Nuclear spin–spin coupling constants from regular approximate relativistic density functional calculations. II. Spin–orbit coupling effects and anisotropies

Experimental Evidence for Non-Fermi-Contact J Coupling Across Chalcogen Bonds in Ionic Salt Cocrystal Polymorphs

A pair of novel polymorphic ionic cocrystals of 3,4-dicyanotelluradiazole and tetraphenylphosphonium bromide are synthesized and are characterized by single-crystal XRD. Strong and directional non-covalent chalcogen bonds (ChB) between Te and Br are analyzed via solid-state NMR to reveal large and anisotropic J(125Te,79/81Br) coupling tensors, providing unequivocal evidence for non-Fermi contact contributions across ChBs. Along with large 79/81Br quadrupolar couplings for the Br- anions, these data provide new tools to characterize chalcogen bonds and to differentiate between ChB polymorphs.

Dynamic and relativistic effects on Pt-Pt indirect spin-spin coupling in aqueous solution studied by ab initio molecular dynamics and two- vs four-component density functional NMR calculations

Treating 195Pt nuclear magnetic resonance parameters in solution remains a considerable challenge from a quantum chemistry point of view, requiring a high level of theory that simultaneously takes into account the relativistic effects, the dynamic treatment of the solvent-solute system, and the dynamic electron correlation. A combination of Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) and relativistic calculations based on two-component zeroth order regular approximation spin-orbit Kohn-Sham (2c-ZKS) and four-component Dirac-Kohn-Sham (4c-DKS) Hamiltonians is performed to address the solvent effect (water) on the conformational changes and JPtPt1 coupling. A series of bridged PtIII dinuclear complexes [L1-Pt2(NH3)4(Am)2-L2]n+ (Am = α-pyrrolidonate and pivalamidate; L = H2O, Cl-, and Br-) are studied. The computed Pt-Pt coupling is strongly dependent on the conformational dynamics of the complexes, which, in turn, is correlated with the trans influence among axial ligands and with the angle N-C-O from the bridging ligands. The J-coupling is decomposed in terms of dynamic contributions. The decomposition reveals that the vibrational and explicit solvation contributions reduce JPtPt1 of diaquo complexes (L1 = L2 = H2O) in comparison to the static gas-phase magnitude, whereas the implicit solvation and bulk contributions correspond to an increase in JPtPt1 in dihalo (L1 = L2 = X-) and aquahalo (L1 = H2O; L2 = X-) complexes. Relativistic treatment combined with CPMD shows that the 2c-ZKS Hamiltonian performs as well as 4c-DKS for the JPtPt1 coupling.

Inquiring 199Hg NMR Parameters by Combining Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics and Relativistic NMR Calculations

Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) sampling followed by relativistic density functional theory (DFT) 199Hg NMR calculations were performed for Hg organometallic complexes in water, dimethyl sulfoxide, and chloroform. The spin-orbit coupling, a relativistic effect, is a key factor for predicting δ(Hg) and 1J(Hg-C) accurately, in conjunction with a dynamic treatment of the systems. Good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results is reached by adopting implicit (based on a continuum model) and explicit (solvent molecules treated quantum mechanically) solvation models. Broader trends appearing in the experimental data available in the literature are reproduced by the calculations, and therefore, quantum chemistry is able to assist in the assignment and interpretation of 199Hg NMR data. Less pronounced trends, such as changes in the 199Hg chemical shift in different systems with the same atom types bound to Hg, are too weak to be predicted reliably by the current state-of-the-art theoretical methods based on AIMD sampling and relativistic DFT with hybrid functionals for NMR calculations.

Unveiling the Configurational Landscape of Carbamate: Paving the Way for Designing Functional Sequence-Defined Polymers

Carbamate is an emerging class of a polymer backbone for constructing sequence-defined, abiotic polymers. It is expected that new functional materials can be de novo designed by controlling the primary polycarbamate sequence. While amino acids have been actively studied as building blocks for protein folding and peptide self-assembly, carbamates have not been widely investigated from this perspective. Here, we combined infrared (IR), vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand the conformation of carbamate monomer units in a nonpolar, aprotic environment (chloroform). Compared with amino acid building blocks, carbamates are more rigid, presumably due to the extended delocalization of π-electrons on the backbones. Cis configurations of the amide bond can be energetically stable in carbamates, whereas peptides often assume trans configurations at low energies. This study lays an essential foundation for future developments of carbamate-based sequence-defined polymer material design.

