Vibrational properties of the disulfur dinitride molecule, S2N2: IR and Raman spectra of the matrix-isolated molecule.

The IR and Raman spectra of disulfur dinitride, S(2)N(2), are reported not only for the solid condensate but also for the molecules isolated in solid noble gas, N(2), or CH(4) matrices at low temperatures. The results imply that the isolated S(2)N(2) molecule has much the same geometry as in the crystalline solid with a virtually square-planar structure conforming to D(2h) symmetry, a conclusion confirmed by isotopic enrichment in (15)N and by the results of earlier as well as fresh quantum chemical calculations. These calculations also support the results of normal coordinate analysis of the experimental data in giving potential constants suggestive of a relatively rigid S(2)N(2) molecule consistent with its description as a 2π-electron aromatic, while appearing to maintain a formal S-N bond order close to 1.

The digallane molecule, Ga2H6: experimental update giving an improved structure and estimate of the enthalpy change for the reaction Ga2H6(g) --> 2GaH3(g).

Improved methods of analysis and new quantum chemical calculations have been applied to the results of earlier gas-phase electron diffraction (GED) studies of digallane to give what is judged to be the most realistic structure available to date. The principal distances (r(a3,1) in pm) and interbond angles (angle(a3,1) in deg) are as follows (t = terminal, b = bridging): r(Ga...Ga) 254.9(2), r(Ga-H(t)) 155.0(6), r(Ga-H(b)) 172.3(6), angleGa-H(b)-Ga 95.4(5), and angleH(t)-Ga-H(t) 128.6(9). Scrutiny of the IR spectra of solid Ar matrices doped with the vapour above solid samples of gallane at temperatures in the range 190-220 K reveals the presence of not only Ga(2)H(6) as the major component, but also a significant fraction of the monomer GaH(3). Analysis of the relative proportions of the two molecules evaporating from the solid at different temperatures has led to a first experimental estimate of 59 +/- 16 kJ mol(-1) for the enthalpy change associated with the reaction Ga(2)H(6)(g) --> 2GaH(3)(g). Together with a value of 52 kJ mol(-1) delivered by fresh calculations at the MP2 level, this implies that the stability of the dimer with respect to dissociation has been overrated by earlier theoretical treatments.

Experimental and theoretical characterization of molecular complexes formed between OCS and XY molecules (X, Y = F, Cl and Br) and their role in photochemical matrix reactions.

Molecular complexes between OCS and ClF, Cl(2), Br(2), or BrCl have for the first time been isolated in solid matrixes at low temperature, and characterized by their IR spectra. 1 : 1 adducts between OCS and ClF, Cl(2), or BrCl were formed by broad-band UV-visible photolysis of matrix-isolated FC(O)SCl, ClC(O)SCl or BrC(O)SCl, respectively. Co-deposition of gaseous mixtures of OCS and ClF or Br(2) diluted with Ar on a CsI window cooled to approximately 15 K led to the identification of 1 : 1 complexes, while similar mixtures of OCS and Cl(2) gave rise mainly to 1 : 2 species. The differences in the structures and stoichiometries of the molecular complexes may well be responsible for the different reaction channels observed for the photochemical matrix reactions between OCS and Cl(2) or Br(2). The structures, energy differences, vibrational spectra, and bonding properties of all the possible complexes formed between OCS and XY (XY = ClF, Cl(2), Br(2), or BrCl) have been studied with different theoretical approximations.

Structures and aggregation of the methylamine-borane molecules, Me(n)H(3-n)N.BH(3) (n = 1-3), studied by X-ray diffraction, gas-phase electron diffraction, and quantum chemical calculations.

The structures of the molecules methylamine-borane, MeH(2)N.BH(3), and dimethylamine-borane, Me(2)HN.BH(3), have been investigated by gas-phase electron diffraction (GED) and quantum chemical calculations. The crystal structures have also been determined for methylamine-, dimethylamine-, and trimethylamine-borane, Me(n)H(3-n)N.BH(3) (n = 1-3); these are noteworthy for what they reveal about the intermolecular interactions and, particularly, the N-H...H-B dihydrogen bonding in the cases where n = 1 or 2. Hence, structures are now known for all the members of the ammonia- and amine-borane series Me(n)H(3-n)N.BH(3) (n = 0-3) in both the gas and solid phases. The structural variations and energetics of formation of the gaseous adducts are discussed in relation to the basicity of the Me(n)H(3-n)N fragment. The relative importance of secondary interactions in the solid adducts with n = 0-3 has been assessed by the semi-classical density sums (SCDS-PIXEL) approach.

