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Ernest R Davidson

Publications and source records attributed to Ernest R Davidson.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Effective local potentials for orbital-dependent density functionals.

Practicality of the Kohn-Sham density functional scheme for orbital-dependent functionals hinges on the availability of an efficient procedure for constructing local exchange-correlation potentials in finite basis sets. We have shown recently that the optimized effective potential (OEP) method, commonly used for this purpose, is not free from difficulties. Here we propose a robust alternative to OEPs, termed effective local potentials (ELPs), based on minimizing the variance of the difference between a given nonlocal potential and its desired local counterpart. The ELP method is applied to the exact-exchange-only problem and shown to be promising for overcoming troubles with OEPs.

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Ab initio diradical/zwitterionic polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities in twisted double bonds.

We investigated the nature of the ground state and static response properties (mu, alpha, and beta) for a promising class of twisted pi-electron system nonlinear optical chromophores at the HF, B3LYP, MP2, and CASSCF levels. We report results for a substituted twisted ethylene and a larger tictoid analogue. Previous work has reported only a zwitterionic character for such tictoid species, however, (14,13) CASSCF calculations predict a ground-state diradical. At the HF, B3LYP, MP2, and (14,13) CASSCF levels, the values of beta are orders of magnitude smaller than those predicted by semiempirical methods.

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Optimized effective potentials yielding Hartree-Fock energies and densities.

It is commonly believed that the exchange-only optimized effective potential (OEP) method must yield total energies that are above corresponding ground-state Hartree-Fock (HF) energies except for one- and two-electron systems. We present a simple procedure for constructing local (multiplicative) exchange potentials that reproduce exactly the HF energy and density in any finite basis set for any number of electrons. For any finite basis set, no matter how large, there exist infinitely many such OEPs, which questions their suitability for practical applications.

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Computational studies of the thermal fragmentation of P-arylphosphiranes: have arylphosphinidenes been generated by this method?

CASSCF, CASPT2, CCSD(T), and (U)B3LYP electronic structure calculations have been performed in order to investigate the thermal fragmentation of P-phenylphosphirane (1) to phenylphosphinidene (PhP) and ethylene. The calculations show that generation of triplet PhP via a stepwise pathway is 21 kcal mol(-1) less endothermic and has a 12 kcal mol(-1) lower barrier height than concerted fragmentation of 1 to give singlet PhP. The formation of singlet PhP via a concerted pathway is predicted to be stereospecific, whereas formation of triplet PhP is predicted to occur with complete loss of stereochemistry. However, calculations on fragmentation of anti-cis-2,3-dimethyl-P-mesitylphosphirane (cis-1Me) to triplet mesitylphosphinidene (MesP) indicate that this reaction should be more stereospecific, in agreement with the experimental results of Li and Gaspar. Nevertheless, with a predicted free energy of activation of 42 kcal mol(-1), the formation of MesP from cis-1Me is not likely to have occurred in an uncatalyzed reaction at the temperatures at which this phosphirane has been pyrolyzed.

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Ligand-assisted reduction of osmium tetroxide with molecular hydrogen via a [3+2] mechanism.

Osmium tetroxide is reduced by molecular hydrogen in the presence of ligands in both polar and nonpolar solvents. In CHCl3 containing pyridine (py) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), OsO4 is reduced by H2 to the known Os(VI) dimers L2Os(O)2(mu-O)2Os(O)2L2 (L2 = py2, phen). However, in the absence of ligands in CHCl3 and other nonpolar solvents, OsO4 is unreactive toward H2 over a week at ambient temperatures. In basic aqueous media, H2 reduces OsO4(OH)n(n-) (n = 0, 1, 2) to the isolable Os(VI) complex, OsO2(OH)4(2-), at rates close to that found in py/CHCl3. Depending on the pH, the aqueous reactions are exergonic by deltaG = -20 to -27 kcal mol(-1), based on electrochemical data. The second-order rate constants for the aqueous reactions are larger as the number of coordinated hydroxide ligands increases, k(OsO4) = 1.6(2) x 10(-2) M(-1) s(-1) < k(OsO4(OH)-) = 3.8(4) x 10(-2) M(-1) s(-1) < k(OsO4(OH)2(2-)) = 3.8(4) x 10(-1) M(-1) s(-1). The observation of primary deuterium kinetic isotope effects, k(H2)/k(D2) = 3.1(3) for OsO4 and 3.6(4) for OsO4(OH)-, indicates that the rate-determining step in each case involves H-H bond cleavage. Density functional calculations and thermochemical arguments favor a concerted [3+2] addition of H2 across two oxo groups of OsO4(L)n and argue against H* or H- abstraction from H2 or [2+2] addition of H2 across one Os=O bond. The [3+2] mechanism is analogous to that of alkene addition to OsO4(L)n to form diolates, for which acceleration by added ligands has been extensively documented. The observation that ligands also accelerate H2 addition to OsO4(L)n highlights the analogy between these two reactions.

