Low-lying electronic states of FeNC and FeCN: A theoretical journey into isomerization and quartet/sextet competition

A route to high-accuracy ab initio description of electronic excited states in high-spin lanthanide-containing species: A case study of GdO

Accurate description of electronic excited states of high-spin molecular species is a yet unsolved problem in modern electronic structure theory. A composite computational scheme developed in the present work contributes to solving this task for a challenging case of lanthanide-containing molecules. In the scheme, the highest-spin states whose wavefunctions are dominated by a single Slater determinant are described at the single-reference (SR) CCSD(T) level, whereas the lower-spin states, being inherently multiconfigurational in their nature, are treated with multireference (MR) methods, MRCI and/or CASPT2. An original technique which scales MR results against SR CCSD(T) ones to improve the accuracy in the former is proposed and examined, taking the example of 12 electronic states of gadolinium monoxide, X9Σ-, Y7Σ-, A'9Δ, A1'7Δ, A9Π, A17Π, B9Σ-, B17Σ-, C9Π, C17Π, D9Σ-, and D17Σ-, up to 35 000 cm-1. A multitude of the corresponding Ω (spin-coupled) states was then studied within the state-interacting approach employing the full Breit-Pauli spin-orbit coupling operator with CASSCF-generated ΛS states as a basis. For all ΛS and Ω states, the Gd-O bond lengths, spectroscopic constants ωe, ωexe, αe, and adiabatic excitation energies are obtained. The theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the experimental data, with deviations in excitation energies not exceeding 350 cm-1 (1 kcal/mol). The spectroscopic properties of the yet unobserved electronic states, A'9Δ, A1'7Δ, C9Π, C17Π, D9Σ-, and D17Σ-, are evaluated for the first time.

Rovibrational Quantum Chemical Treatment of Inorganic and Organometallic Astrochemicals

ConspectusOur two groups have both independently and collaboratively been pushing quantum-chemical techniques to produce highly accurate predictions of anharmonic vibrational frequencies and spectroscopic constants for molecules containing atoms outside of the typical upper p block. Methodologies employ composite approaches, relying on various levels of coupled cluster theory-most often at the singles, doubles, and perturbative triples level-and quartic force field constructions of the potential portion of the intramolecular Watson Hamiltonian. Such methods are known to perform well for organic species, and we have extended this to molecules containing atoms outside of this realm.One notable atom that has received much attention in this application is magnesium. Mg is the second-most-abundant element in the Earth's mantle, and while molecules containing this element are among the confirmed astrochemicals, its further atomic abundance in the galaxy implies that many more molecules (both purely inorganic and organometallic) containing element 12 exist in astrophysical regions in chemical sizes between those of atoms and dust-sized nanocrystals. Our approach discussed herein is producing quality benchmarks and predicting novel data for magnesium-bearing molecules.The story is similar for Al and Si, which are also notably abundant in both rocky bodies and the universe at large. While Na, Sc, and Cu may not be as abundant as Mg, Al, and Si, molecules containing Na and transition metals have also previously been reported to be detected beyond the Earth. Consequently, the need to produce spectral reference data for molecules containing such atoms is growing. While several experimental groups (including, notably, the groups in Arizona, Boston, and France/Spain) have clearly led the way in detection of inorganic/organometallic molecules in space, computational support and even rational design can provide novel avenues for the detection of molecules containing atoms not typically studied in most laboratories. The application of quantum chemistry to other elements beyond carbon and its cronies at the top right of the periodic table promises a better understanding of the observable universe. It will also provide novel and fundamental chemical insights pushing the "central science" into new molecular territory.

The structure of ScC2 (X̃2A1): A combined Fourier transform microwave/millimeter-wave spectroscopic and computational study

Pure rotational spectra of Sc¹³C₂ (X̃²A₁) and Sc¹²C¹³C (X̃²A') have been measured using Fourier transform microwave/millimeter-wave methods. These molecules were synthesized in a DC discharge from the reaction of scandium vapor, produced via laser ablation, with ¹³CH₄ or ¹³CH₄/¹²CH₄, diluted in argon. The N_Ka,Kc = 1_0,1 → 0_0,0, 2_0,2 → 1_0,1, 3_0,3 → 2_0,2, and 4_0,4 → 3_0,3 transitions in the frequency range of 14 GHz-61 GHz were observed for both species, each exhibiting hyperfine splittings due to the nuclear spins of ¹³C (I = 1/2) and/or Sc (I = 7/2). These data have been analyzed with an asymmetric top Hamiltonian, and rotational, spin-rotation, and hyperfine parameters have been determined for Sc¹³C₂ and Sc¹²C¹³C. In addition, a quartic force field was calculated for ScC₂ and its isotopologues using a highly accurate coupled cluster-based composite method, incorporating complete basis set extrapolation, scalar relativistic corrections, outer core and inner core electron correlation, and higher-order valence correlation effects. The agreement between experimental and computed rotational constants, including the effective constant (B + C), is ∼0.5% for all three isotopologues. This remarkable agreement suggests promise in predicting rotational spectra of new transition metal-carbon bearing molecules. In combination with previous work on Sc¹²C₂, an accurate structure for ScC₂ has been established using combined experimental (B, C) and theoretical (A) rotational constants. The radical is cyclic (or T-shaped) with r_(Sc-C) = 2.048(2) Å, r_(C-C) = 1.272(2) Å, and ∠_(C-Sc-C) = 36.2(1)°. The experimental and theoretical results also suggest that ScC₂ contains a C₂ ^- moiety and is largely ionic.

