A Density Functional Theory Study of the Benzene−Water Complex

Study on the surface wetting mechanism of bituminous coal based on the microscopic molecular structure

The chemical wet dust removal method is one of the hot methods for coal dust control, and the key to its success lies in whether the surface of coal dust can be well wetted or not. Nowadays, the wetting mechanism of the coal dust surface is understudied, limiting the further application of chemical wet dust removal. Thus, the exploration of the wetting mechanism based on the microscopic molecular structure characteristics of the coal surface provides a new solution to improve the wet dust removal efficiency. Herein, the bituminous coal collected from 3 groups of coal seams in the Pingdingshan mining area was used as the object of study to reveal the microscopic wetting mechanism. Proximate analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance carbon spectroscopy (¹³C NMR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can well distinguish the microstructural information of the coal surface, enabling building the molecular structure models of three groups of coal. Joint contact angle experiments were conducted to explore the influencing factors between the molecular structure of coal dust and its wettability. Molecular simulation techniques, combined with indoor experiments, were used to explore the essential causes of the differences in the wetting mechanisms of bituminous coal dust. The results showed that the composition and structure of carbon and oxygen elements on the coal surface has a significant effect on the wettability of coal dust. The higher the relative content of aromatic carbon and oxygen elements, the better the wettability of the coal surface. An opposite trend occurred for the aliphatic carbon. The difference in wettability of coal surfaces mainly stems from the ability of hydrophilic functional groups on coal surfaces to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. The aromatic hydrocarbon structure has a much greater ability to adsorb water molecules than the aliphatic hydrocarbon structure. The research results can provide scientific guidance for the design of efficient and environmentally friendly dust suppressants to realize clean coal production in mines.

Isotope Effects on the Vaporization of Organic Compounds from an Aqueous Solution-Insight from Experiment and Computations

An isotope fractionation analysis of organic groundwater pollutants can assess the remediation at contaminated sites yet needs to consider physical processes as potentially confounding factors. This study explores the predictability of water–air partitioning isotope effects from experiments and computational predictions for benzene and trimethylamine (both H-bond acceptors) as well as chloroform (H-bond donor). A small, but significant, isotope fractionation of different direction and magnitude was measured with ε = −0.12‰ ± 0.07‰ (benzene), ε_C = 0.49‰ ± 0.23‰ (triethylamine), and ε_H = 1.79‰ ± 0.54‰ (chloroform) demonstrating that effects do not correlate with expected hydrogen-bond functionalities. Computations revealed that the overall isotope effect arises from contributions of different nature and extent: a weakening of intramolecular vibrations in the condensed phase plus additional vibrational modes from a complexation with surrounding water molecules. Subtle changes in benzene contrast with a stronger coupling between intra- and intermolecular modes in the chloroform–water system and a very local vibrational response with few atoms involved in a specific mode of triethylamine. An energy decomposition analysis revealed that each system was affected differently by electrostatics and dispersion, where dispersion was dominant for benzene and electrostatics dominated for chloroform and triethylamine. Interestingly, overall stabilization patterns in all studied systems originated from contributions of dispersion rather than other energy terms.

Probing the interaction between solid benzene and water using vacuum ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy

Benzene exhibits strong concentration dependent energy shifts of electronic states in solid phase mixtures with water ice.

