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At least 199 records · Page 11

Development of Density Functional Tight-Binding Parameters Using Relative Energy Fitting and Particle Swarm Optimization

We provide a strategy to optimize density functional tight-binding (DFTB) parameterization for the calculation of the structures and properties of organic molecules consisting of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. We utilize an objective function based on similarity measurements and the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method to find an optimal set of parameters. This objective function considers not only the common DFTB descriptors of binding energies and atomic forces but also incorporates relative energies of isomers into the fitting procedure for more chemistry-driven results. The quality in the description of the binding energies and atomic forces is measured based on the Ballester similarity index and relative energies through a similarity index induced by the Levenshtein edit distance to quantify the correct energetic order of isomers. Training and testing datasets were created to include all relevant chemical functional groups. Finally, the accuracy of this strategy is assessed, and its range of applicability is discussed by comparison against our previous parameterization. The improved performance of the new DFTB parameterization is validated with respect to the density functional theory large datasets QM-9 and ANI-1, where excellent agreement is found between the structures and properties available in these datasets, and the ones obtained with DFTB.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Nuclear Data Sheets for A=100

Here, evaluated experimental data are presented for 15 known nuclides of mass 100 (Kr, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn). Recommended values are given for level parameters, γ and β radiations, and other spectroscopic information. No excited states are known in 100 Rb and 100 Sn. Except for isotopic identification, no information is available for the decay of the 100 Kr isotope, and limited information is known about the decay properties of the 100 Sn isotope. According to Fig. 2 (A/Q versus counts plot) and as mentioned in the text in 2021Su01, 100 Br isotope was not observed, although, discovery of 101 Br was claimed in this work. In the case of 100 Pd, the agreement in the orderings of the γ-ray cascades and γ-ray inventory between various studies of high-spin structures remains poor at high excitation energies (>9 MeV). For 100 Y, the assignments of the two previously known half-lives to the respective states (g.s. and the 145-keV isomer) remain to be established. Here, this work supersedes earlier full evaluations of A=100 by 2008Si01, 1997Si09, 1990Si05 and 1974Ko37.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

57Fe Mössbauer isomer shift of pure iron and iron oxides at high pressure—An experimental and theoretical study

The 57Fe isomer shift (IS) of pure iron has been measured up to 100 GPa using synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy in the time domain. Apart from the expected discontinuity due to the α→ε structural and spin transitions, the IS decreases monotonically with increasing pressure. The absolute shifts were reproduced without semi-empirical calibrations by periodic density functional calculations employing extensive localized basis sets with several common density functionals. However, the best numerical agreement is obtained with the B1WC hybrid functional. Extension of the calculations to 350 GPa, a pressure corresponding to the Earth’s inner core, predicted the IS range of 0.00 to -0.85 mm/s, covering the span from Fe(0) to Fe(VI) compounds measured at ambient pressure. The calculations also reproduced the pressure trend from polymorphs of prototypical iron oxide minerals, FeO and Fe2O3. Analysis of the electronic structure shows a strong donation of electrons from oxygen to iron at high pressure. The assignment of formal oxidation to the Fe atom becomes ambiguous under this condition.

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Quantifying how the cis/trans ratio of N,N -dimethyl-3,5-dimethylpiperidinium hydroxide impacts the growth kinetics, composition and local structure of SSZ-39

