Stability of MX2−3ions in the gas phase and when do ionic molecules have large ionization potentials

Can anions possess bound doubly-excited electronic states?

Anions play an important role in many fields of chemistry. Many molecules possess stable anions, but these anions often do not have stable electronic excited states and the anion loses its excess electron once excited. All the known stable valence excited states of anions are singly-excited states, i.e., valence doubly-excited states have not been reported. As excited states are relevant for numerous applications, and constitute basic properties, we searched for valence doubly-excited states which are stable, i.e., exhibit energies below that of the ground state of the respective neutral molecule. We concentrated on two promising prototype candidates, the anions of the smallest endocircular carbon ring Li@C₁₂ and of the smallest endohedral fullerene Li@C₂₀. By employing accurate state-of-the-art many-electron quantum chemistry methods, we investigated the low-lying excited states of these anions and found that they possess several low-lying stable singly-excited states and, in particular, a stable doubly-excited state each. It is noteworthy that the found doubly-excited state of Li@C₁₂^- possesses a cumulenic carbon ring in sharp contrast to the ground and singly-excited states. The findings shed light on how to design anions with stable valence singly- and doubly-excited states. Possible applications are mentioned.

Small lithium-chloride clusters: Superalkalis, superhalogens, supersalts and nanocrystals

In the present paper, the results of the theoretical investigation of the small lithium-chloride clusters are reported. The geometrical structures, electronic and thermodynamic stability of superalkalis, superhalogens, and their single and double charged ions are obtained using efficient and accurate quantum chemistry methods. Further, low-lying isomers of the Li_n Cl_n ( n = 2 - 5 ) clusters and their stability parameters are calculated. Two ways of formation of the Li_n Cl_n clusters, polymerization of LiCl fragments and combination of superalkalis and superhalogen clusters, are compared. By examination the lattice energy and the average Li-Cl bond length in rectangular Li_n Cl_n ( n ≤ 60 ) clusters, it was concluded that already 50 LiCl are enough to mostly resembles the structure and stability of the bulk LiCl.

Small gas-phase dianions of Zn3O42−, Zn4O52−, CuZn2O42−, Si2GeO62−, Ti2O52−and Ti3O72−

We have searched for new species of small oxygen-containing gas-phase dianions produced in a secondary ion mass spectrometer by Cs+ ion bombardment of solid samples with simultaneous exposure of their surfaces to O2 gas. The targets were a pure zinc metal foil, a copper-contaminated zinc-based coin, two silicon-germanium samples (Si(1-x)Ge(x)(with x= 6.5% or 27%)) and a piece of titanium metal. The novel dianions Zn3O(4)(2-), Zn4O(5)(2-), CuZn2O(4)(2-), Si2GeO(6)(2-), Ti2O(5)(2-) and Ti3O(7)(2-) have been observed at half-integer m/z values in the negative ion mass spectra. The heptamer dianions Zn3O(4)(2-) and Ti2O(5)(2-) have been unambiguously identified by their isotopic abundances. Their flight times through the mass spectrometer are approximately 20 micros and approximately 17 micros, respectively. The geometrical structures of the two heptamer dianions Ti2O(5)(2-), and Zn3O(4)(2-) are investigated using ab initio methods, and the identified isomers are compared to those of the novel Ge2O(5)(2-) and the known Si2O(5)(2-) and Be3O(4)(2-) dianions.

Structure of the Na(x)Cl(x+1) (-) (x=1-4) clusters via ab initio genetic algorithm and photoelectron spectroscopy

The application of the ab initio genetic algorithm with an embedded gradient has been carried out for the elucidation of global minimum structures of a series of anionic sodium chloride clusters, Na(x)Cl(x+1) (-) (x=1-4), produced in the gas phase using electrospray ionization and studied by photoelectron spectroscopy. These are all superhalogen species with extremely high electron binding energies. The vertical electron detachment energies for Na(x)Cl(x+1) (-) were measured to be 5.6, 6.46, 6.3, and 7.0 eV, for x=1-4, respectively. Our ab initio gradient embedded genetic algorithm program detected the linear global minima for NaCl(2) (-) and Na(2)Cl(3) (-) and three-dimensional structures for the larger species. Na(3)Cl(4) (-) was found to have C(3v) symmetry, which can be viewed as a Na(4)Cl(4) cube missing a corner Na(+) cation, whereas Na(4)Cl(5) (-) was found to have C(4v) symmetry, close to a 3x3 planar structure. Excellent agreement between the theoretically calculated and the experimental spectra was observed, confirming the obtained structures and demonstrating the power of the developed genetic algorithm technique.

