Susanna L. Stephens

Monohydrates of cuprous chloride and argentous chloride: H2O⋅⋅⋅CuCl and H2O⋅⋅⋅AgCl characterized by rotational spectroscopy and ab initio calculations

Pure rotational spectra of the ground vibrational states of ten isotopologues of each of H(2)O⋅⋅⋅CuCl and H(2)O⋅⋅⋅AgCl have been measured and analyzed to determine rotational constants and hyperfine coupling constants for each molecule. The molecular structure and spectroscopic parameters determined from the experimental data are presented alongside the results of calculations at the CCSD(T) level. Both experiment and theory are consistent with structures that are nonplanar at equilibrium. The heavy atoms are collinear while the local C(2) axis of the water molecule intersects the axis defined by the heavy atoms at an angle, φ = 40.9(13)° for Cu and φ = 37.4(16)° for Ag. In the zero-point state, each molecule is effectively planar, undergoing rapid inversion between two equivalent structures where φ has equal magnitude but opposite sign. The equilibrium geometry has C(s) symmetry, however. The ab initio calculations confirm that the timescale of this inversion is at least an order of magnitude faster than that of rotation of the molecule in the lowest rotational energy levels. The molecular geometries are rationalized using simple rules that invoke the electrostatic interactions within the complexes. Centrifugal distortion constants, Δ(J) and Δ(JK), nuclear quadrupole coupling constants, χ(aa)(Cu), χ(aa)(Cl), (χ(bb) - χ(cc))(Cu), and (χ(bb) - χ(cc))(Cl), and the nuclear spin-rotation constant of the copper atom, C(bb)(Cu)+C(cc)(Cu), are also presented.

A prototype transition-metal olefin complex C2H4⋯AgCl synthesised by laser ablation and characterised by rotational spectroscopy and ab initio methods

C(2)H(4)···Ag-Cl has been synthesised in the gas phase in a pulsed-jet, Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer by the reaction of laser-ablated metallic silver with carbon tetrachloride to give AgCl, which subsequently reacts with ethene to give the complex. The ground-state rotational spectra of six isotopologues (C(2)H(4)···(107)Ag(35)Cl, C(2)H(4)···(109)Ag(35)Cl, C(2)H(4)···(107)Ag(37)Cl, C(2)H(4)···(109)Ag(37)Cl, (13)C(2)H(4)···(107)Ag(35)Cl, and (13)C(2)H(4)···(109)Ag(35)Cl) were recorded and analysed to give rotational constants A(0), B(0), and C(0), centrifugal distortion constants Δ(J) and Δ(JK), and Cl nuclear quadrupole coupling constants χ(aa)(Cl) and χ(bb)(Cl)-χ(cc)(Cl). These spectroscopic constants were interpreted in terms of a geometry for C(2)H(4)···Ag-Cl of C(2V) symmetry in which the AgCl molecule lies along the C(2) axis of ethene that is perpendicular to the C(2)H(4) plane. The Ag atom forms a bond to the midpoint (*) of the ethene π bond. A partial r(s)-geometry and a r(0)-geometry were determined, with the values r(*···Ag) = 2.1719(9) Å, r(C-C) = 1.3518(4) Å, and r(Ag-Cl) = 2.2724(8) Å obtained in the latter case. The C-C bond lengthens on formation of the complex. Detailed ab initio calculations carried out at the CCSD(T)/cc-pVQZ level of theory give results in good agreement with experiment and also reveal that the ethene molecule undergoes a small angular distortion. The distortion is such that the four H atoms move in a direction away from Ag but remain coplanar. The two C atoms are no longer contained in this plane, however. The electric charge redistribution when C(2)H(4)···Ag-Cl is formed and the strength of the π···Ag bond are discussed.

Molecular geometry of OC···AgI determined by broadband rotational spectroscopy and ab initio calculations.

