Anion photoelectron spectroscopy and CCSD(T) calculations of the Cl−⋯N2 complex

Stochastically accelerated perturbative triples correction in coupled cluster calculations

We introduce a novel algorithm that leverages stochastic sampling techniques to compute the perturbative triples correction in the coupled-cluster framework. By combining elements of randomness and determinism, our algorithm achieves a favorable balance between accuracy and computational cost. The main advantage of this algorithm is that it allows for the calculation to be stopped at any time, providing an unbiased estimate, with a statistical error that goes to zero as the exact calculation is approached. We provide evidence that our semi-stochastic algorithm achieves substantial computational savings compared to traditional deterministic methods. Specifically, we demonstrate that a precision of 0.5 millihartree can be attained with only 10% of the computational effort required by the full calculation. This work opens up new avenues for efficient and accurate computations, enabling investigations of complex molecular systems that were previously computationally prohibitive.

Photoelectron Spectroscopy and High-Level Ab Initio Calculations of the Iodide-Methylperoxy Radical Complex

Anion photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to investigate the structure and dynamics of CH₃OOI^- van der Waals complexes. Peaks within the photoelectron spectrum are attributed to photodetachment to the perturbed ²P_3/2 state of I···CH₃OO (3.46 eV) and the two ²P states of bare iodine. A broad feature at 1.7-2.4 eV is attributed to detachment to the excited singlet states from two O₂^-···CH₃I complexes. This represents the first anion photoelectron spectroscopy of a halide-bound methylperoxy radical species. Complex structures have been optimized using MP2/aug-cc-pVQZ with single-point energies at W1w theory for ground-state complexes and NEVPT2 for photodetachment to excited O₂. Interactions are dominated by electrostatics, with the anion species interacting with the methyl pocket of the solvating molecule, suggesting conversion via an S_N2 mechanism, and excess energy leading to complex dissociation within the timescale of mass spectrometry. The calculated W1w Gibbs energies suggest that while an electron transfer (ET) pathway to conversion is available, it is comparatively unfavored.

Halide–propene complexes: validated DSD-PBEP86-D3BJ calculations and photoelectron spectroscopy

Anion photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to determine the electron binding energies of the X−⋯C3H6 (X = Cl, Br, I) complexes.

Spectroscopic Investigation of Chalcogen Bonding: Halide-Carbon Disulfide Complexes

A combined experimental and theoretical approach has been used to study intermolecular chalcogen bonding. Specifically, the chalcogen bonding occurring between halide anions and CS₂ molecules has been investigated using both anion photoelectron spectroscopy and high-level CCSD(T) calculations. The relative strength of the chalcogen bond has been determined computationally using the complex dissociation energies as well as experimentally using the electron stabilisation energies. The anion complexes featured dissociation energies on the order of 47 kJ/mol to 37 kJ/mol, decreasing with increasing halide size. Additionally, the corresponding neutral complexes have been examined computationally, and show three loosely-bound structural motifs and a molecular radical.

Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Structures of X- ⋅⋅⋅CH2 O (X=F, Cl, Br, I) Complexes

A combined experimental and theoretical approach has been used to investigate X^- ⋅⋅⋅CH₂ O (X=F, Cl, Br, I) complexes in the gas phase. Photoelectron spectroscopy, in tandem with time-of-flight mass spectrometry, has been used to determine electron binding energies for the Cl^- ⋅⋅⋅CH₂ O, Br^- ⋅⋅⋅CH₂ O, and I^- ⋅⋅⋅CH₂ O species. Additionally, high-level CCSD(T) calculations found a C_2v minimum for these three anion complexes, with predicted electron detachment energies in excellent agreement with the experimental photoelectron spectra. F^- ⋅⋅⋅CH₂ O was also studied theoretically, with a C_s hydrogen-bonded complex found to be the global minimum. Calculations extended to neutral X⋅⋅⋅CH₂ O complexes, with the results of potential interest to atmospheric CH₂ O chemistry.

Evidence For a Water-Stabilised Ion Radical Complex: Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Ab Initio Calculations

A photoelectron spectrum corresponding to an unknown 174m/z anion complex has been recorded. Initially believed to be I−…CH3CH2OH (173m/z), the spectrum has been assigned as belonging to that of an I−…H2O…CH3CH2 radical anion complex. The major peaks in the photoelectron spectrum occur at 3.54eV and 4.48eV as the 2P3/2 and 2P1/2 spin-orbit states of iodine respectively. Ab initio calculations were performed in order to rationalise the existence of the complex, with all structures converging to a ‘ring-like’ geometry, with the iodide anion bound to both the water molecule as well as a hydrogen of the ethyl radical, with the other hydrogen of water bound to the unpaired electron site of the ethyl. Simulated vertical detachment energies of 3.59eV and 4.53eV were found to be in agreement with the experimental results.

The Structure of CCl5- in the Gas Phase

The first experimental evidence of the structure of the CCl₅^- gas-phase anion complex is presented in conjunction with results from high-level theoretical calculations. The photoelectron spectrum of the system shows a single peak with a maximum at 4.22 eV. Coupled cluster single double (triple) detachment energies of two stable C_3v ion-molecule complexes of the form Cl^-···CCl₄ were also determined. The first complex found features the Cl^- bound linearly in a Cl^-···Cl-C bonding arrangement, while the second, less stable minimum has the Cl^- positioned at the face of the CCl₄ molecule, midway between three chlorine atoms. The calculated detachment energy for the first complex was found to be in excellent agreement with experiment, allowing the structure of CCl₅^- in the gas phase to be postulated as a noncovalent Cl^-···CCl₄ anion complex, with the Cl^- anion tethered by a typical halogen bond.

Anion Photoelectron Spectroscopy and High Level Ab Initio Calculations of the Halide–Nitric Oxide Dimer Complexes

Anion photoelectron spectra are presented for gas phase complexes formed between halide anions and nitric oxide, X−⋯NO where X− = Cl−, Br−, and I−. Electron binding energies are experimentally determined to be 3.82, 3.51, and 3.17 eV. Results from CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ calculations are presented for the anion species, whereby a single minimum of Cs symmetry is predicted. Binding energies (D0) of 15.3, 13.3, and 11.7 kJ mol−1 are predicted from complete basis set limit extrapolation, and are found to be in line with previous experimental studies.