Multiply charged anions in the gas phase

A small and stable covalently bound trianion

Stable doubly charged anions have become well known over the past decade, but the knowledge about higher-charged molecules is still sparse. Especially the minimum size of a covalently bound trianion which is still stable is an open question. Here, we present the smallest trianion of this kind known up to now, namely, B(C(2)CO(2))(3) (3-). After establishing its geometrical parameters, we investigate its stability with respect to electron autodetachment and fragmentation of the molecular framework. Our results lend strong support to the notion that this trianion indeed represents a stable compound which should be observable in the gas phase.

Probing the intrinsic features and environmental stabilization of multiply charged anions

Multiply charged anions (MCAs) represent exotic, highly energetic species in the gas-phase due to their propensity to undergo unimolecular decay via electron loss or ionic fragmentation. There is considerable fundamental interest in these systems since they display novel potential energy surfaces that are characterized by Coulomb barriers. Over recent years, considerable progress has been made in understanding the factors that affect the stability, decay pathways and reactivity of gas-phase MCAs, mainly as a result of the application of electrospray ionization as a generic technique for transferring solution-phase MCAs into the gas-phase for detailed characterization. We review contemporary work in this field, focusing on the factors that control the intrinsic stability of MCAs, both as isolated gas-phase ions, and on their complexation with solvent molecules and counter-ions. While studies of MCAs are primarily of fundamental interest, several classes of important biological ions are commonly observed as MCAs in the gas-phase (e.g. oligonucleotides, sugars). Recent results for biologically relevant ions are emphasised, since a fundamental understanding of the properties of gas-phase MCAs will be highly valuable for developing further analytical methods to study these important systems.

Small gas-phase dianions produced by sputtering and gas flooding

We have extended our previous experiment [Schauer et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 65, 625 (1990)] where we had produced small gas-phase dianion clusters of C(n) (2-)(n > or =7) by means of sputtering a graphite surface by Cs(+) ion bombardment. Our detection sensitivity for small C(n) (2-) could now be increased by a factor of about 50 for odd n. Nevertheless, a search for the elusive pentamer dianion of C(5) (2-) was not successful. As an upper limit, the sputtered flux of C(5) (2-) must be at least a factor of 5000 lower than that of C(7) (2-), provided that the lifetime of C(5) (2-) is sufficiently long to allow its detection by mass spectrometry. When oxygen gas (flooding with either O(2) or with N(2)O) was supplied to the Cs(+)-bombarded graphite surface, small dianions of OC(n) (2-)(5< or =n < or =14) and O(2)C(7) (2-) were observed in addition to C(n) (2-)(n > or =7). Similarly, Cs(+) sputtering of graphite with simultaneous SF(6) gas flooding produced SC(n) (2-)(6< or =n< or =18). Mixed nitrogen-carbon or fluorine-carbon dianion clusters could not be observed by these means. Attempts to detect mixed metal-fluoride dianions for SF(6) gas flooding of various Cs(+)-bombarded metal surfaces were successful for the case of Zr, where metastable ZrF(6) (2-) was observed. Cs(+) bombardment of a silicon carbide (SiC) wafer produced SiC(n) (2-) (n=6,8,10). When oxygen gas was supplied to the Cs(+)-bombarded SiC surface, small dianions of SiOC(n) (2-) (n=4,6,8) and of SiO(2)C(n) (2-) (n=4,6) as well as a heavier unidentified dianion (at mz=98.5) were observed. For toluene (C(7)H(8)) vapor flooding of a Cs(+)-bombarded graphite surface, several hydrocarbon dianion clusters of C(n)H(m) (2-)(n> or =7) were produced in addition to C(n) (2-)(n> or =7), while smaller C(n)H(m) (2-) with n< or =6 could not be observed. BeC(n) (2-) (n=4,6,8,10), Be(2)C(6) (2-), as well as BeC(8)H(m) (2-) (with m=2 and/or m=1) were observed for toluene vapor flooding of a Cs(+)-bombarded beryllium metal foil. The metastable pentamer (9)Be(12)C(4) (2-) at mz=28.5 was the smallest and lightest dianion molecule that we could detect. The small dianion clusters of SC(n) (2-), OC(n) (2-), BeC(n) (2-), and SiO(m)C(n) (2-) (m=0,1,2) have different abundance patterns. A resemblance exists between the abundance patterns of BeC(n) (2-) and SiC(n) (2-), even though calculated molecular structures of BeC(6) (2-) and SiC(6) (2-) are different. The abundance pattern of SC(n) (2-) is fairly similar to that of C(n) (2-).