This work integrates experiments and computational methods to quantify how the cis/trans ratio of the OSDA used in SSZ-39 synthesis impacts the crystallization kinetics, material properties, and final product composition. The crystallization kinetics increase by 30% when increasing the trans isomer content from 14% to 80%. Per prior work, in all cases based on the synthesis gel composition and product yield aluminum is the limiting reagent, and the absence of any amorphous material detected in the time resolved PXRD studies leads us to conclude that FAU dissolution is the rate limiting step in the formation of SSZ-39 in this synthesis protocol. The TGA and NMR results suggest that the trans isomer of OSDA is selectively incorporated into the product. The NMR binding studies, and corresponding DFT-based results show that the trans isomer binds to FAU more strongly than the cis isomer, providing one possible explanation for this enhancement in kinetics and preferential uptake of the trans isomer. The EDS analysis indicates that the Si/Al ratios are between 7.7 and 8.6 at low and high trans OSDA content, indicating zeolite composition is mildly sensitive to the trans isomer content. EDS results show this decrease in aluminum content leads to a corresponding decrease in sodium uptake. DFT-based calculations confirm OSDA–sodium interactions cannot explain any decrease in sodium uptake, reinforcing lower aluminum content as the cause of lower sodium uptake. Preliminary cobalt titration experiments show a surprisingly low cobalt uptake but also show a clear dependence of the cobalt uptake on the solution pH.

Cui, Zheng [Tulane University, New Orleans, LA (Un↗

Asymmetric linker generates intrinsically disordered metal–organic framework with local MOF-74 structure

Here, we report an intrinsically disordered MOF in the MOF-74 family, Mg 2−x (as-dobpdc) (as-dobpdc 4− = 3′,4-dioxidobiphenyl-3,4′-dicarboxylate). Despite the absence of crystallinity, this material exhibits local ordering consistent with that of its crystalline isomers, maintains porosity, and exhibits a high density of open metal sites. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are typically valued for their combination of crystallinity, porosity, and tunability. However, amorphous MOFs can retain local order while introducing advantages, such as broader distribution of active sites types, reduced thermal conductivity, and emergent modes of tunability via control over the type of disorder. Conventional amorphization strategies rely on external stimuli including pressure, temperature, stress, electrical discharge, or fast precipitation. Recently, amorphous MOFs have been accessed directly using low symmetry organic linkers.

Dinakar, Bhavish [Massachusetts Institute of Techn↗

Substituent Effects on the Electronic Spectroscopy of Four-Carbon Criegee Intermediates

Atmospheric ozonolysis of biogenic and anthropogenic alkenes generates zwitterionic carbonyl oxide intermediates (R 1 R 2 C=O + O – ), known as Criegee intermediates, with different structural motifs and conformations. This study reports a systematic laboratory study of substituent effects on the electronic spectroscopy of four-carbon Criegee intermediates (CIs) with methyl–ethyl (MECI) and isopropyl (IPCI) groups, which are isomers produced in ozonolysis of asymmetric branched alkenes. The four-carbon CIs are separately generated by an alternative synthetic route, and spectroscopically characterized on the strong π* ← π transition associated with the carbonyl oxide group in a pulsed supersonic expansion with VUV photoionization at 118 nm and UV-induced depletion of the m/z 88 signal. The resultant broad and unstructured UV spectral features for MECI and IPCI are peaked at ca. 320 and 330 nm, respectively, with large absorption cross-sections of ca. 10 –17 cm 2 . Comparisons are made with the four-carbon CIs formed in isoprene ozonolysis, methyl vinyl ketone oxide (MVK-oxide) and methacrolein oxide (MACR-oxide), which have the same backbone connectivity as MECI and IPCI but have extended conjugation across the vinyl and carbonyl groups. A remarkable 50 nm shift of the peak absorption to longer wavelength is observed for MVK-oxide and MACR-oxide compared to MECI and IPCI, respectively. Furthermore, vertical excitation energies computed theoretically agree well with the experimental findings, confirming that the spectral shifts are caused by the extended π conjugation in the isoprene-derived Criegee intermediates.