IR and Raman characterization of the zincocenes (eta(5)-C5Me5)2Zn2 and (eta(5)-C5Me5)(eta(1)-C5Me5)Zn.

The measured Raman and IR spectra of solid, polycrystalline bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)dizinc, (eta(5)-C5Me5)2Zn2, 1, and bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)monozinc, (eta(5)-C5Me5)(eta(1)-C5Me5)Zn, 8, are reported in some detail. The IR spectra of the vapors of 1 and 8 each trapped in a solid Ar matrix at 12 K confirm the essentially molecular character of the solids. The experimental results have been interpreted with particular reference (i) to the corresponding spectra of (68)Zn-enriched samples of the compounds, and (ii) to the spectra simulated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP level. The marked differences of structure of 1 and 8 contrast with the relatively close similarity of their vibrational spectra, disparities being revealed only on detailed scrutiny, including the effects of (68)Zn enrichment, and primarily at wavenumbers below 1000 cm(-1). The Zn-Zn stretching motion of 1 features not as a single, well-defined mode identifiable with intense Raman scattering but in several normal modes which respond in varying degrees to (68)Zn substitution. A stretching force constant of 1.42 mdyne A(-1) has been estimated for the Zn-Zn bond of 1.

HeI photoelectron and valence synchrotron photoionization studies of the thioester molecule CH3C(O)SCH3: evidence of vibronic structure.

One of the simplest thioester molecules, S-methyl thioacetate, CH 3C(O)SCH 3, has been investigated by HeI photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and valence photoionization studies using synchrotron radiation in the same energy range. In the second series of experiments, total ion yield (TIY), photoelectron photoion coincidence (PEPICO), and partial ion yield (PIY) spectra were recorded. It was found that the photodissociation behavior of CH 3C(O)SCH 3 can be divided into three well-defined energy regions. Vibronic structure was observed in the valence synchrotron photoionization process, being associated with wavenumbers of 912, 671, 1288, 1690, and 1409 cm (-1) for the bands at 12.82, 13.27, 15.66, 15.72, and 17.42 eV, respectively. Evaluation of the PE spectrum in concert with the synchrotron photoionization measurements and complemented by high-level ab initio calculations thus provides unusually detailed insights into the valence ionization processes of this molecule.

Methanesulfenyl fluoride, CH3SF, a missing link in the family of sulfenyl halides: formation and characterization through the matrix photochemistry of methyl thiofluoroformate, FC(O)SCH3.

Matrix-isolation experiments have afforded the means of preparing the hitherto unknown sulfur(II) fluoride, methanesulfenyl fluoride, CH3SF. Broadband UV-visible irradiation of methyl thiofluoroformate, FC(O)SCH3, isolated in a solid Ar matrix results, first, in photoisomerization of the syn into the anti form of the molecule, and, subsequently, in the elimination of CO with the concomitant formation of CH3SF. Continued irradiation brings about tautomerization of this product with the detachment and migration of a hydrogen from the methyl group to give the molecular complex H2C==S...HF. The changes have been monitored and the photoproducts detected and identified by the IR spectra of the matrices, and the conclusions confirmed: 1) with reference to the corresponding behavior of the perdeuterated molecule FC(O)SCD3; 2) by analogy with the properties of related molecules, for example, ClC(O)SCH3, CH3SCl, and H2C==S...HCl, and; 3) by comparison with the vibrational properties simulated for the different molecules by ab initio and density functional theory methods.

Preparation and characterization of lithium imidoalanate complexes Li(2)[(RN)(4)(AlH(2))(6)] (R = Me or (t)()Bu): first examples of aluminum-rich imidoalanes with an adamantoid structure.