Photodetachment spectroscopy of PtBr42−: Probing the Coulomb barrier of a doubly charged anion

We probe the repulsive Coulomb barrier of the doubly charged anion PtBr(4) (2-) by photodetachment spectroscopy. The results are discussed in terms of models for the photoemission process, the excitation spectrum of PtBr(4) (2-), and calculations of the energy-dependent tunneling probability for various model potentials.

Stable and Long-Lived Trianions in the Gas Phase

Stable doubly charged anions have become well known over the past decade, but the knowledge about higher charged molecules is still sparse. In this article, we discuss the current status of trianions. The different species, both from experimental and theoretical work, are classified according to their bonding characteristics, that is, ionic, metallic, or covalent. Both stability with respect to electron autodetachment and with respect to dissociation is covered. New results on the currently smallest stable covalently bound trianion are also shown. Last, we outline future perspectives in the field of multiply charged anions.

Multiply-charged negative clusters of adenosine-5'-monophosphate in the gas phase

Multiply-charged noncovalent cluster anions of adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP) were formed by electrospray ionization (ESI). Ions in higher charge states were observed when the ions were accumulated in an ion trap with helium buffer gas before detection. We determined the smallest size (n(a)) or appearance size as a function of charge state (q), i.e., n(a) = 4 for q = 2, n(a) = 8 for q = 3, and n(a) = 13 for q = 4. The relation between n(a) and q can be described by a charged droplet model. When the size is larger than n(a) for a given q, the fragmentation pathway of an anion cluster is dominated by loss of neutral fragments. In contrast, when the size approaches the appearance size, only charged fragments are formed.

First Principles Study on the Solvation and Structure of C2O42-(H2O)n, n = 6−12

The structures and energies of hydrated oxalate clusters, C2O4(2-)(H2O)n, n = 6-12, are obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and compared to SO4(2-)(H2O)n. Although the evolution of the cluster structure with size is similar to that of SO4(2-)(H2O)n, there are a number of important and distinctive futures in C2O4(2-)(H2O)n, including the separation of the two charges due to the C-C bond in C2O4(2-), the lower symmetry around C2O4(2-), and the torsion along the C-C bond, that affect both the structure and the solvation energy. The solvation dynamics for the isomers of C2O4(2-)(H2O)12 are also examined by DFT based ab initio molecular dynamics.

Zwitterion−Dianion Complexes and Anion−Anion Clusters with Negative Dissociation Energies

Clusters of oxalate and malonate dianions with glycine in its zwitterionic form were found by ab initio and density functional theory calculations. Proton transfer is impeded by an electrostatic barrier, but the resulting anion-anion pairs form complexes despite having negative dissociation energies. A variety of X-/Y- species with exothermic dissociation energies ranging from 10 to 141 kcal mol-1, but large enough barriers to be experimentally produced, are reported. These dianions may represent an unrecognized control element in nature and provide a unique opportunity to probe electrostatic effects and a wealth of novel clusters.

Open Shell Dianions Likely To Be Stable in the Gas Phase with Respect to Autoionization

We address the challenge set by Dreuw and Cederbaum [Dreuw, A.; Cederbaum, L. S. Chem. Rev. 2002, 102, 181-200] to develop a set of "small" open shell stable dianions. We offer two families of such species, based on a central diradical center with attached anionic sites. Both families achieve dianion stabilization through alternating zones of positive and negative charge. First, quasi-linear systems such as NB(C2)n-Q-(C2)nBN become diradical dianions stable to autoionization in two cases:  (a) for Q a divalent (carbene) carbon when n is two or greater and (b) for Q a C4 ring diradical when n is one or greater. Second, carbenes with certain anionic aromatic substituents can be stable with respect to autoionization. π-Acid substituted carbenes (A2Q) have triplet ground states generally. If A is cyclopentadienyl anion stabilized by cyano substitution, the resulting triplet dianion is stable with respect to autoionization. In bisphenyl carbenes the triplet is relatively stabilized when ortho substituents force the system toward D2d symmetry. The dianion of bis(orthochlorophenyl) carbene produced by para-substitution with BN retains the triplet preference and is stable with respect to autoionization. These results obtained first by density functional calculations in a small basis, B3LYP/6-31G(d), are confirmed and extended by ROMP2 and CCSD calculations in a more flexible basis, 6-31+G(d). DFT has a systematic bias against systems with excess electrons, which is paradoxically a virtue in the screening of candidate dianions since the DFT calculation does not make false predictions of stability.

