Pseudo Jahn–Teller origin of instability of planar configurations of hexa-heterocycles C4N2H4X2 (X = H, F, Cl, Br)

The inversion of tetrahedral p-block element compounds: general trends and the relation to the second-order Jahn-Teller effect

The tetrahedron is the primary structural motif among the p-block elements and determines the architecture of our bio- and geosphere. However, a broad understanding of the configurational inversion of tetrahedral compounds is missing. Here, we report over 250 energies (DLPNO-CCSD(T)) for square planar inversion of third- and fourth-period element species of groups 13, 14, and 15. Surprisingly low inversion barriers are identified for compounds of industrial relevance (e.g., ≈100 kJ mol-1 for Al(OH)4 -). More fundamentally, the second-order Jahn-Teller theorem is disclosed as suitable to rationalize substituent and central element effects. Bond analysis tools give further insights into the preference of eight valence electron systems with four substituents to be tetrahedral. Hence, this study develops a model to understand, memorize, and predict the angular flexibility of tetrahedral species. Perceiving the tetrahedron not as forcingly rigid but as a dynamic structural entity might leverage new approaches and visions for adaptive matter.

Pseudo Jahn-Teller Origin of the Proton-transfer Energy Barrier in the Hydrogen-bonded [FHF]-System

The results of ab initio calculations of the adiabatic potential energy surfaces for the proton-bound [FHF]- system at different F-F distances have been rationalized in the framework of the vibronic theory. It is shown that the instability of the symmetric D∞h structure at increased F∙∙∙F distances and the proton displacement to one of the fluorine atoms is due to the pseudo Jahn–Teller mixing of the ground 1Σg electronic state with the lowest excited state of 1Σu symmetry through the asymmetric σu vibrational mode.

Geometry, Electronic Structure, and Pseudo Jahn-Teller Effect in Tetrasilacyclobutadiene Analogues

We revealed the origin of the structural features of a series of tetrasilacyclobutadiene analogues based on a detailed study of their electronic structure and the pseudo Jahn-Teller effect (PJTE). Starting with the D_4h symmetry of the Si₄R₄ system with a square four-membered silicon ring as a reference geometry, and employing ab initio calculations of energy profiles along lower-symmetry nuclear displacements in the ground and several excited states, we show that the ground-state boat-like and chair-like equilibrium configurations are produced by the PJT interaction with appropriate excited sates. For Si₄F₄ a full two-mode b_1g−b_2g adiabatic potential energy surface is calculated showing explicitly the way of transformation from the unstable D_4h geometry to the two equilibrium C_2h configurations via the D_2h saddle point. The PJTE origin of these structural features is confirmed also by estimates of the vibronic coupling parameters. For Si₄R₄ with large substituents the origin of their structure is revealed by analyzing the PJT interaction between the frontier molecular orbitals. The preferred chair-like structures of Si₄R₄ analogues with amido substituents, and heavier germanium-containing systems Ge₄R₄ (potential precursors for semiconducting materials) are predicted.

Pseudo Jahn–Teller origin of twisting in 3,6-pyridazinedione derivatives; N2C4H2Y2Z2 (Y = O, S, Se, Z = H, F, Cl, Br) compounds

3,6-pyridazinedione and two of its derivatives where oxygen atoms of the molecule are substituted by two sulfur or selenium ( N 2 C 4 Y 2 H 4) were studied with the goal of answering the following question: "Which N 2 C 4 Y 2 H 4 compounds are unstable in their planar configuration?" Additionally, the origin of the twisting instability of 3,6-pyridazinedione planar configuration and three of its 1,2-dihalo derivatives ( N 2 C 4 H 2 O 2 Z 2) were rationalized by employing the pseudo Jahn–Teller effect (PJTE) to explain the difference between N 2 C 4 H 2 O 2 Z 2 structures in series. Therefore, the structures of six 3,6-pyridazinediones ( N 2 C 4 H 2 Y 2 Z 2) were optimized in both equilibrium and planar configurations, and their vibrational frequencies were calculated. Then the adiabatic potential energy surface (APES) profiles along the a2 distortion coordinates were calculated. Based on the calculation results, N 2 C 4 S 2 H 4 and N 2 C 4 Se 2 H 4 compounds were stable in the planar structure; but, due to the vibronic coupling interaction between the 1A1 ground state and the first excited state 1A2, the twisting instability occurred in planar N 2 C 4 H 2 O 2 Z 2 series. The (1 A 1 + 1 A 2) ⊗ a2 problem was found to be the reason of the breaking symmetry phenomena in all the four N 2 C 4 H 2 O 2 Z 2 in series from unstable planar configuration (highest-symmetry C 2v ) to the stable twisted geometry with C 2 symmetry. Finally, the vibronic coupling constants of the PJTE of the compounds in series were estimated by fitting the secular equation roots along the normal coordinates of distortion.