Bond metallicity measures

Thorium(IV) and Uranium(IV) Thioether and Selenoether Complexes: Synthesis and An-ER2 (E = S, Se) Bonding Comparison

Reactions of the rigid thioether- and selenoether-containing ligand salts [{Li(AE2Ph2)}2] (E = S or Se; AE2Ph2 = 4,5-bis(phenylchalcogenido)-2,7,9,9-tetramethylacridanide) with ThCl4(dme)2 or UCl4 (for E = Se) afforded the actinide chalcogenoether complexes [(AE2Ph2)2ThCl2] (E = S (1), Se (2)), and [(ASe2Ph2)2UCl2] (3). X-ray crystal structures of 1-3 revealed tetravalent actinide cations complexed to two κ3-coordinated AE2Ph2 ligands, with Th-ER2 and U-ER2 distances below the sum of the covalent radii. Complexes 1-3 provide extremely rare examples of thorium-thioether, thorium-selenoether, and uranium-selenoether bonds, and 1 and 2 contain the shortest known Th-SR2 and Th-SeR2 distances. DFT and QTAIM calculations confirm the presence of significant An(IV)-ER2 interactions in 1-3 and provide insight into the extent of covalency in the An-ER2 bonds.

Warning! The negative divergence of the stress-tensor does not always yield the Ehrenfest force

It has been assumed that the negative divergence of all stress tensors in common use yields the same force. This work finds that this is untrue, and, in fact, can vary wildly. We demonstrate this for the hydrogen atom, the one-particle isotropic harmonic oscillator, and a particle in an infinite spherical well where the exact density, pair-density, and the first order reduced density matrix are known for ground and excited states without any approximation. The Ehrenfest stress-tensor is introduced as any stress-tensor whose negative divergence will yield the corresponding Ehrenfest force for the same system when the exact wave-function is utilized. Stress-tensors within the literature are examined to show those that are Ehrenfest stress-tensors. Those that differ are demonstrated by how they differ within an exact formulation. The proof that the negative divergence of an Ehrenfest stress-tensor yields the Ehrenfest force is summarized.

A Synthetic, Structural, Spectroscopic, and Computational Study of Alkali Metal-Thioether, -Selenoether, and -Telluroether Interactions

The rigid thioether- and selenoether-containing pro-ligands, 4,5-bis(phenylsulfido)-2,7,9,9-tetramethylacridan (H[AS2Ph2] (1)) and 4,5-bis(phenylselenido)-2,7,9,9-tetramethylacridan (H[ASe2Ph2] (2)), were deprotonated with one equiv of nBuLi to afford dimeric lithium complexes [Li(AE2Ph2)]2 (E = S (3), Se (4)) or with one equiv of KCH2Ph to afford the previously reported potassium complexes [K(AS2Ph2)(dme)]x (5) and [K(ASe2Ph2)(dme)2] (6). Attempts to prepare a direct telluroether analogue of compounds 1-2 were unsuccessful. However, the bulky selenoether- and telluroether-containing pro-ligands 4,5-bis(2,4,6-triisopropylphenylselenido)-2,7,9,9-tetramethylacridan (H[ASe2Tripp2] (7)) and 4,5-bis(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyltellurido)-2,7,9,9-tetramethylacridan (H[ATe2Tripp2] (8)) were accessed via the reaction of 4,5-dibromo-2,7,9,9-tetramethylacridan with three equiv of nBuLi, followed by the addition of two equiv of the corresponding diaryl dichalcogenide and quenching with dilute HCl(aq). The new selenoether- and telluroether-containing pro-ligands were subsequently deprotonated using KCH2Ph to afford [K(AE2Tripp2)(dme)2] (E = Se (9), Te (10)). Compounds 1-10 were characterized by 1H, 13C{1H}, 77Se{1H}, 125Te{1H}, and 7Li NMR spectroscopy, where applicable, and single-crystal X-ray structures were obtained for all lithium and potassium complexes (3-6 and 9-10). DFT calculations were also performed to assess the nature of bonding between the hard group 1 cations and the soft chalcogenoethers.

Iridium Complexes with BIAN-Type Ligands: Synthesis, Structure and Redox Chemistry

A series of iridium complexes with bis(diisopropylphenyl)iminoacenaphtene (dpp-bian) ligands, [Ir(cod)(dpp-bian)Cl] (1), [Ir(cod)(NO)(dpp-bian)](BF₄)₂ (2) and [Ir(cod)(dpp-bian)](BF₄) (3), were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic techniques, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The structures of 1-3 feature a square planar backbone consisting of two C = C π-bonds of 1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) and two nitrogen atoms of dpp-bian supplemented with a chloride ion (for 1) or a NO group (for 2) to complete a square-pyramidal geometry. In the nitrosyl complex 2, the Ir-N-O group has a bent geometry (the angle is 125°). The CV data for 1 and 3 show two reversible waves between 0 and -1.6 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Reversible oxidation was also found at E_1/2 = 0.60 V for 1. Magnetochemical measurements for 2 in a range from 1.77 to 300 K revealed an increase in the magnetic moment with increasing temperature up to 1.2 μ_B (at 300 K). Nitrosyl complex 2 is unstable in solution and loses its NO group to yield [Ir(cod)(dpp-bian)](BF₄) (3). A paramagnetic complex, [Ir(cod)(dpp-bian)](BF₄)₂ (4), was also detected in the solution of 2 as a result of its decomposition. The EPR spectrum of 4 in CH₂Cl₂ is described by the spin Hamiltonian Ĥ = gβHŜ with S = 1/2 and g_xx = g_yy = 2.393 and g_zz = 1.88, which are characteristic of the low-spin 5d⁷-Ir(II) state. DFT calculations were carried out in order to rationalize the experimental results.