Electron transfer collisions between isolated fullerene dianions and SF6

Electron transfer collisions of trapped doubly charged fullerene anions C76(2-), C(78)2-, and C84(2-) with SF6 are studied in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer at center-of-mass collisional energies ranging from thermal energy to 77 eV. Collision energy dependencies manifest threshold energies for (nominally exoergic) single electron transfer onto SF6 of 1.46+/-0.3 eV, 1.56+/-0.3 eV, and 1.63+/-0.3 eV for C(76)2-, C78(2-), and C(84)2-, respectively. Kinetics studies reveal charge-transfer cross sections of up to 430+/-200 A2 for C84(2-) at a collision energy of 77 eV. The mechanism and the energetics are discussed in terms of classical electrostatic model calculations. Additionally, we rationalize the collision energy dependencies of the charge-transfer cross sections using the two-state Landau-Zener formalism to describe the associated resonant electron tunneling probability.

On the Stability of IrCl63- and Other Triply Charged Anions: Solvent Stabilization versus Ionic Fragmentation and Electron Detachment for the IrCl63-·(H2O)n n = 0−10 Microsolvated Clusters

The intrinsic gas-phase stability of the IrCl(6)(3-) trianion and its microsolvated clusters, IrCl(6)(3-).(H(2)O)(n) n = 1-10, have been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Although IrCl(6)(3-) is known to exist as a stable complex ion in bulk solutions, our calculations indicate that the bare trianion is metastable with respect to decay via both electron detachment and ionic fragmentation. To estimate the lifetime of IrCl(6)(3-), we have computed the electron tunneling probability using an adaption of the Wentzel-Kramer-Brillouin theory and predict that the trianion will decay spontaneously via electron tunneling on a time scale of 2.4 x 10(-13) s. The global minimum structure for IrCl(6)(3-).H(2)O was found to contain a bifurcated hydrogen bond, whereas for IrCl(6)(3-).(H(2)O)(2), two low energy minima were identified; one involving two bifurcated water-ion hydrogen bonds and a second combining a bifurcated hydrogen bond with a water-water hydrogen bond. Clusters based on each of these structural motifs were obtained for all of the n = 3-10 systems, and the effect of solvation on the possible decay pathways was explored. The calculations reveal that solvation stabilizes IrCl(6)(3-) with respect to both electron detachment decay and ionic fragmentation, with the magnitude of the repulsive Coulomb barrier for ionic fragmentation increasing smoothly with sequential solvation. This study is the first to compare the propensity for electron detachment versus ionic fragmentation decay for a sequentially solvated triply charged anion.

Tuning the continuum ground state energy of NO2- 2 by water molecules

Electron scattering on NO-2, NO-2 x (H2O), and NO-2 x (H2O)(2) was performed in two storage rings. We confirm the presence of earlier reported NO2-2 dianion resonances and show that they remain when water is attached. Importantly, hydration tunes the energy: each water molecule lowers the ground state energy by 0.8 +/- 0.3 eV relative to the monoanion. NO2-2 is observed to decay by two-electron emission, possibly in combination with fragmentation. NO(2-)2 x (H2O) mainly decays into NO-2 + H2O + e(-).

The highest bond order between heavier main-group elements in an isolated compound? Energetics and vibrational spectroscopy of S2I4(MF6)2 (M = As, Sb)

