Advances for Triangular and Sandwich-Shaped All-Metal Aromatics

Much experimental work has been contributed to all-metal σ, π and δ-aromaticity among transition metals, semimetallics and other metals in the past two decades. Before our focused investigations on the properties of triangular and sandwich-shaped all-metal aromatics, A. I. Boldyrev presented general discussions on the concepts of all-metal σ-aromaticity and σ-antiaromaticity for metallo-clusters. Schleyer illustrated that Nucleus-Independent Chemical Shifts (NICS) were among the most authoritative criteria for aromaticity. Ugalde discussed the earlier developments of all-metal aromatic compounds with all possible shapes. Besides the theoretical predictions, many stable all-metal aromatic trinuclear clusters have been isolated as the metallic analogues of either the σ-aromatic molecule's [H3]+ ion or the π-aromatic molecule's [C3H3]+ ion. Different from Hoffman's opinion on all-metal aromaticity, triangular all-metal aromatics were found to hold great potential in applications in coordination chemistry, catalysis, and material science. Triangular all-metal aromatics, which were theoretically proved to conform to the Hückel (4n + 2) rule and possess the smallest aromatic ring, could also play roles as stable ligands during the formation of all-metal sandwiches. The triangular and sandwich-shaped all-metal aromatics have not yet been specifically summarized despite their diversity of existence, puissant developments and various interesting applications. These findings are different from the public opinion that all-metal aromatics would be limited to further applications due to their overstated difficulties in synthesis and uncertain stabilities. Our review will specifically focus on the summarization of theoretical predictions, feasible syntheses and isolations, and multiple applications of triangular and sandwich shaped all-metal aromatics. The appropriateness and necessities of this review will emphasize and disseminate their importance and applications forcefully and in a timely manner.

M©B7O7+ (M = Ni, Pd, Pt): aromatic molecular stars with a planar heptacoordinate transition metal

The dynamically stable global minima M©B₇O₇⁺ (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) are interesting in that they possess σ-aromaticity alone within the B₇M core moiety, which can be attributed to the strong peripheral localized O → B π back-bonding that leads to the less favourable delocalized M → B π back-bonding over the B₇M core moiety.

First-principles calculations on the deposition behavior of LixNay (x + y ≤ 5) clusters during the hybrid storage of Li and Na atoms on graphene

A new strategy of sodium ion batteries with the hybrid storage of Li and Na ions has attracted much attention in the field of large-scale energy storage. For revealing the mechanism of hybrid storage of Li and Na atoms in carbon materials, the lowest energy configuration, adsorption energy, differential charge density and density of states of Li_xNa_y clusters on graphene, as a structural unit of carbon materials, were calculated and investigated based on first principles density functional theory. The calculation results show that the deposition behavior of single Li or Na atoms on graphene is similar, and both are preferentially deposited at the hollow of graphene (H-site). The Li atom is deposited preferentially over the Na atom, and the deposition height of the Li atom is lower. When the total number of metal atoms x + y ≥ 3, Li_xNa_y clusters are deposited on graphene in the form of a stereotypical atomic cluster, in which the Li atom is usually at the bottom of the Li_xNa_y cluster, while the Na atom is usually at the top of the cluster. The electronic structure analysis shows that the electrons of the Li_xNa_y cluster are transferred to the anti-bonding π orbitals adjacent to graphene. The 2s orbitals of Li atoms and the 2s and 2p orbitals of Na atoms are hybridized with the 2p orbitals of C atoms. Therefore, the Li-C bonds or Na-C bonds formed between Li or Na atoms and C atoms of graphene are usually ionic bonds with partial covalent bond properties. Meanwhile, the Li-Li, Na-Na or Li-Na bonds formed inside Li_xNa_y clusters are usually multiple metal-metal bonds.

