1
|
Jin B, Wang ZR, Yan M, Feng LY, Miao CQ, Wang YJ. Dynamic Structural Fluxionality in a Planar Tetracoordinate Carbon Cluster Stabilized by Boron Ligands. Chemistry 2024:e202402132. [PMID: 38973769 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202402132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The design of boron-based molecular rotors stems from boron-carbon binary clusters containing multiple planar hypercoordinate carbons (phCs, such as C2B8). However, the design of boron-coordinated phCs is challenging due to boron's tendency to occupy hypercoordinate centers more than carbon. Although this challenge has been addressed, the designed clusters of interest have not exhibited dynamic fluxionality similar to that of the initial C2B8. To address this issue, we report a σ/π doubly aromatic CB2H5 + cluster, the first global minimum containing a boron-coordinated planar tetracoordinate carbon atom with dynamic fluxionality. Dynamics simulations show that two ligand H atoms exhibit alternate rotation, resulting in an intriguing dynamic fluxionality in this cluster. Electronic structure analysis reveals the flexible bonding positions of the ligand H atoms because they do not participate in π delocalized bonding nor bond to any other non-carbon atom, highlighting this rotational fluxionality. Unprecedentedly, the fluxional process involves not only the usual conversion of the number of bonding atoms, but also the type of bonding (3c π bonds ↔4c σ bonds), which is an uncommon fluxional mechanism. The cluster represents an effort to apply phC species to molecular machines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jin
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Normal University, 034000, Xinzhou, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zai-Ran Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Normal University, 034000, Xinzhou, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Normal University, 034000, Xinzhou, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin-Yan Feng
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Normal University, 034000, Xinzhou, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Qing Miao
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Normal University, 034000, Xinzhou, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Jin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Normal University, 034000, Xinzhou, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jeilani YA, Van Duong L, Al Qahtani OMS, Nguyen MT. A reinvestigation of the boron cluster B 15+/0/-: a benchmark of density functionals and consideration of aromaticity models. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:11347-11359. [PMID: 38566485 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00077c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
This study presents a thorough reinvestigation of the B15+/0/- isomers, first employing coupled-cluster theory CCSD(T) calculations to validate the performance of different DFT functionals. The B15+ cation has two planar lowest-lying isomers, while the first 3D isomer is less stable than the global minimum by ∼10 kcal mol-1. The PBE functional, within this benchmark survey, has proved to be reliable in predicting relative energies for boron isomers. Other functionals such as the TPSSh, PBE0 and HSE06 result in good energy ordering of isomers but warrant reconsideration when distinguishing between 2D and 3D forms. Caution is needed for structures having high spin contamination, as it may lead to significant errors. The anomalously lower stability of the B15- anion with respect to its neighbours, in terms of electron detachment energy, was explained through a competition between both rectangle and disk models for its geometry. This elucidates its stability with 12 electrons in rectangle model and instability with 10 electrons in disk-shaped structure, emphasizing the value of employing such geometric models. The proximity of the σ* LUMO to the π HOMO also contributes to the weakening of the B15- stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Long Van Duong
- Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics Research Group, Science and Technology Advanced Institute, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Faculty of Applied Technology, School of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Minh Tho Nguyen
- Laboratory of Chemical Computation and Modeling, Institute for Computational Science and Artificial Intelligence, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Applied Technology, School of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jin B, Yuan C, Guo JC, Wu YB. CBe 4H 6: a molecular rotor with a built-in on-off switch. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:4778-4786. [PMID: 38305072 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05695c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
It is highly challenging to control (stop and resume as needed) molecular rotors because their intramolecular rotations are electronically enabled by delocalized σ bonding, and the desired control needs to be able to destroy and restore such σ bonding, which usually means difficult chemical manipulation (substitution or doping atom). In this work, we report CBe4H6, a molecular rotor that can be controlled independently of chemical manipulation. This molecule exhibited the uninterrupted free rotation of Be and H atoms around the central carbon in first-principles molecular dynamics simulations at high temperatures (600 and 1000 K), but the rotation cannot be witnessed in the simulation at room temperature (298 K). Specifically, when a C-H bond in the CBe4H6 molecule adopts the equatorial configuration at 298 K, it destroys the central delocalized σ bonding and blocks the intramolecular rotation (the rotor is turned "OFF"); when it can adopt the axial configuration at 600 and 1000 K, the central delocalized σ bonding can be restored and the intramolecular rotation can be resumed (the rotor is turned "ON"). Neutral CBe4H6 is thermodynamically favorable and electronically stable, as reflected by a wide HOMO-LUMO gap of 7.99 eV, a high vertical detachment energy of 9.79 eV, and a positive electron affinity of 0.24 eV, so it may be stable enough for the synthesis, not only in the gas phase, but also in the condensed phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jin
- Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage of Shanxi Province, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, People's Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Normal University, 1 East Dunqi Street, Xinzhou, Shanxi, 034000, People's Republic of China
| | - Caixia Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage of Shanxi Province, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Chang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage of Shanxi Province, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Bo Wu
- Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage of Shanxi Province, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu FL, Guo JC, Zhai HJ. Boron-based ternary MgTa 2B 6 cluster: a turning nanoclock with dynamic structural fluxionality. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:6049-6057. [PMID: 38295372 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp05826c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Boron-based complex clusters are a fertile ground for the exploration of exotic chemical bonding and dynamic structural fluxionality. Here we report on the computational design of a ternary MgTa2B6 cluster via global structural searches and quantum chemical calculations. The cluster turns out to be a new member of the molecular rotor family, closely mimicking a turning clock at the subnanoscale. It is composed of a hexagonal B6 ring with a capping Ta atom at the top and bottom, whereas the Mg atom is linked to one Ta site as a radial Ta-Mg dimer. These components serve as the dial, axis, and hand of a nanoclock, respectively. Chemical bonding analyses reveal that the inverse sandwich Ta2B6 motif in the cluster features 6π/6σ double aromaticity, whose electron counting conforms to the (4n + 2) Hückel rule. The Ta-Mg dimer has a Lewis-type σ bond, and the Mg site has negligible bonding with B6 ring. The ternary cluster can be formulated as an [Mg]0[Ta2B6]0 complex. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the cluster is structurally fluxional analogous to a nanoclock, even at a low temperature of 100 K. The Ta-Mg hand turns almost freely around the Ta2 axis and along the B6 dial. The tiny intramolecular rotation barrier is less than 0.3 kcal mol-1, being dictated by the bonding nature of double 6π/6σ aromaticity. The present system offers a new type of molecular rotor in physical chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Lin Liu
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Jin-Chang Guo