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From the laboratory to space: unveiling isomeric diversity of C 5 H 2 in the reaction of tricarbon (C 3 , X 1 Σ g + ) with the vinyl radical (C 2 H 3 , X 2 A′)

By connecting laboratory dynamics with cosmic observables, this work highlights the critical role of reactions between highly reactive species in shaping the molecular inventory of the interstellar medium and opens new windows into the spectroscopically elusive corners of astrochemical complexity. The gas phase formation of distinct C 5 H 2 isomers is explored through the bimolecular reaction of tricarbon (C 3 , X 1 Σ + g ) with the vinyl radical (C 2 H 3 , X 2 A′) at a collision energy of 44 ± 1 kJ mol −1 employing the crossed molecular beam technique augmented by electronic structure and Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) calculations. This barrierless and exoergic reaction follows indirect dynamics and is initiated by the addition of tricarbon to the radical center of the vinyl radical forming a Cs symmetric doublet collisional complex (CCCCHCH 2 ). Subsequent low-barrier isomerization steps culminate in the resonantly stabilized 2,4-pentadiynyl-1 radical (CHCCCCH 2 ), which decomposes via atomic hydrogen loss. Statistical calculations identify linear, triplet pentadiynylidene (p2, X 3 Σ − g ) as the dominant product, while singlet carbenes ethynylcyclopropenylidene (p1, X 1 A′), pentatetraenylidene (p3, X 1 A 1 ), and ethynylpropadienylidene (p4, X 1 A′) are formed with lower branching ratios. The least stable isomer, 2-cyclopropen-1-ylidenethenylidene (‘eiffelene’; p5, X 1 A 1 ), remains thermodynamically feasible, but exhibits negligible branching ratios. Two isomers detected in TMC-1 to date (p1 and p3) possess significant dipole moments making them amenable to radio telescopic observations, whereas linear pentadiynylidene (p2; D ∞h ) is only traceable via infrared spectroscopy or through its cyanopentadiynylidene derivative (HCCCCCCN). This study highlights the isomer diversity accessed in the low temperature hydrocarbon chemistry of barrierless and exoergic bimolecular reactions involving two unstable, reactants in cold molecular clouds.

Medvedkov, Iakov A. [University of Hawai'i at Mano↗

A Photoresponsive Receptor with a 10 5 Magnitude of Reversible Anion-Binding Switching

In a leap toward anion separation that uses only energy input for binding and release cycles, we report herein a new class of photoswitchable anion receptors featuring a diiminoguanidinium functionality that displays a change of more than five orders of magnitude in switched-off binding strength towards sulfate, a representative oxyanion, upon photoirradiation with UV light. Additionally, the (E,E)-2-pyridyl-diiminoguanidinium cation, synthesized as the triflate salt, binds sulfate with extraordinary strength in [D6]DMSO owing to its bidentate guanidinium hydrogen bonding, which can chelate the O-S-O edge of sulfate. Upon photoisomerization to the Z,Z isomer, the anion-binding site is essentially shut off by intramolecular hydrogen bonds to the 2-pyridyl substituents, as shown by anion-binding titrations, theoretical calculations, and X-ray structural analysis. This approach will allow the development of advanced anion-separation cycles that use only energy input and generate no chemical waste, and thus address challenging chemical separation problems in a more sustainable way.

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Solvent-dependent complex reaction pathways of bromoform revealed by time-resolved X-ray solution scattering and X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy

The photochemical reaction pathways of CHBr3 in solution were unveiled using two complementary X-ray techniques, time-resolved X-ray solution scattering (TRXSS) and X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy, in a wide temporal range from 100 ps to tens of microseconds. By performing comparative measurements in protic (methanol) and aprotic (methylcyclohexane) solvents, we found that the reaction pathways depend significantly on the solvent properties. In methanol, the major photoproducts are CH3OCHBr2 and HBr generated by rapid solvolysis of iso-CHBr2-Br, an isomer of CHBr3. In contrast, in methylcyclohexane, iso-CHBr2-Br returns to CHBr3 without solvolysis. In both solvents, the formation of CHBr2 and Br is a competing reaction channel. From the structural analysis of TRXSS data, we determined the structures of key intermediate species, CH3OCHBr2 and iso-CHBr2-Br in methanol and methylcyclohexane, respectively, which are consistent with the structures from density functional theory calculations.