New stable multiply charged negative atomic ions in linearly polarized superintense laser fields

Singly charged negative atomic ions exist in the gas phase and are of fundamental importance in atomic and molecular physics. However, theoretical calculations and experimental results clearly exclude the existence of any stable doubly-negatively-charged atomic ion in the gas phase, only one electron can be added to a free atom in the gas phase. In this report, using the high-frequency Floquet theory, we predict that in a linear superintense laser field one can stabilize multiply charged negative atomic ions in the gas phase. We present self-consistent field calculations for the linear superintense laser fields needed to bind extra one and two electrons to form He-, He2-, and Li2-, with detachment energies dependent on the laser intensity and maximal values of 1.2, 0.12, and 0.13 eV, respectively. The fields and frequencies needed for binding extra electrons are within experimental reach. This method of stabilization is general and can be used to predict stability of larger multiply charged negative atomic ions.

A small and stable covalently bound trianion

Stable doubly charged anions have become well known over the past decade, but the knowledge about higher-charged molecules is still sparse. Especially the minimum size of a covalently bound trianion which is still stable is an open question. Here, we present the smallest trianion of this kind known up to now, namely, B(C(2)CO(2))(3) (3-). After establishing its geometrical parameters, we investigate its stability with respect to electron autodetachment and fragmentation of the molecular framework. Our results lend strong support to the notion that this trianion indeed represents a stable compound which should be observable in the gas phase.

Small gas-phase dianions produced by sputtering and gas flooding

We have extended our previous experiment [Schauer et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 65, 625 (1990)] where we had produced small gas-phase dianion clusters of C(n) (2-)(n > or =7) by means of sputtering a graphite surface by Cs(+) ion bombardment. Our detection sensitivity for small C(n) (2-) could now be increased by a factor of about 50 for odd n. Nevertheless, a search for the elusive pentamer dianion of C(5) (2-) was not successful. As an upper limit, the sputtered flux of C(5) (2-) must be at least a factor of 5000 lower than that of C(7) (2-), provided that the lifetime of C(5) (2-) is sufficiently long to allow its detection by mass spectrometry. When oxygen gas (flooding with either O(2) or with N(2)O) was supplied to the Cs(+)-bombarded graphite surface, small dianions of OC(n) (2-)(5< or =n < or =14) and O(2)C(7) (2-) were observed in addition to C(n) (2-)(n > or =7). Similarly, Cs(+) sputtering of graphite with simultaneous SF(6) gas flooding produced SC(n) (2-)(6< or =n< or =18). Mixed nitrogen-carbon or fluorine-carbon dianion clusters could not be observed by these means. Attempts to detect mixed metal-fluoride dianions for SF(6) gas flooding of various Cs(+)-bombarded metal surfaces were successful for the case of Zr, where metastable ZrF(6) (2-) was observed. Cs(+) bombardment of a silicon carbide (SiC) wafer produced SiC(n) (2-) (n=6,8,10). When oxygen gas was supplied to the Cs(+)-bombarded SiC surface, small dianions of SiOC(n) (2-) (n=4,6,8) and of SiO(2)C(n) (2-) (n=4,6) as well as a heavier unidentified dianion (at mz=98.5) were observed. For toluene (C(7)H(8)) vapor flooding of a Cs(+)-bombarded graphite surface, several hydrocarbon dianion clusters of C(n)H(m) (2-)(n> or =7) were produced in addition to C(n) (2-)(n> or =7), while smaller C(n)H(m) (2-) with n< or =6 could not be observed. BeC(n) (2-) (n=4,6,8,10), Be(2)C(6) (2-), as well as BeC(8)H(m) (2-) (with m=2 and/or m=1) were observed for toluene vapor flooding of a Cs(+)-bombarded beryllium metal foil. The metastable pentamer (9)Be(12)C(4) (2-) at mz=28.5 was the smallest and lightest dianion molecule that we could detect. The small dianion clusters of SC(n) (2-), OC(n) (2-), BeC(n) (2-), and SiO(m)C(n) (2-) (m=0,1,2) have different abundance patterns. A resemblance exists between the abundance patterns of BeC(n) (2-) and SiC(n) (2-), even though calculated molecular structures of BeC(6) (2-) and SiC(6) (2-) are different. The abundance pattern of SC(n) (2-) is fairly similar to that of C(n) (2-).