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jin B, Huo B, Yuan C, Li SD, Wu YB. [(OB) 2-M©B 7O 7-BO] - (M = Mn, Tc, Re): Chemically Stable and Triply Aromatic Ballet Rotors. Inorg Chem 2023. [PMID: 38032749 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c02623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Single-molecule nanorotors are generally constructed based on boron atoms to obtain structural fluxionality via possessing the delocalized multicenter bonds. However, the electron-deficient boron atoms are commonly exposed in these nanorotors, which leads to extremely high chemical reactivity, which blocks the synthesis in the condensed phase. In this work, we computationally designed a series of transition-metal-doped boron oxide clusters MB10O10- (in structural configuration of [(OB)2-M©B7O7-BO]-, M = Mn, Tc, Re, © means "centered" in a planar or quasi-planar hypercoordinate environment), which can be vividly named as "ballet rotors" to label their anthropomorphic dynamic rotational behaviors. The rotational fluxionality in ballet rotors originates from the completely delocalized nature of the bonding within their MB10 core moieties. Remarkably, compared with single-molecule nanorotors having bare boron atoms and the narrow HOMO-LUMO gaps (≤4.00 eV) as well as low vertical detachment energies (VDEs, ≤4.46 eV for anions), the ballet rotors possess significantly improved chemical stability, as evidenced sterically by the absence of exposed boron atoms and electronically by much wider HOMO-LUMO gaps (5.66-5.98 eV) as well as obviously higher VDEs between 5.36 and 5.47 eV. Specifically, the ballet rotors are mainly stabilized by the delicately placed peripheral oxygen atoms, which can compensate for all electron-deficient boron atoms via O → B π back bonds and sterically protect them. Simultaneously, they are additionally stabilized by aromatic stabilization effect from possessing the novel S + P + D triple aromaticity. We expect that the proposal of chemically stable ballet rotors in this work can arouse the rational design of nanorotors for experimental realization in the condensed phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jin
- Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage of Shanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Huo
- Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage of Shanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Caixia Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage of Shanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Dian Li
- Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage of Shanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Bo Wu
- Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage of Shanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang C, Li HR, Zhou RH, Zhang Y, Duan XB. Isovalent electronic systems B+13 and BeB 12: structural interchange of GM and TS. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:24016-24021. [PMID: 37646793 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp03433j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Fluxional Wankel motor molecules have received considerable attention in recent years in both chemistry and nanoscience. Based on extensive first-principles theory calculations, we present herein the smallest neutral quasi-planar alkaline-earth metal-doped Wankel motor complex Cs BeB12 (BeB2@B10), which is isovalent with C2v B+13 (B3@B10+). The global minimum (GM) Cs BeB12 (1) and transition state (TS) Cs BeB12 (2) correspond to the C2v TS (4) and C2v GM (3) of B+13, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations show that, with ten equivalent GMs and ten equivalent TSs intervals, the B10 outer ring in BeB12 (1/2) overcomes the rotational energy barrier to rotate almost freely around the BeB2 triangular core above 800 K in a rotation angle of 36° in each step. Detailed bonding analyses indicate that, in addition to the ten localized periphery B-B bonds, both Cs BeB12 (1) and Cs BeB12 (2) possess three delocalized bonding systems over the molecular framework satisfying the (4n+2) Hückel rule, making the neutral complex 2σ + π triply aromatic in nature and highly stable in thermodynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ceng Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan, 030051, China.
| | - Hai-Ru Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan, 030051, China.
| | - Rui-Hua Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan, 030051, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan, 030051, China.
| | - Xiong-Bo Duan
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Han PF, Wang YJ, Feng LY, Gao SJ, Sun Q, Zhai HJ. Chemical Bonding and Dynamic Structural Fluxionality of a Boron-Based Na 5B 7 Sandwich Cluster. Molecules 2023; 28:3276. [PMID: 37050038 PMCID: PMC10096537 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Doping alkali metals into boron clusters can effectively compensate for the intrinsic electron deficiency of boron and lead to interesting boron-based binary clusters, owing to the small electronegativity of the former elements. We report on the computational design of a three-layered sandwich cluster, Na5B7, on the basis of global-minimum (GM) searches and electronic structure calculations. It is shown that the Na5B7 cluster can be described as a charge-transfer complex: [Na4]2+[B7]3-[Na]+. In this sandwich cluster, the [B7]3- core assumes a molecular wheel in shape and features in-plane hexagonal coordination. The magic 6π/6σ double aromaticity underlies the stability of the [B7]3- molecular wheel, following the (4n + 2) Hückel rule. The tetrahedral Na4 ligand in the sandwich has a [Na4]2+ charge-state, which is the simplest example of three-dimensional aromaticity, spherical aromaticity, or superatom. Its 2σ electron counting renders σ aromaticity for the ligand. Overall, the sandwich cluster has three-fold 6π/6σ/2σ aromaticity. Molecular dynamics simulation shows that the sandwich cluster is dynamically fluxional even at room temperature, with a negligible energy barrier for intramolecular twisting between the B7 wheel and the Na4 ligand. The Na5B7 cluster offers a new example for dynamic structural fluxionality in molecular systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Han
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Ying-Jin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Teachers University, Xinzhou 034000, China
| | - Lin-Yan Feng
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Teachers University, Xinzhou 034000, China
| | - Shu-Juan Gao
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Center for Applied Physics and Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yu R, Yan GR, Liu YQ, Cui ZH. Two-layer molecular rotors: A zinc dimer rotating over planar hypercoordinate motifs. J Comput Chem 2023; 44:240-247. [PMID: 35470906 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Multi-layer molecular rotors represent a class of unique combination of topology and bonding, featuring a barrier-free rotation of one layer with respect to other layers. This emerging fluxional behavior has been found in a few doped boron clusters. Herein, we strongly enrich this intriguing family followed by an effective design strategy, summarized as essential factors: i) considerable electrostatic interactions originated from a strong charge transfer between layers; ii) the absence of strong covalent bonds between layers; and iii) fully delocalized σ/π electrons from at least one layer. We found that planar hypercoordinate motifs consisting of monocyclic boron rings and metals with σ + π dual aromaticity can be regarded as one promising layer, which can support the suspended X2 (X = Zn, Cd, Hg) dimers. By detailed investigations of thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of 60 species, eventually, MB7 X2 - and MB8 X2 (X = Zn, Cd; M = Be, Ru, Os; Be works only for Zn-based cases) clusters were verified to be the global-minimum two-layer molecular rotors. Especially, their electronic structure analyses vividly confirm the practicability of the electronic structure requirements mentioned above for designing multi-layer molecular rotors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Gai-Ru Yan
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu-Qian Liu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Cui
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Physics and Technology for Advanced Batteries (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang YJ, Feng LY, Yan M, Zhai HJ. Be 3B 11- cluster: a dynamically fluxional beryllo-borospherene. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:2846-2852. [PMID: 36621801 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp04948a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The beryllium-doped Be3B11- cluster has two nearly isoenergetic isomers, adopting the smallest trihedral spherical geometries with a boron single-chain skeleton. The B11 skeleton in the global minimum (C2v, 1A1) comprises three conjoined boron rings (one B8/two B7) on the waist, sharing two B3 equilateral triangles at the top and bottom, respectively. However, the local minimum (Cs, 1A') has one deformed B4 pyramid at the top. The drastic structural transformation of B11 skeletons from perfectly planar B11 clusters mainly profited from robust electrostatic interaction between Be atoms and B11 skeletons. The dynamic simulations suggest that two species can interconvert via a novel mechanism, that is "triangle-pyramid-triangle", which facilitates the free migration of boron atoms in the B11 skeleton, thereby showing the fascinating dynamic fluxionality. The chemical bonding analyses reveal that the B11 skeleton is covered by two types of delocalized π bonds in an orthogonal direction, which leads to its spherical aromaticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Teachers University, Xinzhou 034000, China.
| | - Lin-Yan Feng
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Teachers University, Xinzhou 034000, China.
| | - Miao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Teachers University, Xinzhou 034000, China.
