The Structure of the Carbene Stabilized Si2H2 May Be Equally Well Described with Coordinate Bonds as with Classical Double Bonds

Small molecule activation by sila/germa boryne species

The inability of p-block elements to participate in π-backbonding restricts them from activating small molecules like CO, H2 , and so forth. However, the development of the main group metallomimetics became a new pathway, where the main-group elements like boron can bind and activate small molecules like CO and H2 . The concept of the frustrated Lewis pair, Boron-Boron multiple bonds, and borylene are previously illustrated. Some of these reported classes of boron species can mimic the jobs of the metal complexes. Hence, we have theoretically studied the binding of CO/N2 molecules at B-center of elusive species like sila/germa boryne stabilized by donor base ligands (cAAC)BE(Me)(L), where E  Si, L  cAACMe , NHCMe , PMe3 , E  Ge, L  cAACMe and (NHCMe )BE(Me)(cAACMe )). The substitutional analogues of (cAACR )BSiR1 (cAAC) and E  P, L  cAACMe ) have been studied by density functional theory (DFT), natural bond orbital, QTAIM calculations and energy decomposition analysis (EDA) coupled with natural orbital for chemical valence (NOCV) analyses. The computed bond dissociation energy and inner stability analyses by the EDA-NOCV method showed that the CO molecule can bind at the B-center of the above-mentioned species due to stronger σ-donor ability while binding of N2 has been theoretically predicted to be weak. The energy barrier for the CO binding is estimated to be 13-14 kcal/mol by transition state calculation. The change of partial triple bond character to single bond nature of the BSi bond and the bending of CBSi bond angle of sila-boryne species are the reason for the activation energy. Our study reveals the ability of such species to bind and activate the CO molecule to mimic the transition metal-containing complexes. We have additionally shown that binding of Fe(CO)4 and Ni(CO)3 is feasible at Si-center after binding of CO at the B-center.

Organometallic Allene [(μ-C)(Fe(CO)4 )2 ]: Bridging Carbon Showing Transformation from Classical Electron-Sharing Bonding to Double σ-Donor and Double π-Acceptor Ligation

Allenes (R2 C=C=CR2 ) have been traditionally perceived to feature localized orthogonal π-bonds between the carbon centres. We have carried out quantum-mechanical studies of the organometallic allenes envisioned by the isolobal replacement of the terminal CH2 groups by the d8 Fe(CO)4 fragment. Our studies have identified two organometallic allenes viz. D2d symmetric [(μ-C)(Fe(CO)4 )2 ] (2) and D3 symmetric [(μ-C)(Fe(CO)4 )2 ] (3) with trigonal bipyramidal coordination at the Fe atoms. Compound 2 features the bridging carbon atom in an equatorial position with respect to the ligands on the TM centre, while 3 features the central carbon atom in an axial position. The bis-pseudoallylic anionic delocalisation proposed in the C2-C1-C3 spine of organic allene is retained in the organometallic allene 2, and is transformed to a typical three-centre bis-allylic anionic delocalisation in the organometallic allene 3. The topological analysis of electron density also indicates a bis-allylic anionic type delocalisation in the organometallic allenes. The quantitative bonding analysis using the EDA-NOCV method suggests a transition from classical electron-sharing bonding between the central carbon atom and the terminal groups in 1 to donor-acceptor bonding in 3. Meanwhile, both electron-sharing and donor-acceptor bonding models are found to be probable heuristic bonding representations in the organometallic allene 2.

Inorganometallic allenes [(Mn(η5-C5H5)(CO)2)2(μ-E)] (E = Si-Pb): bis-allylic anionic delocalisation similar to organometallic allene but differential σ-donation and π-backdonation

The chemistry of heavy group-14 tetrel atoms is known to diverge from that of the lighter congener carbon. Here, we report the structure and bonding in inorganometallic allenes [(MnCp(CO)2)2(μ-E)] (2E, E = Si-Pb; Cp = η5-C5H5). These inorganometallic allenes are structurally similar to the lighter organometallic analog [(MnCp(CO)2)2(μ-C)] (2C). The bonding analysis of these compounds at the M06/def2-TZVPP//BP86/def2-SVP level of theory identifies a linear Mn-E-Mn spine with delocalised, mutually orthogonal π-systems across this back-bone. This results in a bis-allylic anionic bonding scenario. However, the strength of the Mn-E bonding is found to be weaker in these inorganometallic allenes. The energy decomposition analysis at the BP86/TZ2P//BP86/def2-SVP level of theory further reveals that the bonding in these compounds cannot be represented by one unique heuristic bonding model, but multiple bonding models. For all 2E (E = C-Pb), the Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson bonding model is one of the best bonding representations, where the central tetrel atom acts as a 4e- σ-donor and 4e- π-acceptor. The bonding analysis indicates that the carbon atom in the organometallic allene acts as a better π-acceptor than σ-donor, while the heavier tetrel atoms in the inorganometallic allenes are better σ-donors than π-acceptors. The npz-orbital is found to be a better σ-donor than the valence ns-orbital. However, when the bonding representation is changed to a traditional electron-sharing model, the contribution from the ns-orbital was found to be the largest in comparison to the interaction from the remaining three valence np-orbitals. It can be suggested that the ns-orbitals contribute more towards chemical bonding when participating via an electron-sharing interaction than a donor-acceptor interaction.