Homoleptic 1-norbornyl complexes of group 4 and manganese: synthesis, structures, volatility, and thermal stability

Detailed syntheses are reported for the previously reported homoleptic 1-norbornyl complexes [M(norb)4] {M = Ti (1), Zr (3), Hf (4), and Mn (5)}. These compounds were characterized by combustion elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction (for 1 and 3), and SQUID magnetometry (for 5). The reaction by-product [{(norb)3Ti}2(μ-O)] (2) was also spectroscopically and structurally characterized. To assess the potential viability of 1 and 3–5 as precursors for thin film deposition by CVD or ALD, their volatility and thermal stability were evaluated by sublimation, thermogravimetric analysis, and in the case of 4, bulk thermolysis.

New insights of QTAIM and stress tensor to finding non-competitive/competitive torquoselectivity of cyclobutene

This study aims to investigate the phenomenon of torquoselectivity through three thermal cyclobutene ring-opening reactions (N1-N3). This research focuses on the nature of the chemical bond, electronic reorganization, predicting non-competitive or competitive reactions, and torquoselectivity preference within Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and stress tensor frameworks. Various theoretical analyses for these reactions, such as metallicity ξ(r_b), ellipticity ε, total local energy density H(r_b), stress tensor polarizability ℙ_σ, stress tensor eigenvalue λ_3σ, and bond-path length, display differently for non-competitive and competitive reactions as well as for the conrotatory preferences either it is the transition state outward conrotatory (TS_out) or transition state inward conrotatory (TS_in) directions by presenting degeneracy or non-degeneracy in their results. The ellipticity profile provides the motion of the bond critical point locations due to the different substituents of cyclobutene. In agreement with experimental results, examinations demonstrated that N1 is a competitive reaction and N2-N3 are non-competitive reactions with TS_out and TS_in preference directions, respectively. The concordant results of QTAIM and stress tensor scalar and vectors with experimental results provide a better understanding of reaction mechanisms.

Information theoretical and thermodynamic view of the excited-state density functional theory of Coulomb systems

Excited states of Coulomb systems are studied within density functional theory with information theoretical quantities. The Ghosh-Berkowitz-Parr thermodynamic transcription is extended to excited states, and the concept of the local temperature is introduced. It is shown that extremization of information entropy or Fisher information results in a constant temperature. For Coulomb systems, there is a simple relation between the total energy and phase-space Fisher information. The phase-space fidelity between excited states is proportional to the position-space fidelity, with a factor of proportionality depending on total energies. The phase-space relative entropy is equal to the position-space relative entropy plus a term depending only on the total energies. The relationship between the phase-space fidelity susceptibility and Fisher information is also presented.

Modeling interfacial electrochemistry: concepts and tools

This paper presents a grand canonical formalism and provides tools to investigate electrochemical effects at interfaces.

Halogen and Hydrogen Bonding in Halogenabenzene/NH3 Complexes Compared Using Next-Generation QTAIM

Next-generation quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) was used to investigate the competition between hydrogen bonding and halogen bonding for the recently proposed (Y = Br, I, At)/halogenabenzene/NH3 complex. Differences between using the SR-ZORA Hamiltonian and effective core potentials (ECPs) to account for relativistic effects with increased atomic mass demonstrated that next-generation QTAIM is a much more responsive tool than conventional QTAIM. Subtle details of the competition between halogen bonding and hydrogen bonding were observed, indicating a mixed chemical character shown in the 3-D paths constructed from the bond-path framework set B. In addition, the use of SR-ZORA reduced or entirely removed spurious features of B on the site of the halogen atoms.