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yue RX, Gao SJ, Han PF, Zhai HJ. Chemical bonding and dynamic structural fluxionality of a boron-based Al 2B 8 binary cluster: the robustness of a doubly 6π/6σ aromatic [B 8] 2- molecular wheel. RSC Adv 2023; 13:1964-1973. [PMID: 36712639 PMCID: PMC9833104 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra07268h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the isovalency between Al and B elements, Al-doping in boron clusters can deviate substantially from an isoelectronic substitution process. We report herein on a unique sandwich di-Al-doped boron cluster, Al2B8, using global structural searches and quantum chemical calculations. The cluster features a perfectly planar B8 molecular wheel, with two isolated Al atoms symmetrically floating above and below it. The two Al atoms are offset from the center of the molecular wheel, resulting in a C 2v symmetry for the cluster. The Al2B8 cluster is shown to be dynamically fluxional even at far below room temperature (100 K), in which a vertical Al2 rod slides or rotates freely within a circular rail on the B8 plate, although there is no direct Al-Al interaction. The energy barrier for intramolecular rotation is only 0.01 kcal mol-1 at the single-point CCSD(T) level. Chemical bonding analysis shows that the cluster is a charge-transfer complex and can be formulated as [Al]+[B8]2-[Al]+. The [B8]2- molecular wheel in sandwich cluster has magic 6π/6σ double aromaticity, which underlies the dynamic fluxionality, despite strong electrostatic interactions between the [Al]+, [B8]2-, and [Al]+ layers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Xin Yue
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi UniversityTaiyuan 030006China
| | - Shu-Juan Gao
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi UniversityTaiyuan 030006China,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lvliang UniversityLvliang 033000China
| | - Peng-Fei Han
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi UniversityTaiyuan 030006China
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi UniversityTaiyuan 030006China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bai LX, Orozco-Ic M, Zarate X, Sundholm D, Pan S, Guo JC, Merino G. B 3Al 4+: A Three-Dimensional Molecular Reuleaux Triangle. Molecules 2022; 27:7407. [PMID: 36364234 PMCID: PMC9656129 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We systematically explore the potential energy surface of the B3Al4+ combination of atoms. The putative global minimum corresponds to a structure formed by an Al4 square facing a B3 triangle. Interestingly, the dynamical behavior can be described as a Reuleaux molecular triangle since it involves the rotation of the B3 triangle at the top of the Al4 square. The molecular dynamics simulations, corroborating with the very small rotational barriers of the B3 triangle, show its nearly free rotation on the Al4 ring, confirming the fluxional character of the cluster. Moreover, while the chemical bonding analysis suggests that the multicenter interaction between the two fragments determines its fluxionality, the magnetic response analysis reveals this cluster as a true and fully three-dimensional aromatic system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xia Bai
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Mesías Orozco-Ic
- Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, A. I. Virtasen Aukio 1, P.O. Box 55, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ximena Zarate
- Instituto de Ciencias Químicas Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Av. Pedro de Valdivia 425, Santiago 7500912, Chile
| | - Dage Sundholm
- Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, A. I. Virtasen Aukio 1, P.O. Box 55, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sudip Pan
- Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universitt Marburg Hans-Meerwein-Straße, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jin-Chang Guo
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Gabriel Merino
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Unidad Mérida. Km 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso. Apdo., Postal 73, Cordemex, Merida 97310, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yang H, Man Y, Wang H, Yang Y. Spreading probability distribution and increase of entropy due to coherent quantum dynamics: Proof-of-principle for a model molecular boron rotor. Chem Phys 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2022.111659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
13
|
Barroso J, Pan S, Merino G. Structural transformations in boron clusters induced by metal doping. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:1098-1123. [PMID: 35029622 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00747e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In the last decades, experimental techniques in conjunction with theoretical analyses have revealed the surprising structural diversity of boron clusters. Although the 2D to 3D transition thresholds are well-established, there is no certainty about the factors that determine the geometry adopted by these systems. The structural transformation induced by doping usually yields a minimum energy structure with a boron skeleton entirely different from that of the bare cluster. This review summarizes those clusters no larger than 40 boron atoms where one or two dopants show a radical transformation of the structure. Although the structures of these systems are not easy to predict, they often adopt familiar shapes such as umbrella-like, wheel, tubular, and cages in various cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Barroso
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Unidad Mérida, km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex 97310, Mérida, Yuc., Mexico.
| | - Sudip Pan
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Unidad Mérida, km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex 97310, Mérida, Yuc., Mexico.
| | - Gabriel Merino
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Unidad Mérida, km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex 97310, Mérida, Yuc., Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yu R, Xu S, Wang MH, Yang T, Cui ZH. Metallocene: multi-layered molecular rotors. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:14156-14162. [PMID: 34549756 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt02291a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The electronic and structural prerequisites for a multi-layered molecular rotor have been demonstrated herein in terms of nine 18-valence-electron metallocene sandwich complexes. First, the lack of strong covalent bonds between layers is a key issue to obtain a barrier-free rotation of one layer relative to other layers, where the considerable energetic but unidirectional (such as electrostatic interactions) interactions are needed between layers to keep the structural integrity against fragment separation and structural distortion in a rotation process. Second, one or more layers should possess continuous and delocalized π electron clouds to provide a driving force for the barrier-free rotation. More importantly, besides a negligible rotation barrier, the reasonable rotational period associated with the ultra-soft rotation mode is a critical point for the observability of dynamical behavior in multi-layered molecular rotors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Physics and Technology for Advanced Batteries (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130023, China.
| | - Song Xu
- Key Laboratory for Non-Equilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter (Ministry of Education), School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Meng-Hui Wang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Physics and Technology for Advanced Batteries (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130023, China.