Isolation and Reactivity of an Antiaromatic s-Block Metal Compound

The concepts of aromaticity and antiaromaticity have a long history, and countless demonstrations of these phenomena have been made with molecules based on elements from the p, d, and f blocks of the periodic table. In contrast, the limited oxidation-state flexibility of the s-block metals has long stood in the way of their participation in sophisticated π-bonding arrangements, and truly antiaromatic systems containing s-block metals are altogether absent or remain poorly defined. Using spectroscopic, structural, and computational techniques, we present herein the synthesis and authentication of a heterocyclic compound containing the alkaline earth metal beryllium that exhibits significant antiaromaticity, and detail its chemical reduction and Lewis-base-coordination chemistry.

"Bottled" spiro-doubly aromatic trinuclear [Pd2Ru]+ complexes

Following an ongoing interest in the study of transition metal complexes with exotic bonding networks, we report herein the synthesis of a family of heterobimetallic triangular clusters involving Ru and Pd atoms. These are the first examples of trinuclear complexes combining these nuclei. Structural and bonding analyses revealed both analogies and unexpected differences for these [Pd₂Ru]⁺ complexes compared to their parent [Pd₃]⁺ peers. Noticeably, participation of the Ru atom in the π-aromaticity of the coordinated benzene ring makes the synthesized compound the second reported example of ‘bottled’ double aromaticity. This can also be referred to as spiroaromaticity due to the participation of Ru in two aromatic systems at a time. Moreover, the [Pd₂Ru]⁺ kernel exhibits unprecedented orbital overlap of Ru d_z² AO and two Pd d_xy or d_x²−y² AOs. The present findings reveal the possibility of synthesizing stable clusters with delocalized metal–metal bonding from the combination of non-adjacent elements of the periodic table which has not been reported previously.

Synthesis of a triangular [Pd₂Ru]⁺ complex with delocalized metal–metal bonding between non-adjacent elements of the periodic table, double aromaticity and overlap of d-AOs with different angular momentum.

Delocalization in Substituted Benzene Dications: A Magnetic Point of View

In this work, the induced magnetic field is analyzed for a series of substituted benzenes dications with formula C6R62+ (R=I, At, SeH, SeCH3, TeH, TeCH3), presumably exhibiting concentric aromaticity. Previous studies concluded that in the carbon skeleton, just π-electrons are delocalized. However, our results support that both the σ- and π-electrons are delocalized in the carbon skeleton, combined with a σ-delocalization in the external ring. The role of the relativistic effects in these dications is discussed in detail.

δ and φ back-donation in AnIV metallacycles

In all known examples of metal-ligand (M-L) δ and φ bonds, the metal orbitals are aligned to the ligand orbitals in a "head-to-head" or "side-to-head" fashion. Here, we report two fundamentally new types of M-L δ and φ interactions; "head-to-side" δ and "side-to-side" φ back-bonding, found in complexes of metallacyclopropenes and metallacyclocumulenes of actinides (Pa-Pu) that makes them distinct from their corresponding Group 4 analogues. In addition to the known Th and U complexes, our calculations include complexes of Pa, Np, and Pu. In contrast with conventional An-C bond decreasing, due to the actinide contraction, the An-C distance increases from Pa to Pu. We demonstrate that the direct L-An σ and π donations combined with the An-L δ or φ back-donations are crucial in explaining this non-classical trend of the An-L bond lengths in both series, underscoring the significance of these δ/φ back-donation interactions, and their importance for complexes of Pa and U in particular.

Th@C86, Th@C82, Th@C80, and Th@C76: role of thorium encapsulation in determining spherical aromatic and bonding properties on medium-sized endohedral metallofullerenes

Thorium encapsulated metallofullerenes (Th-EMFs) with external C76, C80, C82, and C86 cages have been synthesized, with the 13C-NMR spectrum recorded for Th@C82. Here, we explore computationally the chemical bonding, NMR and spherical aromaticity of Th@C82 and related thorium-encapsulated metallofullerenes. Our results show that these Th-EMFs are new examples of spherical aromatic structures, representing interesting low-symmetry exceptions to the Hirsch 2(N + 1)2 rule of spherical aromaticity. Their electronic structures are based on π-electron counts of 80, 84, 86, and 90, respectively, with a shell structure ranging from S2P6D10F14G18H22I8 to S2P6D10F14G18H22I18, where the partially filled I-shell remains as a frontier orbital. Their behavior is comparable to that of the spherical aromatic alkali-C606- phases, which in addition to the favorable endohedral Th-fullerene bonding account for their particular abundance exhibiting the ability to sustain a long-range shielding cone as a result of the favorable metal-cage bonding. This rationalization of such species as neutral spherical aromatic EMFs suggests the possibility of an extensive series of aromatic fullerenes with nuclearity larger than C60 buckminsterfullerene as stable building blocks towards nanostructured metal-organic materials.