MX3- Superhalogens (M = Be, Mg, Ca; X = Cl, Br): A Photoelectron Spectroscopic and ab Initio Theoretical Study

Gas-phase alkaline earth halide anions, MgX3(-) and CaX3(-) (X = Cl, Br), were produced using electrospray and investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy at 157 nm. Extremely high electron binding energies were observed for all species and their first vertical detachment energies were measured as 6.60 +/- 0.04 eV for MgCl3(-), 6.00 +/- 0.04 eV for MgBr3(-), 6.62 +/- 0.04 eV for CaCl3(-), and 6.10 +/- 0.04 eV for CaBr3(-). The high electron binding energies indicate these are very stable anions and they belong to a class of anions, called superhalogens. Theoretical calculations at several levels of theory were carried out on these species, as well as the analogous BeX3(-). Vertical detachment energy spectra were predicted to compare with the experimental observations, and good agreement was obtained for all species. The first adiabatic detachment energies were found to be substantially lower (by about 1 eV) than the corresponding vertical detachment energies for all the MX3(-) species, indicating extremely large geometry changes between MX3(-) and MX3. We found that all the MX3(-) anions possess D3h ((1)A1') structures and are extremely stable against dissociation into MX2 and X-. The corresponding neutral species MX3, however, were found to be only weakly bound with respect to dissociation toward MX2 + X. The global minimum structures of all the MX3 neutrals were found to be C2v ((2)B2), which can be described as (X2(-))(MX+) charge-transfer complexes, whereas the MX2...X (C2v, (2)B1) van der Waals complexes were shown to be low-lying isomers.

Stable and Long-Lived Trianions in the Gas Phase

Stable doubly charged anions have become well known over the past decade, but the knowledge about higher charged molecules is still sparse. In this article, we discuss the current status of trianions. The different species, both from experimental and theoretical work, are classified according to their bonding characteristics, that is, ionic, metallic, or covalent. Both stability with respect to electron autodetachment and with respect to dissociation is covered. New results on the currently smallest stable covalently bound trianion are also shown. Last, we outline future perspectives in the field of multiply charged anions.

First-principles T-matrix calculations of double-ionization energy spectra of atoms and molecules

Strong electron correlation plays an important role in the determination of double ionization energy, which is required for removing or adding two electrons, particularly in small-sized systems. Starting from the state-of-the-art GW approximation, we evaluate the particle-particle ladder diagrams up to the infinite order by solving the Bethe-Salpeter equation of the T-matrix theory to calculate the double-ionization energy spectra of atoms and molecules (Be, Mg, Ca, Ne, Ar, Kr, CO, C(2)H(2), Li(2), Na(2), and K(2)) from first principles. The ladder diagrams up to the infinite order are significant to calculations of double-ionization energy spectra. The present results are in good agreement with available experimental data as well as the previous calculations using, e.g., the configuration-interaction method.

Influence of delocalization on the stability of dianions: study of a systematic series of dianions with growing electronic localization

The electronic stability of a dianion is influenced by the degree of delocalization of its electrons, but it is generally not possible to separate this influence from other effects. Here, we investigate by theoretical means the sequence of dianions consisting of phen-1,4-ylenbis(ethynide) and seven of its derivatives obtained by hydrogenating the benzene core in several steps. These dianions are structurally similar and mainly differ by the degree of delocalization of their electrons. We present geometries and electron detachment energies computed at a correlated level of theory. The results point to a classification of the eight dianions in three distinct groups of electronic stability. We are able to explain this grouping by a simple resonance structure picture, which demonstrates why the dianions with more delocalized electrons are less stable.