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γ-ray measurements in fast-neutron-induced reactions on 203 Tl

Fast-neutron-induced reactions can be used to characterize reaction mechanisms, investigate nuclear structure, and impose constraints on nuclear models. Because of the difficulty in predicting such effects, experimental data are important to constrain models. Thallium isotopes located close to the doubly magic Pb 208 nucleus are important for comparison with shell-model calculations. Study the population of excited states in Tl 203 and lighter isotopes in such reactions. Our methods are as follows. γ -ray cross sections were measured. The data were taken by using the Germanium Array for Neutron-Induced Excitations spectrometer. The pulsed neutron source of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center's Weapons Neutron Research facility provided neutrons in the energy range from 1 to 300 MeV. The time-of-flight technique was used to determine the incident neutron energies. Cross sections for emission of several γ rays in 20 reaction channels were determined. Candidates for the intruder 9 / 2 - state in Tl 203 , from the odd proton in the h 9 / 2 orbital, and the first 5 + states in Tl 202 , 204 , from admixture of configurations, were identified. The excitation energy of the candidate 9 / 2 - , π h 9 / 2 state is in good agreement with the theoretical prediction from a semi-empirical weak-coupling model and its half-life is in the range of tens of nanoseconds. The feeding of a previously known isomer in Tl 202 exhibits similarities with the feeding of other isomers in this mass region.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Directed gas phase preparation of ethynylallene (H 2 CCCHCCH; X 1 A') via the crossed molecular beam reaction of the methylidyne radical (CH; X 2 Π) with vinylacetylene (H 2 CCHCCH; X 1 A')

The gas-phase bimolecular reaction of the methylidyne (CH; X 2 Π) radical with vinylacetylene (H 2 CCHCCH; X 1 A') was conducted at a collision energy of 20.3 kJ mol –1 under single collision conditions exploiting the crossed molecular beam experimental results merged with ab initio electronic structure calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. The laboratory data reveal that the bimolecular reaction proceeds barrierlessly via indirect scattering dynamics through long-lived C 5 H 5 reaction intermediate(s) ultimately dissociating to C 5 H 4 isomers along with atomic hydrogen with the latter predominantly originating from the vinylacetylene reactant as confirmed by the isotopic substitution experiments in the D1-methylidyne–vinylacetylene reaction. Combined with ab initio calculations of the potential energy surface (PES) and statistical Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) calculations, the experimental determined reaction energy of –146 ± 26 kJ mol –1 along with the distribution minimum of T(θ) at 90° and isotopic substitution experiments suggest ethynylallene (p1; ΔrG = –230 ± 4 kJ mol –1 ) as the dominant product. The ethynylallene (p1) may be formed with extensive rovibrational excitation, which would result in a lower maximum translational energy. Further, AIMD simulations reveal that the reaction dynamics leads to p1 (ethynylallene, 75%) plus atomic hydrogen with the dominant initial complex being i1 formed by methylidyne radical addition to the double C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond in vinylacetylene. Altogether, combining the crossed molecular beam experimental results with ab initio electronic structure calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, ethynylallene (p1) is expected to represent the dominant product in the reaction of the methylidyne (CH; X 2 Π) radical with vinylacetylene (H 2 CCHCCH; X 1 A').