Structure and bonding of proximity-enforced main-group dimers stabilized by a rigid naphthyridine diimine ligand

The development of ligands capable of effectively stabilizing highly reactive main-group species has led to the experimental realization of a variety of systems with fascinating properties. In this work, we computationally investigate the electronic, structural, energetic, and bonding features of proximity-enforced group 13-15 homodimers stabilized by a rigid expanded pincer ligand based on the 1,8-naphthyridine (napy) core. We show that the redox-active naphthyridine diimine (NDI) ligand enables a wide variety of structural motifs and element-element interaction modes, the latter ranging from isolated, element-centered lone pairs (e.g., E = Si, Ge) to cases where through-space π bonds (E = Pb), element-element multiple bonds (E = P, As) and biradical ground states (E = N) are observed. Our results hint at the feasibility of NDI-E₂ species as viable synthetic targets, highlighting the versatility and potential applications of napy-based ligands in main-group chemistry.

Computationally rational design of metal-involving halogen bonds with π-covalency: Structures and bonding analysis

Traditional π-covalent interactions have been proved in the non-metal halogen bond adducts formed by chloride and halogenated triphenylamine-based radical cations. In this study, we have rationally designed two metal-involving halogen bond adducts with π-covalency property, such as [L1-Pd···I-PTZ]⁺ (i.e., 1) and [L2-Pd···I-PTZ]⁺ (i.e., 2), in which the square-planar palladium complexes serve as halogen bond acceptor and 3,7-diiodo-10H-phenothiazine radical cation (i.e., [I-PTZ]^•+ ) acts as halogen bond donor. Noncovalent interaction analysis and quantum theory of atoms in molecules analysis revealed that there are notable halogen bond interactions along the Pd···I direction without genuine chemical bond formed in both designed adducts. Energy decomposition analysis together with natural orbital for chemical valence calculations were performed to gain insight into their bonding nature, which demonstrated the presence of remarkable π-covalent interactions and σ-covalent interactions in both 1 and 2. We therefore proposed a new strategy for building the metal-involving halogen bonds with π-covalency property, which will help the further development of new types of halogen bonds.

Comment on "The oxidation state in low-valent beryllium and magnesium compounds" by M. Gimferrer, S. Danés, E. Vos, C. B. Yildiz, I. Corral, A. Jana, P. Salvador and D. M. Andrada, Chem. Sci. 2022, , 6583

We challenge the assignment of the oxidation state +2 for beryllium and magnesium in the complexes Be(cAAC^Dip)₂ and Mg(cAAC^Dip)₂ as suggested by Gimferrer et al., Chem. Sci. 2022, 13, 6583 in a recent study. A careful review of the data in the ESI contradicts their own statement and shows that the results support the earlier suggestion that the metals are in the zero oxidation state. The authors reported wrong data for the excitation energies of Be and Mg to the ¹D (np²) state. We also correct some misleading statements about the EDA method.

The reactivity of the trapping reaction of the benzene-bridged boron/phosphorus-based frustrated Lewis pair with difluorocarbene and its group 14 analogs: A theoretical investigation

The trapping reactions of carbene analogs G14F₂ (G14 = group 14 element) by the benzene-bridged B/P-Rea frustrated Lewis pair (FLPs) molecule are studied using density functional theory (B3LYP-D3(BJ)/def2-TZVP). Our theoretical investigations predict that only the CF₂ intermediate rather than other heavy carbene analogs can be trapped by the B/P-Rea FLP-type molecule. Energy decomposition analysis-natural orbitals for chemical valence (EDA-NOCV) analyses indicate that the bonding nature of the G14F₂ catching reactions by the B/P-Rea FLP-type molecule is a donor-acceptor (singlet-singlet) interaction rather than an electron-sharing (triplet-triplet) interaction. Moreover, EDA-NOCV and frontier molecular orbital (FMO) theory findings strongly suggest that the lone pair (LP) (P) → vacant p-π-orbital (G14F₂ ) interaction rather than the empty σ-orbital (B) ← sp² -σ-orbital (G14F₂ ) interaction plays a predominant role in establishing its bonding condition during the G14F₂ trapping reaction with the B/P-Rea FLP-associated molecule. Our activation strain model findings reveal that the atomic radius of the G14 element of G14F₂ plays a key role in determining the activation barrier of the G14F₂ trapping reactions by the benzene-bridged B/P-Rea FLP. The valence bond state correlation diagram (VBSCD) model developed by Shaik is used to rationalize the calculated results. The VBSCD findings demonstrate that in the present trapping reactions, the singlet triplet splitting of G14F₂ plays a significant role in influencing its reaction barrier and reaction enthalpy. Our theoretical results demonstrate that the relationship between the geometrical parameters of the transition states and the corresponding reaction free energy barriers agrees well with the findings based on the Hammond postulate.