NMR chemical shift of confined 129Xe: coordination number, paramagnetic channels and molecular dynamics in a cryptophane-A biosensor

Advances in hyperpolarisation and indirect detection have enabled the development of xenon nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) biosensors (XBSs) for molecule-selective sensing in down to picomolar concentration. Cryptophanes (Crs) are popular cages for hosting the Xe "spy". Understanding the microscopic host-guest chemistry has remained a challenge in the XBS field. While early NMR computations of XBSs did not consider the important effects of host dynamics and explicit solvent, here we model the motionally averaged, relativistic NMR chemical shift (CS) of free Xe, Xe in a prototypic CrA cage and Xe in a water-soluble CrA derivative, each in an explicit H2O solvent, over system configurations generated at three different levels of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We confirm the "contact-type" character of the Xe CS, arising from the increased availability of paramagnetic channels, magnetic couplings between occupied and virtual orbitals through the short-ranged orbital hyperfine operator, when neighbouring atoms are in contact with Xe. Remarkably, the Xe CS in the present, highly dynamic and conformationally flexible situations is found to depend linearly on the coordination number of the Xe atom. We interpret the high- and low-CS situations in terms of the magnetic absorption spectrum and choose our preference among the used MD methods based on comparison with the experimental CS. We check the role of spin-orbit coupling by comparing with fully relativistic CS calculations. The study outlines the computational workflow required to realistically model the CS of Xe confined in dynamic cavity structures under experimental conditions, and contributes to microscopic understanding of XBSs.

Reducing Exact Two-Component Theory for NMR Couplings to a One-Component Approach: Efficiency and Accuracy

The self-consistent and complex spin-orbit exact two-component (X2C) formalism for NMR spin-spin coupling constants [ J. Chem. Theory Comput. 17, 2021, 3874-3994] is reduced to a scalar one-component ansatz. This way, the first-order response term can be partitioned into the Fermi-contact (FC) and spin-dipole (SD) interactions as well as the paramagnetic spin-orbit (PSO) contribution. The FC+SD terms are real and symmetric, while the PSO term is purely imaginary and antisymmetric. The relativistic one-component approach is combined with a modern density functional treatment up to local hybrid functionals including the response of the current density. Computational demands are reduced by factors of 8-24 as shown for a large tin compound consisting of 137 atoms. Limitations of the current ansatz are critically assessed for Sn, Pb, Pd, and Pt compounds, i.e. the one-component treatment is not sufficient for tin compounds featuring a few heavy halogen atoms.

Relativistic Density Functional NMR Tensors Analyzed with Spin-free Localized Molecular Orbitals

The implementation of fast relativistic methods based on density functional theory, in conjunction with localized molecular orbital (LMO) based analysis, allows straightforward interpretations of NMR parameters in terms of contributions from core shells, lone pairs, and bonds, for compounds containing elements from across the periodic table. We present a conceptual review of a frequently used LMO analysis of NMR parameters calculated in the presence of spin-orbit interactions and other relativistic effects. An accompanying example focuses on the ¹⁵ N shielding in a heavy metal complex.

Choice of computational protocol for carbon-lithium spin-spin coupling constants 1 JCLi

In this work, we tested various computational schemes for calculations of ¹ J_CLi constants with a high accuracy. On the example of six organolithium reagents (phenyllithium monomer and dimer, monomer s-butyllithium, monomers of 1- and 2-lithionaphthalenes, and a methyllithium tetramer), the following aspects are discussed: (i) the role of a model system geometry, (ii) influence of solvent effects, and (iii) the choice of a functional and basis set. Practical recommendations for calculation of ¹ J_CLi with an accuracy ±2 Hz are formulated.