The vibrational spectra of S2I4(MF6)2(s) (M = As, Sb), a normal coordinate analysis of S2I4(2+), and a redetermination of the X-ray structure of S2I4(AsF6)2 at low temperature show that the S-S bond in S2I4(2+) has an experimentally based bond order of 2.2-2.4, not distinguishably different from bond orders, based on calculations, of the Si-Si bonds in the proposed triply bonded disilyne of the isolated [(Me3Si)2 CH]2 (iPr)SiSiSiSi(iPr)[CH(SiMe3)2]2 and the hypothetical trans-RSiSiR (R = H, Me, Ph). Therefore, both S2I4(2+) and [(Me3Si)2 CH]2 (iPr)SiSiSiSi(iPr)[CH(SiMe3)2]2 have the highest bond orders between heavier main-group elements in an isolated compound, given a lack of the general acceptance of a bond order > 2 for the Ga-Ga bond in Na2[{Ga(C6H3Trip2-2,6)}2] (Trip = C6H2Pr(i)3-2,4,6) and the fact that the reported bond orders for the heavier group 14 alkyne analogues of formula REER [E = Ge, Sn, or Pb; R = bulky organic group] are ca. 2 or less. The redetermination of the X-ray structure gave a higher accuracy for the short S-S [1.842(4) A, Pauling bond order (BO) = 2.4] and I-I [2.6026(9) A, BO = 1.3] bonds and allowed the correct modeling of the AsF6- anions, the determination of the cation-anion contacts, and thus an empirical estimate of the positive charge on the sulfur and iodine atoms. FT-Raman and IR spectra of both salts, obtained for the first time, were assigned with the aid of density functional theory calculations and gave a stretching frequency of 734 cm(-1) for the S-S bond and 227 cm(-1) for the I-I bond, implying bond orders of 2.2 and 1.3, respectively. A normal-coordinate analysis showed that no mixing occurs and yielded force constants for the S-S (5.08 mdyn/A) and I-I bonds (1.95 mdyn/A), with corresponding bond orders of 2.2 for the S-S bond and 1.3 for the I-I bond, showing that S2I4(2+) maximizes pi bond formation. The stability of S2I4(2+) in the gas phase, in SO2 and HSO3F solutions, and in the solid state as its AsF6- salts was established by calculations using different methods and basis sets, estimating lattice enthalpies, and calculating solvation energies. Dissociation reactions of S2I4(2+) into various small monocations in the gas phase are favored [e.g., S2I4(2+)(g) --> 2SI2(+)(g), deltaH = -200 kJ/mol], as are reactions with I2 [S2I4(2+)(g) + I2(g) --> 2SI3(+)(g), deltaH = -285 kJ/mol). However, the corresponding reactions in the solid state are endothermic [S2I4(AsF6)2(s) --> 2SI2(AsF6)(s), deltaH = +224 kJ/mol; S2I4(AsF6)2 + I2(s) -->2SI3(AsF6)(s), deltaH = +287 kJ/mol). Thus, S2I4(2+) and its multiple bonds are lattice stabilized in the solid state. Computational and FT-Raman results for solution behavior are less clear cut; however, S2I4(2+) was observed by FT-Raman spectroscopy in a solution of HSO3F/AsF5, consistent with the calculated small, positive free energies of dissociation in HSO3F.

Photoelectron spectroscopy of fullerene dianions C762−, C782−, and C842−

We report laser photoelectron spectra of the doubly negatively charged fullerenes C(76) (2-), C(78) (2-), and C(84) (2-) at 2.33, 3.49, and 4.66 eV photon energy. From these spectra, second electron affinities and vertical detachment energies, as well as estimates for the repulsive Coulomb barriers are obtained. These results are discussed in the context of electrostatic models. They reveal that fullerenes are similar to conducting spheres, with electronic properties scaling with their size. The experimental spectra are compared with the accessible excited states of the respective singly charged product ions calculated in the framework of time dependent density functional theory.

Remarkable interplay of electron correlation and relativity in the photodetachment spectrum of PtCl62−

In this work we calculate the photoelectron spectrum of the PtCl(6) (2-) dianion by application of the recently developed third-order Dirac-Hartree-Fock implementation of the one-particle propagator technique allowing for a consistent treatment of spin-orbit and scalar relativistic effects together with electron correlation. For PtCl(6) (2-) a gas phase photoelectron spectrum is available showing clearly discernible structures not reproducible by a nonrelativistic or purely scalar-relativistic computation. A population analysis of the valence orbitals allows for an assignment of the photoelectron peaks and reveals the strong influence of relativity in combination with electron correlation.

Structure and energetics of two- and three-dimensional neutral, cationic, and anionic gold clusters Au5⩽n⩽9Z (Z=0,±1)

Low-energy structures are found on the potential energy surfaces of the neutral, cationic, and anionic gold clusters Au(5< or = n < or =9)Z (Z=0,+/-1) and on the neutral potential energy surface of Au(9). These structures provide insights on the two to three dimensional (2D-->3D) transition in small neutral and charged gold clusters. It is demonstrated that the size threshold for the 2D-3D coexistence is lower for cationic than neutral gold clusters: the 2D-3D coexistence develops for Au(5) (+) and Au(7) (+) on the cationic potential energy surfaces while only for Au(9) on the neutral. Two metastable long-lived dianions of gold clusters are also reported.