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Effect of the chlorine substitution position of the end-group on intermolecular interactions and photovoltaic performance of small molecule acceptors

The structure–property relationships of small molecular acceptors (SMAs) are a key issue in the molecular design of new-generation acceptor materials for further improving the device efficiencies of polymer solar cells (PSCs). Herein, three couples of SMA isomers were synthesized, based on three central fused ring units and two 1,1-dicyanomethylene-3-indanone (IC) isomer electron-withdrawing terminal units with chlorine substitutions in different positions of its benzene ring: Cl-1 with chlorine on the same side as a C=O group of IC and Cl-2 with chlorine on the same side as the CN groups of IC. Through systematical investigation, we found that the chlorine substitution position of the terminal groups has a regular and significant influence on the molecular packing and photovoltaic performance of the SMAs. The molecular packing behavior of the SMAs is closely related to and determined by the configuration of their terminal groups, no matter which central fused ring of the SMAs is used. In particular, the Cl-1-based SMAs possess a stronger crystallinity with long range ordering packing in their molecular plane direction, while the more abundant and stereoscopic π–π intermolecular interaction in the Cl-2-based SMAs promotes the molecules to form three-dimensional charge transporting channels and leads to their red-shifted absorption and higher electron mobilities. Therefore, the Cl-2-based PSCs exhibit a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to that of the Cl-1-based devices, and the best PCE of a Cl-2 SMA-based PSC reached 16.42%. These results highlight the importance of the investigation of intermolecular interactions, packing and the arrangement of the SMAs in the solid-state, which may provide direct insights for exploring the relationship between the molecular structure and property of the photovoltaic materials. Moreover, we envision that if fragments such as end groups or side chains with more diverse molecular interactions are added into the design and the subsequent synthesis of the SMAs, this may be beneficial to promoting molecular π–π accumulation and further improving the molecular order, forming suitable molecular packing and morphology in the resulting blend films, and finally affecting the efficiency of the PSCs.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Decay spectroscopy of an isomeric state in Md251

Excited states in Md251 have been populated by decay of an isomeric state at Ex≈1174 keV and studied via delayed γ-ray spectroscopy. We observe the population of two rotational bands, one of which we identify as the Nilsson π72[514] ground-state band and the other we propose is based on the π92[624] configuration. From the observed decay pattern, we suggest that the isomer spin parity is 232+, with the three-quasiparticle configuration π72[514]⊗{ν72[624]⊗ν92[734]}Kπ=8−. We compare our results to theoretical predictions of the single- and multi-quasiparticle structure of Md251.

Morse, C↗

Sequential Separation of Linear, Mono–, and Di–Branched Hexane Isomers on a Robust Coordination Polymer with Nonbonding Flexibility

Efficient separation of hexane isomers is a crucial process for upgrading gasoline. Herein, the sequential separation of linear, mono-, and di-branched hexane isomers by a robust stacked 1D coordination polymer termed as Mn-dhbq ([Mn(dhbq)(H 2 O) 2 ], H 2 dhbq = 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone) is reported. The interchain space of the activated polymer is of optimal aperture size (5.58 Å) that could exclude 2,3-dimethylbutane, while the chain structure can discriminate n-hexane with high capacity (1.53 mmol g –1 at 393 K, 6.67 kPa) by high-density open metal sites (5.18 mmol g –1 ). With the temperature- and adsorbate-dependent swelling of interchain spaces, the affinity between 3-methylpentane and Mn-dhbq can be deliberately controlled from sorption to exclusion, and thus a complete separation of ternary mixture can be achieved. Column breakthrough experiments confirm the excellent separation performance of Mn-dhbq. Furthermore, the ultrahigh stability and easy scalability further highlight the application prospect of Mn-dhbq for separation of hexane isomers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Diol isomer revealed as a source of methyl ketene from propionic acid unimolecular decomposition