Stereoelectronic interactions: A booster for 4 JHF transmission

Long-range proton-fluorine coupling constants (ⁿ J_HF ) are helpful for the structure elucidation of fluorinated molecules. However, their magnitude and sign can change with the relative position of coupled nuclei and the presence of substituents. Here, trans-4-tert-butyl-2-fluorocyclohexanone was used as a model compound for the study of the transmission of ⁴ J_HF . In this compound, the ⁴ J_H6axF was measured to be +5.1 Hz, which is five times larger than the remaining ⁴ J_HF in the same molecule (⁴ J_H4F  = +1.0 Hz and ⁴ J_H6eqF  = +1.0 Hz). Through a combination of experimental data, natural bond orbital (NBO) and natural J-coupling (NJC) analyses, we observed that stereoelectronic interactions involving the π system of the carbonyl group are involved in the transmission pathway for the ⁴ J_H6axF . Interactions containing the π system as an electron acceptor (e.g., σ_C6H6ax  → π^*_C═O and σ_CF  → π^*_C═O ) increase the value of the ⁴ J_H6axF , while the interaction of the π system as an electron donor (e.g., π_C═O  → σ^*_CF ) decreases it. Additionally, the carbonyl group was shown not to be part of the transmission pathway of the diequatorial ⁴ J_H6eqF coupling in cis-4-tert-butyl-2-fluorocyclohexanone, revealing that there is a crucial symmetry requirement that must be fulfilled for the π system to influence the value of the ⁴ J_HF in these systems.

GW100: A Slater-Type Orbital Perspective

We calculate complete basis set (CBS) limit-extrapolated ionization potentials (IPs) and electron affinities (EA) with Slater-type basis sets for the molecules in the GW100 database. To this end, we present two new Slater-type orbital (STO) basis sets of triple-(TZ) and quadruple-ζ (QZ) quality, whose polarization is adequate for correlated-electron methods and which contain extra diffuse functions to be able to correctly calculate EAs of molecules with a positive lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). We demonstrate that going from TZ to QZ quality consistently reduces the basis set error of our computed IPs and EAs, and we conclude that a good estimate of these quantities at the CBS limit can be obtained by extrapolation. With mean absolute deviations (MAD) from 70 to 85 meV, our CBS limit-extrapolated IP are in good agreement with results from FHI-AIMS, TURBOMOLE, VASP, and WEST, while they differ by more than 130 meV on average from nanoGW. With a MAD of 160 meV, our EA are also in good agreement with the WEST code. Especially for systems with positive LUMOs, the agreement is excellent. With respect to other codes, the STO-type basis sets generally underestimate EAs of small molecules with strongly bound LUMOs. With 62 meV for IPs and 93 meV for EAs, we find much better agreement with CBS limit-extrapolated results from FHI-AIMS for a set of 250 medium to large organic molecules.

Efficient J-oriented tin basis sets for the correlated calculations of indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants

New J-oriented tin basis sets, acvXz-J (X = 2, 3, 4), have been developed at the level of the second-order polarization propagator approximation with the coupled-cluster single and double amplitudes, SOPPA (CCSD), for the purpose of correlated calculations of indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants involving tin nucleus. High-quality coupled-cluster calculations of several tin-proton and tin-carbon spin-spin coupling constants, performed with one of the newly developed basis sets, namely, the acv3z-J, taking into account relativistic, solvent, and vibrational corrections showed that the acv3z-J basis set is capable to provide reliable results, as compared with the experimental data.

NMR Indirect Spin-Spin Coupling Constants in a Modern Quasi-Relativistic Density Functional Framework

A quasi-relativistic implementation of NMR indirect spin-spin coupling constants is presented. The exact two-component (X2C) Hamiltonian and its diagonal local approximation to the unitary decoupling transformation (DLU) are utilized together with the (modified) screened nuclear spin-orbit approach. In a restricted kinetic balance, the finite nucleus model is available for both the scalar and vector potentials. The implementation supports density functionals up to the fourth rung of Jacob's ladder, i.e., (range-separated) hybrid and local hybrid functionals based on a seminumerical ansatz. We assess the quality of our quasi-relativistic X2C approach by comparison with "fully" relativistic four-component results for small main-group molecules and alkynyl compounds. The mean absolute error introduced by the DLU scheme is less than 0.05 × 10¹⁹ T J^-2 of the reduced coupling constant for the small main-group molecules and 0.5 Hz for the alkynyl compounds. Thus, the error is significantly smaller than finite nucleus size effects for heavy elements. The basis set convergence and the impact of different density functional approximations are further studied. We propose a simple scheme to develop segmented-contracted relativistic all-electron basis sets for NMR spin-spin couplings. Our implementation allows us to perform calculations of extended molecules with reasonable computational effort, which is illustrated for the ¹J(¹¹⁹Sn, ³¹P) coupling constant of a low-valent tin phosphinidenide complex. The corresponding results are in good agreement with the experimental findings.