Whereas methylammonium chloride, [MeNH(3)]Cl, reacts with LiGaH(4) in an ether solution to give, according to the conditions, either the adduct MeH(2)N x GaH(3) or the cationic derivative [(MeH(2)N)(2)GaH(2)](+)Cl(-), the corresponding reaction of [MeNH(3)]Cl or [(t)BuNH(3)]Cl with LiAlH(4) proceeds mainly, with H(2) elimination, to the imidoalane Li(2)[(RN)(4)(AlH(2))(6)] (R = Me, 1, or (t)Bu, 2). The crystal structure of 1 x 2Et(2)O reveals, for the first time, anionic units with an adamantane-like Al(6)N(4) skeleton. The Li cations exist at two distinct sites, each linked via Li(mu-H)Al bridges to two [(MeN)(4)(AlH(2))(6)](2-) cages. Despite disordering of the tBu groups, the crystal structure of 2 evidently includes analogous anionic units. By contrast, the main product of the reaction between [(i)PrNH(3)]Cl and LiAlH(4) under similar conditions is the known neutral, hexameric imidoalane [(i)PrNAlH](6), 3, the crystal structure of which has been redetermined.

Molecular structures of free quinuclidine and its adducts with metal trihydrides, MH3 (M=B, Al or Ga), studied by gas-phase electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction and quantum chemical calculations.

The structure of quinuclidine, HC(CH(2)CH(2))(3)N, has been re-investigated by quantum chemical calculations and by gas-phase electron diffraction (GED). The GED data, together with published rotational constants, have been analysed using the SARACEN method to determine the most reliable structure (r(h1)) for the gaseous molecule. The structures of two adducts of quinuclidine with group 13 trihydride molecules, MH(3) (M=B, Al), have also been determined by GED and quantum chemical calculations. The effect of the coordination of these hydrides to the quinuclidine nitrogen atom has been investigated, and the structural changes and energetics of adduct formation are discussed. We also present the crystal structure of quinuclidine borane.

Formation of new halogenothiocarbonylsulfenyl halides, XC(S)SY, through photochemical matrix reactions starting from CS2 and a dihalogen molecule XY (XY=Cl2, Br2, or BrCl).

Isolation of a dihalogen molecule XY (XY=Cl2, Br2, or BrCl) with CS2 in a solid Ar matrix at about 15 K leads, by broad-band UV-vis photolysis (200

Matrix-isolated van der Waals complexes formed between CS2 and dihalogen molecules XY, Where XY = Cl2, Br2, BrCl, ICl, or IBr.

Weakly bound 1:1 complexes formed between CS2 and a dihalogen molecule XY = Cl2, Br2, BrCl, ICl, or IBr have each been trapped in an Ar matrix and hence investigated experimentally by their IR spectra as well as theoretically by MP2 and density functional calculations. A planar structure, with an intermolecular angle close to 90 degrees , is expected for such a S=C=S...XY molecular complex. Moreover, for each system involving a heteronuclear dihalogen, two possible complexes exist, viz., S=C=S...XY and S=C=S...YX. The calculated structures, vibrational properties, and binding energetics of the complexes are analyzed, and the NBO formalism is used to interpret their bonding properties. The IR spectra of the complexes thus simulated provided vital guidance for the interpretation of the matrix spectra. For example, complexation was predicted and observed (i) to induce red shifts of the principal absorptions associated with both the CS2 and XY components and (ii) to result, through the change in symmetry, in activation of some modes that are IR-silent for the free components.

Trichloromethyl chloroformate ("diphosgene"), ClCOOCCl3: structure and conformational properties in the gaseous and condensed phases.

The conformational properties of gaseous trichloromethyl chloroformate (or "diphosgene"), ClC(O)OCCl3, have been studied by vibrational spectroscopy [IR (gas), IR (matrix), and Raman (liquid)] and quantum chemical calculations (MP2 and B3LYP with 6-311G basis sets); in addition, the structure of a single crystal at low temperature has been determined by X-ray diffraction. ClC(O)OCCl3 exhibits only one conformational form having Cs symmetry with a synperiplanar orientation of the C-O single bond relative to the C=O double bond. The calculated energy difference between the syn and anti forms, 5.73 kcal mol(-1) (B3LYP) or 7.06 kcal mol(-1) (MP2), is consistent with the experimental findings for the gas and liquid phases. The crystalline solid at 150 K [monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 5.5578(5) angstroms, b = 14.2895(12) angstroms, c = 8.6246(7) angstroms, beta = 102.443(2) degrees, Z = 4] likewise consists only of molecules in the syn form.