Polarizable Multipole-Based Force Field for Aromatic Molecules and Nucleobases

Aromatic molecules with π electrons are commonly involved in chemical and biological recognitions. For example, nucleobases play central roles in DNA/RNA structure and their interactions with proteins. The delocalization of the π electrons is responsible for the high polarizability of aromatic molecules. In this work, the AMOEBA force field has been developed and applied to 5 regular nucleobases and 12 aromatic molecules. The permanent electrostatic energy is expressed as atomic multipole interactions between atom pairs, and many-body polarization is accounted for by mutually induced atomic dipoles. We have systematically investigated aromatic ring stacking and aromatic-water interactions for nucleobases and aromatic molecules, as well as base–base hydrogen-bonding pair interactions, all at various distances and orientations. van der Waals parameters were determined by comparison to the quantum mechanical interaction energy of these dimers and fine-tuned using condensed phase simulation. By comparing to quantum mechanical calculations, we show that the resulting classical potential is able to accurately describe molecular polarizability, molecular vibrational frequency, and dimer interaction energy of these aromatic systems. Condensed phase properties, including hydration free energy, liquid density, and heat of vaporization, are also in good overall agreement with experimental values. The structures of benzene liquid phase and benzene-water solution were also investigated by simulation and compared with experimental and PDB structure derived statistical results.

Behavior of interactions between hydrogen chalcogenides and an anthracene π-system elucidated by QTAIM dual functional analysis with QC calculations

The nature of the interactions between chalcogenides and the anthracene p-system, EH₂-*-p(C₁₄H₁₀), is predicted to be close to that of EH₂-*-p(C₁₀H₈), although the partial structures around the central rings can be found in EH₂-*-p(C₆H₆).

Photoisomerization of ruthenium(ii) aquo complexes: mechanistic insights and application development

The perspective article highlights a new strategic synthesis of dinuclear ruthenium(ii) complexes acting as active water oxidation catalysts and also reports the development of unique visible-light-responsive giant vesicles, both of which are achieved based on photoisomerization.

Does borazine-water behave like benzene-water? A matrix isolation infrared and ab initio study

Borazine is isoelectronic with benzene and is popularly referred to as inorganic benzene. The study of non-covalent interactions with borazine and comparison with its organic counterpart promises to show interesting similarities and differences. The motivation of the present study of the borazine-water interaction, for the first time, stems from such interesting possibilities. Hydrogen-bonded complexes of borazine and water were studied using matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. Computations were performed at M06-2X and MP2 levels of theory using 6-311++G(d,p) and aug-cc-pVDZ basis sets. At both the levels of theory, the complex involving an N-H⋯O interaction, where the N-H of borazine serves as the proton donor to the oxygen of water was found to be the global minimum, in contrast to the benzene-water system, which showed an H-π interaction. The experimentally observed infrared spectra of the complexes corroborated well with our computations for the complex corresponding to the global minimum. In addition to the global minimum, our computations also located two local minima on the borazine-water potential energy surface. Of the two local minima, one corresponded to a structure where the water was the proton donor to the nitrogen of borazine, approaching the borazine ring from above the plane of the ring; a structure that resembled the global minimum in the benzene-water H-π complex. The second local minimum corresponded to an interaction of the oxygen of water with the boron of borazine, which can be termed as the boron bond. Clearly the borazine-water system presents a richer landscape than the benzene-water system.

Dynamic and static behavior of the H...π and E...π interactions in EH₂ adducts of benzene π-system (E = O, S, Se and Te), elucidated by QTAIM dual functional analysis

Dynamic and static behavior of the interactions in the EH2 adducts of a benzene π-system (E = O, S, Se and Te) is elucidated by applying QTAIM-DFA (QTAIM dual functional analysis). Two types of H-*-π and E-*-π interactions are detected in the adducts, where the asterisk (*) emphasizes the existence of the bond critical point (BCP) on the interaction in question. Total electron energy densities Hb(rc) are plotted versus Hb(rc) -Vb(rc)/2 [=(ℏ(2)/8m)∇(2)ρb(rc)] at BCPs in QTAIM-DFA, where Vb(rc) are the potential energy densities at BCPs. Data from the fully optimized structures are analyzed by polar (R, θ) coordinate representation. Each plot for an interaction, containing data from the perturbed structures with those of the fully optimized one, shows a specific curve, which provides important information. The plot is expressed by (θp, κp): θp corresponds to the tangent line for the plot and κp is the curvature. θ and θp are measured from the y-axis and y-direction, respectively. Moreover, (R, θ) corresponds to the static nature, (θp, κp) represents the dynamic nature of interactions. While θ classifies the interaction in question, θp characterizes it. Both values are less than 90° for all H-*-π and E-*-π interactions examined in this study; therefore, they are all classified by the pure closed-shell interactions and predicted to have the character of vdW nature. However, it is suggested that E-*-π has the nature of the stronger interaction than the case of H-*-π for dynamic behavior in the same species evaluated at the MP2 and M06-2X levels. The nature of the interactions is well analyzed and specified by applying QTAIM-DFA.