The Labile Nature of Air Stable Ni(II)/Ni(0)-phosphine/Olefin Catalysts/Intermediates: EDA-NOCV Analysis

Metal ions-based inorganic-organic hybrid composites are often reported acting as good to excellent catalysts with various substrate scopes under milder reaction conditions. The active catalyst of a catalytic cycle is sometimes proposed to be a short-lived reactive intermediate species. A three coordinate (L-Me)Ni(II) intermediate species [L-Me = O 2 N donor dianionic ligand] can bind with short-lived carbene-ester ligands to produce four coordinate Ni(II) species which can act as carbene transfer intermediates under suitable reaction conditions for C-H functionalization or cyclopropanation reactions. The dissociation of phosphine (PPh 3 ) from the Ni(II) centre of (L-Me)Ni(II)(PPh 3 ) ( 1a ) and binding of short lived carbene esters (:CR 1 -CO 2 R 2 ; R 1 = H, Ph; R 2 = aliphatic group; 2-4 and other carbenes; 5-10 ) to Ni(II) rationalize the phenomenon in solution. Air stable Ni(0)-olefin complexes/intermediates ( 12-18 ) have recently been shown to mediate a variety of organic transformations. This analysis will further help organic/organometallic chemists to rationalize the design and synthesis of future catalysts for organic transformation. EDA-NOCV calculations have been performed to shed light on the stability and bonding of those species. Additionally, our analysis provides a proper reason why the analogous (L-Me)Pd-PPh 3 complex ( 1b ) does not dissociate in solution and hence, a similar catalytic product has not been isolated from identical reaction conditions. The stability and the labile nature of Ni(II/0) complexes has been investigated by state-of-the-art EDA-NOCV analyses.

Carbon Dioxide Activation by Alkaline-Earth Metals: Formation and Spectroscopic Characterization of OCMCO3 and MC2O4 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) in Solid Neon

The reactions of alkaline-earth metal atoms (Ca, Sr, and Ba) with carbon dioxide are investigated using matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy in solid neon. The ground-state metal atoms react with two carbon dioxide molecules to produce the oxalate complexes MC₂O₄ and the carbonate-carbonyl complexes OCMCO₃ (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) spontaneously on annealing. The species are identified by the effects of isotopic substitution on their infrared spectra as well as density functional calculations. Bonding analyses reveal that the attractive forces between M²⁺ and (CO₃)^2- or (C₂O₄)₂^- in the OCMCO₃ and MC₂O₄ complexes come mainly from electrostatic attraction, but covalent orbital interactions also play an important role, which are dominated by the ligand-to-metal donation bonding. The calcium, strontium, and barium metal centers in these complexes use their ns and predominately (n - 1)d atomic orbitals for covalent bonding that mimic transition metals.

How to capture C2O2: structures and bonding of neutral and charged complexes [(NHC)-C2O2-(NHC)]q (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene; q = 0, 1+, 2+)

We present the results of DFT calculations and a thorough bonding analysis of the neutral and charged complexes of the elusive C₂O₂ species stabilized by two NHC ligands. It is shown that the thermodynamic stability of the neutral complex [(NHC)-C₂O₂-(NHC)] is due to the low-lying triplet state of [NHC-CO] (T), which is only 3.2 kcal mol^-1 higher in energy than the singlet state [NHC-CO] (S), while the triplet state of CO is 131.9 kcal mol^-1 above the singlet. The much lower S/T gap of [NHC-CO] than in CO comes from the charge donation of NHC into the degenerate π* LUMO of CO and the concomitant mixing of the LUMO of NHC with the degenerate π* LUMO of CO, which strongly lowers the energy difference between HOMO and LUMO in the complex. The energy gain resulting from the formation of the CC double bond compensates the singlet-triplet gap and the thermodynamic instability of the fragments [NHC-CO] (S). The dissociation of neutral [(NHC)-C₂O₂-(NHC)] to 2NHC and 2CO molecules is calculated to be endothermic by D_o = 78.2 kcal mol^-1. The bonding analysis indicates that the neutral and the charged molecules [(NHC)-C₂O₂-(NHC)]^q have a central unit with C-C single bonds, where a combination of electron sharing and s dative interactions leads to very strong carbon-carbon bonds complemented by minor π-donation, which make all systems stable with respect to dissociation reactions. The central C₂O₂ fragment carries a large negative partial charge in the neutral and singly charged compounds [(NHC)-C₂O₂-(NHC)]^0,1+, while it is neutral in the dication [(NHC)-C₂O₂-(NHC)]²⁺.

The Nature of the Polar Covalent Bond

Quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory are reported for the diatomic molecules LiF, BeO, and BN. The nature of the interatomic interactions is analyzed with the EDA-NOCV method, and the results are critically discussed and compared with data from QTAIM, NBO and Mayer approaches. Polar bonds, like nonpolar bonds, are caused by the interference of wave functions, which lead to an accumulation of electronic charge in the bonding region. Polar bonds generally have a larger percentage of electrostatic bonding to the total attraction, but nonpolar bonds may also possess large contributions from Coulombic interaction. The term "ionic contribution" refers to VB structures and is misleading because it refers to separate fragments with negligible overlap that occur only in the solid state and in solution, not in a molecule. The EDA-NOCV method gives detailed information about the individual orbital contributions, which can nicely be identified by visual inspection of the associated deformation densities. It is very important, particularly for polar bonds to distinguish between the interatomic interactions of the final dissociation products after bond rupture and the interactions between the fragments in the eventually formed bond.

