Structure, Spectroscopy, and Bonding within the Zn(q+)-Imidazole(n) (q = 0, 1, 2; n = 1-4) Clusters and Implications for Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks and Zn-Enzymes

Probing microhydration-induced effects on carbonyl compounds

Characterizing the microhydration of organic molecules is a crucial step in understanding many phenomena relevant to atmospheric, biological, and industrial applications. However, its precise experimental and theoretical description remains a challenge. For four organic solutes containing a CO bond, and included in the recent HyDRA challenge [T. L. Fischer, M. Bödecker, A. Zehnacker-Rentien, R. A. Mata and M. A. Suhm, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022, 24, 11442-11454.], we performed a detailed study of different monohydrate isomers and their properties; these were cyclooctanone (CON), 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinon (DMI), methyl lactate (MLA), and 2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone (TPH) molecules. As reported in the literature, the O-H elongation shift of the water molecule appears to be a good candidate for characterizing complexation-induced effects. We also show that CO elongation shift and UV-vis spectroscopy can be successfully used for these purposes. Besides, we present a comparative analysis of the strengths of non-covalent interactions within these monohydrated complexes based on interpretative tools of quantum chemistry, including topological analysis of electron density (ρ), topological analysis of electron pairing function, and analysis of the core-valence bifurcation index (CVBI), which exhibits a close linear dependency on ρ. Accordingly, a classification of intermolecular water-solute interactions is proposed.

Nucleation of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks: from molecules to nanoparticles

We have studied the clusters involved in the initial stages of nucleation of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks, employing a wide range of computational techniques. In the pre-nucleating solution, the prevalent cluster is the ZnIm₄ cluster (formed by a zinc cation, Zn²⁺, and four imidazolate anions, Im^-), although clusters such as ZnIm₃, Zn₂Im₇, Zn₂Im₇, Zn₃Im₉, Zn₃Im₁₀, or Zn₄Im₁₂ have energies that are not much higher, so they would also be present in solution at appreciable quantities. All these species, except ZnIm₃, have a tetrahedrally coordinated Zn²⁺ cation. Small Zn_xIm_y clusters are less stable than the ZnIm₄ cluster. The first cluster that is found to be more stable than ZnIm₄ is the Zn₄₁Im₈₈ cluster, which is a disordered cluster with glassy structure. Bulk-like clusters do not begin to be more stable than glassy clusters until much larger sizes, since the larger cluster we have studied (Zn₁₄₄Im₂₈₈) is still less stable than the glassy Zn₄₁Im₈₈ cluster, suggesting that Ostwald's rule (the less stable polymorph crystallizes first) could be fulfilled, not for kinetic, but for thermodynamic reasons. Our results suggest that the first clusters formed in the nucleation process would be glassy clusters, which then undergo transformation to any of the various crystal structures possible, depending on the kinetic routes provided by the synthesis conditions. Our study helps elucidate the way in which the various species present in solution interact, leading to nucleation and crystal growth.

Identification of a Grotthuss proton hopping mechanism at protonated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) - water interface

The attachment and dissociation of a proton from a water molecule and the proton transfers at solid-liquid interfaces play vital roles in numerous biological, chemical processes and for the development of sustainable functional materials for energy harvesting and conversion applications. Using first-principles computational methodologies, we investigated the protonated forms of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-H⁺) interacting with water clusters (W_n, where n = 1-6) as a model to quantify the proton conducting and localization ability at solid-liquid interfaces. Successive addition of explicit water molecules to POSS-H⁺ shows that the assistance of at least three water molecules is required to dissociate the proton from POSS with the formation of an Eigen cation (H₉O₄⁺), whereas the presence of a fourth water molecule highly favors the formation of a Zundel ion (H₅O₂⁺). Reaction pathway and energy barrier analysis reveal that the formation of the Eigen cation requires significantly higher energy than the Zundel features. This confirms that the Zundel ion is destabilized and promptly converts in to Eigen ion at this interface. Moreover, we identified a Grotthuss-type mechanism for the proton transfer through a water chain close to the interface, where symmetrical and unsymmetrical arrangements of water molecules around H⁺ of protonated POSS-H⁺ are involved in the conduction of proton through water wires where successive Eigen-to-Zundel and Zundel-to-Eigen transformations are observed in quick succession.

Complexes of Zn(II)-Triazoles with CO2 and H2O: Structures, Energetics, and Applications

Using a first-principle methodology, we investigate the stable structures of the nonreactive and reactive clusters formed between Zn²⁺-triazoles ([Zn²⁺-Tz]) clusters and CO₂ and/or H₂O. In sum, we characterized two modes of bonding of [Zn²⁺-Tz] with CO₂/H₂O: the interaction is established through (i) a covalent bond between Zn²⁺ of [Zn²⁺-Tz] and oxygen atoms of CO₂ or H₂O and (ii) hydrogen bonds through N-H or C-H of [Zn²⁺-Tz] and oxygen atoms of H₂O or CO₂, N-H···O. We also identified intramolecular proton transfer processes induced by complexation. Indeed, water drastically changes the shape of the energy profiles of the tautomeric phenomena through strong lowering of the potential barriers to tautomerism. The comparison to [Zn²⁺-Im] subunits formed with Zn²⁺ and imidazole shows that the efficiency of Tz-based compounds for CO₂ capture and uptake is due to the incorporation of more accessible nitrogen donor sites in Tzs compared to imidazoles. Since [Zn²⁺-Tz] clusters are subunits of an organometallic nanoporous materials and Zn-proteins, our data are useful for deriving force fields for macromolecular simulations of these materials. Our work also suggests the consideration of traces of water to better model the CO₂ sequestration and reactivity on macromolecular entities such as pores or active sites.