Pure rotational spectra of the ground vibrational states of six isotopologues of OC···AgI have been measured by chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. The spectra are assigned to determine the rotational constant, B(0), centrifugal distortion constant, D(J), and nuclear quadrupole coupling constant of the iodine atom, χ(aa)(I). The complex is linear. Isotopic substitutions at the silver, carbon, and oxygen atoms allow bond lengths to be established by the r(0), r(s), and r(m)((1)) methods of structure determination. The length of the C-O bond, r(CO), in the r(0) geometry for OC···AgI is 0.008 Å shorter than that found in the free CO molecule. The length of the Ag-I bond, r(AgI), is 0.013 Å shorter than in free AgI. χ(aa)(I) is determined to be -769.84(22) MHz for OC···(107)AgI implying an ionic character of 0.66 for the metal halide bond. Attachment of carbon monoxide to the isolated AgI molecule results in an increase of the ionic character of AgI of 0.12. The molecular structure and spectroscopic parameters determined from the experimental data are presented alongside the results of calculations at the explicitly correlated coupled-cluster singles, doubles and perturbative triples level. Vibrational frequencies, the electric dipole moment, the nuclear quadrupole coupling constant, and the dissociation energy of the molecule have been calculated.

Distortion of ethyne on formation of a π complex with silver chloride: C2H2⋯Ag–Cl characterised by rotational spectroscopy and ab initio calculations

C(2)H(2)⋯Ag-Cl was formed from ethyne and AgCl in the gas phase and its rotational spectrum observed by both the chirped-pulse and Fabry-Perot cavity versions of Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy. Reaction of laser-ablated silver metal with CCl(4) gave AgCl which then reacted with ethyne to give the complex. Ground-state rotational spectra of the six isotopologues (12)C(2)H(2)⋯(107)Ag(35)Cl, (12)C(2)H(2)⋯(109)Ag(35)Cl, (12)C(2)H(2)⋯(107)Ag(37)Cl, (12)C(2)H(2)⋯(109)Ag(37)Cl, (13)C(2)H(2)⋯(107)Ag(35)Cl, and (13)C(2)H(2)⋯(109)Ag(35)Cl were analysed to yield rotational constants A(0), B(0), and C(0), centrifugal distortion constants Δ(J), Δ(JK), and δ(J), and Cl nuclear quadrupole coupling constants χ(aa)(Cl) and χ(bb)(Cl)-χ(cc)(Cl). A less complete analysis was possible for (12)C(2)D(2)⋯(107)Ag(35)Cl and (12)C(2)D(2)⋯(109)Ag(35)Cl. Observed principal moments of inertia were interpreted in terms of a planar, T-shaped geometry of C(2v) symmetry in which the AgCl molecule lies along a C(2) axis of ethyne and the Ag atom forms a bond to the midpoint (∗) of the ethyne π bond. r(0) and r(m)(1) geometries and an almost complete r(s)-geometry were established. The ethyne molecule distorts on complex formation by lengthening of the C≡C bond and movement of the two H atoms away from the C≡C internuclear line and the Ag atom. The r(m)(1) bond lengths and angles are as follows: r(∗⋯Ag) = 2.1800(3) Å, r(C-C) = 1.2220(20) Å, r(Ag-Cl) = 2.2658(3) Å and the angle H-C≡∗ has the value 187.79(1)°. Ab initio calculations at the coupled-cluster singles and doubles level of theory with a perturbative treatment of triples (F12∗)∕cc-pVTZ yield a r(e) geometry in excellent agreement with the experimental r(m)(1) version, including the ethyne angular distortion.

Rotational spectra and properties of complexes B···ICF3 (B = Kr or CO) and a comparison of the efficacy of ICl and ICF3 as iodine donors in halogen bond formation.