Clarifying notes on the bonding analysis adopted by the energy decomposition analysis

We discuss the fundamental aspects of the EDA-NOCV method and address some critical comments that have been made recently. The EDA-NOCV method unlike most other methods focuses on the process of bond formation between the interacting species and not just only on the analysis of the finally formed bond. This is demonstrated using LiF as an example. There is a difference between the interactions between the initial species which form the bond and are also the final product of bond cleavage, and the interactions between the fragments in the eventually formed molecule. The flexibility of the method allows the choice of the interacting fragments which helps to identify the charge and electron configuration of the fragments which describe the bond. This is very helpful in cases where the bond may be described with several Lewis structures. We reject the idea that it would be a disadvantage to have "bond path functions" as the energy components in the EDA, which actually indicate the variability of the method. The bonding analysis in a different sequence of the bond formation gives important results for the various questions that can be asked. This is demonstrated by using CH₂, CO₂ and the formation of a guanine quartet as examples. The fact that a bond is always defined by the bound molecule, the fragments, and their states is universal and deeply physical, as we show here again for various examples. The results of the EDA-NOCV method are in full accordance with the physical mechanism of the chemical bond as revealed by Ruedenberg.

Generation and Characterization of the Charge-Transferred Diradical Complex CaCO2 with an Open-Shell Singlet Ground State

The CaCO₂ complex is generated via the reaction of excited-state calcium atom with carbon dioxide in a solid neon matrix. Infrared absorption spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations reveal that the complex has a planar four-membered ring structure with a strongly bent CO₂ ligand side-on coordinated to the calcium center in an η^2-O, O manner. The complex has an open-shell singlet ground state, which can be described as the bonding interactions between a Ca⁺ (4s¹) cation in the doublet ground state and a doublet ground state CO₂^- anion. The analysis of the bonding situation suggests that the Ca-O₂C bonds have a large (75%) electrostatic character. The covalent (orbital) interactions come from the coupling of the unpaired electrons of Ca⁺ and CO₂^- giving rise to electron-sharing bonding and a stronger contribution from dative bonding (Ca⁺)←(CO₂^-). The atomic orbitals (AOs) of Ca⁺ that are engaged in the covalent bonds are the 4s AO for the electron-sharing bonds and the 3d AOs for the dative bonds. This is further evidence for the assignment of the heavier alkaline-earth atoms as transition metals rather than main-group elements.

Base-stabilized formally zero-valent mono and diatomic molecular main-group compounds

Various compounds are known for transition metals in their formal zero-oxidation state, while similar compounds of main-group elements are recently realized and limited to only a few examples. Lewis-base-stabilized mono and diatomic molecular species (B₂, C, C₂, Si, Si₂, Ge, Ge₂, Sn, P₂, As₂, Sb₂) represent groundbreaking examples of main-group compounds with formally zero-oxidation state. In recent years, the isolation of low-valent main-group compounds has attracted increasing attention of both experimental and theoretical chemists. This is not only due to their fascinating electronic structures and exceptional reactivities, but also their use as valuable precursors for the synthesis of exotic yet important chemical species. This has led to a better understanding of the intricate balance of the donor-acceptor properties of the ligand(s) used to stabilize elements in a formally zero-oxidation state. Owing to the unusual oxidation state of the central element, many compounds containing formally zero-valent elements can efficiently activate otherwise inert small molecules. This review describes the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of reported mono and diatomic formal zero-oxidation state main-group compounds. This review also emphasizes the comparative description of systems where different ligands are used to stabilize an element in its formal zero-oxidation state.

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.

High yield of a variety of silicon-boron radicals and their reactivity

Herein we report stable silicon-boron radicals of composition LSi(NMe2)-B(Br)Tip (1), LSi(NMe2)-B(I)Tip (2) LSi(tBu)-B(I)Tip (3) [L=PhC(NtBu)2]. They were prepared in high yield using a one-pot reaction of LSiR, X2BTip, and KC8...

Covalent Bonding Between Be+ and CO2 in BeOCO+ with a Surprisingly High Antisymmetric OCO Stretching Vibration

The cationic complex BeOCO⁺ is produced in a solid neon matrix. Infrared absorption spectroscopic study shows that it has a very high antisymmetric OCO stretching vibration of 2418.9 cm^-1, which is about 71 cm^-1 blue-shifted from that of free CO₂. The quantum chemical calculations are in very good agreement with the experimental observation. Depending on the theoretical method, a linear or quasi-linear structure is predicted for the cation. The analysis of the electronic structure shows that the bonding of Be⁺ to one oxygen atom induces very little charge migration between the two moieties, but it causes a significant change in the σ-charge distribution that strengthens the terminal C-O bond, leading to the observed blue shift. The bonding analysis reveals that the Be⁺ ← OCO donation results in strong binding due to the interference of the wave function and a charge polarization within the CO₂ fragment and hybridization to Be⁺ but only negligible charge donation.