Theoretical study of the low-lying electronic states of iron hydride cation

Both FeH and FeH⁺ are predicted to be abundant in cool stellar atmospheres and proposed to be molecular components of the gas phase interstellar medium (ISM). However, experimental and simulated data for both species are lacking, which have hindered astronomical detection. There are no published laboratory data for the spectroscopy of FeH⁺ in any frequency regime. It is also not established if FeH⁺ possesses salient multireference character, which would pose significant challenges for ab initio modeling of geometric and spectroscopic properties. With a set of high-level coupled cluster and multireference configuration interaction computations, a study of the electronic structure of the ground state and seven excited states of FeH⁺ was carried out. An X⁵Δ_i electronic ground state of FeH⁺ is found, in agreement with previous theoretical studies. Including corrections for spin-orbit coupling and anharmonic vibrational effects, the Ω = 3, ν = 0 spin ladder of the A⁵Π_i electronic state lies 872 cm^-1 higher in energy than the Ω = 4, ν = 0 spin ladder of the ground state. Combined with previous work in our laboratory, the ionization energy of FeH is computed to be 7.4851 eV. With modern multireference configuration interaction and coupled cluster methods, spectroscopic constants (r_e, B_e, ω_e, ω_ex_e, α_e, and D¯_e) for several bound excited states (A⁵Π_i, B ⁵Σ_i ⁺, a ³Σ_r ^-, b³Φ_i, c³Π_i, d³Δ_r, and ⁷Σ⁺) were characterized. This study will lead efforts to identify FeH⁺ in the ISM and help solve important remaining questions in quantifying metal-hydride bonding.

Towards a quantum chemical protocol for the prediction of rovibrational spectroscopic data for transition metal molecules: Exploration of CuCN, CuOH, and CuCCH

High accuracy electronic structure computations for small transition metal-containing molecules have been a long term challenge. Due to coupling between electronic and nuclear wave functions, even experimental/theoretical identification of the ground electronic state requires tremendous efforts. Quartic force fields (QFFs) are effective ab initio tools for obtaining reliable anharmonic spectroscopic properties. However, the method that employs complete basis set limit extrapolation ("C"), consideration of core electron correlation ("cC"), and inclusion of scalar relativity ("R") to produce the energy points on the QFF, the composite CcCR methodology, has not yet been utilized to study inorganic spectroscopy. This work takes the CcCR methodology and adapts it to test whether such an approach is conducive for the closed-shell, copper-containing molecules CuCN, CuOH, and CuCCH. Gas phase rovibrational data are provided for all three species in their ground electronic states. Equilibrium geometries and many higher-order rovibrational properties show good agreement with earlier studies. However, there are notable differences, especially in computation of fundamental vibrational frequencies. Even with further additive corrections for the inner core electron correlation and coupled cluster with full single, double, and triple substitutions (CCSDT), the differences are still larger than expected indicating that more work should follow for predicting rovibrational properties of transition metal molecules.

Is near-"spectroscopic accuracy" possible for heavy atoms and coupled cluster theory? An investigation of the first ionization potentials of the atoms Ga-Kr

Recent developments in ab initio coupled cluster (CC) theory and correlation consistent basis sets have ushered in an era of unprecedented accuracy when studying the spectroscopy and thermodynamics of molecules containing main group elements. These same developments have recently seen application to heavier inorganic or transition metal-containing species. The present work benchmarks conventional single reference coupled cluster theory (up to full configuration interaction for valence electron correlation and coupled cluster with up to full pentuple excitations (CCSDTQP) for core-valence correlation) and explicitly correlated coupled cluster methods [CC with single, double, and perturbative triple substitutions (CCSD(T)-F12)] for the atomic ionization potentials of the six 4p elements (Ga-Kr), a property with experimental error bars no greater than a few cm(-1). When second-order spin orbit coupling effects are included, a composite methodology based on CCSD(T) calculations yielded a mean signed error of just -0.039 kcal mol(-1) and a mean unsigned error of 0.043 kcal mol(-1). Inclusion of post-CCSD(T) correlation corrections reduced both of these values to -0.008 kcal mol(-1) and 0.025 kcal mol(-1), respectively, with the latter corresponding to an average error of just 9 cm(-1). The maximum signed error in the latter scheme was just -0.043 kcal mol(-1) (15 cm(-1)).

