Activation and Conversion of Molecular Nitrogen to the Precursor of Ammonia on Silicon Substituted Cyclo[18]Carbon: a DFT Design

Recent synthesis of sp-hybridized cyclo18]carbon allotrope has attracted immense curiosity. Since then, a generous amount of theoretical studies concerning aromaticity, adsorption, and spectra of the molecule have been performed. However, very few stuides have been carried out concerning its reactivities and catalytic behaviour. In this article, a DFT-based inquisition has been reported regarding the reactivity of Si substituted cyclo18]carbon molecule towards molecular N₂. Results show that the Si substituted derivative is effective in producing adducts with molecular nitrogen. Charge calculations and IRC trapping methods indicate that only the Si center of C₁₇Si and its (HOMO-1) level participate in N₂ addition. The N-adduct so formed, is then found to spontaneously react with molecular H₂. The addition of two H₂ molecules to the activated nitrogen molecule to give respective amine derivatives have also been studied. The successful generation of the precursor of NH₃ by C₁₇Si lays a clear emphasis on its potentiality.