Energy Decomposition Analysis Coupled with Natural Orbitals for Chemical Valence and Nucleus-Independent Chemical Shift Analysis of Bonding, Stability, and Aromaticity of Functionalized Fulvenes: A Bonding Insight

The Donor base ligand-stabilized cyclopentadienyl-carbene compounds L-C5H4 (L = H2C, aAAC; (CO2Me)2C, Py; aNHC, NHC, PPh3; SNHC; aAAC = acyclic alkyl(amino) carbene, aNHC = acyclic N-hetero cyclic carbene, NHC = cyclic N-hetero cyclic carbene, SNHC = saturated N-hetero cyclic carbene, Py = pyridine) (1a-1d, 2a-2c, 3) have been theoretically investigated by energy decomposition analysis coupled with natural orbitals for chemical valence calculation. Among all these compounds, aNHC=C5H4 (2a) and Ph3P=C5H4 (2c) had been reported five decades ago. The bonding analysis of compounds with the general formula L=C5H4 (1a-1d) [L = (H2C, aAAC, (CO2Me)2C, Py] showed that they possess one electron-sharing σ bond and electron-sharing π bond between L and C5H4 neutral fragments in their triplet states as expected. Interestingly, the bonding scenarios have completely changed for L = aNHC, NHC, PPh3, SNHC. The aNHC analogue (2a) prefers to form one electron-sharing σ bond (CL-CC5H4) and dative π bond (CL ← CC5H4) between cationic (aNHC)+ and anionic C5H4 - fragments in their doublet states. Similar bonding scenarios have been observed for NHC (2b) and PPh3 (2c) (PL-CC5H4, PL ← CC5H4) analogues. In contrast, the SNHC and C5H4 neutral fragments of SNHC=C5H4 (3) prefer to form a dative σ bond (CSNHC → CC5H4) and a dative π bond (CSNHC ← CC5H4) in their singlet states. The pyridine analogue 1d is quite different from 2c from the bonding and aromaticity point of view. The nucleus-independent chemical shifts of all the abovementioned species (1-3) corresponding to aromaticity have been computed using the gauge-independent atomic orbital approach.

Selective Route to Stable Silicon-Boron Radicals and Their Corresponding Cations

Herein, we report on a facile and selective one-pot synthetic route to silicon-boron radicals. Reduction of Br₂BTip (Tip = 2,4,6-ⁱPrC₆H₂) with KC₈ in the presence of LSi-R affords LSi(^tBu)-B(Br)Tip (1) and LSi(N(TMS)₂)-B(Br)Tip (2) [L = PhC(N^tBu)₂]. These first examples of silicon-boron isolated radical species feature spin density on the silicon and boron atoms. 1 and 2 exhibit extraordinary stability to high temperatures under inert conditions in solution and air stability in the solid state. Both radicals have been isolated and fully characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, SQUID magnetometry, mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, single-crystal X-ray structure analysis, and density functional theory calculations. Moreover, compound 1 exhibits one-electron transfer when treated with 1 equiv of AgSO₃CF₃ and [Ph₃C]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^-, respectively, resulting in the corresponding cations [LSi(^tBu)-B(Br)Tip]⁺[CF₃SO₃]^- (3) and [LSi(^tBu)-B(Br)Tip]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^- (4). Compounds 3 and 4 have been characterized with multinuclear NMR and mass spectrometry.

Stabilization of group 14 elements E = C, Si, Ge by hetero-bileptic ligands cAAC, MCOn with push-pull mechanism

The stability and bonding of a series of hetero-diatomic molecules with general formula (cAAC)EM(CO)_n , where cAAC = cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene; E = group 14 elements (C, Si, and Ge); M = transition metal (Ni, Fe, and Cr) have been studied by quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory (DFT) and energy decomposition analysis-natural orbital chemical valence (EDA-NOCV). The equilibrium geometries were calculated at the BP86/def2-TZVPP level of theory. The tri-coordinated group 14 complex (1a, 4a, and 7a) in which one of the CO groups is migrated to the central group 14 element from adjacent metal is theoretically found to be more stable when the central atom (E) is carbon. On the other hand, the two-coordinate group 14 element containing metal-complexes (2, 5, 8, 3, 6, and 9) are found to be more stable with their corresponding heavier analogues. The electronic structures of all the molecules have been analyzed by molecular orbital, topological analysis of electron density and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis at the M06/def2-TZVPP//BP86/def2-TZVPP level of theory. The nature of the cAACE and EM bonds has been studied by EDA-NOCV calculations at BP86-D3(BJ)/TZ2P level of theory. The EDA analysis suggests that the bonding of cAACC(CO) can be best represented by electron sharing σ and π interactions, whereas, C(CO)M(CO)_n-1 by dative σ and π interactions. On the other hand, EDA-NOCV calculations suggests both dative σ and π interactions for cAACE and EM(CO)_n bonds of the corresponding Si and Ge analogues having stronger σ- and relatively weaker π-bonds. The topological analysis of electron density supports the closed-shell interaction for the Si and Ge complexes and open-shell interaction for the carbon complexes. The calculated proton affinity and hydride affinity values corroborated well with the present bonding description. This class of complexes might act as efficient future catalysts for different organic transformations due to the presence of electron rich group 14 element and metal carbonyl.

Highly Coordinated Heteronuclear Calcium-Iron Carbonyl Cation Complexes [CaFe(CO)n ]+ (n=5-12) with d-d Bonding

Heteronuclear calcium-iron carbonyl cation complexes in the form of [CaFe(CO)n ]+ (n=5-12) are produced in the gas phase. Infrared photodissociation spectroscopy in conjunction with quantum chemical calculations confirm that the n=10 complex is the coordination saturated ion where a Fe(CO)4 fragment is bonded with a Ca(CO)6 fragment through two side-on bridging carbonyl ligands. Bonding analysis indicates that it is best described by the bonding interactions between a [Ca(CO)6 ]2+ dication and an [Fe(CO)4 ]- anion forming a Fe→Ca d-d dative bond in the [(CO)6 Ca-Fe(CO)4 ]+ structure, which enriches the pool of experimentally observed complexes of calcium that mimic transition metal compounds. The molecule is the first example of a heteronuclear carbonyl complex featuring a d-d bond between calcium and a transition metal.

