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At least 19 records

Electronic and vibrational spectra of matrix isolated anthracene radical cations - Experimental and theoretical aspects

The IR vibrational and visible/UV electronic absorption spectra of the anthracene cation, An(+), were studied experimentally, in argon matrices at 12 K, as well as theoretically, using ab initio calculations for the vibrational modes and enhanced semiempirical methods with configuration interaction for the electronic spectra. It was found that both approaches predicted well the observed photoelectron spectrum. The theoretical IR intensities showed some remarkable differences between neutral and ionized species (for example, the CH in-plane bending modes and CC in-plane stretching vibrations were predicted to increase by several orders of magnitude upon ionization). Likewise, estimated experimental IR intensities showed a significant increase in the cation band intensities over the neutrals. The implication of these findings for the hypothesis that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon cations are responsible for the unidentified IR emission bands from interstellar space is discussed.

Szczepanski, Jan↗

Electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of the tetrathiafulvalene /TTF/ pseudohalides, /TTF/12/SCN/7 and /TTF/12/SeCN/7

The electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of charge-transfer salts containing tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and the pseudohalides, thiocyanate (SCN) and selenocyanate (SeCN), have been investigated. These salts are quasi-one-dimensional compounds containing cation radicals only, in contrast to a cation-radical-anion-radical system, such as tetrathiafulvalene tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF) (TCNQ). Measurements of electrical conductivity, thermoelectric power, and optical reflectivity of single crystals of the nonstoichiometric salts (TTF)12(SCN)7 and (TTF)12(SeCN)7 show metal-like characteristics above 200 K (high-temperature region). The conductivities at room temperature are approximately 750 mho/cm comparable to those found in (TTF) (TCNQ), and increase with decreasing temperature down to approximately 200 K. The thermoelectric power at room temperature is small and positive (approximately 9 microvolts/deg K), and decreases linearly with decreasing temperature in this region (as expected for metal-like hole conduction along the TTF chains). The ESR intensity, however, decreases with decreasing temperature above 200 K. At 170 K a metal-nonmetal transition occurs, and the transport and magnetic properties below this temperature are characteristic of a semiconducting state.

Somoano, R. B.↗

The electrical and magnetic properties of /TTF//I/-sub 0.71

The synthesis and transport properties of the salts (TTF) (iodine)-sub x have been investigated. These salts are quasi-one-dimensional compounds containing cation radicals only, in contrast to the cation radical-anion radical systems such as (TTF)(TCNQ). The phase diagram of (TTF)(I)-sub x is discussed, and found to consist of two nonconducting, stoichiometric phases, x = 2.0 and 3.0, and two conducting, nonstoichiometric phases, x = 0.71 and 2.3. The transport properties of (TTF)(I)-sub 0.71 are discussed in detail. This phase is highly conducting, undergoes a sharp transition to a less conducting state at 210 K, and exhibits an unusual hysteresis in some of the transport properties upon thermal cycling. The nature of the high-temperature ground state is examined.

Somoano, R. B.↗

Time Dependent Density Functional Theory Calculations of Large Compact PAH Cations: Implications for the Diffuse Interstellar Bands

We investigate the electronic absorption spectra of several maximally pericondensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radical cations with time dependent density functional theory calculations. We find interesting trends in the vertical excitation energies and oscillator strengths for this series containing pyrene through circumcoronene, the largest species containing more than 50 carbon atoms. We discuss the implications of these new results for the size and structure distribution of the diffuse interstellar band carriers.

Weisman, Jennifer L.↗

Ionized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in space

The mid-infrared spectrum of a continuously increasing number of stellar objects, planetary and reflection nebulae, H-II regions and extragalactic sources show a distinctive set of broad emission features at 3.3, 3.4, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.3 micron known collectively as the unidentified infrared emission bands. A model is summarized in which the bands arise from positively charged polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAH's) on the basis of their low ionization potential and the excellent agreement between the emission bands and laboratory spectra of auto exhaust which contains these types of molecules. The proposed presence of PAHs in such a variety of objects points to their presence in the interstellar medium. Out of a previously published collection of solid state PAH radical cation spectra five were selected on the basis of the unique thermodynamic stability of their carrier and compared directly to the wavelengths of the DIB's. Although the match seems quite favorable, strongly suggesting that PAH radicals are the long sought after carrier of the diffuse interstellar absorption bands, much laboratory work must be done to test this hypothesis.

