Vibrations of nitrous oxide: Matrix isolation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of twelve N2O isotopomers

Excellent capture of N2O functioning at RT and lower pressure by utilizing an NaCaA-85 zeolite

We have found an efficient adsorption feature provided by an NaCaA-85 zeolite for N2O even at 298 K and at lower pressures: N2O adsorption capacities of 1.33 mmol g-1 and 4.69 mmol g-1 under respective pressures of 0.3 and at 100 Torr, respectively, indicating the best performance among adsorbent materials so far reported. These adsorption peculiarities will pave a new way for developing excellent materials working for adsorption/separation processes of N2O.

Isotopomeric Peak Assignment for N2O in Cross-Labeling Experiments by Fiber-Enhanced Raman Multigas Spectroscopy

Human intervention in nature, especially fertilization, greatly increased the amount of N2O emission. While nitrogen fertilizer is used to improve nitrogen availability and thus plant growth, one negative side effect is the increased emission of N2O. Successful regulation and optimization strategies require detailed knowledge of the processes producing N2O in soil. Nitrification and denitrification, the main processes responsible for N2O emissions, can be differentiated using isotopic analysis of N2O. The interplay between these processes is complex, and studies to unravel the different contributions require isotopic cross-labeling and analytical techniques that enable tracking of the labeled compounds. Fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (FERS) was exploited for sensitive quantification of N2O isotopomers alongside N2, O2, and CO2 in multigas compositions and in cross-labeling experiments. FERS enabled the selective and sensitive detection of specific molecular vibrations that could be assigned to various isotopomer peaks. The isotopomers 14N15N16O (2177 cm-1) and 15N14N16O (2202 cm-1) could be clearly distinguished, allowing site-specific measurements. Also, isotopomers containing different oxygen isotopes, such as 14N14N17O, 14N14N18O, 15N15N16O, and 15N14N18O could be identified. A cross-labeling showed the capability of FERS to disentangle the contributions of nitrification and denitrification to the total N2O fluxes while quantifying the total sample headspace composition. Overall, the presented results indicate the potential of FERS for isotopic studies of N2O, which could provide a deeper understanding of the different pathways of the nitrogen cycle.

Elucidating NO x Surface Chemistry at the Anatase (101) Surface in TiO2 Nanoparticles

Understanding NO _x chemistry at titania nanoparticle surfaces is important for photocatalytic environmental remediation processes. We focus on this problem and put forward an experimental-computational approach based on vibrational spectroscopy grounds. Temperature-dependent IR experiments of NO _x adsorption on shape-engineered nanoparticle (101) anatase surfaces are paired with power spectra obtained from Born-Oppenheimer trajectories. Then, the harmonic versus anharmonic vibrational frequencies of several adsorption scenarios are directly compared with the IR experiments. We conclude that molecules are adsorbed mainly by the N-end side and both the intermolecular interactions between adsorbed molecules and (NO)₂ dimer formation are responsible for the main NO adsorption spectroscopic features. We also investigate the spectroscopy and the mechanism of formation on defective anatase surfaces of the long-lived greenhouse gas N₂O.

Photoinduced linkage isomers in a model ruthenium nitrosyl complex: Identification and assignment of vibrational modes

Photoinduced NO-linkage isomers were investigated in the solid state of labelled trans-[Ru(^14/15NO)(py₄)F](ClO₄)₂ complex by combined IR-spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Based on the experimental data and the DFT calculations of this isotopically labelled ^14/15NO nitrosyl compound, we present a complete assignment of the vibrational bands of three nitrosyl linkage isomers in a range from 4000 to 200 cm^-1. The calculated IR-spectra match well with the experimental data allowing reliable assignment of the vibrational bands. The structural change from the Ru-NO (GS) to the Ru-ON (MS1) and Ru-η²-(NO) (MS2) linkage configuration leads to the downshift of the ν(NO) and ν(Ru-(NO)) bands, and a corresponding increase of the energy of the ν(Ru-F) band. The shift of the bands corresponds to the change of the Ru-(NO) and Ru-F bond lengths: increase of the Ru-(NO) bond length leads to the decrease of the energy of the ν(Ru-(NO)) band; decrease of the Ru-F bond length leads to the increase of the energy of the ν(Ru-F) band. These observations can be extrapolated to the family of related nitrosyl complexes and therefore be used for the qualitative prediction of the Ru-(NO) and Ru-L_trans-to-NO bond lengths of different linkage isomers in the framework of one complex. While the formation of linkage isomers is a reversible process, long-time irradiation sometimes induces irreversible reactions such as the release of NO. Here, we show that the photolysis of trans-[Ru(^14/15NO)(py₄)F](ClO₄)₂ in KBr pellets may lead to the release of nitrous oxide N₂O, conceivably through the formation of a {Ru-(κ²-ONNO)} intermediate.