Cyanides and Isocyanides of First-Row Transition Metals: Molecular Structure, Bonding, and Isomerization Barriers

Cyanides and isocyanides of first-row transition metal M(CN) (M=Sc-Zn) are investigated with quantum chemistry techniques, providing predictions for their molecular properties. A careful analysis of the competition between cyanide and isocyanide isomers along the transition series has been carried out. In agreement with the experimental observations, late transition metals (Co-Zn) clearly prefer a cyanide arrangement. On the other hand, early transition metals (Sc-Fe), with the only exception of the Cr(CN) system, favor the isocyanide isomer. The theoretical calculations predict the following unknown isocyanides, ScNC(3Delta), TiNC(4Phi), VNC(5Delta), and MnNC(7Sigma+), and agree with the experimental observation of FeNC(6Delta) and the CrCN(6Sigma+) cyanide. First-row transition metal cyanides and isocyanides are predicted to have relatively large dissociation energies with values within the range 80-101 kcal mol(-1), except Zn(CN), which has a dissociation energy around 50-55 kcal mol(-1), and low isomerization barriers. A detailed analysis of the bonding has been carried out employing the topological analysis of the charge density and an energy decomposition analysis. The role of the covalent and electrostatic contributions to the metal-ligand bonding, as well as the importance of pi bonding, are discussed.

The low-lying electronic states of nickel cyanide and isocyanide: A theoretical investigation

At different levels of coupled cluster theory optimum structures, energetics, and harmonic vibrational frequencies for several low-lying doublet and quartet electronic states of linear NiCN and NiNC were studied using four contracted Gaussian basis sets, ranging from Ni[6s5p4d2f], CN[4s3p2d] to Ni[8s7p5d3f2g1h], CN[5s4p3d2f1g]. The most reliable predictions were obtained with a relativistic Douglas-Kroll restricted open-shell-based coupled cluster method including singles, doubles, and perturbative triple excitations [DK-R/UCCSD(T)]. This level of theory was used in conjunction with correlation-consistent polarized valence Douglas-Kroll recontracted quadruple-zeta basis sets (cc-pVQZDK). The energetic ordering of the electronic states of NiCN is predicted to be 2delta < 2sigma+ < 2pi < 4delta < 4pi and that of NiNC is 2delta approximately 2sigma+ < 2pi < 4delta < 4pi < 4sigma-. Our theoretical investigation supports the assignment of the ground-state term symbol, the Ni-C stretching frequency, and the bending frequency for the ground electronic state of NiCN by Kingston et al. [J. Mol. Spectrosc. 215, 106 (2002)] and by Sheridan and Ziurys [J. Chem. Phys. 118, 6370 (2003)]. The predicted structure of the 2delta ground state of NiCN, r(e)(Ni-C) = 1.822 angstroms and r(e)(C-N) = 1.167 angstroms, at DK-R/UCCSD(T)/cc-pVQZDK shows excellent agreement with the experimentally determined Ni-C bond length of 1.826 A and less satisfactory agreement for the C-N bond length of 1.153 angstroms [J. Chem. Phys. 118, 6370 (2003)]. It is also concluded that the metal-to-ligand pi back donation is weak or negligible. Additionally, we found that on the 2delta surface the linear cyanide isomer lies lower in energy than the linear isocyanide isomer by 12.2 kcal mol(-1).

Characterizing the later 3d cyanides: The submillimeter spectrum of CoCN(X [sup 3]Φ[sub i])

The pure rotational spectrum of the CoCN radical has been recorded in the frequency range 350-500 GHz using direct absorption techniques. This study is the first spectroscopic observation of this molecule by any experimental technique. Spectra of Co (13)CN have been measured as well. These data indicate that this species is linear in its ground electronic state and has the cyanide, as opposed to the isocyanide, geometry. The ground state term has been assigned as (3)Phi(i), based on the measurement of three spin components (Omega=4, 3, and 2) and in analogy to other isovalent cobalt-bearing species. Hyperfine splittings resulting from the (59)Co nuclear spin of I=7/2 were observed in every transition, each of which exhibited an octet pattern. For the lowest energy spin component, Omega=4, vibrational satellite features were also identified arising from the first quantum of the Co-C (v(1)=1) stretch and the v(2)=1 and v(2)=2 quanta of the bending mode, which were split by Renner-Teller interactions. The ground state measurements of CoCN were analyzed with a case a(beta) Hamiltonian, establishing rotational, fine structure, and hyperfine parameters. The vibrational and Co (13)CN spectra for the Omega=4 component were fit as well. An r(0) structure was also calculated, providing estimates of the Co-C and C-N bond distances, based on the Omega=4 transitions. CoCN is the fourth molecule in the 3d transition metal series to exhibit the linear cyanide structure, along with the Zn, Cu, and Ni analogs. The preference for this geometry, as opposed to the isocyanide form, may indicate a greater degree of covalent bonding in these species.