Gas-Phase Stability of Tetrahedral Multiply Charged Anions: A Conceptual and Computational DFT Study

Multiply charged anions (MCA's) are unstable relative to electron autoejection; however, the repulsive Coulomb barrier (RCB) provides electronic stability. In view of their interest in biological systems, the behavior of isolated AsO(4)(3-), PO(4)(3-), SO(4)(2-), and SeO(4)(2-) in the gas phase and in solution has been studied. To calculate the RCB values, the electrostatic and point charge model-two methods currently used in the literature-are applied, together with a recently introduced Conceptual Density Functional Theory (DFT) based approach. The relative stability of the above-mentioned MCA's is compared. The trends of the RCB are analyzed by including analogous compounds from the second and third row and by passing from dianionic to trianionic systems. Considering the effect of solvent, using the SCI-PCM solvent model, the evolution of the RCB when passing to higher dielectric constants is evaluated. The RCB is related to the properties of the system as polarizability/softness. Both a numerical and a conceptual correlation between the RCB and the global softness is found.

High-Electron-Density C6H6 Units: Stable Ten-π-Electron Benzene Complexes

The first stable benzene molecule with ten pi electrons is predicted. Stability is achieved through barium atoms acting as an electron-donating "matrix" to C6H6 in the inverted sandwich complex [Ba2(C6H6)]. The bis(barium)benzene complex has been computed at the density functional level of theory by using the hybrid functional mPW1PW91. Ab initio calculations were performed by using the coupled-cluster expansion, CCSD(T). Nucleus independent chemical shift (NICS) indices imply distinct aromatic character in the benzene ring of bis(barium)benzene. The D6h-symmetric structure with a 1A(1g) electronic ground state represents a thermochemically stable, aromatic benzene molecule with four excess pi electrons, stabilised by two barium ions. A possible molecular wire, built up from Ba end-capped thorium-benzene "sandwiches", is discussed.

Electron scattering on centrosymmetric molecular dianions Pt(CN)4(2-) and Pt(CN)6(2-)

Electron scattering on stored Pt(CN)2-4 and Pt(CN)2-6 centrosymmetric molecular dianions has been performed at the electrostatic storage ring ELISA. The thresholds for production of neutral particles by electron bombardment were found to be 17.2 and 18.7 eV, respectively. The relatively high thresholds reflect the strong Coulomb repulsion in the incoming channel as well as a high energetic stability of the target electrons. A trianion resonance was identified with a positive energy of 17.0 eV for the Pt(CN)2-4 square-planar complex, while three trianion resonances were identified for the Pt(CN)2-6 octahedral complex with positive energies of 15.3, 18.1, and 20.1 eV.

Photoelectron spectroscopy of isolated multiply negatively charged oligonucleotides

Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy in an ion beam was used to investigate the electronic properties of isolated DNA oligonucleotides [dA(5)-4H](4-) and [dT(5)-4H](4-), carrying four excess negative charges. We find the fourth adiabatic electron affinity to be slightly negative for [dA(5)-4H](4-), while it is positive for [dT(5)-4H](4-). This implies a significant influence of the base composition on energetics, which is in turn relevant for analytic applications and also for charge transport properties.

Extrapolating bound state data of anions into the metastable domain

Computing energies of electronically metastable resonance states is still a great challenge. Both scattering techniques and quantum chemistry based L2 methods are very time consuming. Here we investigate two more economical extrapolation methods. Extrapolating bound states energies into the metastable region using increased nuclear charges has been suggested almost 20 years ago. We critically evaluate this attractive technique employing our complex absorbing potential/Green's function method that allows us to follow a bound state into the continuum. Using the (2)Pi(g) resonance of N2- and the (2)Pi(u) resonance of CO2- as examples, we found that the extrapolation works suprisingly well. The second extrapolation method involves increasing of bond lengths until the sought resonance becomes stable. The keystone is to extrapolate the attachment energy and not the total energy of the system. This method has the great advantage that the whole potential energy curve is obtained with quite good accuracy by the extrapolation. Limitations of the two techniques are discussed.