Gas-phase stability of derivatives of the closo-hexaborate dianion B(6)H(6)(2-)

B(6)H(6)(2-) does not represent a stable gas-phase dianion, but emits spontaneously one of its excess electrons in the gas phase. In this work we address the question whether small stable gas-phase dianions can be constructed from the parent B(6)H(6)(2-) dianion by substitution of the hydrogens with appropriate ligands. Various hexa-, tetra-, and disubstituted derivatives B(6)L(6)(2-), B(6)H(2)L(4)(2-), and B(6)H(4)L(2)(2-) (L = F, Cl, CN, NC, or BO) are investigated with ab initio methods in detail. Four stable hexasubstituted B(6)L(6)(2-) (L = Cl, CN, NC, or BO) and three stable B(6)H(2)L(4)(2-) (L = CN, NC, or BO) gas-phase dianions could be identified and predicted to be observable in the gas phase. The trends in the electron-detachment energies depending on various ligands are discussed and understood in the underlying electrostatic pattern and the electronegativities of the involved elements.

Cyclic carbon cluster dianions and their aromaticity

Cyclic carbon cluster dianions (CC(2))(2-)(n)(n = 3-6) are investigated by ab initio methods with regard to their geometric properties, electronic stability, and aromaticity. The unique wheel-like structures of these dianions consist of a n-membered carbon ring, where a C(2) unit is attached to each carbon atom. All investigated dianions represent stable gas-phase dianions. While the smallest member of this family (CC(2))(2-)(3) is clearly aromatic, the aromatic character decreases rapidly with increasing ring size. The geometries and the aromaticity of the cyclic clusters (CC(2))(2-)(n)(n = 3-6) can be nicely explained using resonance structure arguments.

Multiply charged metal cluster anions

Formation and stability patterns of silver dianionic and gold trianionic clusters are investigated with Penning-trap experiments and a shell-correction method including shape deformations. The theoretical predictions pertaining to the appearance sizes and electronic shell effects are in remarkable agreement with the experiments. Decay of the multiply anionic clusters occurs predominantly by electron tunneling through a Coulomb barrier rather than via fission, leading to appearance sizes unrelated to those of multiply cationic clusters.

A trigonal planar mu 3-fluorido coinage metal complex from a dicationic (diphosphinomethane)copper(I) dimer: syntheses, structures, and bonding

The triflate and hexafluorophosphate salts of [Cu2(mu-dtbpm)2]2+ (1(2+)) [dtbpm = bis(di-tert-butylphosphino)methane, tBu2PCH2PtBu2] and of [Cu3(mu 3-F)(mu-dtbpm)3]2+ (2(2+)) were synthesized and characterized. Coordination of solvent or counterions to 1(2+) is observed neither in solution nor in the solid state. The two copper(I) centers in 1(2+) indicate weak d10-d10 closed-shell interactions. 1(2+) reacts slowly with PF6- anions in acetone or KF in CH2Cl2 to yield the mu 3-fluorido complex 2(2+) with idealized D3 symmetry, containing a trigonal planar Cu3F core, as shown by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Distinct structural differences are observed compared to monocationic bicapped, trinuclear copper(I) dppm halide complexes [dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, Ph2PCH2PPh2]. The average Cu-Cu, Cu-F, and Cu-P distances and the P-Cu-P' angle in 2(2+) are 3.85, 2.22, and 2.28 A and 144.3 degrees, respectively. The P2Cu units are twisted out of the Cu3F plane by an average angle of 18.4 degrees. DFT calculations (BPW91/LANL2DZ) for the model [Cu3(mu 3-F)(mu-dhpm)3]2+ (dhpm = diphosphinomethane, H2PCH2PH2) are used to explain the formation, structure, and bonding pattern of 2(2+).