Reactions of radiation-induced electrons with carbon dioxide in inert cryogenic films: matrix tuning of the excess electron interactions in solids

A single-electron reduction of carbon dioxide is supposed to be an important basic step in various processes, ranging from interstellar chemistry to photocatalytic transformations. In this work, we report an FTIR spectroscopic study on the reactions of carbon dioxide (¹²CO₂ and ¹³CO₂) with the radiation-induced excess electrons in deposited cryogenic matrices with different physical characteristics (Ne, N₂, Ar, Xe) occurring at 6 K. The reaction was monitored by the observation of carbon dioxide radical anions. It was found that attachment of excess electrons to CO₂ occurred in neon and nitrogen matrices, but not in argon and xenon. In the case of nitrogen, the formation of matrix-related cationic species (N₄⁺˙ and NNCO⁺˙) was also observed. Since the CO₂ molecules have a negative intrinsic electron affinity, it was suggested that the electron attachment to CO₂ is controlled by the energy of excess electrons in the solid matrix, which is determined by the value of the corresponding conduction band bottom energy (V₀). The implications of the obtained results are discussed.

Heterocumulenic carbene nitric oxide radical OCCNO˙

The elusive heterocumulenic radical OCCNO˙ and its isotopologues OC13CNO˙ and OCC15NO˙ have been prepared by reacting photolytically generated unsaturated carbene OCC/OC13C with ˙NO/15˙NO in cryogenic N2-, Ar-, and Ne-matrices. Upon UV-light (365 nm) irradiation, the C-C bond in OCCNO˙ breaks and yields a long-sought ground-state radical CNO˙ (X2Π), which has also been identified with matrix-isolation infrared spectroscopy.

Infrared Studies of the Symmetry Changes of the 28SiH4 Molecule in Low-Temperature Matrixes. Fundamental, Combination, and Overtone Transitions

Infrared spectra of ²⁸SiH₄ in argon and nitrogen matrixes at low temperature 6.5-20 K in the region of overtone and combination transitions were recorded for the first time. Additionally, the high-resolution spectra were obtained in the fundamental region. The frequencies and the relative intensities of all bands were determined. The set of experimental data suggests that the symmetry of molecules studied in the matrixes is different from the symmetry of the free molecules because of an interaction with the environment. The symmetry of ²⁸SiH₄ changes from T_d to C_3v on transition from the gas phase to a nitrogen matrix and to D_2d on transition to an argon matrix. A modeling of SiH₄ molecule force fields explains the experimental data as a change of a force constant of the selected SiH bond in the case of SiH₄ in the nitrogen matrix or force constants of two opposite angles in the case of SiH₄ in the argon matrix. In spite of small values of these changes, they result in noticeable spectroscopic effects: the band splitting and appearance of new bands in matrix spectra compared with spectra of free SiH₄. The interpretation of transitions in the fundamental and combination regions was performed.

NO˙ disproportionation by a {RhNO}9 pincer-type complex

NO˙ disproportionation by the pincer-type complex [Rh(PCP^tBu)(NO)]˙ (1˙) results in the formation of Rh(PCP^tBu)(NO)(NO₂) (2) with coordinated nitrite and quantitative release of N₂O.

Six-coordinate ferric porphyrins containing bidentate N-t-butyl-N-nitrosohydroxylaminato ligands: structure, magnetism, IR spectroelectrochemisty, and reactivity