Barker, J.↗

Bisannelation with a benzo(1,2-c:4,5-c-prime) difuran equivalent - A new route to linear acene derivatives

It was observed that the base peak in the mass spectra of all the Diels-Alder bis adducts of anthracene diendoxide as well as of its tetrahydro derivative appear at m/e 158, corresponding to the radical cation of benzo(1,2-c:4,5-c-prime) difuran (BDF). This paper describes a synthetic equivalent of BDF and demonstrates its utility for obtaining linear acene derivatives.

Luo, Jihmei↗

The Production of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Anions in Inert Gas Matrices Doped with Alkali Metals. Electronic Absorption Spectra of the Pentacene Anion (C22H14(-))

The absorption spectra of pentacene (C22H14) and its radical cation (C22H14(+)) and anion (C22H14(-)) isolated in inert-gas matrices of Ne, Ar, and Kr are reported from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared. The associated vibronic band systems and their spectroscopic assignments are discussed together with the physical and chemical conditions governing ion (and counterion) production in the solid matrix. In particular, the formation of isolated pentacene anions is found to be optimized in matrices doped with alkali metal (Na and K).

Halasinski, Thomas M.↗

A Theoretical Investigation of the Infrared Spectroscopic Properties of Closed-Shell Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Cations

Density functional theory has been employed to calculate the harmonic frequencies and intensities of a range of PAH cations which explore both size and electronic structure effects on the infrared spectroscopic of these species. The sample extends the size range of PAH species considered to more than 50 carbon atoms and includes several representatives from each of two heretofore unexplored categories of PAH cations: (1) fully benzenoid PAH cations whose carbon skeleton is composed of an odd number of carbon atoms and (2) protonated PAH cations. Unlike the radical electronic structures of the PAH cations that have been the subject of previous theoretical and experimental work, the species in these two classes have a closed-shell electronic configuration. The calculated spectra of circumcoronene, C54H18, in both neutral and (radical) cationic form are also reported and compared to those of the other species. Closed-shell species are inherently less reactive than radical (or open-shell) cations and are known to play a role in combustion chemistry. Since interstellar PAHs are typically exposed to abundant atomic hydrogen and are thought to originate under pseudo-combustion conditions in carbon-rich circumstellar shells, such species may represent an important component of the interstellar PAH population. Furthermore, species larger than 50 carbon atoms are more representative of the size of the typical interstellar PAH. Overall, as has been the case for previous studies of PAH radical cations, the general pattern of band positions and intensities are consistent with that of the interstellar infrared emission spectrum. In addition, the spectra of closed-shell and open-shell cations are found to converge with increasing molecular size and are found to be relatively similar for species containing about 50 carbon atoms.

Hudgins, Douglas M.↗

Closed-Shell Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Cations: A New Category of Interstellar Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Density functional theory has been employed to calculate the harmonic frequencies and intensities of a range of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) cations that explore both size and electronic structure effects of the infrared spectroscopic properties of these species. The sample extends the size range of PAH species considered to more than 50 carbon atoms and includes several representatives from each of two heretofore unexplored categories of PAH cations: (1) fully benzenoid PAH cations whose carbon skeleton is composed of an odd number of carbon atoms (C(sub odd) PAHs); and (2) protonated PAH cations (HPAH+). Unlike the radical electronic structures of the PAH cations that have been the subject of previous theoretical and experimental work, the species in these two classes have a closed-shell electronic configuration. The calculated spectra of circumcoronene, C54H18 in both neutral and (radical) cationic form are also reported and compared with those of the other species. Overall, the C(sub odd) PAHs spectra are dominated by strong CC stretching modes near 1600 cm(exp -1) and display spectra that are remarkably insensitive to molecular size. The HPAH+ species evince a more complex spectrum consistent with the added contributions of aliphatic modes and their generally lower symmetry. Finally, for both classes of closed-shell cations, the intensity of the aromatic CH stretching modes is found to increase with molecular size far out of proportion with the number of CH groups, approaching a value more typical of neutral PAHs for the largest species studied.