| | - Tao Yang
- Key Laboratory for Non-Equilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter (Ministry of Education), School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Zhong-Hua Cui
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Physics and Technology for Advanced Batteries (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130023, China. .,Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pal R, Chattaraj PK. Possible effects of fluxionality of a cavitand on its catalytic activity through confinement. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:15817-15834. [PMID: 34169304 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp01826d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of fullerenes was a huge milestone in the scientific community, and with it came the urge to discover and analyze various small and large atomic and molecular clusters having a cavity. These cavitands of varied shapes and sizes have wide applications in the encapsulation of rare gas atoms to induce bond formation between them, storage of hydrogen and hydrocarbons to be used as alternative sources of fuel, catalyzation of otherwise slow reactions without using a catalyst, activation of small gas molecules, etc. Various cavitands like fullerenes, [ExBox]4+, cucurbit[n]urils, borospherenes, octa acid, etc. have been used for this purpose. Some clusters including cavitands exhibit fluxional behaviour. Systems in a confined environment often manifest interesting variations in their properties and behaviour, compared to their unconfined counterparts, facilitating the aforementioned applications. In this perspective article, we explore the possibility of making use of this extra degree of freedom, viz., the fluxionality, in changing the catalytic activity of the cavitand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranita Pal
- Advanced Technology Development Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li R, You XR, Guo JC, Zhai HJ. Concentric Inner 2π/6σ and Outer 10π/14σ Aromaticity Underlies the Dynamic Structural Fluxionality of Planar B 19- Wankel Motor Cluster. J Phys Chem A 2021; 125:5022-5030. [PMID: 34096293 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.1c02764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Planar C2v B19- global-minimum (GM) cluster is known as a molecular Wankel motor, featuring unique chemical bonding and structural fluxionality. While the geometry, bonding, and molecular dynamics of the cluster are documented in the literature, it remains warranted to fully understand its bonding nature and unravel the mechanism behind the structural dynamics. We shall offer herein an updated bonding model on the bases of canonical molecular orbital (CMO) analysis and adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP), further aided by natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis and orbital composition calculations. The computational data indicate that the B19- cluster has inner 2π/6σ and outer 10π/14σ concentric 4-fold π/σ aromaticity. Being spatially isolated from each other, the inner B6 disk supports 2π and 6σ subsystems, whereas the outer B18 double-ring ribbon has 10π and 14σ subsystems. All 4-fold π/σ subsystems are intrinsically delocalized and conform to the (4n + 2) Hückel rule for aromaticity. The change of Wiberg bond index (WBI) from GM to transition-state (TS) for radial B-B links is minimal and uniform, which offers a semiquantitative measure of structural dynamics and underlies the low energy barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Xue-Rui You
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Jin-Chang Guo
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Half-Sandwich LaBn−/0 (n = 14–17): π Dually Aromatic Lanthanide Boride Complexes with Multicenter Fluxional Bonds. J CLUST SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10876-021-02072-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
18
|
Xu Y, Wang H, Yang Y, Li C, Xiao L, Jia S. Vibrational band-structures caused by internal rotations of the boron Wankel rotor B 11. RSC Adv 2021; 11:3613-3621. [PMID: 35424268 PMCID: PMC8694174 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra08821h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear quantum effects are often neglected for systems without hydrogen atoms. However some planar boron rotors turn out to exhibit remarkable nuclear quantum effects. Recent experiment on infrared spectroscopy of B13+ shows unexpected spectral broadening which still awaits physical explanation. Here we present quantitative investigations of the vibrational energy levels of B11− up to full dimension. A harmonic-bath averaged Hamiltonian suitable for planar boron rotors is constructed and used to predict typical types of vibrational states of B11−. Band structures caused by internal rotations are found for all the investigated vibrational states. The experimental phenomenon of spectral broadening is thus due to the band structures of the corresponding vibrational levels. The detailed information of the relevant vibrational states reported in the present work may provide valuable references for future investigations of high resolution spectroscopy of B11−. The band structures of the vibrational energy levels of B11− lead to corresponding spectral broadening. The vibrational band-structures of planar boron rotors are caused by internal rotations.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Huihui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China .,Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Yonggang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China .,Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Changyong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China .,Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Liantuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China .,Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Suotang Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China .,Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Feng LY, Wang K, Zhai HJ. Anchoring a bow-shaped boron single chain in binary Be 6B 7- cluster: hybrid octagonal ring, multifold π/σ aromaticity, and dual electronic transmutation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:25574-25583. [PMID: 33165466 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp05012a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Elemental boron clusters do not form linear chain or monocyclic ring structures, which is in contrast to carbon. Based on computer global searches and quantum chemical calculations, we report on the viability of a curved boron single chain in binary Be6B7- cluster. The boron motif assumes a bow shape, being anchored on a Be6 prism. Such a motif, which appears to be highly strained in its free-standing form, is exotic in boron-based clusters and nanostructures. Chemically, the cluster is analogous to a "clam-and-pearl-chain" system at the nanoscale (about 1 nm in size), in which a Be6 clam moderately opens its mouth, except that a B7 pearl chain is too large to be encapsulated inside. The picture differs from a three-layered sandwich. This cluster features a hybrid Be2B7 monocyclic ring, which is octagonal in nature and supports double 10π/6σ aromaticity. The number of π bonds substantially surpasses that in bare boron clusters of similar sizes. Two Be3 rings in the prism are also σ aromatic, albeit with effective 1σ/1σ electron-counting only. The unique multifold 1σ/10π/6σ/1σ aromaticity governs the geometry of the Be6B7- cluster, which can also be rationalized using the concept of dual electronic transmutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yan Feng
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Feng LY, Guo JC, Li PF, Zhai HJ. Boron-Based Chiral Helix Be 6 B 10 2- and Be 6 B 11 - Clusters: Structures, Chemical Bonding, and Formation Mechanism. Chem Asian J 2020; 15:1094-1104. [PMID: 32104982 DOI: 10.1002/asia.201901640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Boron forms a rich variety of low-dimensional nanosystems, including the newly discovered helix Be6 B10 2- (1) and Be6 B11 - (2) clusters. We report herein on the elucidation of chemical bonding in clusters 1/2, using the modern quantum chemistry tools of canonical molecular orbital analyses and adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP). It is shown that clusters 1/2 contain a chiral helix Be2 B10 Be2 or Be2 B11 Be2 skeleton with a total of 11 and 12 segments, respectively, which effectively curve into "helical pseudo rings" and chemically consist of two "quasicircles" as defined by their anchoring Be centers. The helix skeleton is connected via Lewis-type B-B and Be-B-Be σ bonds, being further stabilized by island π/σ bonds and a loose π bond at the junction. The Be6 component in 1/2 assumes a distorted prism shape only physically, and it is fragmented into four parts: two terminal Be2 dimers and two isolated Be centers. A Be2 dimer at the far end manages to bend over and cap a quasicircle from one side of B plane. Consequently, each quasicircle of a helical pseudo ring is capped from opposite sides by two Be2 /Be units, facilitating intramolecular charge-transfers of 5 electrons from Be to B. Overall, the folding of B helix involves as many as 10 electrons. The enormous electrostatics offers the ultimate driving forces for B helix formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yan Feng
- Nanocluster Laboratory Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Jin-Chang Guo
- Nanocluster Laboratory Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China.,Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Teachers University, Xinzhou, 034000, Shanxi, China
| | - Peng-Fei Li
- Nanocluster Laboratory Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhang XY, Guo JC. Dynamic fluxionality of ternary Mg2BeB8 cluster: a nanocompass. J Mol Model 2020; 26:30. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-020-4292-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
22
|