NONOates (diazeniumdiolates) containing the [X{N2O2}](-) functional group are frequently employed as nitric oxide (NO) donors in biology, and some NONOates have been shown to bind to metalloenzymes. We report the preparation, crystal structures, detailed magnetic behavior, redox properties, and reactivities of the first isolable alkyl C-NONOate complexes of heme models, namely (OEP)Fe(η(2)-ON(t-Bu)NO) (1) and (TPP)Fe(η(2)-ON(t-Bu)NO) (2) (OEP = octaethylporphyrinato dianion, TPP = tetraphenylporphyrinato dianion). The compounds display the unusual NONOate O,O-bidentate binding mode for porphyrins, resulting in significant apical Fe displacements (+0.60 Å for 1, and +0.69 Å for 2) towards the axial ligands. Magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements made from 1.8-300 K at magnetic fields from 0.02 to 5 T, yielded magnetic moments of 5.976 and 5.974 Bohr magnetons for 1 and 2, respectively, clearly identifying them as high-spin (S = 5/2) ferric compounds. Variable-frequency (9.4 GHz and 34.5 GHz) EPR measurements, coupled with computer simulations, confirmed the magnetization results and yielded more precise values for the spin Hamiltonian parameters: g(avg) = 2.00 ± 0.03, |D| = 3.89 ± 0.09 cm(-1), and E/D = 0.07 ± 0.01 for both compounds, where D and E are the axial and rhombic zero-field splittings. IR spectroelectrochemistry studies reveal that the first oxidations of these compounds occur at the porphyrin macrocycles and not at the Fe-NONOate moieties. Reactions of 1 and 2 with a histidine mimic (1-methylimidazole) generate RNO and NO, both of which may bind to the metal center if sterics allow, as shown by a comparative study with the Cupferron complex (T(p-OMe)PP)Fe(η(2)-ON(Ph)NO). Protonation of 1 and 2 yields N2O as a gaseous product, presumably from the initial generation of HNO that dimerizes to the observed N2O product.

A bridged di-iron porphyrin hyponitrite complex as a model for biological N2O production from hyponitrite

Heme-hyponitrites are intermediates that form at the bimetallic active sites of bacterial nitric oxide reductases. To probe a possible effect of the Fe-Fe distance on hyponitrite stability, we prepared a bridged bis-porphyrin Fe-hyponitrite compound, namely [(OEP-CH2)Fe]2(μ2,η(1),η(1)-ONNO). Its υNO of 992 cm(-1) (υ15NO of 976 cm(-1)) is close to the υNO of 983 cm(-1) reported previously by us for the crystallographically characterized [(OEP)Fe]2(μ2,η(1),η(1)-ONNO) compound. The bridged bis-porphyrin Fe-hyponitrite complex is unstable with respect to N2O production, supporting the role of the bis-Fe porphyrin system in hyponitrite conversion to N2O. The preparation and crystallographic determination of the bridging sulfato derivative is also reported.

Spontaneously electrical solids in a new light

Reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) of nitrous oxide (N₂O) thin films is shown to provide an independent means of observing the spontelectric state; the first new structural phase of matter, with unique electrical properties, to have emerged in decades.

Solid state chemistry of nitrogen oxides – Part II: surface consumption of NO2

Efficient surface destruction mechanisms (NO₂ + H/O/N), leading to solid H₂O, NH₂OH, and N₂O, can explain the non-detection of NO₂ in space.

Investigations into the nature of spontelectrics: nitrous oxide diluted in xenon

The recent discovery of a new class of solids displaying bulk spontaneous electric fields as high as 10⁸ V m⁻¹, so-called ‘spontelectrics’, poses fundamental and unresolved problems in solid state physics.

SURFRESIDE(2): an ultrahigh vacuum system for the investigation of surface reaction routes of interstellar interest

A new ultrahigh vacuum experiment is described to study atom and radical addition reactions in interstellar ice analogues for astronomically relevant temperatures. The new setup - SURFace REaction SImulation DEvice (SURFRESIDE(2)) - allows a systematic investigation of solid state pathways resulting in the formation of molecules of astrophysical interest. The implementation of a double beam line makes it possible to expose deposited ice molecules to different atoms and/or radicals sequentially or at the same time. Special efforts are made to perform experiments under fully controlled laboratory conditions, including precise atom flux determinations, in order to characterize reaction channels quantitatively. In this way, we can compare and combine different surface reaction channels with the aim to unravel the solid state processes at play in space. Results are constrained in situ by means of a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and a quadrupole mass spectrometer using reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy and temperature programmed desorption, respectively. The performance of the new setup is demonstrated on the example of carbon dioxide formation by comparing the efficiency through two different solid state channels (CO + OH → CO2 + H and CO + O → CO2) for which different addition products are needed. The potential of SURFRESIDE(2) to study complex molecule formation, including nitrogen containing (prebiotic) compounds, is discussed.