Bulk versus Interfacial Aqueous Solvation of Dicarboxylate Dianions

Solvation of dicarboxylate dianions of varying length of the aliphatic chain in water clusters and in extended aqueous slabs was investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Photoelectron spectra of hydrated succinate, adipate, and tetradecandioic dianions with up to 20 water molecules were obtained. Even-odd effects were observed as a result of the alternate solvation mode of the two negative charges with increasing solvent numbers. The competition between hydrophilic interactions of the charged carboxylate groups and hydrophobic interactions of the aliphatic chain leads to conformation changes in large water clusters containing dicarboxylates bigger than adipate. It also leads to a transition from bulk aqueous solvation of small dicarboxylates to solvation at the water/vapor interface of the larger ones. Whereas oxalate and adipate solvate in the inner parts of the aqueous slab, suberate and longer dicarboxylate dianions have a strong propensity to the surface. This transition also has consequences for the folding of the flexible aliphatic chain and for the structure of aqueous solvation shells around the dianions.

Photoelectron spectroscopy of the doubly-charged anions [MIVO(mnt)2]2- (M = Mo, W; mnt = S2C2(CN)2(2-): access to the ground and excited states of the [MVO(mnt)2]- anion

Photodetachment photoelectron spectroscopy was used to investigate the electronic structure of the doubly charged complexes [MIVO(mnt)2]2- (M = Mo, W; mnt = 1,2-dicyanoethenedithiolato). These dianions are stable in the gas phase and are minimal models for the active sites of the dimethyl sulfoxide reductase family of molybdenum enzymes and of related tungsten enzymes. Adiabatic and vertical electron binding energies for both species were measured, providing detailed information about molecular orbital energy levels of the parent dianions as well as the ground and excited states of the product anions [MVO(mnt)2]-. Density functional theory calculations were used to assist assignment of the detachment features. Differences in energy between these features provided the energies of ligand-to-metal charge-transfer transitions from S(pi) and S(sigma) molecular orbitals to the singly occupied metal-based orbital of the products [MVO(mnt)2]-. These unique data for the M(V) species were obtained at the C(2)(v)() geometry of the parent M(IV) dianions. However, theoretical calculations and available condensed phase data suggested that a geometry featuring differentially folded dithiolene ligands (Cs point symmetry) was slightly lower in energy. The driving force for ligand folding is a favorable covalent interaction between the singly occupied metal-based molecular orbital (a1 in C2v) point symmetry; highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)) and the least stable of the occupied sulfur-based molecular orbitals (b1 in C2v point symmetry, HOMO-1) that is only possible upon reduction to the lower symmetry. This ligand folding induces a large increase in the intensity predicted for the a' S(pi) --> a' dx2 - y2 charge-transfer transition originating from the HOMO-2 of [MVO(mnt)2](-) under Cs point symmetry. Electronic absorption spectra are available for the related species [MoVO(bdt)2]- (bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolato) and for the oxidized form of dimethyl sulfoxide reductase. The intense absorptions at approximately 1.7 eV have been assigned previously to S(sigma) --> Mo transitions, assuming C2v geometry. The present work indicates that the alternative a' S(pi) --> a' dx2 - y2 of Cs geometry must be considered. Overall, this study confirms that the electronic structure of the M-dithiolene units are exquisitely sensitive to dithiolene ligand folding, reinforcing the proposal that these units are tunable conduits for electron transfer in enzyme systems.

Formation of C60(2-) dianions in collisions between C60- and Na atoms

We have observed the formation of C2-60 and C2-70 in collisions between C(-)(60)/C(-)(70) and Na atoms. Cross sections for the electron transfer to the monoanion are determined to be 36+/-9 and 57+/-14 A(2) for C-60 and C-70, respectively. A simple model investigation suggests that the electron is transferred from a Na atom to a low-lying electronic state of the fullerene to form a dianion. The method leads to pico-ampere energetic beams of C60 dianions that can be used for spectroscopy and lifetime studies.

Electron localization–delocalization transitions in dissociation of the C4− anion: A large-Danalysis

We present a study, employing high level ab initio methods, of electron localization-delocalization transitions along the dissociation path of the C4- anion to C2 and C2-. We find that at the equilibrium geometry, the symmetrical and nonsymmetrical configurations of the linear C4- anion are almost isoenergetic. However, along a collinear dissociation path, the dipole moment drops abruptly to zero when the separation between the two middle carbon nuclei reaches about R = 2.15 angstroms. The dipole moment remains zero until about R = 2.78 angstroms, and then continuously increases as dissociation proceeds. This behavior is analogous to critical phenomena: The abrupt drop to zero of the dipole moment resembles a first-order phase transition, the later steady rise resembles a continuous phase transition. We show that a simple sub-Hamiltonian model, corresponding to the large-dimension limit for an electron in the field of four collinear carbon atoms, exhibits both kinds of phase transitions along the dissociation path.