All-metal aromatic cationic palladium triangles can mimic aromatic donor ligands with Lewis acidic cations

We present that cationic rings can act as donor ligands thanks to suitably delocalized metal-metal bonds. This could grant parent complexes with the peculiar properties of aromatic rings that are crafted with main group elements. We assembled Pd nuclei into equilateral mono-cationic triangles with unhindered faces. Like their main group element counterparts and despite their positive charge, these noble-metal rings form stable bonding interactions with other cations, such as positively charged silver atoms, to deliver the corresponding tetranuclear dicationic complexes. Through a mix of modeling and experimental techniques we propose that this bonding mode is an original coordination-like one rather than a 4-centre-2-electron bond, which have already been observed in three dimensional aromatics. The present results thus pave the way for the use of suitable metal rings as ligands.

First-Principles Study of Structural, Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Metal-Centered Tetrahexahedral V15⁺ Cluster

The V-centered bicapped hexagonal antiprism structure (A), as the most stable geometry of the cationic V₁₅⁺ cluster, is determined by using infrared multiple photo dissociation (IR-MPD) in combination with density functional theory computations. It is found that the A structure can be stabilized by 18 delocalized 3c-2e σ-bonds on outer V₃ triangles of the bicapped hexagonal antiprism surface and 12 delocalized 4c-2e σ-bonds on inner trigonal pyramidal V₄ moiety, and the features are related to the strong p-d hybridization of the cluster. The total magnetic moments on the cluster are predicted to be 2.0 µ_B, which come mainly from the central vanadium atom.

The nature of structure and bonding between transition metal and mixed Si-Ge tetramers: A 20-electron superatom system

A novel superatom species with 20-electron system, Six Gey M(+) (x + y = 4; M = Nb, Ta), was properly proposed. The trigonal bipyramid structures for the studied systems were identified as the putative global minimum by means of the density functional theory calculations. The high chemical stability can be explained by the strong p-d hybridization between transition metal and mixed Si-Ge tetramers, and closed-shell valence electron configuration [1S(2) 1P(6) 2S(2) 1D(10) ]. Meanwhile, the chemical bondings between metal atom and the tetramers can be recognized by three localized two-center two-electron (2c-2e) and delocalized 3c-2e σ-bonds. For all the doped structures studied here, it was found that the π- and σ-electrons satisfy the 2(N + 1)(2) counting rule, and thus these clusters possess spherically double (π and σ) aromaticity, which is also confirmed by the negative nucleus-independent chemical shifts values. Consequently, all the calculated results provide a further understanding for structural stabilities and electronic properties of transition metal-doped semiconductor clusters. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

σ-Aromaticity in polyhydride complexes of Ru, Ir, Os, and Pt

Transition-metal hydrides represent a unique class of compounds, which are essential for catalysis, organic synthesis, and hydrogen storage. In this work we study IrH5(PPh3)2, (RuH5(P(i)Pr3)2)(-), (OsH5(P(i)Pr3)2)(-), and OsH4(PPhMe2)3 polyhydride complexes, inspired by the recent discovery of the σ-aromatic PtZnH5(-) cluster anion. The distinctive feature of these molecules is that, like in the PtZnH5(-) cluster, the metal is five-fold coordinated in-plane, and holds additional ligands at the axial positions. This work shows that the unusual coordination in these compounds indeed can be explained by σ-aromaticity in the pentagonal arrangement, stabilized by the atomic orbitals on the metal. Based on this newly elucidated bonding principle, we additionally propose a new family of polyhydrides that display a uniquely high coordination. We also report the first indications of how aromaticity may impact the reactivity of these molecules.