The ground-state rotational spectra of two weakly bound complexes B···ICF(3) (B = Kr or CO) formed by trifluoroiodomethane have been observed in pulsed jets by using two types of Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy (chirped-pulse and Fabry-Perot cavity). Both complexes exhibit symmetric-top type spectra, thus indicating that the Kr atom in Kr···ICF(3) and both the C and O atoms in OC···ICF(3) lie along the C(3) axis of ICF(3). The rotational constant B(0), the centrifugal distortion constants D(J) and D(JK), and the iodine nuclear quadrupole coupling constant χ(aa)(I) were determined for each of the isotopologues (84)Kr···ICF(3), (86)Kr···ICF(3), (16)O(12)C···ICF(3), (16)O(13)C···ICF(3), and (18)O(12)C···ICF(3). Interpretation of the spectroscopic constants reveals that the carbon atom of CO is adjacent to I and participates in the weak bond in OC···ICF(3). Simple models based on unperturbed component geometries lead to the distances r(Kr···I) = 3.830(1) Å and r(C···I) = 3.428(1) Å in Kr···ICF(3) and OC···ICF(3), respectively, and to the quadratic force constants for stretching of the weak bond k(σ) = 2.80 N m(-1) and 3.96 N m(-1), respectively. The distances r(Z···I) (Z is the acceptor atom in B), the k(σ) values, and the angular geometries of the pair of complexes B···ICF(3) and B···ICl for a given B are compared when B = Kr, CO, H(2)O, H(2)S, or NH(3). The comparison reveals that the iodine bond in B···ICF(3) is systematically longer and weaker than that of B···ICl, while the angular geometry of the B···I moiety is isomorphic in B···ICF(3) and B···ICl for a given B. It is concluded that -CF(3) is less effective than -Cl as an electron-withdrawing group when attached to an I atom and that the angular geometries of the B···ICF(3) can be predicted by means of a simple rule that holds for many hydrogen- and halogen-bonded complexes.

An Isolated Complex of Ethyne and Gold Iodide Characterized by Broadband Rotational Spectroscopy and Ab initio Calculations

A molecular complex of C2H2 and AuI has been generated and isolated in the gas phase through laser ablation of a gold surface in the presence of an expanding sample containing small percentages of C2H2 and CF3I in a buffer gas of argon. Rotational, B0, centrifugal distortion, ΔJ and ΔJK, and nuclear quadrupole coupling constants, χaa(Au), χbb(Au) - χcc(Au), χaa(I), and χbb(I) - χcc(I), are measured for three isotopologues of C2H2···AuI through broadband rotational spectroscopy. The complex is C2v and T-shaped with C2H2 coordinating to the gold atom via donation of electrons from the π-orbitals of ethyne. On formation of the complex, the C≡C bond of ethyne extends by 0.032(4) Å relative to r(C≡C) in isolated ethyne when the respective r0 geometries are compared. The geometry of ethyne distorts such that ∠(*-C-H) (where * indicates the midpoint of the C≡C bond) is 194.7(12)° in the r0 geometry of C2H2···AuI. Ab initio calculations at the CCSD(T)(F12*)/AVTZ level are consistent with the experimentally determined geometry and further allow calculation of the dissociation energy (De) as 136 kJ mol(-1). The χaa(Au) and χaa(I) nuclear quadrupole coupling constants of AuI and also the Au-I bond length change significantly on formation of the complex consistent with the strong interaction calculated to occur between C2H2 and AuI.

H 3 P⋯AgI

The new compound H3PAgI has been synthesized in the gas phase by means of the reaction of laser-ablated silver metal with a pulse of gas consisting of a dilute mixture of ICF3 and PH3 in argon. Ground-state rotational spectra were detected and assigned for the two isotopologues H3P(107)AgI and H3P(109)AgI in their natural abundance by means of a chirped-pulse, Fourier-transform, microwave spectrometer. Both isotopologues exhibit rotational spectra of the symmetric-top type, analysis of which led to accurate values of the rotational constant B0, the quartic centrifugal distortion constants DJ and DJK, and the iodine nuclear quadrupole coupling constant χaa(I) = eQqaa. Ab initio calculations at the explicitly-correlated level of theory CCSD(T)(F12*)/aug-cc-pVDZ confirmed that the atoms PAg-I lie on the C3 axis in that order. The experimental rotational constants were interpreted to give the bond lengths r0(PAg) = 2.3488(20) Å and r0(Ag-I) = 2.5483(1) Å, in good agreement with the equilibrium lengths of 2.3387 Å and 2.5537 Å, respectively, obtained in the ab initio calculations. Measures of the strength of the interaction of PH3 and AgI (the dissociation energy De for the process H3PAgI = H3P + AgI and the intermolecular stretching force constant FPAg) are presented and are interpreted to show that the order of binding strength is H3PHI < H3PICl < H3PAgI for these metal-bonded molecules and their halogen-bonded and hydrogen-bonded analogues.