The destabilization of hydrogen bonds in an external E-field for improved switch performance

The effect of an electric field on a recently proposed molecular switch based on a quinone analogue was investigated using next-generation quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) methodology. The reversal of a homogenous external electric field was demonstrated to improve the "OFF" functioning of the switch. This was achieved by destabilization of the H atom participating in the tautomerization process along the hydrogen bond that defines the switch. The "ON" functioning of the switch, from the position of the tautomerization barrier, is also improved by the reversal of the homogenous external electric field: this result was previously inaccessible. The "ON" and "OFF" functioning of the switch was visualized in terms of the response of the most preferred directions of motion of the electronic charge density to the applied external field. All measures from QTAIM and the stress tensor provide consistent results for the factors affecting the "ON" and "OFF" switch performance. Our analysis therefore demonstrates use for future design of molecular electronic devices. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A first step towards quantum energy potentials of electron pairs

A first step towards the construction of a quantum force field for electron pairs in direct space is taken. Making use of topological tools (Interacting Quantum Atoms and the Electron Localisation Function), we have analysed the dependency of electron pairs electrostatic, kinetic and exchange-correlation energies upon bond stretching. Simple correlations were found, and can be explained with elementary models such as the homogeneous electron gas. The resulting energy model is applicable to various bonding regimes: from homopolar to highly polarized and even to non-conventional bonds. Overall, this is a fresh approach for developing real space-based force fields including an exchange-correlation term. It provides the relative weight of each of the contributions, showing that, in common Lewis structures, the exchange correlation contribution between electron pairs is negligible. However, our results reveal that classical approximations progressively fail for delocalised electrons, including lone pairs. This theoretical framework justifies the success of the classic Bond Charge Model (BCM) approach in solid state systems and sets the basis of its limits. Finally, this approach opens the door towards the development of quantitative rigorous energy models based on the ELF topology.

Li and Na Adsorption on Graphene and Graphene Oxide Examined by Density Functional Theory, Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules, and Electron Localization Function

Adsorption of Li and Na on pristine and defective graphene and graphene oxide (GO) is studied using density functional theory (DFT) structural and electronic calculations, quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), and electron localization function (ELF) analyses. DFT calculations show that Li and Na adsorptions on pristine graphene are not stable at all metal coverages examined here. However, the presence of defects on graphene support stabilizes both Li and Na adsorptions. Increased Li and Na coverages cause metal nucleation and weaken adsorption. Defective graphene is associated with the presence of band gaps and, thus, Li and Na adsorptions can be used to tune these gaps. Electronic calculations show that Li⁻ and Na⁻graphene interactions are Coulombic: as Li and Na coverages increase, the metal valences partially hybridize with the graphene bands and weaken metal⁻graphene support interactions. However, for Li adsorption on single vacancy graphene, QTAIM, ELF, and overlap populations calculations show that the Li-C bond has some covalent character. The Li and Na adsorptions on GO are significantly stronger than on graphene and strengthen upon increased coverages. This is due to Li and Na forming bonds with both carbon and oxygen GO atoms. QTAIM and ELF are used to analyze the metal⁻C and metal⁻metal bonds (when metal nucleation is present). The Li and Na clusters may contain both covalent and metallic intra metal⁻metal bonds: This effect is related to the adsorption support selection. ELF bifurcation diagrams show individual metal⁻C and metal⁻metal interactions, as Li and Na are adsorbed on graphene and GO, at the metal coverages examined here.

Non-nuclear attractors in small charged lithium clusters, Limq (m = 2-5, q = ±1), with QTAIM and the Ehrenfest force partitioning

In this investigation we explore the function and existence of the non-nuclear attractor (NNA) for a series of small charged lithium clusters Limq (m = 2-5, q = ±1) using QTAIM and the Ehrenfest force F(r) partitioning schemes. The NNAs were found to be present in all of the Limq (m = 2-5, q = ±1) clusters for QTAIM, in contrast none were found for F(r). We discovered that the anionic and cationic lithium dimers are limiting cases for minimal and maximal impact of the NNA related to the relative sparseness of total charge density ρ(r) distributions respectively. Evidence is found that the NNA in the anionic dimer is in the process of being annihilated by two neighboring BCPs. We provide a measure of the size of the NNA and find for Limq (m = 2-5, q = ±1) that larger NNAs correlate with increased Li-Li separations. The NNA was determined to be a persistent feature by varying the Li separations for the cationic and anionic dimers. Very large Li separations failed to induce an NNA in the F(r) anionic dimer and therefore we conclude that F(r) is unable to detect NNAs. The metallicity ξ(rb) was also used to measure the sparseness of the distribution of ρ(r) and significant metallic character, on the basis of ξ(rb) > 1, was present for QTAIM but not for F(r), providing further evidence that F(r) cannot detect NNAs. Advantages of the use of Ehrenfest force F(r) partitioning scheme are discussed that include the design of nano-devices through tuning of the Ehrenfest potential VF(b) by the application of external forces such as a constant electric or strain field.

Understanding conductivity in molecular switches: a real space approach in octaphyrins

In recent years, expanded porphyrins have emerged as a promising class of π-conjugated switches whose conductance is studied from the electron density.

Scaling properties of information-theoretic quantities in density functional reactivity theory

A number of strong linear correlations between information-theoretic quantities and electron populations for atoms, molecules, and atoms-in-molecules have been disclosed.

Hybrid QTAIM and electrostatic potential-based quantum topology phase diagrams for water clusters

The topological diversity of sets of isomers of water clusters (W = H₂O)_n, 7 ≤ n ≤ 10, is analyzed employing the scalar fields of total electronic charge density ρ(r) and the molecular electrostatic potential (MESP).