Non-covalent interaction of benzene with methanol and diethyl ether solid surfaces

We have investigated the interactions involved at the interface of binary, layered ices (benzene on methanol and on diethyl ether) by means of laboratory experiments and ab initio calculations on model clusters.

van der Waals forces in density functional theory: a review of the vdW-DF method

A density functional theory (DFT) that accounts for van der Waals (vdW) interactions in condensed matter, materials physics, chemistry, and biology is reviewed. The insights that led to the construction of the Rutgers-Chalmers van der Waals density functional (vdW-DF) are presented with the aim of giving a historical perspective, while also emphasizing more recent efforts which have sought to improve its accuracy. In addition to technical details, we discuss a range of recent applications that illustrate the necessity of including dispersion interactions in DFT. This review highlights the value of the vdW-DF method as a general-purpose method, not only for dispersion bound systems, but also in densely packed systems where these types of interactions are traditionally thought to be negligible.

Serine and Cysteine π-Interactions in Nature: A Comparison of the Frequency, Structure, and Stability of Contacts Involving Oxygen and Sulfur

Despite many DNA–protein π-interactions in high-resolution crystal structures, only four X–H···π or X···π interactions were found between serine (Ser) or cysteine (Cys) and DNA nucleobase π-systems in over 100 DNA–protein complexes (where X = O for Ser and X = S for Cys). Nevertheless, 126 non-covalent contacts occur between Ser or Cys and the aromatic amino acids in many binding arrangements within proteins. Furthermore, Ser and Cys protein–protein π-interactions occur with similar frequencies and strengths. Most importantly, due to the great stability that can be provided to biological macromolecules (up to –20 kJ mol–1 for neutral π-systems or –40 kJ mol–1 for cationic π-systems), Ser and Cys π-interactions should be considered when analyzing protein stability and function.

What are preferred water-aromatic interactions in proteins and crystal structures of small molecules?

The distribution of water molecules around aromatic rings in the protein structures and crystal structures of small molecules shows quite a small number of the strongest OH-π interactions, a larger number of parallel interactions, and the largest number of the weakest CH-O interactions.

Parallel water/aromatic interactions of non-coordinated and coordinated water

The parallel interactions of non-coordinated and coordinated water molecules with an aromatic ring were studied by analyzing data in the Cambridge structural database (CSD) and by using quantum chemical calculations. The CSD data show that water/aromatic contacts prefer parallel to OH/π interactions, which indicates the importance of parallel interactions. The results reveal the influence of water coordination to a metal ion; the interactions of aqua complexes are stronger. Coordinated water molecules prefer a parallel-down orientation in which one OH bond is parallel to the aromatic ring, whereas the other OH bond points to the plane of the ring. The interactions of aqua complexes with parallel-down water/benzene orientation are as strong as the much better known OH/π orientations. The strongest calculated interaction energy is -14.89 kcal mol(-1) . The large number of parallel contacts in crystal structures and the quite strong interactions indicate the importance of parallel orientation in water/benzene interactions.