Distortions of ethyne when complexed with a cuprous or argentous halide

A new molecule C2H2···CuF has been synthesized in the gas phase by means of the reaction of laser-ablated metallic copper with a pulse of gas consisting of a dilute mixture of ethyne and sulfur hexafluoride in argon.A new molecule C2H2CuF has been synthesized in the gas phase by means of the reaction of laser-ablated metallic copper with a pulse of gas consisting of a dilute mixture of ethyne and sulfur hexafluoride in argon. The ground-state rotational spectrum was detected by two types of Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy, namely that conducted in a microwave Fabry-Perot cavity and the chirped-pulse broadband technique. The spectroscopic constants of the six isotopologues (12)C2H2(63)Cu(19)F, (12)C2H2(65)Cu(19)F, (13)C2H2(63)Cu(19)F, (13)C2H2(65)Cu(19)F, (12)C2D2(63)Cu(19)F and (12)C2D2(65)Cu(19)F were determined and interpreted to show that the molecule has a planar, T-shaped geometry belonging to the molecular point group C2v, with CuF forming the stem of the T. Quantitative interpretation reveals that the ethyne molecule is distorted when subsumed into the complex in such manner that the C[triple bond, length as m-dash]C bond lengthens (by δr) and the two H atoms cease to be collinear with the C[triple bond, length as m-dash]C internuclear line. The H atoms move symmetrically away from the approaching Cu atom of CuF, to increase each *[triple bond, length as m-dash]C-H angle by δA = 14.65(2)°, from 180° to 194.65(2)°. Ab initio calculations at the explicitly-correlated level of theory CCSD(T)(F12*)/aug-cc-pVTZ lead to good agreement with the experimental geometry. It is shown that similar distortions δr and δA, similarly determined, for four complexes C2H2MX (M = Cu or Ag; X = F, Cl or CCH) are approximately linearly related to the energies De for the dissociation process C2H2MX = C2H2 + MX.

Gas phase complexes of H 3 N⋯CuF and H 3 N⋯CuI studied by rotational spectroscopy and

Complexes of H3NCuF and H3NCuI have been synthesised in the gas phase and characterized by microwave spectroscopy. The rotational spectra of 4 isotopologues of H3NCuF and 5 isotopologues of H3NCuI have been measured in the 6.5-18.5 GHz frequency range using a chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. Each complex is generated from a gas sample containing NH3 and a halogen-containing precursor diluted in Ar. Copper is introduced by laser ablation of a solid target prior to supersonic expansion of the sample into the vacuum chamber of the microwave spectrometer. The spectrum of each complex is characteristic of a symmetric rotor and a C3v geometry in which the N, Cu and X atoms (where X is F or I) lie on the C axis. The rotational constant (B0), centrifugal distortion constants (DJ and DJK), nuclear spin-rotation (Cbb(Cu) = Ccc(Cu)) constant (for H3NCuF only) and nuclear quadrupole coupling constants (χaa(X) where (X = N, Cu, I)) are fitted to the observed transition frequencies. Structural parameters are determined from the measured rotational constants and also calculated ab initio at the CCSD(T)(F12*)/AVQZ level of theory. Force constants describing the interaction between ammonia and each metal halide are determined from DJ for each complex. Trends in the interaction strengths and geometries of BCuX (B = NH3, CO) (X = F, Cl, Br, I) are discussed.