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Large spin differences in structurally related Fe6 molecular clusters and their magnetostructural explanation.

The syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic characterizations of three new hexanuclear iron(III) compounds are reported. Known [Fe(6)O(2)(OH)(2)(O(2)CBu(t))(10)(hep)(2)] (1) is converted to new [Fe(6)O(2)(OH)(O(2)CBu(t))(9)(hep)(4)] (3) when treated with an excess of 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-pyridine (hepH). Similarly, the new compound [Fe(6)O(2)(OH)(2)(O(2)CPh)(10)(hep)(2)] (2), obtained from the reaction of [Fe(3)O(O(2)CPh)(6)(H(2)O)(3)] with hepH, is converted to [Fe(6)O(2)(OH)(O(2)CPh)(9)(hep)(4)] (4) when treated with an excess of hepH. This can be reversed by recrystallization from MeCN. The cores of the four Fe(6) complexes all comprise two triangular [Fe(3)(mu(3)-O)(O(2)CR)(3)(hep)](+3) units connected at two of their apices by two sets of bridging ligands. However, 1 and 2 differ slightly from 3 and 4 in the precise way the two Fe(3) units are linked together. In 1 and 2, the two sets of bridging ligands are identical, consisting of one mu-hydroxo and two mu-carboxylate groups bridging each Fe(2) pair, i.e., a (mu-OH(-))(mu-O(2)CR(-))(2) set. In contrast, 3 and 4 have two different sets of bridging ligands, a (mu-OH(-))(mu-O(2)CR(-))(2) set as in 1 and 2, and a (mu-OR(-))(2)(mu-O(2)CR(-)) set, where RO(-) refers to the alkoxide arm of the hep(-) chelate. Variable-field and -temperature dc magnetization measurements establish that 1 and 2 have S = 5 ground states and significant and positive zero-field splitting parameters (D), whereas 3 and 4 have S = 0 ground states. This dramatic difference of 10 unpaired electrons in the ground state S values for near-isomeric compounds demonstrates an acute sensitivity of the magnetic properties to small structural changes. The factors leading to this have been quantitatively analyzed. The semiempirical method ZILSH, based on unrestricted molecular orbital calculations, was used to obtain initial estimates of the Fe(2) pairwise exchange interaction constants (J). These calculated values were then improved by fitting the experimental susceptibility versus T data, using a genetic algorithm approach. The final J values were then employed to rationalize the observed magnetic properties as a function of the core topologies and the presence of spin frustration effects. The large difference in ground state spin value was identified as resulting from a single structural difference between the two types of complexes, the different relative dispositions (cis vs trans) of two frustrated exchange pathways. In addition, use of the structural information and corresponding J values allowed a magnetostructural correlation to be established between the J values and both the Fe-O bond distances and the Fe-O-Fe angles at the bridging ligands.

Crystallography, X-Ray↗

Polynuclear manganese complexes with the dicarboxylate ligand m-phenylenedipropionate: a hexanuclear mixed-valence (3Mn(III), 3Mn(IV)) complex.

The dicarboxylate group m-phenylenedipropionate (mpdp(2)(-)) has been used for the synthesis of four new Mn compounds of different nuclearities and oxidation states: [Mn(2)O(mpdp)(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)(MeCN)](ClO(4))(2) (3), [Mn(3)O(mpdp)(3)(py)(3)](ClO(4)) (4), [Mn(3)O(mpdp)(3)(py)(3)] (5), and [Mn(6)O(7)(mpdp)(3)(bpy)(3)](ClO(4)) (6). Compound 3 (2Mn(III)) contains a [Mn(2)(micro-O)](4+) core, whereas 5 (Mn(II), 2Mn(III)) and 4 (3Mn(III)) contain the [Mn(3)(micro(3)-O)](6+,7+) core, respectively. In all three compounds, the mpdp(2)(-) ligand is flexible enough to adopt the sites occupied by two monocarboxylates in structurally related compounds, without noticeable distortion of the cores. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility studies establish that 3 and 5 have ground-state spin values of S = 0 and S = 1/2, respectively. Compound 6 is a highly unusual 3Mn(III), 3Mn(IV) trapped-valent compound, and it is also a new structural type, with six Mn atoms disposed in a distorted trigonal antiprismatic topology. Its electronic structure has been explored by variable-temperature measurements of its dc magnetic susceptibility, magnetization vs field response, and EPR spectrum. The magnetic data indicate that it possesses an S = 3/2 ground state with an axial zero-field splitting parameter of D = -0.79 cm(-)(1), and this conclusion is supported by the EPR data. The combined results demonstrate the ligating flexibility of the mpdp(2)(-) ligand and its usefulness in the synthesis of a variety of Mn(x) species.