Chemical Bonding in Homoleptic Carbonyl Cations [M{Fe(CO)5 }2 ]+ (M=Cu, Ag, Au)

Syntheses of the copper and gold complexes [Cu{Fe(CO)5 }2 ][SbF6 ] and [Au{Fe(CO)5 }2 ][HOB{3,5-(CF3 )2 C6 H3 }3 ] containing the homoleptic carbonyl cations [M{Fe(CO)5 }2 ]+ (M=Cu, Au) are reported. Structural data of the rare, trimetallic Cu2 Fe, Ag2 Fe and Au2 Fe complexes [Cu{Fe(CO)5 }2 ][SbF6 ], [Ag{Fe(CO)5 }2 ][SbF6 ] and [Au{Fe(CO)5 }2 ][HOB{3,5-(CF3 )2 C6 H3 }3 ] are also given. The silver and gold cations [M{Fe(CO)5 }2 ]+ (M=Ag, Au) possess a nearly linear Fe-M-Fe' moiety but the Fe-Cu-Fe' in [Cu{Fe(CO)5 }2 ][SbF6 ] exhibits a significant bending angle of 147° due to the strong interaction with the [SbF6 ]- anion. The Fe(CO)5 ligands adopt a distorted square-pyramidal geometry in the cations [M{Fe(CO)5 }2 ]+ , with the basal CO groups inclined towards M. The geometry optimization with DFT methods of the cations [M{Fe(CO)5 }2 ]+ (M=Cu, Ag, Au) gives equilibrium structures with linear Fe-M-Fe' fragments and D2 symmetry for the copper and silver cations and D4d symmetry for the gold cation. There is nearly free rotation of the Fe(CO)5 ligands around the Fe-M-Fe' axis. The calculated bond dissociation energies for the loss of both Fe(CO)5 ligands from the cations [M{Fe(CO)5 }2 ]+ show the order M=Au (De =137.2 kcal mol-1 )>Cu (De =109.0 kcal mol-1 )>Ag (De =92.4 kcal mol-1 ). The QTAIM analysis shows bond paths and bond critical points for the M-Fe linkage but not between M and the CO ligands. The EDA-NOCV calculations suggest that the [Fe(CO)5 ]→M+ ←[Fe(CO)5 ] donation is significantly stronger than the [Fe(CO)5 ]←M+ →[Fe(CO)5 ] backdonation. Inspection of the pairwise orbital interactions identifies four contributions for the charge donation of the Fe(CO)5 ligands into the vacant (n)s and (n)p AOs of M+ and five components for the backdonation from the occupied (n-1)d AOs of M+ into vacant ligand orbitals.

Formation and Characterization of BeFe(CO)4 - Anion with Beryllium-Iron Bonding

Heteronuclear BeFe(CO)₄ ^- anion complex is generated in the gas phase, which is detected by mass-selected infrared photodissociation spectroscopy in the carbonyl stretching frequency region. The complex is characterized to have a Be-Fe bonded Be-Fe(CO)₄ ^- structure with C_3v symmetry and all of the four carbonyl ligands bonded on the iron center. Quantum chemical studies indicate that the complex has a quite short Be-Fe bond. Besides one electron-sharing σ bond, there are two additional, albeit weak, Be ← Fe(CO)₄ ^- dative π bonding interactions. The findings imply that metal-metal bonding between s-block and transition metals is viable under suitable coordination environment.

Generation and Characterization of the C3 O2 - Anion with an Unexpected Unsymmetrical Structure

The carbon suboxide anion C₃ O₂ ^- is generated in solid neon matrix. It is characterized by infrared absorption spectroscopy as well as quantum chemical calculations to have a planar C_s structure where two CO groups with significantly different bond lengths and angles are attached in a zigzag fashion to the central carbon atom. Bonding analysis indicates that it is best described by the bonding interactions between a neutral CO in a triplet excited state and a doublet excited state of CCO^- .

Bonding and stability of donor ligand-supported heavier analogues of cyanogen halides (L')PSi(X)(L)

Fluoro- and chloro-phosphasilynes [X-Si[triple bond, length as m-dash]P (X = F, Cl)] belong to a class of illusive chemical species which are expected to have Si[triple bond, length as m-dash]P multiple bonds. Theoretical investigations of the bonding and stability of the corresponding Lewis base-stabilized species (L')PSi(X)(L) [L' = cAAC^Me (cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene); L = cAAC^Me, NHC^Me (N-heterocyclic carbene), PMe₃, aAAC (acyclic alkyl(amino) carbene); X = Cl, F] have been studied using the energy decomposition analysis-natural orbitals for chemical valence (EDA-NOCV) method. The variation of the ligands (L) on the Si-atom leads to different bonding scenarios depending on their σ-donation and π-back acceptance properties. The ligands with higher lying HOMOs prefer profoundly different bonding scenarios than the ligands with lower lying HOMOs. The type of halogen (Cl or F) on the Si-atom was also found to have a significant influence on the overall bonding scenario. The reasonably higher value and endergonic nature of the dissociation energies along with the appreciable HOMO-LUMO energy gap may corroborate to the synthetic viability of the homo and heteroleptic ligand-stabilized elusive PSi(Cl/F) species in the laboratory.