Hudgins, Douglas M.↗

Dissociative Ionization of Aromatic and Heterocyclic Molecules

Space radiation poses a major health hazard to humans in space flight. The high-energy charged particles in space radiation ranging from protons to high atomic number, high-energy (HZE) particles, and the secondary species they produce, attack DNA, cells, and tissues. Of the potential hazards, long-term health effects such as carcinogenesis are likely linked to the DNA lesions caused by secondary electrons in the 1 - 30 eV range. Dissociative ionization (DI) is one of the electron collision processes that can damage the DNA, either directly by causing a DNA lesion, or indirectly by producing radicals and cations that attack the DNA. To understand this process, we have developed a theoretical model for DI. Our model makes use of the fact that electron motion is much faster than nuclear motion and assumes DI proceeds through a two-step process. The first step is electron-impact ionization resulting in a particular state of the molecular ion in the geometry of the neutral molecule. In the second step the ion undergoes unimolecular dissociation. Thus the DI cross section sigma(sup DI)(sub a) for channel a is given by sigma(sup DI)(sub a) = sigma(sup I)(sub a) P(sub D) with sigma(sup I)(sub a) the ionization cross section of channel a and P(sub D) the dissociation probability. This model has been applied to study the DI of H2O, NH3, and CH4, with results in good agreement with experiment. The ionization cross section sigma(sup I)(sub a) was calculated using the improved binary encounter-dipole model and the unimolecular dissociation probability P(sub D) obtained by following the minimum energy path determined by the gradients and Hessians of the electronic energy with respect to the nuclear coordinates of the ion. This model is used to study the DI from the low-lying channels of benzene and pyridine to understand the different product formation in aromatic and heterocyclic molecules. DI study of the DNA base thymine is underway. Solvent effects will also be discussed.

Huo, Winifred M.↗

Polymerization Initiated at the Sidewalls of Carbon Nanotubes

A process has been developed for growing polymer chains via anionic, cationic, or radical polymerization from the side walls of functionalized carbon nanotubes, which will facilitate greater dispersion in polymer matrices, and will greatly enhance reinforcement ability in polymeric material.

Tour, James M.↗

The Reactions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with OH

The OH radical adds to naphthalene and naphthalene cation without a barrier. For the neutrals, the most favorable path for this intermediate is the loss of the OH, and the next most favorable option is the loss of an H atom to form the alcohol. For the cation, the most favorable path appears to be a hydrogen migration followed by the loss of a hydrogen to form the alcohol. The OH at carbon atom 1 is energetically most favorable for both the initial complex and final product. This is true for both the neutrals and cations.

Ricca, Alessandra↗

Vibrational Spectroscopy of Ions and Radicals Present in the Interstellar Medium and in Planetary Atmospheres: A Theoretical Study

Anharmonic vibrational frequencies and intensities are calculated for OH(H2O)n and H(H2O)n radicals (that form on icy particles of the interstellar medium), HCO radical (the main intermediate in the synthesis of organic molecules in space), NH2(-) and C2H(-) anions, H5(+) cation, and other systems relevant to interstellar chemistry. In addition to pure ions and radicals, their complexes with water are studied to assess the effects of water environment on infrared spectra. The calculations are performed using the correlation-corrected vibrational self-consistent field (CC-VSCF) method with ab initio potential surfaces at the MP2 and CCSD(T) levels. Fundamental, overtone, and combination excitations are computed. The results are in good agreement with available experimental data and provide reliable predictions for vibrational excitations not yet measured in laboratory experiments. The data should be useful for interpretation of astronomically observed spectra and identification of ions and radicals present in the interstellar medium and in planetary atmospheres.

Chaban, Galina M.↗

Electronically Excited States of Anistropically Extended Singly-Deprotonated PAH Anions

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) play a significant role in the chemistry of the interstellar medium (ISM) as well as in hydrocarbon combustion. These molecules can have high levels of diversity with the inclusion of heteroatoms and the addition or removal of hydrogens to form charged or radical species. There is an abundance of data on the cationic forms of these molecules, but there have been many fewer studies on the anionic species. The present study focuses on the anionic forms of deprotonated PAHs. It has been shown in previous work that PAHs containing nitrogen heteroatoms (PANHs) have the ability to form valence excited states giving anions electronic absorption features. This work analyzes how the isoelectronic pure PAHs behave under similar structural constructions. Singly-deprotonated forms of benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, and teteracene classes are examined. None of the neutral-radicals possess dipole moments large enough to support dipole-bound excited states in their corresponding closed-shell anions. Even though the PANH anion derivatives support valence excited states for three-ringed structures, it is not until four-ringed structures of the pure PAH anion derivatives that valence excited states are exhibited. However, anisotropically-extended PAHs larger than tetracene will likely exhibit valence excited states. The relative energies for the anion isomers are very small for all of the systems in this study.

Theis, Mallory L.↗

Electronic absorption spectroscopy of matrix-isolated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon cations. I - The naphthalene cation (C10H8/+/)

The ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared absorption spectra of naphthalene (C10H8) and its radical ion (C10H8/+/), formed by vacuum ultraviolet irradiation, were measured in argon and neon matrices at 4.2 K. The associated vibronic band systems and their spectroscopic assignments are discussed together with the physical and chemical conditions governing ion production in the solid phase. The absorption coefficients were calculated for the ion and found lower than previous values, presumably due to the low polarizability of the neon matrix.

Salama, F.↗