Pan S, Jana G, Saha R, Zhao L, Chattaraj PK. Intriguing structural, bonding and reactivity features in some beryllium containing complexes. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:27476-27495. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cp04912c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We highlighted our contributions to Be chemistry which include bond-stretch isomerism in Be32− species, Be complexes bound with noble gas, CO, and N2, Be based nanorotors, and intriguing bonding situations in some Be complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Pan
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials
- Nanjing Tech University
- Nanjing
| | - Gourhari Jana
- Department of Chemistry
- Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
- Kharagpur
- India
| | - Ranajit Saha
- Department of Chemistry
- Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
- Kharagpur
- India
| | - Lili Zhao
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials
- Nanjing Tech University
- Nanjing
| | - Pratim K. Chattaraj
- Department of Chemistry
- Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
- Kharagpur
- India
- Department of Chemistry
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kang D, Sun W, Shi H, Lu C, Kuang X, Chen B, Xia X, Maroulis G. Probing the structure and electronic properties of beryllium doped boron clusters: A planar BeB 16- cluster motif for metallo-borophene. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14367. [PMID: 31591442 PMCID: PMC6779740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50905-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Beryllium-doped boron clusters display essential similarities to borophene (boron sheet) with a molecular structure characterized by remarkable properties, such as anisotropy, metallicity and high conductivity. Here we have determined low-energy structures of BeBn0/- (n = 10-20) clusters by utilizing CALYPSO searching program and DFT optimization. The results indicated that most ground states of clusters prefer plane or quasi-plane structures by doped Be atom. A novel unexpected fascinating planar BeB16- cluster with C2v symmetry is uncovered which possesses robust relative stability. Furthermore, planar BeB16- offers a possibility to construct metallo-borophene nano-materials. Molecular orbital and chemical bonding analysis reveal the peculiarities of BeB16- cluster brings forth the aromaticity and the strong interaction of B-B σ-bonds in boron network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongliang Kang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Weiguo Sun
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Hongxiao Shi
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- School of Mathematics and Physics, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xiaoyu Kuang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
| | - Bole Chen
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xinxin Xia
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - George Maroulis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, GR-26500, Patras, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pan S, Barroso J, Jalife S, Heine T, Asmis KR, Merino G. Fluxional Boron Clusters: From Theory to Reality. Acc Chem Res 2019; 52:2732-2744. [PMID: 31487150 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Isolated boron clusters exhibit many intriguing properties, which have only recently been unfolding with the hand-in-hand advancement of state-of-the-art experimental and theoretical methods for the analyses of their electronic structure, chemical reactivity, and nuclear dynamics. A fascinating property that a number of these clusters display is fluxionality, a dynamical phenomenon associated with the delocalized nature of the chemical bonding and related to the continuous exchange between interatomic neighbors. The electron-deficient nature of boron is the driving force behind its extraordinary ability to form multicenter bonds, and this in turn leads to fluxional behavior only when an appropriate combination of topology and bonding is present. The first instance of fluxionality in boron clusters, the quasi-planar anion B19-, was reported in 2010. The rotational barrier of the inner B6 unit spinning within the peripheral B13 ring can be overcome even at low temperature, mimicking the characteristic motion of a rotary internal combustion engine, and hence, B19- was entitled a boron-based molecular Wankel engine. Shortly after that, it was found that other quasi-planar boron clusters, like B13+ and B182-, also exhibit an almost barrier-free rotation of internal planar moieties. The case of the B13+ cation is special because, on the one hand, it was chosen to examine the way to initiate, control, and direct the internal rotation using circularly polarized laser radiation, and on the other hand, the experimental manifestation of fluxionality was first established for this system through infrared experiments. Nevertheless, fluxional behavior is not limited to planar or pure boron clusters. Larger boron clusters, such as the fullerene-analogue borospherenes B40 and B39-, are also predicted to show pronounced dynamical behavior that is related to the interconversion between six- and seven-membered rings. Be6B11-, a triple-layer cluster, is another particularly interesting system since it exhibits multifold fluxionality consisting of the revolution of the outer boron ring around the Be6 core and the spinning of the two Be3 rings with respect to each other. The essential criteria for dynamical behavior in boron clusters are (1) the absence of a localized two-center, two-electron (2c-2e) bond between two molecular regions that tend to rotate with respect to each other, (2) the absence of steric hindrances for rotation and reorganization, and (3) retention of the delocalized electronic structure throughout the rotation/reorganization process. The fulfillment of the above three conditions ensures that low energy barriers will be associated with the rotation or reorganization of molecular moieties. The first two points can be illustrated from the facts that a single localized C-B σ bond in CB18 raises the rotational barrier by 27.0 kcal·mol-1 and the expansion of the outer ring by a single boron atom in moving from B12+ to B13+ lowers the rotational barrier by 7.5 kcal·mol-1. Alternatively, it is also possible to make a rigid boron cluster fluxional through doping, where the geometric and electronic changes caused by a suitable dopant, as in MB12- (M = Co, Rh, Ir) and B10Ca, reduce the corresponding rotational barriers enough to achieve fluxionality. At present, there are 13 pure boron clusters (B11-/0/+, B13+/0/-, B15+/0/-, B182-, B19-, and B20-/2-) and eight metal-doped boron clusters (B10Ca, NiB11-, [B2-Ta@B18]-, Be6B11-, Be6B102-, and MB18- (M = K, Rb, Cs)) that have sufficiently small rotational barriers (less than ∼1.5 kcal·mol-1) to exhibit fluxional behavior at low temperature. Some of the other reported boron clusters show more sizable barriers, and their dynamical behavior is manifested only at elevated temperatures. The research on such systems is driven by the notion that it ultimately will pave the way for the development of light-harvesting boron-based nanomotors/machines and robots, a reality that may not be that far away!
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Pan
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Unidad Mérida, Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, México
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Jorge Barroso
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Unidad Mérida, Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Said Jalife
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Unidad Mérida, Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Thomas Heine
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, TU Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Leipzig Research Branch, Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Knut R. Asmis
- Wilhelm-Ostwald-Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Universität Leipzig, Linnéstr. 2, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gabriel Merino
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Unidad Mérida, Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, México
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li HR, Zhang M, Yan M, Zan WY, Tian XX, Mu YW, Li SD. Fluxional Bonds in Tubular Molecular Rotors B3-[Ta@B18] and B4-[Ta@B18]+ in 18-Electron Configurations. J CLUST SCI 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10876-019-01646-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
26
|
Li S, Zhang Z, Long Z, Chen D. Structures, Stabilities, and Spectral Properties of Endohedral Borospherenes M@B 40 0/- (M = H 2, HF, and H 2O). ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:5705-5713. [PMID: 31459723 PMCID: PMC6648648 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of borospherene B40 leads to a new beginning for the study of boron chemistry and may lead to new boron-based nanomaterials. Based on density functional theory, the structures, electronic properties, infrared and Raman spectra, photoelectron spectra, and electronic absorption spectra of endohedral borospherenes M@B40 0/- (M = H2, HF, and H2O) are investigated. It is found that H2, HF, and H2O monomers can form stable endohedral borospherenes M@B40 0/- (M = H2, HF, and H2O). In addition, the calculated results indicate that the doped molecule at the off-center location can relax to the center location within the cage and the symcenter of the doped molecule is almost located in the center of the cage. Unlike endohedral metalloborospherene Ca@B40, which is a charge-transfer complex between Ca2+ and B40 2-, natural population analyses and chemical bonding analyses reveal that there is no significant charge transfer of the doped molecule. The calculated spectra indicate that doping of a molecule (H2, HF, or H2O) in borospherene B40 can change the photoelectron spectra and doping of a polar molecule (HF or H2O) in borospherene B40 can change the spectral properties. For instance, the addition of a molecule can increase infrared and Raman-active modes and cause a red shift or blue shift of electronic spectra. These spectral features can be compared with future experimental values of endohedral borospherenes M@B40 0/- (M = H2, HF, and H2O).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shixiong Li