CO-Induced Dinitrogen Fixation and Cleavage Mediated by Boron

The boron atoms react with carbon monoxide and dinitrogen forming the end-on bonded NNBCO complex in solid neon or in nitrogen matrices. The NNBCO complex rearranges to the (η2 -N2 )BCO isomer with a more activated side-on bonded dinitrogen ligand upon visible light excitation. (η2 -N2 )BCO and its weakly CO-coordinated complexes further isomerize to the NBNCO and B(NCO)2 molecules with N-N bond being completely cleaved under UV light irradiation. The geometries, energies and vibrational spectra of the molecules are calculated with quantum chemical methods and the electronic structures are analyzed with charge- and energy-partitioning methods.

Generation and Identification of the Linear OCBNO and OBNCO Molecules with 24 Valence Electrons

Two structural isomers containing five second-row element atoms with 24 valence electrons were generated and identified by matrix-isolation IR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. The OCBNO complex, which is produced by the reaction of boron atoms with mixtures of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide in solid neon, rearranges to the more stable OBNCO isomer on UV excitation. Bonding analysis indicates that the OCBNO complex is best described by the bonding interactions between a triplet-state boron cation with an electron configuration of (2s)0 (2pσ )0 (2pπ )2 and the CO/NO- ligands in the triplet state forming two degenerate electron-sharing π bonds and two ligand-to-boron dative σ bonds.

EE triple bonds (E = Group 13) promoted by charge transfer from alkali metals

Chemical bonding analysis shows that strong charge transfer arises from M4 (M = Li and Na) motifs to E2 (E = Group 13), further making an EE triple bond composed of two π bonds and one delocalized σ bond.

Stabilization of Linear C3 by Two Donor Ligands: A Theoretical Study of L-C3 -L (L=PPh3 , NHCMe , cAACMe )*

Quantum chemical studies using density functional theory and ab initio methods have been carried out for the molecules L-C3 -L with L=PPh3 (1), NHCMe (2, NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene), and cAACMe (3, cAAC=cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene). The calculations predict that 1 and 2 have equilibrium geometries where the ligands are bonded with rather acute bonding angles at the linear C3 moiety. The phosphine adduct 1 has a synclinal (gauche) conformation whereas 2 exhibits a trans conformation of the ligands. In contrast, the compound 3 possesses a nearly linear arrangement of the carbene ligands at the C3 fragment. The bond dissociation energies of the ligands have the order 1<2<3. The bonding analysis using charge and energy decomposition methods suggests that 3 is best described as a cumulene with electron-sharing double bonds between neutral fragments (cAACMe )2 and C3 in the respective electronic quintet state yielding (cAACMe )=C3 =(cAACMe ). In contrast, 1 and 2 possess electron-sharing and dative bonds between positively charged ligands [(PPh3 )2 ]+ or [(NHCMe )2 ]+ and negatively charged [C3 ]- fragments in the respective doublet state.

The Valence Orbitals of the Alkaline-Earth Atoms

Quantum chemical calculations of the alkaline-earth oxides, imides and dihydrides of the alkaline-earth atoms (Ae=Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) and the calcium cluster Ca6 H9 [N(SiMe3 )2 ]3 (pmdta)3 (pmdta=N,N,N',N'',N''-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) have been carried out by using density functional theory. Analysis of the electronic structures by charge and energy partitioning methods suggests that the valence orbitals of the lighter atoms Be and Mg are the (n)s and (n)p orbitals. In contrast, the valence orbitals of the heavier atoms Ca, Sr and Ba comprise the (n)s and (n-1)d orbitals. The alkaline-earth metals Be and Mg build covalent bonds like typical main-group elements, whereas Ca, Sr and Ba covalently bind like transition metals. The results not only shed new light on the covalent bonds of the heavier alkaline-earth metals, but are also very important for understanding and designing experimental studies.

Revisiting the Intriguing Electronic Features of the BeOBeC Carbyne and Some Isomers: A Quantum-Chemical Assessment

Extensive high-level quantum-chemical calculations reveal that the rod-shaped molecule BeOBeC, which was recently generated in matrix experiments, exists in two nearly isoenergetic states, the 5 Σ quintet (5 6) and the 3 Σ triplet (3 6). Their IR features are hardly distinguishable at finite temperature. The major difference concerns the mode of spin coupling between the terminal beryllium and carbon atoms. Further, the ground-state potential-energy surface of the [2Be,C,O] system at 4 K is presented and differences between the photochemical and thermal behaviors are highlighted. Finally, a previously not considered, so far unknown C2v -symmetric rhombus-like four-membered ring 3 [Be(O)(C)Be] (3 5) is predicted to represent the global minimum on the potential-energy surface.