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Methanolysis and phenolysis routes to Fe6, Fe8, and Fe1) complexes and their magnetic properties: a new type of Fe8 ferric wheel.

Alcoholysis of preformed tetranuclear and hexanuclear iron(III) clusters has been employed for the synthesis of four higher-nuclearity clusters. Treatment of [Fe(4)O(2)(O(2)CMe)(7)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4)) with phenol affords the hexanuclear cluster [Fe(6)O(3)(O(2)CMe)(9)(OPh)(2)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4)) (1). Reaction of [Fe(6)O(2)(OH)(2)(O(2)CR)(10)(hep)(2)] (R = Bu(t) or Ph) with PhOH affords the new "ferric wheel" complexes [Fe(8)(OH)(4)(OPh)(8)(O(2)CR)(12)] [R = Bu(t) (2) or Ph (3)]. Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit the same structure, which is an unprecedented type for Fe(III). In contrast, treatment of [Fe(6)O(2)(OH)(2)(O(2)CBu(t))(10)(hep)(2)] with MeOH leads to the formation of [Fe(10)(OMe)(20)(O(2)CBu(t))(10)] (4), which exhibits the more common type of ferric wheel seen in analogous complexes with other carboxylate groups. Solid-state variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate spin-singlet ground states for complexes 2 and 4. The recently developed semiempirical method ZILSH was used to estimate the pairwise exchange parameters (J(AB)) and the average spin couplings S(A)[empty set].S(B)[empty set] between the Fe(III) centers, providing a clear depiction of the overall magnetic behavior of the molecules. All exchange interactions between adjacent Fe(III) atoms are antiferromagnetic.

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34S isotope effect on sulfate ester hydrolysis: mechanistic implications.

In this communication, we report the first determination of 34S kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) for the hydrolysis of sulfate monoesters. The method involves the conversion of the inorganic sulfate, acquired at partial extent of reaction, to SO2, followed by isotope ratio determination by mass spectrometry. The KIEs determined for p-nitrophenyl sulfate and p-acetylphenyl sulfate are 1.0154 (+/-0.0002) and 1.0172 (+/-0.0003), respectively. These results, together with previous peripheral 18O KIE values, are inconsistent with an associative mechanism. The isotope effect method we report should also prove useful for studying the mechanism of other sulfuryl group transfers, including sulfatase and sulfotransferase reactions, as well as sulfate hydrolyses under other conditions.

Hydrolysis↗

p-Benzyne derivatives that have exceptionally small singlet-triplet gaps and even a triplet ground state.

In an effort to find a p-benzyne (1,4-didehydrobenzene) derivative with a triplet ground state, we have investigated tetrasubstitution by -F, -NH(2), -CH(3), and -NO(2) groups. These were predicted to reduce the singlet-triplet gap, but none led to a triplet ground state because of unexpected destabilization of one of the radical orbitals. This effect is likely the result of rehybridization of the substituted C atom, which has been observed for substituted benzene and perturbs the side sigma and sigma* orbital energies of the phenyl ring. The role of substituent rotation on the energy difference between the two nominally singly occupied orbitals (S and A) was then investigated. The energy of the A radical orbital was found to be much more sensitive to perturbations within the sigma C[bond]C framework than the S MO. Consequently, we believe that rehybridization of the ring carbons destabilizes the A radical orbital and can lead to large singlet-triplet splittings. To test this hypothesis, calculations on a p-benzyne with 2,6 substitution by oxygen were performed. Interestingly, a triplet ground state was predicted. Yet, examination of the geometry and wave function showed that 2,6-quinone p-benzyne is a very twisted molecule with a C3-C4-C5 allene linkage and a C1 triplet carbene center.

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Single-molecule magnets: two-electron reduced version of a Mn12 complex and environmental influences on the magnetization relaxation of (PPh4)(2)[Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CCHCl2)(16)(H2O)4].