VIBRATIONAL INFRARED LIFETIME OF THE ANESTHETIC NITROUS OXIDE GAS IN SOLUTION

The lifetime of the asymmetric fundamental stretching 2218 cm-1 vibration of the anesthetic gas nitrous oxide ( N 2 O ) dissolved in octanol and olive oil is reported. These solvents are model systems commonly used to assess anesthetic potency. Picosecond time-scale molecular dynamics simulations have suggested that protein dynamics or membrane dynamics play a role in the molecular mechanism of anesthetic action. Ultrafast infrared spectroscopy with 100 fs time resolution is an ideal tool to probe dynamics of anesthetic molecules on such timescales. Pump-probe studies centered at the peak of the vibrational band yield a lifetime of 55 ± 1 ps in olive oil and 52 ± 1 ps in octanol. The similarity of lifetimes suggests that energy relaxation of the anesthetic is determined primarily by the hydrophobic nature of the environment, consistent with models of anesthetic action. The results show that nitrous oxide is a good model system for probing anesthetic-solvent interactions using nonlinear infrared spectroscopy.

Novel measurements of refractive index, density and mid-infrared integrated band strengths for solid O(2), N(2)O and NO(2):N(2)O(4) mixtures

We present novel measurements of the refractive index, density and integrated band strengths of mid-infrared features of solid N(2)O at 16K and of NO(2) and N(2)O(4) in two frozen NO(2):N(2)O(4) mixtures deposited at 16 and 60K. The refractive index and density measurements were performed also for frozen O(2) deposited at 16K. In this case, the integrated band strength values could not be determined since O(2) is a homonuclear molecule and therefore its fundamental mode is not infrared active. The solid samples were analysed by infrared spectroscopy in the 8000/800cm(-1) range. The sample thickness was measured by the interference curve obtained using a He-Ne laser operating at 543nm. The refractive index at this laser wavelength was obtained, by numerical methods, from the measured amplitude of the interference curve. The density values were obtained using the Lorentz-Lorenz relation. Integrated band strength values were then obtained by a linear fit of the integrated band intensities plotted versus column density values. The astrophysical relevance of these novel measurements is briefly discussed.

Kinetic study of vibrational energy transfer from a wide range of vibrational levels of O2(X(3)Sigma(g)-, v = 6-12) to CF4

A wide range of vibrational levels of O2(X(3)Sigma(g)(-), v = 6-13) generated in the ultraviolet photolysis of O3 was selectively detected by the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique. The time-resolved LIF-excited B(3)Sigma(u)(-)-X(3)Sigma(g)(-) system in the presence of CF4 has been recorded and analyzed by the integrated profiles method (IPM). The IPM permitted us to determine the rate coefficients k(v)(CF4) for vibrational relaxation of O2(X(3)Sigma(g)(-), v = 6-12) by collisions with CF4. Energy transfer from O2 (v = 6-12) to CF4 is surprisingly efficient compared to that of other polyatomic relaxation partners studied so far. The k(v)(CF4) increases with vibrational quantum number v from [1.5 +/- 0.2(2sigma)] x 10(-12) for v = 6 to [7.3 +/- 1.5(2sigma)] x 10(-11) for v = 12, indicating that the infrared-active nu3 vibrational mode of CF4 mainly governs the energy transfer with O2(X(3)Sigma(g)(-), v = 6-12). The correlation between the rate coefficients and fundamental infrared intensities has been discussed based on a comparison of the efficiency of energy transfer by several collision partners.

In Situ FT-IR and UV−vis Spectroscopy of the Low-Temperature NO Disproportionation Mediated by Solid State Manganese(II) Porphyrinates

The heterogeneous reaction between NO gas and sublimed layers of manganese(II) porphyrinato complexes Mn(Por) (Por = TPP (tetraphenylporphyrinato dianion), TMP (tetramesitylporphyrinato dianion), or TPP(d20) (perdeuterated tetraphenylporphyrinato dianion)) has been monitored by IR and optical spectroscopy over the temperature range of 77 K to room temperature. These manganese porphyrins promote NO disproportionation to NO2 species and N2O, and the reaction proceeds via several distinct stages. At 90 K, the principal species observed spectrally are the nitric oxide dimer, cis-ONNO, two manganese nitrosyls, the simple NO adduct Mn(Por)(NO), and another intermediate (1) that is apparently critical to the disproportionation mechanism. This key intermediate is formed prior to N2O evolution, and proposals regarding its likely structure are offered. When the system is warmed to 130 K, the disproportionation products, N2O and the O-coordinated nitrito complex Mn(Por)(NO)(ONO) (2), are formed. IR spectral changes show that, upon further warming to 200 K, 2 isomerizes into the N-bonded nitro linkage isomer Mn(Por)(NO)(NO2) (3). After it is warmed to room temperature, the latter species loses NO and converts to the known 5-coordinate nitrito complex Mn(Por)(ONO) (4).