Photoelectron spectroscopy of C(84) dianions

We report the laser photoelectron spectra of doubly negatively charged C84 (D2 and D(2d)) using 532 nm and 355 nm radiation. From these spectra, values for the second electron affinity and vertical detachment energy, as well as upper and lower limits for the repulsive Coulomb barrier, are obtained. These values are discussed in the context of classical electrostatic models. The experimental spectra are compared with the accessible excited states of the C-84 product ion calculated in the framework of time dependent density functional theory.

Coulomb explosion upon electron attachment to a four-coordinate monoanionic metal complex

Electron capture to monoanionic metal complexes in high-energy collisions with sodium vapor is shown to occur with the formation of dianions. In this way, we prepared the small dianions Cr(SCN)42-, Fe(CN)42-, Pt(NO2)22-, and Pt(C2O4)22- in the gas phase. The Cr(SCN)42- dianion Coulomb explodes into Cr(SCN)3- and SCN- with a release of kinetic energy (3.2 +/- 0.4 eV) into translational energy of the fragments. The scheme provides a way to study charge dissociation reactions of molecular dianions that are too short-lived to survive extraction from the ion source.

Influence of delocalization on the stability of dianions: study of a systematic series of dianions with growing electronic localization

The electronic stability of a dianion is influenced by the degree of delocalization of its electrons, but it is generally not possible to separate this influence from other effects. Here, we investigate by theoretical means the sequence of dianions consisting of phen-1,4-ylenbis(ethynide) and seven of its derivatives obtained by hydrogenating the benzene core in several steps. These dianions are structurally similar and mainly differ by the degree of delocalization of their electrons. We present geometries and electron detachment energies computed at a correlated level of theory. The results point to a classification of the eight dianions in three distinct groups of electronic stability. We are able to explain this grouping by a simple resonance structure picture, which demonstrates why the dianions with more delocalized electrons are less stable.

Coulomb- and antiferromagnetic-induced fission in doubly charged cubelike fe-s clusters

We report the observation of symmetric fission in doubly charged Fe-S cluster anions, [Fe(4)S(4)X(4)](2-)-->2[Fe(2)S(2)X(2)](-) (X=Cl,Br), owing to both Coulomb repulsion and antiferromagnetic coupling. Photoelectron spectroscopy shows that both the parent and the fission fragments have similar electronic structures and confirms the inverted energy schemes due to the strong spin polarization of the Fe 3d levels. The current observation provides direct confirmation for the unusual spin couplings in the [Fe(4)S(4)X(4)](2-) clusters, which contain two valent-delocalized and ferromagnetically coupled Fe2S2 subunits.

Dianionic tetraborates do exist as stable entities

To date, B(6)H(6)(2-) and some of its derivatives are the smallest members of the closo-borates that have been synthesized and analyzed in condensed phases. In contrast, no stable dianionic tetraborate has yet been observed, either in solution or solids or in the gas phase. In this work, the gas-phase stability of dianionic tetraborates B(4)X(4)(2-) (X = H, CN, NC, or BO) is investigated with ab initio methods. For this objective, the geometries of the dianions are optimized, the electronic stability is tested, and various fragmentation channels are studied. In agreement with previous examinations, tetrahedral isomers of all examined tetraborates have been found to represent geometrically stable isomers and to exhibit a triplet electronic ground state. However, these isomers are electronically unstable, i.e., their additional electrons are not bound. Furthermore, new D(2)(d)()-symmetric isomers of B(4)X(4)(2-) (X = H, CN, NC, or BO) have been identified that have a closed-shell singlet ground state and are lower in energy than their tetrahedral counterparts. Moreover, B(4)(CN)(4)(2-) and B(4)(BO)(4)(2-) represent stable gas-phase dianions and are predicted to be observable in suitable experiments. The electronic properties and geometries of these dianions are discussed in detail and explained in terms of the electrostatic repulsion of the excess electrons and the aromaticity of the dianions.