Beyond organic chemistry: aromaticity in atomic clusters

We describe joint experimental and theoretical studies carried out collaboratively in the authors' labs for understanding the structures and chemical bonding of novel atomic clusters, which exhibit aromaticity.

First principles study on the structural evolution and properties of (MCl)n (n = 1–12, M = Cu, Ag) clusters

Energetic gaps (E − E_fit) and second differences of binding energies (Δ₂E) for (CuCl)_n and (AgCl)_n clusters as a function of cluster size, n.

New Insights into Re3(μ-Cl)3Cl6 Aromaticity. Evidence of σ- and π-Diatropicity

We have theoretically evaluated the behavior of the Re3(μ-Cl)3Cl6 cluster under magnetic perturbation, and it clearly shows that the magnetic response within the Re3(μ-Cl)3 plane is highly diatropic in nature. An analysis of both the magnetically induced current density (MICD) and induced magnetic field (B(ind)) allows us to classify this cluster as doubly σ- and also π-aromatic on the magnetic criterion. These findings contradict the classical Re-Re double bond representation and favor a chemical bonding pattern that involves delocalized bonds.

Validation of the recently developed aromaticity index D3BIA for benzenoid systems. Case study: acenes

There are four types of aromaticity criteria: energetic, electronic, magnetic and geometric. The delocalization, density and degeneracy-based index of aromaticity, D3BIA, is an electronic aromaticity index from QTAIM that is not reference dependent and can be used for aromatic, homoaromatic, sigma aromatic and other aromatic systems with varying ring size containing hetereoatoms or not. We used B3LYP, MP2 and MP3 methods to search for linear relations between well-known aromaticity indices and D3BIA for a series of acenes. We found that the D3BIA versus FLU correlation exceeded 91 % and reasonably good correlations exist between D3BIA and HOMA and between D3BIA and PDI. Previous works have shown that D3BIA can be used for homoaromatic systems and tetrahedrane derivatives (sigma aromaticity), but no previous work has validated D3BIA for benzenoid systems. This is the first time we have shown that D3BIA can be used successfully for benzenoid systems, for example, acenes. This work supports and validates the use of D3BIA in classical aromatic systems.

Recent developments and future prospects of all-metal aromatic compounds

The usefulness of aromaticity/antiaromaticity concepts to foresee structural stability patterns and salient features of the electronic structure of small inorganic and all-metal rings has been put forward. A critical revision of the advances made in the theoretical methods to assess the aromaticity/antiaromaticity of these compounds has also been made. In particular, the performance of local versus non-local indices has been reviewed. Finally, the passivation of these rings has been put forward as a key issue in order to prevent them from collapsing into larger aggregates and to provide them protection against the environment.

Exploring the chemical bonding, infrared and UV-vis absorption spectra of OH radicals adsorption on the smallest fullerene

In the present work, the density-functional theory calculations were performed on C20 hydroxylated fullerene. B3LYP functionals with 6-31G(d,p) basis set were utilized to gain insight into the bonding characters and intramolecular interactions of hydroxyl groups adsorbed on the cage. Interestingly, we observed that the C20 cage has the bonding patterns with spherical orbitals configuration [1S(2)1P(6)1D(10)1F(2)], and the adsorbed hydroxyl groups significantly affect the chemical bonding of the cage surface. Analysis of vertical electron affinities and vertical ionization potentials indicates that the polyhydroxylated derivative with eight hydroxyl groups is more stable than others. The intramolecular interaction of these derivatives considered here reveals that the more the hydroxyl groups in derivatives, the stronger the interaction in stabilizing structures. On the basis of theoretical studies, the hydroxyl groups largely enhance the infrared intensities, especially for the polyhydroxylated derivatives.