- School
of Physics and Electronic Science, Guizhou
Education University, Guiyang 550018, China
| | - Zhengping Zhang
- College of Big Data and Information Engineering and College of Physics, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhengwen Long
- College of Big Data and Information Engineering and College of Physics, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Deliang Chen
- School
of Physics and Electronic Science, Guizhou
Education University, Guiyang 550018, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yan M, Li HR, Tian XX, Mu YW, Lu HG, Li SD. Fluxional bonds in quasi-planar B182− and half-sandwich MB18− (M = K, Rb, and Cs). J Comput Chem 2019; 40:1227-1232. [DOI: 10.1002/jcc.25782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yan
- Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Hai-Ru Li
- Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Xin-Xin Tian
- Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Yue-Wen Mu
- Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Hai-Gang Lu
- Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Si-Dian Li
- Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang YJ, Feng LY, Zhai HJ. Starting a subnanoscale tank tread: dynamic fluxionality of boron-based B 10Ca alloy cluster. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2019; 1:735-745. [PMID: 36132257 PMCID: PMC9473234 DOI: 10.1039/c8na00256h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Alloying an elongated B10 cluster with Ca is shown to give rise to a dynamically fluxional B10Ca cluster, the latter behaving like a tank tread at the subnanoscale. Computer global search identifies the B10Ca C 2 (1A) global-minimum structure, which is chiral in nature and retains the quasi-planar moiety of bare B10 cluster with Ca capped at one side, forming a half-sandwich. The rotation barrier of B10Ca cluster is reduced with respect to B10 by one order of magnitude, down to 1 kcal mol-1 at the PBE0/6-311+G* level, which demonstrates structural fluxionality at 600 K and beyond via molecular dynamics simulations. Structurewise, the Ca alloying in B10Ca cluster generates rhombic defect holes, preactivating the species and making it flexible against deformation. Chemical bonding analyses indicate that the B10Ca cluster is a charge-transfer [B10]2-[Ca]2+ complex, being doubly π/σ aromatic with the 6π and 10σ electron-counting. Such a pattern offers ideal π/σ delocalization and facilitates fluxionality. In contrast, bare B10 cluster has conflicting aromaticity with 6π and 8σ electrons, which is nonfluxional with a barrier of 12 kcal mol-1. Double π/σ aromaticity versus conflicting aromaticity is a key mechanism that distinguishes between fluxional B10Ca and nonfluxional B10 clusters, offering a compelling example that the concept of aromaticity (and double aromaticity) can be exploited to design dynamically fluxional nanosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jin Wang
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
- Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Teachers University Xinzhou 034000 China
| | - Lin-Yan Feng
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Grohmann T, Haase D, Jia D, Manz J, Yang Y. Nuclear spin blockade of laser ignition of intramolecular rotation in the model boron rotor B 13 + 11 . J Chem Phys 2018; 149:184302. [PMID: 30441922 DOI: 10.1063/1.5048358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The boron rotor B 13 + 11 consists of a tri-atomic inner "wheel" that may rotate in its pseudo-rotating ten-atomic outer "bearing"-this concerted motion is called "contorsion." B 13 + 11 in its ground state has zero contorsional angular momentum. Starting from this initial state, it is a challenge to ignite contorsion by a laser pulse. We discover, however, that this is impossible, i.e., one cannot design any laser pulse that induces a transition from the ground to excited states with non-zero contorsional angular momentum. The reason is that the ground state is characterized by a specific combination of irreducible representations (IRREPs) of its contorsional and nuclear spin wavefunctions. Laser pulses conserve these IRREPs because hypothetical changes of the IRREPs would require nuclear spin flips that cannot be realized during the interaction with the laser pulse. We show that all excited target states of B 13 + 11 with non-zero contorsional angular momentum have different IRREPs that are inaccessible by laser pulses. Conservation of nuclear spins thus prohibits laser-induced transitions from the non-rotating ground to rotating target states. We discover various additional constraints imposed by conservation of nuclear spins, e.g., laser pulses can change clockwise to counter-clockwise contorsions or vice versa, but they cannot stop them. The results are derived in the frame of a simple model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grohmann
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University, 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Dietrich Haase
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dongming Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University, 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Jörn Manz
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University, 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Yonggang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University, 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Yan M, Li H, Zhao X, Lu X, Mu Y, Lu H, Li S. Fluxional Bonds in Planar B
19
−
, Tubular Ta@B
20
−
, and Cage‐Like B
39
−. J Comput Chem 2018; 40:966-970. [DOI: 10.1002/jcc.25728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yan
- Institute of Molecular ScienceShanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Hai‐Ru Li
- Institute of Molecular ScienceShanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Xiao‐Yun Zhao
- Institute of Molecular ScienceShanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Xiao‐Qin Lu
- Institute of Molecular ScienceShanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Yue‐Wen Mu
- Institute of Molecular ScienceShanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Hai‐Gang Lu
- Institute of Molecular ScienceShanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Si‐Dian Li
- Institute of Molecular ScienceShanxi University Taiyuan 030006 China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
NiB10, NiB11−, NiB12, and NiB13+: Half-Sandwich Complexes with the Universal Coordination Bonding Pattern of σ Plus π Double Delocalization. J CLUST SCI 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10876-018-1457-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
32
|
Feng LY, Guo JC, Li PF, Zhai HJ. Boron-based binary Be 6B 102- cluster: three-layered aromatic sandwich, electronic transmutation, and dynamic structural fluxionality. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:22719-22729. [PMID: 30137111 DOI: 10.1039/c8cp04332a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Boron-based nanoclusters have unique structures, bonding, and dynamic properties, which originate from boron's electron-deficiency. We demonstrate here that pouring in extra electrons can alter such systems fundamentally. A coaxial triple-layered Be6B102- sandwich cluster is designed via global structural searches and quantum chemical calculations. It is well defined as the global minimum, which consists of a slightly elongated B10 monocyclic ring and two Be3 rings, the latter forming a Be6 trigonal-prism albeit without interlayer Be-Be bonding. The B10 ring shows structural and chemical integrity with respect to the Be3 rings, and yet it differs markedly from the free B10 cluster and closely resembles the C10 cluster. The present data testify to the idea of electronic transmutation, in which a B- is equivalent to C and a B10 cluster, upon charge-transfer, is converted to and stabilized as a monocyclic ring analogous to C10. Chemical bonding analyses reveal that the B10 ring in the Be6B102- cluster has 10π and 10σ delocalization and each Be3 ring is held together by 2σ electrons, collectively rendering four-fold π/σ aromaticity. The bonding pattern is in line with the formula of [Be3]4+[B10]10-[Be3]4+, suggesting a highly charged electron-transfer complex. Furthermore, the Be6B102- cluster is dynamically fluxional with dual modes of revolution (orbiting) and rotation (twisting), being structurally robust at least up to a temperature of 1500 K.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yan Feng
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pan S, Kar S, Saha R, Osorio E, Zarate X, Zhao L, Merino G, Chattaraj PK. Boron Nanowheels with Axles Containing Noble Gas Atoms: Viable Noble Gas Bound M©B 10- Clusters (M=Nb, Ta). Chemistry 2018; 24:3590-3598. [PMID: 29226483 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201705790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The viability of noble gas axled boron nanowheels Ngn M©B10- (Ng=Ar-Rn; M=Nb, Ta; n=1, 2) is explored by ab initio computations. In the resulting Ng2 -M complexes, the Ng-M-Ng nanorod passes through the center of the B10- ring, providing them with an inverse sandwich-like structure. While in the singly Ng bound analogue, the Ng binding enthalpy Hb at 298 K ranges from 2.5 to 10.6 kcal mol-1 , in doubly Ng bound cases it becomes very low for the Ng2 M©B10- →Ng+NgM©B10- dissociation channel, except for the case of Rn, for which the corresponding Hb values are 3.4 (Nb) and 4.0 kcal mol-1 (Ta). For a given Ng, Ta has slightly higher Ng-binding ability than Nb. The corresponding free-energy changes indicate that these systems, particularly the Xe and Rn complexes, are good candidates for experimental realization in a low-temperature matrix. The Ng-M bonds were found to be covalent in nature, as reflected in their large Wiberg bond indices, formation of a 2c-2e σ orbital between Ng and M centers in natural bond orbital and adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP) analyses, and the short Ng-M distances. Energy decomposition analysis and a study on the natural orbitals for chemical valence show that the Ng-M contact is supported mainly by the orbital and electrostatic interactions, with almost equal contributions. Although both the Ng→M σ donation and Ng←M π backdonation play roles in the origin of orbital interaction, the former is significantly dominant over the latter. Further, AdNDP analysis indicates that the doubly aromatic character (both σ and π) in MB10- clusters is not perturbed by the interaction with Ng atoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Pan