Solvent effect on the 195Pt NMR properties in pyridonate-bridged PtIII dinuclear complex derivatives investigated by ab initio molecular dynamics and localized orbital analysis

An ab initio molecular dynamics investigation of the solvent effect (water) on the structural parameters, ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spin-spin coupling constants (SSCCs) and chemical shifts of a series of pyridonate-bridged Pt^III dinuclear complexes is performed using Kohn-Sham (KS) Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) and relativistic hybrid KS NMR calculations. The indirect solvent effect (via structural changes) has a dramatic effect on the ¹J_PtPt SSCCs. The complexes exhibit a strong trans influence in solution, where the Pt-Pt bond lengthens with increasing axial ligand σ-donor strength. In the diaqua complex, where the solvent effect is more pronounced, the SSCCs averaged for CPMD configurations with explicit plus implicit solvation agree much better with the experimental data, while the calculations for static geometry and CPMD unsolvated configurations show large deviations with respect to experiment. The combination of CPMD with hybrid KS NMR calculations provides a much more realistic computational model that reproduces the large magnitudes of ¹J_PtPt and ¹⁹⁵Pt chemical shifts. An analysis of ¹J_PtPt in terms of localized and canonical orbitals shows that the SSCCs are driven by changes in the s-character of the natural atomic orbitals of Pt atoms, which affect the 'Fermi contact' mechanism.

Quantum chemical calculations of 77 Se and 125 Te nuclear magnetic resonance spectral parameters and their structural applications

An accurate quantum chemical (QC) modeling of ⁷⁷ Se and ¹²⁵ Te nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra is deeply involved in the NMR structural assignment for selenium and tellurium compounds that are of utmost importance both in organic and inorganic chemistry nowadays due to their huge application potential in many fields, like biology, medicine, and metallurgy. The main interest of this review is focused on the progress in QC computations of ⁷⁷ Se and ¹²⁵ Te NMR chemical shifts and indirect spin-spin coupling constants involving these nuclei. Different computational methodologies that have been used to simulate the NMR spectra of selenium and tellurium compounds since the middle of the 1990s are discussed with a strong emphasis on their accuracy. A special accent is placed on the calculations resorting to the relativistic methodologies, because taking into account the relativistic effects appreciably influences the precision of NMR calculations of selenium and, especially, tellurium compounds. Stereochemical applications of quantum chemical calculations of ⁷⁷ Se and ¹²⁵ Te NMR parameters are discussed so as to exemplify the importance of integrated approach of experimental and computational NMR techniques.

One-bond 1 J(15 N─19 F) spin-spin coupling constants of cationic fluorinating reagents: Insights from DFT calculations

We have investigated, by means of density functional theory protocols, the one-bond ¹ J(¹⁵ N─¹⁹ F) spin-spin coupling constants in a series of fluorinating reagents, containing the N─F bond, recently studied experimentally. The results of the calculations show a very good linear relationship with the experimental values, even though only the M06-2X(PCM)/pcJ-2//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level affords a very low mean absolute error. The calculations allow to analyze the various molecular orbitals contributions to the J coupling and to rationalize the observed positive sign, corresponding to a negative sign of the reduced spin-pin coupling constant K(N─F). Moreover, of the four Ramsey contributions, only the diamagnetic spin orbit is negligible, whereas the paramagnetic spin orbit and spin dipole terms decrease the magnitude of the Fermi contact (FC) term by an amount that goes from a minimum of 35% up to more than 60% of the FC term itself. Several effects have been investigated, namely, the contribution of the long-range solvent reaction field, relativistic corrections, and conformational and vibrational effects.