Carboxylic acids are important combustion intermediates, especially regarding the combustion of oxygenates such as ethyl esters. The purpose of this study is to discern the unimolecular decomposition pathways of one such carboxylic acid, propionic acid, using microreactor flow experiments with line-tunable photoionization mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy, along with high-level electronic structure calculations (CCSD(T)/cc-pV∞Z//M06-2X/cc-pVTZ level of theory) and master equation theory. Here, microreactor experiments were performed at 300–1500 K, pressures decreasing from roughly 300 Torr to vacuum pressure, and around 100 μs residence times. Primary products are methyl ketene, ketene, ethylene, and methyl radical. Theory suggests the two lowest energy bond fissions are active at these conditions and responsible for the production of ketene, methyl radical, and some ethylene. Importantly, theory revealed the significance of the isomerization of propionic acid to propene-1,1-diol, and the subsequent dehydrogenation reaction of the diol as an alternative explanation for the unimolecular formation of methyl ketene. This is predicted to be the dominant thermal decomposition pathway at lower temperatures (up to ~850 K). Line-tunable VUV photons allowed for isomer resolution of the products and showed no evidence of the diol of propionic acid surviving until detection, suggesting propene-1,1-diol decomposes either to methyl ketene and water rapidly, fragments upon ionization to a distonic ion inseparable from methyl ketene through our detection methods, or never stabilizes as propionic acid well-skips directly to methyl ketene. Infrared spectroscopy showed no evidence of the decarboxylation of propionic acid at these conditions. Updated rate constants and branching ratios for propionic acid decomposition are calculated and provided for future modeling studies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Triplet Photosensitized para -Hydrogen Induced Polarization

Despite its enormous utility in structural characterization, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is inherently limited by low spin polarization. One method to address the low polarization is para-hydrogen (p-H 2 ) induced polarization (PHIP) which uses the singlet spin isomer of H 2 to generate disparate nuclear spin populations to amplify the associated NMR signals. PHIP often relies on thermal catalysis or, more infrequently, UV-activated catalytic hydrogenation. Light-activated hydrogenation enables direct and timed control over the hyperpolarization of target substrates, critical for identifying short-lived intermediates. Here, we use an established Ir(III) triplet photosensitizer (PS) to visible light sensitize the triplet ligand-field states in the d6-transition metal dihydride Ru(CO)(PPh 3 ) 3 (H) 2 (1). Excitation inside a 9.4 T NMR spectrometer with the PS and a 420 nm blue LED, under 3 atm of p-H 2 , successfully photosensitized hyperpolarization in 1 and in a range of unsaturated substrates at and below room temperature, up to 1630-fold. In otherwise identical experimental conditions without light activation, no polarization was realized in 1 or the substrates evaluated. We believe triplet-sensitized PHIP (Trip- PHIP) represents a facile experimental means for probing triplet sensitized light activation in transition metal catalysts possessing low-lying triplet ligand-field states, providing mechanistic insight of potentially tremendous value in chemical catalysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

ThAu 2 – , ThAu 2 O – , and ThAuOH – anions: Photoelectron spectroscopic and theoretical characterization

The thorium–gold negative ions ThAu 2 – , ThAu 2 O – , and ThAuOH – have been observed and experimentally characterized by anion photoelectron spectroscopy. These experiments are accompanied by extensive ab initio electronic structure calculations using a relativistic composite methodology based primarily on coupled cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples calculations. The theoretical electron affinities (EAs) at 0 K agree with the experimental adiabatic EAs to within 0.02 eV for all species. Two separate isomers were located in the calculations for ThAuOH – , and detachment from both of these appears to be present in the photoelectron spectrum. Excited electronic states of the neutral molecules are reported at the equation of motion-coupled cluster singles and doubles level of theory. Atomization energies and heats of formation are also calculated for each neutral species and have expected uncertainties of 3 and 4 kcal/mol, respectively. The σ bonds between Th and Au are determined by natural bond orbital analysis to consist of predominately sd hybrids on Th bonding with the Au 6s orbital. In order to investigate the correspondence between the bonding in Th–Au and Th–F molecules, a limited number of calculations were also carried out on most of the F-analogs of this study. These results demonstrate that Au does behave like F in these cases, although the Th–F σ bonds are much more ionic compared to Th–Au. This results in an EA for ThF 2 that is 10 kcal/mol smaller than that of ThAu 2 . The EA values for the Th(IV) species, i.e., ThX 2 O and ThXOH, only differed, however, by 3–4 kcal/mol.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