Photochemical reaction channels of OCS with Cl2, ICl, or IBr isolated together in an argon matrix: isolation of syn-iodocarbonylsulfenyl bromide.

The photolytically induced reactions of a dihalogen XY (= Cl2, ICl, or IBr) with OCS isolated together in an Ar matrix at about 15 K lead to different photoproducts depending on the natures of X and Y. In addition to the known species ClCO*, OCCl2, syn-ClC(O)SCl, syn-ClC(O)SSCl, IC(O)Cl, IC(O)Br, and syn-BrC(O)SBr, syn-iodocarbonylsulfenyl bromide, syn-IC(O)SBr, has thus been identified for the first time as a photoproduct of the reactions involving IBr. The first product to be formed in the reactions with Cl2 or ICl is the ClCO* radical which reacts subsequently with halogen or sulfur atoms or other matrix guests to give the corresponding carbonyl dihalide (OCCl2 and IC(O)Cl), syn-ClC(O)SCl or syn-ClC(O)SSCl. The analogous reaction with IBr affords syn-BrC(O)SBr, IC(O)Br, and syn-IC(O)SBr. The changes have been followed, the products characterized experimentally by IR measurements, and the spectra analyzed in the light of the results of appropriate theoretical calculations.

Gas electron diffraction study of the vapour over dimethylamine-gallane leading to an improved structure for dimeric dimethylamidogallane, [Me2NGaH2]2: a cautionary tale.

Dimethylamine-gallane is relatively slow to decompose in a closed system and vaporises at low temperature primarily as Me2(H)N.GaH3 molecules which can be trapped in a solid Ar matrix and characterised by their IR spectrum. Under the conditions needed to secure a useful gas electron diffraction (GED) pattern, however, the vapour was found to consist of dimeric dimethylamidogallane molecules, [Me2NGaH2]2, formed from the secondary amine adduct by elimination of H2, and the most reliable structure for which has been determined. Salient structural parameters (r(hl) structure) were found to be: r(Ga-N) 202.6(2), r(Ga-H) 155.6(8), r(N-C) 148.0(3), r(C-H) 111.2(6) pm; Ga-N-Ga 90.7(1), C-N-C 109.3(5), N-C-H 109.9(10) and H-Ga-H 119.4(42) degrees.

Synthesis and structural characterisation of primary amine adducts of gallane, RH2N.GaH3, and of their decomposition products, [RHNGaH2]n(R = Me, n= 3; R =tBu, n= 2).

Primary amine-gallane adducts, RH(2)N.GaH(3)[R = Me (1) and (t)Bu (2)], have been isolated for the first time from the reaction of [RNH(3)]Cl with LiGaH(4) in Et(2)O solution at ca. 273 K and characterised by their vibrational and (1)H NMR spectra. The structures of single crystals, grown at low temperatures and determined by X-ray diffraction, reveal pseudo-polymeric arrays of RH(2)N.GaH(3) molecules with Ga-N distances of 2.0424(18) and 2.058(5)A for 1 and 2, respectively. The adducts decompose at or near ambient temperatures with the elimination of H(2) and formation of the corresponding monoalkylamido derivative [RHNGaH(2)](n). The crystal structures of these at 150 K consist of either [MeHNGaH(2)](3) molecules with a "skew-boat" conformation for the cyclic Ga(3)N(3) skeleton (3) or [(t)BuHNGaH(2)](2) molecules with a four-membered Ga(2)N(2) core (4), with Ga-N distances averaging 1.986(8) and 1.991(3)A for 3 and 4, respectively. The crystalline solids 1, 3 and 4 feature intermolecular N-H...H-Ga interactions with H...H distances estimated to fall in the range 2.1-2.3 A. The significance of these is discussed.

Decomposition of monochlorogallane, [H2GaCl]n, and adducts with amine and phosphine bases: formation of cationic gallane derivatives.