Solid-State NMR Techniques for the Structural Characterization of Cyclic Aggregates Based on Borane-Phosphane Frustrated Lewis Pairs

Modern solid-state NMR techniques offer a wide range of opportunities for the structural characterization of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs), their aggregates, and the products of cooperative addition reactions at their two Lewis centers. This information is extremely valuable for materials that elude structural characterization by X-ray diffraction because of their nanocrystalline or amorphous character, (pseudo-)polymorphism, or other types of disordering phenomena inherent in the solid state. Aside from simple chemical shift measurements using single-pulse or cross-polarization/magic-angle spinning NMR detection techniques, the availability of advanced multidimensional and double-resonance NMR methods greatly deepened the informational content of these experiments. In particular, methods quantifying the magnetic dipole-dipole interaction strengths and indirect spin-spin interactions prove useful for the measurement of intermolecular association, connectivity, assessment of FLP-ligand distributions, and the stereochemistry of adducts. The present review illustrates several important solid-state NMR methods with some insightful applications to open questions in FLP chemistry, with a particular focus on supramolecular associates.

Relativistic DFT Calculations of 1JWH and 1JWC Provide Detailed Structural Insight of Cyclopentadienyl Binding in Cp2WH2

Experimental measurements of the one-bond scalar coupling of Cp₂WH₂ in tetrahydrofuran (¹J_WH = 73.4 Hz and ¹J_WC = 4.8 Hz) are compared to density functional theory calculations of the same based upon geometries minimized utilizing a variety of approximate functionals typically utilized to calculate organometallic geometries. One difference between the various functionals is the Cp-W distance, and d_CpW is linearly correlated to the calculated values for both ¹J_WH and ¹J_WC. Differences in the structures of the Cp₂WH₂ reported in the literature are compared to the calculated geometries, utilizing calculated values of ¹J_WH to provide insight into the differences. The distance between the tungsten and attached hydride as well as the angle of the cyclopentadienyl plane with respect to the tungsten cyclopentadienyl centroid vector also have a strong effect on ¹J_WH. A natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of the orbital origins of ¹J_WH indicates that the W-H σ-bonding orbital is the primary contributor to the coupling constant.

Dihydrogen Splitting by Intramolecular Borane-Phosphane Frustrated Lewis Pairs: A Comprehensive Characterization Strategy Using Solid State NMR and DFT Calculations

Four hydrogenated intramolecular phosphane-borane frustrated Lewis pair (B/P FLP) compounds bearing unsaturated cyclic or aromatic carbon backbones have been synthesized and structurally characterized using ¹¹ B, ³¹ P, ¹ H and ² H solid-state NMR spectroscopy. A comparison of the spectra with those of the corresponding free B/P FLPs shows that both ¹¹ B isotropic chemical shifts as well as nuclear electric quadrupolar coupling constants decrease significantly upon FLP hydrogenation, revealing the breakage of the partial B-P bond present in the starting materials. Likewise, the ³¹ P isotropic chemical shift, the chemical shift anisotropy, and the asymmetry parameter decrease significantly upon FLP hydrogenation, reflecting the formation of a more symmetric, C_3v -like local environment. ¹¹ B{³¹ P} rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) experiments can be used to measure the B-P internuclear distance (about 3.2 Å) of these compounds. Observation of the hydrogen atoms bound to the Lewis centers is best accomplished via ³¹ P{¹ H} and ¹¹ B{¹ H} cross-polarization-heteronuclear correlation experiments or by direct observation of the ² H MAS NMR signals on especially prepared FLP-D₂ adducts. For accurately measuring the phosphorus-deuterium distance via ³¹ P{² H} rotational echo adiabatic passage double resonance (REAPDOR), it is essential to take the secondary dipolar coupling of ³¹ P with the boron-bonded ² H nuclei explicitly into consideration, by simulating a ² H_P -³¹ P-² H_B three-spin system based on structural input. All of the experimental NMR interaction parameters are found in excellent agreement with values calculated by DFT methods, using the geometries obtained either by energy optimization or from single-crystal structures.

Entrapment of THF-Stabilized Iridacyclic IrIII Silylenes from Double H-Si Bond Activation and H2 Elimination

The reaction of H₃ SiR (R=Ph, nBu) with cationic η₅ -C₅ Me₅ - (Cp*) and benzo[h]quinolinyl-based iridacycle [1 b]⁺ gives rise to new [(IrH)→SiRH₂ ]⁺ adducts. In the presence of THF these adducts readily undergo elimination of H₂ gas at subambient temperature to form THF-stabilized metallacyclic Ir^III silylene complexes, which were characterized in situ by NMR spectroscopy, trapped in minute amounts by reactive crystallization, and structurally characterized by XRD. Theoretical investigations (static DFT-D reaction-energy profiling, ETS-NOCV) support the promoting role of THF in the H₂ elimination step and the consolidation of the Ir-to-Si interaction in the spontaneous (ΔG<0) formation of Ir silylenes in the presence of THF. Mechanistic insights indicate that the Ir silylene species arising from the [1 b]⁺ /phenylsilane system are relevant catalytic species in the hydrodefluorination of fluoroalkanes.