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, P. R. China
| | - Susmita Kar
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Theoretical Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Ranajit Saha
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Theoretical Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Edison Osorio
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, SISCO, Transversal 51A, #67B 90, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ximena Zarate
- Instituto de Ciencias Químicas Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Av. Pedro de Valdivia 425, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lili Zhao
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, P. R. China
| | - Gabriel Merino
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Unidad Mérida, Km 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso. Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex, 97310, Mérida, Yuc., México
| | - Pratim K Chattaraj
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Theoretical Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, 721302, India
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
BOMD simulations are performed on experimentally identified conformations of the fluxional Au26 cluster at finite temperature. Comprehensive analysis of structural, electronic and thermal properties indicates that the highest energy tubular cage conformation (till 500 K) outperforms the ground state conformation (till 400 K) in terms of thermal stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krati Joshi
- Functional Materials Division
- CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute
- Karaikudi-630 006
- India
| | - Sailaja Krishnamurty
- Functional Materials Division
- CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute
- Karaikudi-630 006
- India
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wang YJ, Feng LY, Guo JC, Zhai HJ. Dynamic Mg2B8Cluster: A Nanoscale Compass. Chem Asian J 2017; 12:2899-2903. [DOI: 10.1002/asia.201701310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jin Wang
- Nanocluster Laboratory; Institute of Molecular Science; Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry; Xinzhou Teachers University; Xinzhou Shanxi 034000 P. R. China
| | - Lin-Yan Feng
- Nanocluster Laboratory; Institute of Molecular Science; Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 P. R. China
| | - Jin-Chang Guo
- Nanocluster Laboratory; Institute of Molecular Science; Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry; Xinzhou Teachers University; Xinzhou Shanxi 034000 P. R. China
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory; Institute of Molecular Science; Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Chen Q, Li W, Zhao X, Li H, Feng L, Zhai H, Li S, Wang L. B
33
–
and B
34
–
: Aromatic Planar Boron Clusters with a Hexagonal Vacancy. Eur J Inorg Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.201700573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Chen
- Nanocluster Laboratory Institute of Molecular Science Shanxi University 030006 Taiyuan China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species Chinese Academy of Sciences 100190 Beijing China
| | - Wei‐Li Li
- Department of Chemistry Brown University 02912 Providence RI USA
| | - Xiao‐Yun Zhao
- Nanocluster Laboratory Institute of Molecular Science Shanxi University 030006 Taiyuan China
| | - Hai‐Ru Li
- Nanocluster Laboratory Institute of Molecular Science Shanxi University 030006 Taiyuan China
| | - Lin‐Yan Feng
- Nanocluster Laboratory Institute of Molecular Science Shanxi University 030006 Taiyuan China
| | - Hua‐Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory Institute of Molecular Science Shanxi University 030006 Taiyuan China
| | - Si‐Dian Li
- Nanocluster Laboratory Institute of Molecular Science Shanxi University 030006 Taiyuan China
| | - Lai‐Sheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry Brown University 02912 Providence RI USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Guo JC, Feng LY, Wang YJ, Jalife S, Vásquez-Espinal A, Cabellos JL, Pan S, Merino G, Zhai HJ. Coaxial Triple-Layered versus Helical Be6B11−Clusters: Dual Structural Fluxionality and Multifold Aromaticity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201703979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Chang Guo
- Institute of Materials Science & Department of Chemistry; Xinzhou Teachers University; Xinzhou 034000 Shanxi China
- Nanocluster Laboratory; Institute of Molecular Science; Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Lin-Yan Feng
- Nanocluster Laboratory; Institute of Molecular Science; Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Ying-Jin Wang
- Nanocluster Laboratory; Institute of Molecular Science; Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Said Jalife
- Departamento de Física Aplicada; Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados; Unidad Mérida; km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex 97310 Mérida Yuc. México
| | - Alejandro Vásquez-Espinal
- Departamento de Física Aplicada; Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados; Unidad Mérida; km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex 97310 Mérida Yuc. México
| | - José Luis Cabellos
- Departamento de Física Aplicada; Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados; Unidad Mérida; km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex 97310 Mérida Yuc. México
| | - Sudip Pan
- Departamento de Física Aplicada; Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados; Unidad Mérida; km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex 97310 Mérida Yuc. México
| | - Gabriel Merino
- Departamento de Física Aplicada; Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados; Unidad Mérida; km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex 97310 Mérida Yuc. México
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory; Institute of Molecular Science; Shanxi University; Taiyuan 030006 China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Guo JC, Feng LY, Wang YJ, Jalife S, Vásquez-Espinal A, Cabellos JL, Pan S, Merino G, Zhai HJ. Coaxial Triple-Layered versus Helical Be 6 B 11- Clusters: Dual Structural Fluxionality and Multifold Aromaticity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017; 56:10174-10177. [PMID: 28688126 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201703979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Two low-lying structures are unveiled for the Be6 B11- nanocluster system that are virtually isoenergetic. The first, triple-layered cluster has a peripheral B11 ring as central layer, being sandwiched by two Be3 rings in a coaxial fashion, albeit with no discernible interlayer Be-Be bonding. The B11 ring revolves like a flexible chain even at room temperature, gliding freely around the Be6 prism. At elevated temperatures (1000 K), the Be6 core itself also rotates; that is, two Be3 rings undergo relative rotation or twisting with respect to each other. Bonding analyses suggest four-fold (π and σ) aromaticity, offering a dilute and fluxional electron cloud that lubricates the dynamics. The second, helix-type cluster contains a B11 helical skeleton encompassing a distorted Be6 prism. It is chiral and is the first nanosystem with a boron helix. Molecular dynamics also shows that at high temperature the helix cluster readily converts into the triple-layered one.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Chang Guo
- Institute of Materials Science & Department of Chemistry, Xinzhou Teachers University, Xinzhou, 034000, Shanxi, China.,Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Lin-Yan Feng
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Ying-Jin Wang
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Said Jalife
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Unidad Mérida, km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex, 97310, Mérida, Yuc., México
| | - Alejandro Vásquez-Espinal
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Unidad Mérida, km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex, 97310, Mérida, Yuc., México
| | - José Luis Cabellos
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Unidad Mérida, km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex, 97310, Mérida, Yuc., México
| | - Sudip Pan
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Unidad Mérida, km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex, 97310, Mérida, Yuc., México
| | - Gabriel Merino
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Unidad Mérida, km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apdo. Postal 73, Cordemex, 97310, Mérida, Yuc., México
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wang YJ, Guo JC, Zhai HJ. Why nanoscale tank treads move? Structures, chemical bonding, and molecular dynamics of a doped boron cluster B 10C. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:9310-9316. [PMID: 28678260 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr03193a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Planar boron clusters form dynamic rotors, either as molecular Wankel motors or subnanoscale tank treads, the latter being exemplified by an elongated B11- cluster. For an in-depth mechanistic understanding of the rotors, we investigate herein a doped boron cluster, B10C, in which a C atom isovalently substitutes B- in the B11- tank tread. Two critical structures are achieved: the Cs (1A') global minimum (GM) with C positioned in the peripheral ring and the C2v (1A1) local minimum (LM) with C in the diatomic core. In the GM the C atom completely halts the rotation of B10C, whereas in the LM the dynamic fluxionality remains. The energy barriers for in-plane rotation differ markedly: 12.93/18.31 kcal mol-1 for GM versus 1.84 kcal mol-1 for LM at the single-point CCSD(T) level. The GM rotates via two transition states (TS), compared to one for the LM. Chemical bonding in the structures is elucidated via canonical molecular orbital (CMO) analysis, adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP), electron localization functions (ELFs), and Wiberg bond indices (WBI). Electron delocalization is shown to be essential for structural fluxionality. In particular, the variation of WBI from the GM or LM geometries to their TS structures correlates positively with the energy barrier, which offers a quasi-quantitative measure of the barrier height and hence controls the dynamics. This finding may be extended to all molecular rotors. It also helps rationalize why a strongly covalently bound system can behave dynamically in a manner similar to a weakly bound one; it is the latter that is generally anticipated to be structurally fluxional.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jin Wang