Thermal decomposition of monochlorogallane, [H2GaCl]n, at ambient temperatures results in the formation of subvalent gallium species. To Ga[HGaCl3], previously reported, has now been added a second mixed-valence solid, Ga4[HGaCl3]2[Ga2Cl6] (1), the crystal structure of which at 150 K shows a number of unusual features. Adducts of monochlorogallane, most readily prepared from the hydrochloride of the base and LiGaH4 in appropriate proportions, include not only the 1:1 molecular complex Me3P.GaH2Cl (2), but also 2:1 amine complexes which prove to be cationic gallane derivatives, [H2Ga(NH2R)2]+Cl-, where R = tBu (3a) or sBu (3b). All three of these complexes have been characterized crystallographically at 150 K.

Valence shell charge concentrations at pentacoordinate d0 transition-metal centers: non-VSEPR structures of Me2NbCl3 and Me3NbCl2.

The molecular structures of the monomeric, pentacoordinated methylchloroniobium(IV) compounds Me3NbCl2 and Me2NbCl3 have been determined by gas electron diffraction (GED) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and, for Me3NbCl2, by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Each of the molecules is found to have a heavy-atom skeleton in the form of a trigonal bipyramid (TBP) with Cl atoms in the axial positions, in accord with their vibrational spectra. The TBP is somewhat distorted in the case of Me2NbCl3 with the two axial Nb--Cl bonds bent away from the equatorial, slightly shorter Nb--Cl bond. In the case of Me3NbCl2, moreover, the X-ray model suggests structural distortions away from the idealized C3h geometry, in line with the results of quantum chemical calculations. Structure optimizations by DFT calculations and least-squares refinement to the GED data yield the following structural parameters (calcd/exptl; eq=equatorial; ax=axial; distances in A, angles in degrees; average values in brackets): Me3NbCl2, in C(3v) symmetry, Nb--Cl 2.370/2.319(3), Nb--C 2.173/2.152(4), C--H 1.096/1.124(5), angle-spherical NbCH 109.3/105.2(8), angle-spherical ClNbC 92.2/93.3(2), angle-spherical CNbC 119.9/119.7(1); Me2NbCl3, in C(2v) symmetry, Nb--Cl(ax) 2.361/2.304(5), Nb--Cl(eq) 2.321/2.288(9), Nb--C 2.180/2.135(9), C--H 1.094/1.12(1), angle-spherical Cl(ax)NbCl(eq) 98.5/96.5(6), angle-spherical CNbC 121.0/114(2), angle-spherical NbCH 108.9/109(2). The electronic structures of Me2NbCl3 and Me3NbC(2 have been explored by rigorous analysis of both the wavefunction and the topology of the electron density, employing DFT calculations. Hence the structures of these compounds are shown to reflect repulsion between the Nb--C and Nb--Cl bonding electron density and charge concentrations induced by the methyl ligands in the valence shell of the Nb atom and arising mainly from use of Nb(4d) functions in the Nb--C bonds.

mer-Triiodotripyridineindium(III).

Crystals of the title compound, [InI3(C5H5N)3], consist of discrete molecules lying on a twofold axis running parallel to the crystallographic b axis. The molecules exhibit meridional octahedral stereochemistry, with In-I bond lengths of 2.8390 (6) and 2.8676 (3) A, and In-N bond lengths of 2.323 (5) and 2.309 (4) A.

New members of an old family: isolation of IC(O)Cl and IC(O)Br and evidence for the formation of weakly bound Br*...CO.

The photochemically induced reactions of a dihalogen, XY, with CO isolated together in an Ar matrix at about 15 K lead to the formation of carbonyl dihalide molecules XC(O)Y, where X and Y may be the same or different halogen atoms, Cl, Br, or I. In addition to the known compounds OCCl2, OCBr2, and BrC(O)Cl, the carbonyl iodide chloride, IC(O)Cl, and carbonyl iodide bromide, IC(O)Br, compounds have thus been identified for the first time as products of the reactions involving ICl and IBr, respectively. The first product to be formed in reactions with Cl2, BrCl, or ICl is the ClCO* radical, which reacts subsequently with a second halogen atom to give the corresponding carbonyl dihalide [OCCl2, BrC(O)Cl, or IC(O)Cl]. The analogous reaction with Br2 affords, in low yield, the unusually weakly bound BrCO* radical, better described as a van der Waals complex, Br*...CO. The changes have been followed and the products characterized experimentally by their infrared spectra, and the spectra have been analyzed in light of the results afforded by ab initio (Hartree-Fock and Moeller-Plesset second-order) and density functional theory calculations.