New Sulfur-Containing Polyarsenicals from the New Caledonian Sponge Echinochalina bargibanti

Arsenicin A (C₃H₆As₄O₃) was isolated from the New Caledonian poecilosclerid sponge Echinochalina bargibanti, and described as the first natural organic polyarsenic compound. Further bioguided fractionation of the extracts of this sponge led us to isolate the first sulfur-containing organic polyarsenicals ever found in Nature. These metabolites, called arsenicin B and arsenicin C, are built on a noradamantane-type framework that is characterized by an unusual As⁻As bonding. Extensive NMR measurements, in combination with mass spectra, enabled the assignment of the structure for arsenicin B (C₃H₆As₄S₂) as 2. The scarcity of arsenicin C and its intrinsic chemical instability only allowed the collection of partial spectral data, which prevented the full structural definition. After the extensive computational testing of several putative structures, structure 3 was inferred for arsenicin C (C₃H₆As₄OS) by comparing the experimental and density functional theory (DFT)-calculated ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra. Finally, the absolute configurations of 2 and 3 were determined with a combined use of experimental and time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra and observed specific rotations. These findings pose great challenges for the investigation of the biosynthesis of these metabolites and the cycle of arsenic in Nature. Arsenicins B and C showed strong antimicrobial activities, especially against S. aureus, which is comparable to the reference compound gentamycin.

Chalcogen Impact on Covalency within Molecular [Cu3(μ3-E)]3+ Clusters (E = O, S, Se): A Synthetic, Spectroscopic, and Computational Study

Reaction of the tricopper(I)-dinitrogen tris(β-diketiminate) cyclophane, Cu₃(N₂)L, with O-atom-transfer reagents or elemental Se affords the oxido-bridged tricopper complex Cu₃(μ₃-O)L (2) or the corresponding Cu₃(μ₃-Se)L (4), respectively. For 2 and 4, incorporation of the bridging chalcogen donor was supported by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data. Cu L_2,3-edge X-ray absorption data quantify 49.5% Cu 3d character in the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of 2, with Cu 3d participation decreasing to 33.0% in 4 and 40.8% in the related sulfide cluster Cu₃(μ₃-S)L (3). Multiedge XAS and UV/visible/near-IR spectra are employed to benchmark density functional theory calculations, which describe the copper-chalcogen interactions as highly covalent across the series of [Cu₃(μ-E)]³⁺ clusters. This result highlights that the metal-ligand covalency is not reserved for more formally oxidized metal centers (i.e., Cu^III + O^2- vs Cu^II + O^-) but rather is a significant contributor even at more typical ligand-field cases (i.e., Cu₃^II/II/I + E^2-). This bonding is reminiscent of that observed in p-block elements rather than in early-transition-metal complexes.

Similar ligand-metal bonding for transition metals and actinides? 5f1 U(C7H7)2-versus 3d n metallocenes

U(C7H7)2- is a fascinating 5f1 complex whose metal-ligand bonding was assigned in the literature as being very similar to 3d7 cobaltocene, based on a crystal-field theoretical interpretation of the experimental magnetic resonance data. The present work provides an in-depth theoretical study of the electronic structure, bonding, and magnetic properties of the 5f1 U(C7H7)2-vs. 3d metallocenes with V, Co, and Ni, performed with relativistic wavefunction and density functional methods. The ligand to metal donation bonding in U(C7H7)2- is strong and in fact similar to that in vanadocene, in the sense that the highest occupied arene orbitals donate electron density into empty metal orbitals of the same symmetry with respect to the rotational axis (3dπ for V, 5fδ for U), but selectively with α spin (↑). For Co and Ni, the dative bonding from the ligands is β spin (↓) selective into partially filled 3dπ orbitals. In all systems, this spin delocalization triggers spin polarization in the arene σ bonding framework, causing proton spin densities opposite to those of the carbons. As a consequence, the proton spin densities and hyperfine coupling constants are negative for the Co and Ni complex, but positive for vanadocene. The of U(C7H7)2- is negative and similar to that of cobaltocene, but only because of the strong spin-orbit coupling in the actinocene, which causes to be opposite to the sign of the proton spin density. The study contributes to a better understanding of actinide 5f vs. transition metal 3d covalency, and highlights potential pitfalls when interpreting experimental magnetic resonance data in terms of covalent bonding for actinide complexes.