Water cluster confinement and methane adsorption in the hydrophobic cavities of a fluorinated metal-organic framework

Water cluster formation and methane adsorption within a hydrophobic porous metal organic framework is studied by in situ vibrational spectroscopy, adsorption isotherms, and first-principle DFT calculations (using vdW-DF). Specifically, the formation and stability of H2O clusters in the hydrophobic cavities of a fluorinated metal-organic framework (FMOF-1) is examined. Although the isotherms of water show no measurable uptake (see Yang et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2011 , 133 , 18094 ), the large dipole of the water internal modes makes it possible to detect low water concentrations using IR spectroscopy in pores in the vicinity of the surface of the solid framework. The results indicate that, even in the low pressure regime (100 mTorr to 3 Torr), water molecules preferentially occupy the large cavities, in which hydrogen bonding and wall hydrophobicity foster water cluster formation. We identify the formation of pentameric water clusters at pressures lower than 3 Torr and larger clusters beyond that pressure. The binding energy of the water species to the walls is negligible, as suggested by DFT computational findings and corroborated by IR absorption data. Consequently, intermolecular hydrogen bonding dominates, enhancing water cluster stability as the size of the cluster increases. The formation of water clusters with negligible perturbation from the host may allow a quantitative comparison with experimental environmental studies on larger clusters that are in low concentrations in the atmosphere. The stability of the water clusters was studied as a function of pressure reduction and in the presence of methane gas. Methane adsorption isotherms for activated FMOF-1 attained volumetric adsorption capacities ranging from 67 V(STP)/V at 288 K and 31 bar to 133 V(STP)/V at 173 K and 5 bar, with an isosteric heat of adsorption of ca. 14 kJ/mol in the high temperature range (288-318 K). Overall, the experimental and computational data suggest high preferential uptake for methane gas relative to water vapor within FMOF-1 pores with ease of desorption and high framework stability under operative temperature and moisture conditions.

Coexistence of solvated electron and benzene-centered valence anion in the negatively charged benzene-water clusters

We present a combined M06 functional calculation and ab initio molecular dynamics simulation study of an excess electron (EE) in a microhydrated aromatic complex (modeled by benzene (Bz)-water binary clusters, Bz(H(2)O)(n)). Calculated results illustrate that Bz ring and water clusters are indeed linked through the π···HO interactions in the neutral Bz(H(2)O)(n) (n = 1-8) clusters, and the size of the water cluster does not influence the nature of its interaction with the π system for the oligo-hydrated complexes. The states and the dynamics of an EE trapped in such Bz-water clusters were also determined. All of possible localized states for the EE can be roughly classified into two types: (i) single, ring-localized states (the Bz-centered valence anions) in which an EE occupies the LUMO of the complexes originating from the LUMO (π*) of the Bz ring, and the π···HO interactions are enhanced for increase of electron density of the Bz ring. In this mode, the carbon skeleton of the Bz part is significantly deformed due to increase of electron density and nonsymmetric distribution of electron density induced by the interacting H-O bonds; (ii) solvated states, in which an EE is trapped directly as a surface state by the dangling hydrogen atoms of water molecules or as a solvated state in a mixed cavity formed by Bz and water cluster. In the latter case, Bz may also participate in capturing an EE using its C-H bonds in the side edge of the aromatic ring as a part of the cavity. In general, a small water cluster is favorable to the Bz-centered valence anion state, while a large one prefers a solvated electron state. Fluctuations and rearrangement of water molecules can sufficiently modify the relative energies of the EE states to permit facile conversion from the Bz-centered to the water cluster-centered state. This indicates that aromatic Bz can be identified as a stepping stone in electron transfer and the weak π···HO interaction plays an important role as the driving force in conversion of the two states.

