered ring systems.     

On the Correlation between Photoelectron and Electronic Spectra. Part. II: Experimental indications about the shape of lone pair orbitals

For a π-molecular system containing two symmetry-equivalent heteroatoms, a qualitative relationship between the difference in the n-ionization potentials (ΔIP) and the difference between the n → π* excitation energies (ΔΔE) is derived, using semi-localized orbitals as a basis. The comparison between ΔIP and ΔΔE yields information about the energies and/or the shapes of the two lone pair MO's in the model system. The results provide further insight into ‘through space’ and ‘through bond’ interaction concept introduced by Hoffmann.     

Electronic spectra of phenyl-, 3-pyridyl-, furfuryl-, and 2-theinyl-imino derivatives of thiazole: Molecular orbital treatment

The electronic spectra of phenylmethylene, 3-pyridylmethylene, furfurylmethylene, and theinylmethylene derivatives of 2-aminothiazole have been investigated. Gaussian analysis for the spectra indicates the existence of four electronic transitions in the 350–220 nm region. Geometry optimization using AM1 method followed by INDO/S-CI calculations was carried out. The results confirmed the absence of n–π* transitions. The coefficients of configuration interaction (CI) wave functions defined the type of electronic transitions, which are of major charge transfer (CT) character. The anticonformer is the predominant one. The gap energies of the studied compounds are of the same order, which indicates that their reactivities are expected to be the same. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 66 : 415–423, 1998     

n→π*-Übergänge in Dicarbonylverbindungen Der Einfluss der n,n- und π*, π*-Wechselwirkung

By CNDO-CI calculations we have found that dicarbonyl compounds exhibit only two n → π* transitions in the visible or near UV. region, instead of four as expected from simpler MO-models. The dominant features of the long-wavelength electronic spectra may be characterized by the relative energy of the two n and the two lowest π* orbitals. In general we distinguish between three cases:

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Comparative Infrared,Raman, and Natural‐Bond‐Orbital Analyses of King's Sultam

By means of ¹H‐NOESY‐ and Raman‐spectroscopic analyses, we experimentally demonstrated the presence of the equatorial N? Me conformer of King's sultam 4b in solution, resulting from a rapid equilibrium. As a consequence, the value of the N lone‐pair anomeric stabilization should be revised to 1.5–1.6 kcal/mol. Independently from the N tilting, natural bond orbital (NBO)‐comparative analyses suggest that the S d* orbitals do not appear as primordial and stereospecific acceptors for the N lone pair. Second, the five‐membered‐ring sultams do not seem to be particularly well‐stabilized by the S? C σ* orbital in the N‐substituted pseudo‐axial conformation, as opposed to an idealized anti‐periplanar situation for the six‐membered‐ring analogues. In this latter case, the other anti‐periplanar C? C σ* and C(1′)? H/C(2′) σ*orbitals are as important, if not more, when compared to the S? C σ* participation. In the pseudo‐equatorial conformation, γ‐sultams particularly benefit from the N lone‐pair hyperconjugation with the anti‐periplanar S? O₁ σ* and C(2)? H/C or C(1′)? H/C σ* orbitals. This is also the case for δ‐sultams when the steric requirement of the N‐substituent exceeds 1.6 kcal/mol. When both axial and equatorial conformations are sterically too exacting, the N‐atom is prone to sp² hybridization or/and conformational changes (i.e., 12c ). In that case also, the mode of stereoelectronic stabilization differs from γ‐ to δ‐sultams.     

Electronic structure of benzaldehyde: A comparative study of the lowest excited singlet π* ← π and π* ← n states

VE-PPP, CNDO/2, and CNDO/s-CI methods have been used to investigate the electronic spectrum and structure of benzaldehyde. Electronic charge distributions and bond orders in the ground and lowest excited singlet π* ← π and π* ← n states of the molecule have been studied. The molecule has been shown to be nonplanar in the lowest π* ← n excited singlet state, in agreement with the conclusions drawn from the study of vibrational spectra. Dipole moments in both excited states have been shown to be larger than the ground-state value. Thus, the ambiguity in the experimental result for the π* ← π n excited singlet state dipole moment has been resolved. It has been shown that the n orbital is mainly localized on the CHO group. Furthermore, charge distributions, dipole moments, and molecular geometries are shown to be very different in the excited singlet π* ← π and π* ← n states.     