Magnetic criteria of aromaticity

This review describes the current state of magnetic criteria of aromaticity. The introduction contains the fundamentals of ring currents in aromatic and antiaromatic systems, followed by a brief description of experimental and computational tools: NMR, diamagnetic susceptibility exaltation, current density analyses (CDA) and nucleus independent chemical shifts (NICS). This is followed by more comprehensive chapters: NMR - focusing on the work of R. Mitchell - NICS and CDA - describing the progress and development of the methods to their current state and presenting some examples of representative work.

PtZnH5(-), A σ-Aromatic Cluster

We report a joint photoelectron spectroscopic and theoretical study of the PtZnH5(-) cluster anion. This cluster exhibited an unprecedented planar pentagonal coordination for Pt and an unusual stability and high intensity in the mass spectrum. Both are due to the σ-aromaticity found in the H5-cycle supported by the 5d orbitals on the Pt atom. σ-Aromaticity in all-H systems has been predicted in the past but never found in experimentally observed species. Besides fundamental importance, mixed transition-metal hydrides can be found as intermediates in catalytic processes, and thus, the unexpected stability facilitated by σ-aromaticity can be appreciated also in practical applications.

Structural evolution, sequential oxidation and chemical bonding in tri-yttrium oxide clusters: Y3Ox− and Y3Ox (x = 0–6)

The evolution of regularities for Y₃O_x^−/0 (x = 0–6) and all-metal aromaticity of the Y₃⁻ cluster have been discovered.

Nucleus-independent chemical shifts and aromaticity in hexanuclear cluster complexes [Mo6X8]n- (X = S, Se, and Te; n = 0 and 4) of Chevrel phases

Molecular diamagnetism and multicentered X-Mo-Mo and Mo-Mo-Mo interactions in hexanuclear cluster complexes [Mo(6)X(8)](n-) (X = S, Se, and Te; n = 0 and 4) are studied using calculations of nuclear independent chemical shifts (NICS) and the methods "atoms in molecules" and electron localization function. It is shown that [Mo(6)X(8)](4-) complexes are characterized by large negative NICSs related to the aromaticity of Mo-Mo bondings and to diatropic currents in Mo(6) metallic core of the cuboctahedral clusters. The calculated currents can participate in the mechanism of nucleation of the vortex lattice of macroscopic Abrikosov's electronic whirls responsible for the magnetic high-field stability of the superconducting currents in type II superconductors.

Al4(2-); the anion-π interactions and aromaticity in the presence of counter ions

The influence of presence of counter ions and π-complexation with benzene on the bonding and magnetic properties of Al(4)(2-), the most studied all-metal cluster, is studied here. It is shown that complexation by either counter ions or benzene decreases the delocalization index between Al atoms and the magnitude of bond magnetizability, that is a Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules, QTAIM, -based magnetic index of aromaticity. Benzene forms two types of π-complexes with the Al(4) framework; CH-π (T-shaped) complexes and parallel π-π stacking (PPS) complexes. It is shown that variation in the π-charge of the Al(4) framework affects the relative stability of the T-shaped/PPS complexes. Free Al(4)(2-) forms a stable T-shaped anion-π complex with benzene but in the presence of cations, formation of PPS complexes is more favourable, energetically. It is suggested that this property could be used for designing molecular switches and tuneable anion sensors.

Theoretical study of structure, bonding, and electronic behavior of novel sandwich compounds M₃(C6R6)₂ (M = Ni, Pd, Pt; R = H, F)

The correlations between the structural and electronic properties of the monolayer clusters M₃ (where M = Ni, Pd, Pt) and the sandwich complexes M₃(C₆R₆)₂ (where M = Ni, Pd, Pt; R = H, F) were studied by performing quantum-chemical calculations. All of the sandwich complexes are strongly donating and backdonating metal-ligand bonding structures. The influence of the ligand as well as significant variations in the M-C, M-M, and C-C bond lengths and binding energies were examined to obtain a qualitative and quantitative picture of the intramolecular interactions in C₆R₆-M₃. Our theoretical investigations show that the binding energies of these sandwich complexes gradually decrease from Ni to Pt as well as from H to F, which can be explained via the frontier orbitals of the clusters M₃ and C₆R₆.