Relativistic Effect on 1 J(M,C) in Me4 M, Me3 M- , Ph4 M, and Ph3 M- (M=Pb, Sn, Ge, Si, and/or C): Role of s-Type Lone Pair Orbitals in the Distinct Effect for the Anionic Species

Indirect one-bond nuclear spin-spin couplings between M and C [¹ J(M,C)] in Me₄ M, Me₃ M^- , Ph₄ M, and Ph₃ M^- (M=Pb, Sn, Ge, Si, C) are analyzed with consideration of the relativistic effect and by employing Slater-type basis sets. The evaluated total values ¹ J_TL (M,C) reproduced the observed values with some systematic calculation errors. Fermi contact terms ¹ J_FC (M,C) contribute predominantly to ¹ J_TL (M,C) (≈99 %). A distinct relativistic effect on ¹ J(Pb,C) is predicted for Me₃ Pb^- and Ph₃ Pb^- . The mechanisms for the distinct effect are elucidated by using the comparison between Me₃ Pb^- and Me₄ Pb as an example. The contributions to ¹ J_FC (M,C) [or ¹ J_SD+FC (M,C), where SD denotes the spin-dipolar term] are decomposed into those of occupied orbitals and occupied-to-unoccupied transitions. The s-type lone-pair orbitals are demonstrated to contribute to the distinct relativistic effect on ¹ J(Pb,C) of Me₃ Pb^- (and Ph₃ Pb^- ). The results are in sharp contrast to the cases of ¹ J(M,C) for M atoms lighter than Pb, such as Si, and are explained by the s character of the M-C bonds. This treatment enables visualization and clear recognition the origin of the nuclear couplings for the species exhibiting a relativistic effect.

Reactions of Lithiated Diphosphanes R2P-P(SiMe3)Li (R = tBu and iPr) with [MeNacnacTiCl2·THF] and [MeNacnacTiCl3]. Formation and Structure of TitaniumIII and TitaniumIV β-Diketiminato Complexes Bearing the Side-on Phosphanylphosphido and Phosphanylphosphinidene Functionalities

β-Diketiminate complexes of Ti^III-containing phosphanylphosphido ligands [^MeNacnacTi(Cl){η²-P(SiMe₃)-PR₂}] (^MeNacnac^- = [Ar]NC(Me)CHC(Me)N[Ar]; Ar = 2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃) were prepared by reactions of [^MeNacnacTiCl₂·THF] with lithium derivatives of diphosphanes R₂P-P(SiMe₃)Li (R = tBu, iPr) in toluene solutions. Surprisingly, reactions of [^MeNacnacTiCl₂·THF] with R₂P-P(SiMe₃)Li in THF solutions led to Ti^IV complexes containing phosphanylphosphinidene ligands [^MeNacnacTi(Cl)(η²-P-PtBu₂)] via an autoredox path involving a migration of a nitrene NAr from the Nacnac skeleton to the Ti centers. Solid-state structures of [^MeNacnacTi(Cl){η²-P(SiMe₃)-PtBu₂}] (1a) and [^MeNacnacTi(Cl)(η²-P-PtBu₂)] (two isomers 2a1, 2a2) together with [^MeNacnacTi(Cl){η²-P(SiMe₃)-PiPr₂}] (1b) and [^MeNacnacTi(Cl)(η²-P-PiPr₂)] (2b) were established by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction and display clearly side-on geometry of the (Me₃Si)P-PR₂ and P-PR₂ moieties in the solid state. Phosphanylphosphinidene complexes [^MeNacnacTi(Cl)(η²-P-PR₂)] indicate that the ³¹P NMR resonances of phosphinidene P atoms appear at a very low field in solution and in the solid state.