Insight into the Bonding and Aggregation of Alkyllithiums by Experimental Charge Density Studies and Energy Decomposition Analyses

In this Article, the organolithiums [((-)-sparteine)Li^tBu] (1), [(ABCO)Li^tBu]₂ (2), and [(ABCO)₂(LiⁱPr)₄] (3) are investigated by means of experimental and theoretical charge density determination to elucidate the nature of the Li-C and Li-N bonds. Furthermore, the valence shell charge concentrations (VSCCs) in the nonbonding region of the deprotonated C_α-atom will provide some insight on the localization of the carbanionic lone pair. Analysis of the electron density (ρ(r_BCP)), Laplacian (∇²ρ(r_BCP)), and the energy decomposition (EDA) confirmed that the Li-C/N bond exhibits astonishingly similar characteristics, to reveal an increasingly polar contact with decreasing aggregate size. This explains former observations on the incorporation of halide salts in organolithium reagents. Furthermore, it could be shown that the bonding properties of the ⁱPr group are similar to those of the ^tBu substituent. The accuracy of fit to all previously determined properties in organolithiums is remarkable.

d-d Dative Bonding Between Iron and the Alkaline-Earth Metals Calcium, Strontium, and Barium

Double deprotonation of the diamine 1,1'-(tBuCH2 NH)-ferrocene (1-H2 ) by alkaline-earth (Ae) or EuII metal reagents gave the complexes 1-Ae (Ae=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) and 1-Eu. 1-Mg crystallized as a monomer while the heavier complexes crystallized as dimers. The Fe⋅⋅⋅Mg distance in 1-Mg is too long for a bonding interaction, but short Fe⋅⋅⋅Ae distances in 1-Ca, 1-Sr, and 1-Ba clearly support intramolecular Fe⋅⋅⋅Ae bonding. Further evidence for interactions is provided by a tilting of the Cp rings and the related 1 H NMR chemical-shift difference between the Cp α and β protons. While electrochemical studies are complicated by complex decomposition, UV/Vis spectral features of the complexes support Fe→Ae dative bonding. A comprehensive bonding analysis of all 1-Ae complexes shows that the heavier species 1-Ca, 1-Sr, and 1-Ba possess genuine Fe→Ae bonds which involve vacant d-orbitals of the alkaline-earth atoms and partially filled d-orbitals on Fe. In 1-Mg, a weak Fe→Mg donation into vacant p-orbitals of the Mg atom is observed.

Why is Si2H2 Not Linear? An Intrinsic Quasi-Atomic Bonding Analysis

The molecular energy of Si₂H₂ geometric structures increases in the order dibridged < trans-bent < linear, in contrast to acetylene, C₂H₂, for which the linear structure is the global minimum. In this study, the intra-atomic (antibonding) and bonding contributions to the total molecular energy of these valence isoelectronic molecules are computed by expressing the density matrices of the full valence space multiconfiguration self-consistent field wave function in terms of quasi-atomic orbitals. The analysis shows that the intra-atomic contributions to the molecular energy become less favorable in the order dibridged → trans-bent → linear for both C₂H₂ and Si₂H₂. By contrast, the inter-atomic bonding contributions become energetically more favorable in that order for both C₂H₂ and Si₂H₂. The two systems differ as follows. For Si₂H₂, the antibonding intra-atomic energy changes that occur when the dibridged molecule reconstructs into the trans-bent and linear structures prevail over the interatomic interactions that induce bond formation. In contrast, for C₂H₂, the interatomic interactions that create bonds prevail over the intra-atomic energy changes that occur when the dibridged molecule reconstructs into the trans-bent and linear structures. The intra-atomic energy changes that occur in these systems are related to the hybridization of the heavy atoms in an analogous manner to the hybridization of C in CH₄ from (2s)²(2p)² to sp³ hybrid orbitals.

Side-On Bonded Beryllium Dinitrogen Complexes

The preparation and spectroscopic identification of the complexes NNBe(η2 -N2 ) and (NN)2 Be(η2 -N2 ) and the energetically higher lying isomers Be(NN)2 and Be(NN)3 are reported. NNBe(η2 -N2 ) and (NN)2 Be(η2 -N2 ) are the first examples of covalently side-on bonded N2 adducts of a main-group element. The analysis of the electronic structure using modern methods of quantum chemistry suggests that NNBe(η2 -N2 ) and (NN)2 Be(η2 -N2 ) should be classified as π complexes rather than metalladiazirines.

Desymmetrization of Dicationic Diboranes by Isomerization Catalyzed by a Nucleophile

Cationic monoboranes exhibit a rich chemistry. By constrast, only a few cationic diboranes are known, that all are symmetrically substituted. In this work, the first unsymmetrically substituted dicationic diboranes, featuring sp2 -sp2 -hybridized boron atoms, are reported. The compounds are formed by intramolecular rearrangement from preceding isomeric symmetrically substituted dicationic diboranes, a process that is catalyzed by nucleophiles. From the temperature-dependence of the isomerization rate, activation parameters for this unprecedented rearrangement are derived. The difference in fluoride ion affinity between the two boron atoms and the bonding situation in these unique unsymmetrical dicationic diboranes are evaluated.

Comment on "Realization of Lewis Basic Sodium Anion in the NaBH3 - Cluster"

We challenge the interpretation of the chemical bond in NaBH₃ ^- proposed by Liu et al. We argue that NaBH₃ ^- has an electron-sharing Na-BH₃ ^- covalent bond rather than a dative bond Na^- →BH₃ .