Recognition and assignment of meso and dl diastereomers: Dimethyl α,α′-Dibromopimelate and N-benzyl-2,6-dicarbomethoxypiperidine

The assignment of meso and dl diastereomers is carried out by NMR analysis of the signals due to the methylene protons in two simple cases, namely, dimethyl α,α′-dibromopimelate (as an acyclic compound) and N-benzyl-2,6-dicarbomethoxypiperidine (as a cyclic compound). In the case of the heterocyclic compound, an nσσ* hyperconjugative interaction between the CH bond α to the heteroatom and the lone pair of the heteroatom can be used, and leads to the same assignment.     

Chiroptical spectra of bicyclic selenolactams. Optical activity of the singlet–triplet transition

Two selenolactams with rigid 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane skeletons were prepared by reaction of the corresponding lactams with P₄Se₁₀. A comparison of their UV–vis and CD spectra with those of the carbonyl and thiocarbonyl analogues showed a similar character of the lowest-energy electronic transitions and the same signs of the corresponding Cotton effects. The MCD spectra of selenolactams revealed that their n–π* absorption band is dominated by the singlet–triplet component. A very weak CD corresponding to this component has an opposite sign to its much stronger singlet–singlet counterpart observed at the blue edge of the n–π* band.     

Die elektronische Struktur einfacher Stickstoff-und sauerstoffhaltiger Verbindungen

A general review is given of the UV.-spectroscopic properties of some simple molecules containing the NβN and NβO bond, respectively. The electronic structure of nitrosomethane, azomethane, trimethylamine oxide, azomethane N,N'-dioxide, nitromethane, methyl nitrite are reinvestigated by the SCF-CI method, within the frame of the all-valence CNDO procedure. These calculations confirm a number of older assignments, but also allow predictions concerning some not settled questions. For instance, nitroalkanes should exhibit not one but two n–π* transitions, namely at 275 nm and around 350 nm. This prediction agrees with conclusions by Djerassi and co-workers on the spectra of some nitrosteroids. Particular attention is given to the symmetry and relative energetic position of nonbonding orbitals. The question of “ basicity” and “ease of protonation” is discussed in relation to it. Calculations on the overall charge distribution complement this investigation.     

14N and 35Cl NQR studies of organophosphorus compounds

¹⁴N and ³⁵Cl NQR spectra have been investigated for 24 organophosphorus compounds using a pulse technique. The electron populations of the nitrogen lone pair orbital and the N? P bond are calculated according to the Townes and Dailey method. The experimental data are interpreted assuming a partial double bond character of the N? P bond due to the p_π? d_π interaction and p_π? σ conjugation of the lone pair electrons of the nitrogen atoms. The effect of the different nature of substituents X on the N? P bond populations is observed in X ? PR_n (R₂N)_3-n molecules (where X is O, S, Se, or lone pair electrons and n = 0, 1, 2). It can be seen from this dependence that the effective electronegativity of the phosphorus atom is largest in selenophosphoramidates and falls in the sequence P?Se > P?S > P?O > P.     

X‐Ray Structure Analyses of syn/anti‐Conformers of N‐Furfuroyl‐, N‐Benzoyl‐, and N‐Picolinoyl‐Substituted (2R)‐Bornane‐10,2‐sultam Derivatives

The synthesis and the X‐ray structure of the three new N‐(arylcarbonyl)‐substituted derivatives 2a – 2c of (2R)‐bornane‐10,2‐sultam are presented and discussed. Direct comparison of the solid‐state analyses shows that the dipole‐directed SO₂/C?O anti‐/syn‐conformations may be very sensitive to weak electronic/electrostatic repulsions of the heteroatom lone pairs. The optimum interactions are reached when the lone pair of the β‐positioned heteroatom is oriented in the O(3)?C(11)? N(1) plane. Such rare syn‐conformations may be observed with at least up to 1.8 kcal/mol higher energy as compared to their ground states. Additionally, these anti/syn‐conformations are also very sensitive to external influences such as, for example, the crystal‐packing forces.