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Saha R, Kar S, Pan S, Martínez-Guajardo G, Merino G, Chattaraj PK. A Spinning Umbrella: Carbon Monoxide and Dinitrogen Bound MB 12- Clusters (M = Co, Rh, Ir). J Phys Chem A 2017; 121:2971-2979. [PMID: 28363021 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.6b12232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Strong binding of carbon monoxide (CO) and dinitrogen (N2) by MB12- (M = Co, Rh, Ir) clusters results in a spinning umbrella-like structure. For OCMB12- and NNMB12- complexes, the bond dissociation energy values range within 50.3-67.7 kcal/mol and 25.9-35.7 kcal/mol, respectively, with the maximum value obtained in Ir followed by that in Co and Rh analogues. COMB12- complex is significantly less stable than the corresponding C-side bonded isomer. The associated dissociation processes for OCMB12- and NNMB12- into CO or N2 and MB12- are highly endergonic in nature at 298 K, implying their high thermochemical stability with respect to dissociation. In OCMB12- and NNMB12- complexes, the C-O and N-N bonds are found to be elongated by 0.022-0.035 Å along with a large red-shift in the corresponding stretching frequencies, highlighting the occurrence of bond activation therein toward further reactivity due to complexation. The obtained red-shift is explained by the dominance of L←M π-back-donation (L = CO, OC, NN) over L→M σ-donation. The binding of L enhances the energy barrier for the rotation of the inner B3 unit within the outer B9 ring by 0.4-1.8 kcal/mol, which can be explained by a reduction in the distance of the longest bond between inner B3 and outer B9 rings upon complexation. A good correlation is found between the change in rotational barrier relative to that in MB12- and the energy associated with the L→M σ-donation. Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations further support that the M-L bonds in the studied systems are kinetically stable enough to retain the original forms during the internal rotation of inner B3 unit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranajit Saha
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Theoretical Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur , Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Susmita Kar
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Theoretical Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur , Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Sudip Pan
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados , Unidad Mérida. km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apartado Postal 73, Cordemex, C.P. 97310, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Gerardo Martínez-Guajardo
- Unidad Académica de Ciencias Químicas, Área de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas , Km. 6 carretera Zacatecas-Guadalajara s/n, Ejido La Escondida, C.P. 98160, Zacatecas, Zacatecas, México
| | - Gabriel Merino
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados , Unidad Mérida. km 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Apartado Postal 73, Cordemex, C.P. 97310, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Pratim K Chattaraj
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Theoretical Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur , Kharagpur 721302, India
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Yang Y, Jia D, Wang YJ, Zhai HJ, Man Y, Li SD. A universal mechanism of the planar boron rotors B 11-, B 13+, B 15+, and B 19-: inner wheels rotating in pseudo-rotating outer bearings. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:1443-1448. [PMID: 28094386 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr09074e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Planar boron clusters B11-, B13+, B15+, and B19- have been introduced recently as molecular Wankel motors or tank treads. Here we present a universal mechanism for these dynamically fluxional clusters; that is, they are molecular rotors with inner wheels that rotate almost freely in pseudo-rotating outer bearings, analogous to rotating molecules trapped in pseudo-rotating cages. This mechanism has significant quantum mechanical consequences: the global-minimum structures of the clusters have C2v symmetry, whereas the wheels rotating in pseudo-rotating bearings generate rosette-type shapes with D9h, D10h, D11h, and D13h symmetries. The related rotational/pseudo-rotational energies appear with characteristic band structures, effecting the dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China. and Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Dongming Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Ying-Jin Wang
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Yuan Man
- State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China. and Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Si-Dian Li
- Nanocluster Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Feng LY, Zhai HJ. Wheel-like, elongated, circular, and linear geometries in boron-based CnB7−n(n = 0–7) clusters: structural transitions and aromaticity. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:24284-24293. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp04327a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Boron–carbon mixed clusters CnB7−n(n= 0–7) assume wheel-like, elongated, circular, and linear geometries, dictated by (π and σ) aromaticity and antiaromaticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yan Feng
- Nanocluster Laboratory
- Institute of Molecular Science
- Shanxi University
- Taiyuan 030006
- China
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory
- Institute of Molecular Science
- Shanxi University
- Taiyuan 030006
- China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Jalife S, Liu L, Pan S, Cabellos JL, Osorio E, Lu C, Heine T, Donald KJ, Merino G. Dynamical behavior of boron clusters. NANOSCALE 2016; 8:17639-17644. [PMID: 27714235 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr06383g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Several of the lowest energy structures of small and medium sized boron clusters are two-dimensional systems made up of a pair of concentric rings. In some cases, the barriers to the rotation of one of those rings relative to the other are remarkably low. We find that a combination of electronic and geometrical factors, including apparently the relative sizes and symmetries of the inner and outer rings, are decisive for the diminished barriers to in-plane rotation in these two dimensional clusters. A sufficiently large outer ring is important; for instance, expansion of the outer ring by a single atom may reduce the barrier significantly. A crucial factor for an apparent rotation is that the σ-skeleton of the individual rings remains essentially intact during the rotation. Finally, the transition state for the rotation of the inner ring comprises the transformation of a square into a diamond, which may be linked to a mechanism suggested decades ago for the isomerization of carboranes and boranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Said Jalife
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - Lei Liu
- Mulliken Center for Theoretical Chemistry, Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Beringstr. 4, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sudip Pan
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - José Luis Cabellos
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - Edison Osorio
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas. Fundación Universitaria Luis Amigó, SISCO, Transversal 51A # 67B 90, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Cheng Lu
- Department of Physics, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Thomas Heine
- Wilhelm-Ostwald-Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Universität Leipzig, Linnéstr 2, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kelling J Donald
- Department of Chemistry, Gottwald Center for the Sciences, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia 23173, USA.
| | - Gabriel Merino
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wang K, Li DZ, Li R, Feng LY, Wang YJ, Zhai HJ. Concentric dual π aromaticity in bowl-like B30cluster: an all-boron analogue of corannulene. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2016; 18:23304-11. [PMID: 27499231 DOI: 10.1039/c6cp04464f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The bowl-like B30cluster is an all-boron analogue of corannulene, featuring concentric dual π aromaticity with 6π and 14π electrons for the inner and the outer boron ribbons, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kang Wang
- Nanocluster Laboratory
- Institute of Molecular Science
- Shanxi University
- Taiyuan 030006
- China
| | - Da-Zhi Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Binzhou University
- Binzhou 256603
- China
| | - Rui Li
- Nanocluster Laboratory
- Institute of Molecular Science
- Shanxi University
- Taiyuan 030006
- China
| | - Lin-Yan Feng
- Nanocluster Laboratory
- Institute of Molecular Science
- Shanxi University
- Taiyuan 030006
- China
| | - Ying-Jin Wang
- Nanocluster Laboratory
- Institute of Molecular Science
- Shanxi University
- Taiyuan 030006
- China
| | - Hua-Jin Zhai
- Nanocluster Laboratory
- Institute of Molecular Science
- Shanxi University
- Taiyuan 030006
- China
| |
Collapse
|