Density-functional and electron correlated study of five linear birefringences--Kerr, Cotton-Mouton, Buckingham, Jones, and magnetoelectric--in gaseous benzene

We present the results of an extended study of five birefringences--Kerr, Cotton-Mouton, Buckingham, Jones, and Magnetoelectric--on benzene in the gas phase. The relevant molecular quantities--first-order properties, linear, quadratic, and cubic response functions--are computed employing the density-functional theory (DFT) response theory, with a choice of functionals. In some cases, different functionals are employed for the wave-function computational step and for the subsequent analytical response calculation to determine the combination yielding at the same time the optimal energy and energy derivative results. Augmented correlation consistent basis sets of double and triple zeta quality are used. The DFT results are compared to those obtained at the Hartree-Fock level and in some cases within a coupled cluster singles and doubles electronic structure model. The study tries to assess the ability of the DFT response theory to describe a wide range of properties in a system of rather large size and high complexity. The relative strength of the five birefringences for plausible experimental conditions is determined and, when possible, comparison is made with the results of the measurements.     

Steric and electronic tuning of chiral bis(oxazoline) ligands with 3,3'-bithiophene backbone

[structure: see text] The role played by the electronic properties and the steric features of bis(oxazoline) ligands in the Cu(I)-catalyzed cyclopropanation of styrene effected with ethyl diazoacetate was investigated. Two pairs of new bis(oxazolines) displaying flexible and atropisomeric 3,3'-bithiophene backbones were synthesized and structurally and electronically characterized. For the first time, the electrochemical oxidative potential was used as a reliable index of the electronic density on the nitrogen atom of the chelating groups of new and, for comparative purposes, of already known bis(oxazolines). The Cu(I) complexes of the new ligands were prepared, and their enantioselection ability and catalytic efficiency were tested. This investigation suggests that steric factors and catalyst geometrical features are clearly more important than any consideration of the electronic properties of the chiral ligands.     

Redox‐ and Protonation‐Induced Fluorescence Switch in a New Triphenylamine with Six Stable Active or Non‐Active Forms

The synthesis, photophysical and electrochemical properties as well as theoretical calculation studies of a newly designed triphenylamine derivative are described. This original compound displays one neutral form, three oxidized forms, and two protonated forms with distinct photophysical characteristics. The interplay of the emission with the protonation or the redox state (electrofluorochromism) has been explored and an on–off–on–off fluorescence switching was observed in the case of oxidation and an on–on–off fluorescence switching in the case of protonation.