A theoretical study of the hydrogen-storage potential of (H2)4CH4 in metal organic framework materials and carbon nanotubes

The hydrogen-methane compound (H(2))(4)CH(4)-or for short H4M-is one of the most promising hydrogen-storage materials. This van der Waals compound is extremely rich in molecular hydrogen: 33.3 mass%, not including the hydrogen bound in CH(4); including it, we reach even 50.2 mass%. Unfortunately, H4M is not stable under ambient pressure and temperature, requiring either low temperature or high pressure. In this paper, we investigate the properties and structure of the molecular and crystalline forms of H4M, using ab initio methods based on van der Waals DFT (vdW-DF). We further investigate the possibility of creating the pressures required to stabilize H4M through external agents such as metal organic framework (MOF) materials and carbon nanotubes, with very encouraging results. In particular, we find that certain MOFs can create considerable pressure for H4M in their cavities, but not enough to stabilize it at room temperature, and moderate cooling is still necessary. On the other hand, we find that all the investigated carbon nanotubes can create the high pressures required for H4M to be stable at room temperature, with direct implications for new and exciting hydrogen-storage applications.

Structural evolution of amino acid crystals under stress from a non-empirical density functional

Use of the non-local correlation functional vdW-DF (from 'van der Waals density functional'; Dion M et al 2004 Phys. Rev. Lett. 92 246401) has become a popular approach for including van der Waals interactions within density functional theory. In this work, we extend the vdW-DF theory and derive the corresponding stress tensor in a fashion similar to the LDA and GGA approach, which allows for a straightforward implementation in any electronic structure code. We then apply our methodology to investigate the structural evolution of amino acid crystals of glycine and l-alanine under pressure up to 10 GPa-with and without van der Waals interactions-and find that for an accurate description of intermolecular interactions and phase transitions in these systems, the inclusion of van der Waals interactions is crucial. For glycine, calculations including the vdW-DF (vdW-DF-c09x) functional are found to systematically overestimate (underestimate) the crystal lattice parameters, yet the stability ordering of the different polymorphs is determined accurately, at variance with the GGA case. In the case of l-alanine, our vdW-DF results agree with recent experiments that question the phase transition reported for this crystal at 2.3 GPa, as the a and c cell parameters happen to become equal but no phase transition is observed.

Competitive role of CH4-CH4 and CH-π interactions in C6H6-(CH4)n aggregates: the transition from dimer to cluster features

The intermolecular methane-methane and benzene (Bz)-methane interactions formulated in this paper are suitable to investigate systems of increasing complexity. The proposed CH(4)-CH(4) and Bz-CH(4) potential energy functions are indeed applied to study some macroscopic properties of methane and important features of both small Bz-(CH(4))(n) (n > 1-10) clusters and Bz surrounded by several CH(4) molecules. Relevant parameters of the interaction, derived from molecular polarizability components, have been proved to be useful to describe in a consistent way both size repulsion and dispersion attraction forces. The proposed potential model also allows one to isolate the role of the different intermolecular energy contributions. The spatial distribution of the CH(4) molecules in the clusters is investigated by means of molecular dynamics simulations under various conditions, even when methane phase transition from liquid to gas is likely to occur. In addition, several properties, such as radial distribution functions, density values, and mean diffusion coefficients, are analyzed in detail.

Dispersion-corrected energy decomposition analysis for intermolecular interactions based on the BLW and dDXDM methods

As the simplest variant of the valence bond (VB) theory, the block-localized wave function (BLW) method defines the intermediate electron-localized state self-consistently at the DFT level and can be used to explore the nature of intermolecular interactions in terms of several physically intuitive energy components. Yet, it is unclear how the dispersion interaction affects such a kind of energy decomposition analysis (EDA) as standard density functional approximations neglect the long-range dispersion attractive interactions. Three electron densities corresponding to the initial electron-localized state, optimal electron-localized state, and final electron-delocalized state are involved in the BLW-ED approach; a density-dependent dispersion correction, such as the recently proposed dDXDM approach, can thus uniquely probe the impact of the long-range dispersion effect on EDA results computed at the DFT level. In this paper, we incorporate the dDXDM dispersion corrections into the BLW-ED approach and investigate a range of representative systems such as hydrogen-bonding systems, acid-base pairs, and van der Waals complexes. Results show that both the polarization and charge-transfer energies are little affected by the inclusion of the long-range dispersion effect, which thus can be regarded as an independent energy component in EDA.