Insights on the interaction of Zn2+ cation with triazoles: Structures, bonding, electronic excitation and applications

At present, we investigate the structures, the stability, the bonding and the spectroscopy of the Zn²⁺-triazole complexes (Zn²⁺-Tz), which are subunits of triazolate based porous materials and Zn-enzymes. This theoretical work is performed using ab initio methods and density functional theory (DFT) where dispersion correction is included. Through these benchmarks, we establish the ability and reliability of M05-2X+D3 and PBE0+D3 functionals for the correct description of Zn²⁺-Tz bond since these DFTs lead to close agreement with post Hartree-Fock methods. Therefore, M05-2X+D3 and PBE0+D3 functionals are recommended for the characterization of larger organometallic complexes formed by Zn and N-rich linkers. For Zn²⁺-Tz, we found two stable σ-type complexes: (i) a planar structure where Zn²⁺ links to unprotonated nitrogen and (ii) an out-of-plane cluster where carbon interacts with Zn²⁺. The most stable isomers consist on a coordinated covalent bond between the lone pair of unprotonated nitrogen and the vacant 4s orbital of Zn²⁺. The roles of covalent interactions within these complexes are discussed after vibrational, NBO, NPA charges and orbital analyses. The bonding is dominated by charge transfer from Zn²⁺ to Tz and intramolecular charge transfer, which plays a vital role for the catalytic activity of these complexes. These findings are important to understand, at the microscopic level, the structure and the bonding within triazolate based macromolecular porous materials and Zn-enzymes.

Early stage structural development of prototypical zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) in solution

Given the wide-ranging potential applications of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), an emerging imperative is to understand their formation with atomic scale precision. This will aid in designing syntheses for next-generation MOFs with enhanced properties and functionalities. Major challenges are to characterize the early-stage seeds, and the pathways to framework growth, which require synthesis coupled with in situ structural characterization sensitive to nanoscale structures in solution. Here we report measurements of an in situ synthesis of a prototypical MOF, ZIF-8, utilizing synchrotron X-ray atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis optimized for sensitivity to dilute species, complemented by mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, and density functional theory calculations. We observe that despite rapid formation of the crystalline product, a high concentration of Zn(2-MeIm)₄ (2-MeIm = 2-methylimidazolate) initially forms and persists as stable clusters over long times. A secondary, amorphous phase also pervades during the synthesis, which has a structural similarity to the final ZIF-8 and may act as an intermediate to the final product.

Ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) studies on triflic acid with water and protonated water clusters

The structure, stability and infrared spectral signatures of triflic acid (TA) with water clusters (W_n) and protonated water clusters (TAH⁺W_n, n = 1 - 6) were computed using DFT and MP2 methods. Our calculations show that a minimum of three water molecules are necessary to stabilize the dissociated zwitterionic form of TA. It can be seen from the results that there is no significant movement of protons in smaller (n = 1 and 2) and linear (n = 1 - 6) types of water clusters. Further, the geometries of TAW_n clusters first form a neutral pair (NP) to contact ion pair (CIP), then form a solvent separated ion pair (SSIP) in a water hexamer. These findings reveal that proton transfer may take place through NP to CIP and then CIP to SSIP. The calculated binding energies (BEs) of ion pair clusters is always higher than that of NP clusters (i.e., more stable than the NP). Existing excess proton linear chain clusters transfer a proton to adjacent water molecules via a Grotthuss mechanism, whereas the same isomers in the branched motifs do not conduct protons. Examination of geometrical parameters and infrared frequencies reveals hydronium ion (H₃O⁺ also called Eigen cation) formation in both TAW_n and protonated TAW_n clusters. The stability of Eigen water clusters is three times higher than that of other non-Eigen water clusters. Our study shows clearly that formation of ion pairs in TAW_n and TAH⁺W_n clusters greatly favors proton transfer to neighboring water molecules and also enhances the stability of these complexes.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Zn+-containing Heterogeneous Catalysts

Monovalent Zn+ (3d104s1) systems possess a special electronic structure that can be exploited in heterogeneous catalysis and photocatalysis, though it remains challenge to synthesize Zn+-containing materials. By careful design, Zn+-related species can be synthesized in zeolite and layered double hydroxide systems, which in turn exhibit excellent catalytic potential in methane, CO and CO2 activation. Furthermore, by utilizing advanced characterization tools, including electron spin resonance, X-ray absorption fine structure and density functional theory calculations, the formation mechanism of the Zn+ species and their structure-performance relationships can be understood. Such advanced characterization tools guide the rational design of high-performance Zn+-containing catalysts for efficient energy conversion.

Deciphering the CHEF-PET-ESIPT liaison mechanism in a Zn2+ chemosensor and its applications in cell imaging study

Proper fusion of fluorescence mechanisms in a single fluorophore unit is highly desirable to obtain better sensitivity, as well as selectivity towards a particular metal ion.

Microscopic investigations of site and functional selectivity of triazole for CO2 capture and catalytic applications

Ab initio and DFT studies on CO₂ interacting with different tautomers and isomers of triazole (TZ) are carried out to understand the adsorption mechanism, site selectivity and their mutual preferential attracting sites.