NMR spin-spin coupling constants: bond angle dependence of the sign and magnitude of the vicinal (3)JHF coupling

The dependence of the magnitude and sign of (3)JHFF on the bond angle in fluoro-cycloalkene compounds is evaluated by electronic structure calculations using different levels of theory, viz. DFT, SOPPA(CCSD) and SOPPA(CC2). Localized molecular orbital contributions to (3)JHFF are analyzed to assess which orbitals are responsible for (3)JHFF and which are the most important coupling transmission mechanisms for each compound. Fluoro-ethylene is used as a model system to evaluate the dependence of the (3)JHFF coupling constant on the angle between the σCα-F and σCα'-HF vectors. Through-space and hyperconjugative transmission pathways and ring strain are identified as responsible for the opposite trend between (3)JHFF and bond angle, and for the negative signs obtained for the two molecules, respectively. One of the fluorine lone pairs, σCα'-HF, σCα-F, σCα'-Cβ' bonding orbitals and the σ*Cα-F antibonding orbital are involved in the J-coupling pathways, according to analyses of pairwise-steric and hyperconjugative energies.

The Relativistic Effects on the Carbon-Carbon Coupling Constants Mediated by a Heavy Atom

The (2)JCC, (3)JCC, and (4)JCC spin-spin coupling constants in the systems with a heavy atom (Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Te, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, and Po) in the coupling path have been calculated by means of density functional theory. The main goal was to estimate the relativistic effects on spin-spin coupling constants and to explore the factors which may influence them, including the nature of the heavy atom and carbon hybridization. The methods applied range, in order of reduced complexity, from the Dirac-Kohn-Sham (DKS) method (density functional theory with four-component Dirac-Coulomb Hamiltonian), through DFT with two- and one-component zeroth-order regular approximation (ZORA) Hamiltonians, to scalar effective core potentials (ECPs) with the nonrelativistic Hamiltonian. The use of DKS and ZORA methods leads to very similar results, and small-core ECPs of the MDF and MWB variety reproduce correctly the scalar relativistic effects. Scalar relativistic effects usually are larger than the spin-orbit coupling effects. The latter tend to influence the most the coupling constants of the sp(3)-hybridized carbon atoms and in compounds of the p-block heavy atoms. Large spin-orbit coupling contributions for the Po compounds are probably connected with the inverse of the lowest triplet excitation energy.

Uncovering Intramolecular π-Type Hydrogen Bonds in Solution by NMR Spectroscopy and DFT Calculations

Reaction between the phosphinito bridged diplatinum species [(PHCy2 )Pt(μ-PCy2 ){κ(2) P,O-μ-P(O)Cy2 }Pt(PHCy2 )](Pt-Pt) (1), and (trimethylsilyl)acetylene at 273 K affords the σ-acetylide complex [(PHCy2 )(η(1) -Me3 SiC≡C)Pt(μ-PCy2 )Pt(PHCy2 ){κP-P(OH)Cy2 }](Pt-Pt) (2) featuring an intramolecular π-type hydrogen bond. Scalar and dipolar couplings involving the POH proton were detected by 2D NMR experiments. Relativistic DFT calculations of the geometry, relative energy, and NMR properties of model systems of 2 confirmed the structural assignment and allowed the energy of the π-type hydrogen bond to be estimated (ca. 22 kJ mol(-1) ).

Relativistic Calculations of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Parameters

Relativistic effects are important for the accurate evaluation of the observables of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the nuclear magnetic shielding and the indirect spin–spin coupling tensors. Some of the most notable relativistic effects, in particular for light elements in the vicinity of heavy nuclei, are due to spin–orbit effects, an effect difficult to evaluate when starting from a non-relativistic wavefunction. Two- and four-component relativistic methods include spin–orbit effects variationally, and the recent improvements in the computational efficiency of these methods open new opportunities for accurate calculations of NMR parameters also for molecules with heavy elements. We here present an overview of the different approximations that have been introduced for calculating relativistic effects with two- and four-component methods and how these methods can be used to calculate the NMR parameters. We will also give some examples of systems that have been studied computationally with two- and four-component relativistic methods and discuss the importance of relativistic effects on the shielding and indirect spin–spin coupling constants.