The complex [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CCHCl(2))(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (2) in MeCN exhibits three quasi-reversible one-electron reduction processes at significantly higher potentials than [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CMe)(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (1). This has allowed the two-electron reduced version of 2 to be generated and isolated. Reaction of 2 with one and two equivalents of PPh(4)I led to isolation of (PPh(4))[Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CCHCl(2))(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (3) and (PPh(4))(2)[Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CCHCl(2))(16)(H(2)O)(4)] (4), respectively. The latter represents a new isolated oxidation level of the Mn(12) family of single-molecule magnets (SMMs). Crystallization from CH(2)Cl(2)/hexanes yields a mixture of two crystal forms, 4.4CH(2)Cl(2).H(2)O (4a) and 4.6CH(2)Cl(2) (4b), both of which have been structurally characterized as triclinic and monoclinic, respectively. The molecular structures are very similar, with the added electrons localized on former Mn(III) ions to give a trapped-valence 2Mn(II), 6Mn(III), 4Mn(IV) oxidation state description. Dried solid analyzed as unsolvated 4. (1)H NMR spectral data in CD(2)Cl(2) confirm that 4 retains its solid-state structure in solution. Bulk DC magnetization data for dried 4 in the 1.80-4.00 K and 10-70 kG ranges were fit to give S = 10, D = -0.275 cm(-1), g = 2.00 and |D|/g = 0.14 cm(-1), where D is the axial zero-field splitting (anisotropy) parameter. Complexes 4a and 4b give resolvable frequency-dependent out-of-phase (chi(M)'') signals in AC susceptibility studies resulting from the magnetization relaxation of SMMs. Relaxation rate vs T data to 1.8 K obtained from the chi(M)'' vs temperature studies were supplemented with rate vs T data measured to lower temperatures via magnetization vs time decay data, and these were fit to the Arrhenius equation to give the effective barrier to relaxation (U(eff)). The U(eff) values are 18.5 and 30.3 K for 4a and 4b, respectively. A similar analysis for dried 4 using AC data gave U(eff) = 32 K. Magnetization vs DC field sweeps on single crystals of 4a and 4b gave hysteresis loops containing steps due to quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM). The step separations yielded |D|/g values of 0.087 and 0.14 cm(-1) for 4a and 4b, respectively, suggesting that the differences in U(eff) are primarily caused by changes to D. The combined work demonstrates the sensitivity of the magnetic properties of these new [Mn(12)](2-) SMMs to subtle differences in their environment as determined by the precise packing, solvent molecules, and overall crystal symmetry (space group) and represents an important caveat to workers in the field.

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Insights into the metathesis reaction involving M-M, C-C, and M-C triple bonds from computations employing density functional theory on model compounds M2(OH)6 and M2(SH)6, where M = Mo and W.

Calculations employing density functional theory (Gaussian 98, B3LYP, LANL2DZ, 6-31G) have been undertaken to interrogate the factors influencing the metathesis reaction involving M-M, C-C, and M-C triple bonds for the model compounds M(2)(EH)(6), M(2)(EH)(6)(mu-C(2)H(2)), and [(HE)(3)M(tbd1;CH)](2), where M = Mo, W and E = O, S. Whereas in all cases the ethyne adducts are predicted to be enthalpically favored in the reactions between M(2)(EH)(6) compounds and ethyne, only when M = W and E = O is the alkylidyne product [(HO)(3)W(tbd1;CH)](2) predicted to be more stable than the alkyne adduct. For the reaction M(2)(EH)(6)(mu-C(2)H(2)) --> [(HE)(3)M(tbd1;CH)](2), the deltaG degrees values (kcal mol(-)(1)) are -6 (M = W, E = O), +5 (M = Mo, E = O), +18 (M = W, E = S), and +21 (M = Mo, E = S) and the free energies of activation are calculated to be deltaG() = +19 kcal mol(-)(1) (M = W, E = O) and +34 kcal mol(-)(1) (M = Mo, E = O), where the transition state involves an asymmetric bridged structure M(2)(OH)(4)(mu-OH)(2)(CH)(mu-CH) in which the C-C bond has broken; C.C = 1.89 and 1.98 A for W and Mo, respectively. These results are discussed in terms of the experimental observations of the reactions involving ethyne and the symmetrically substituted alkynes (RCCR, where R = Me, Et) with M(2)(O(t)()Bu)(6) and M(2)(O(t)()Bu)(2)(S(t)()Bu)(4) compounds, where M = Mo, W.

Journal Article↗

Insights into the Schrock 'chop-chop' reaction gained from density functional theory and preparation and structure of W2(mu-PhCCPh)(SC6H4-2-Me)6.

Computations employing density functional theory on the reactions between ethyne and the model compounds (HE)3M identical to M(EH)3, where M = Mo and W and E = O and S, predict that the alkyne adducts M2(mu-C2H2)(EH)6 are thermodynamically favored with respect to the metathesis products HC identical to M(EH)3 except when M = W and E = O; the reaction between (tBuO)3 W identical to CPh and 2-MeC6H4SH (> 3 equiv.) yields W2(mu-PhCCPh)(SC6H4-2-Me)6 consistent with expectations based on the calculations.

Journal Article↗

Tristhiolatomolybdenum nitrides, (RS)(3)Mo[triple bond]N where R = (i)Pr and (t)Bu, preparation, characterization and comparisons with related trialkoxymolybdenumnitrides.

The addition of thiols to ((t)BuO)(3)Mo[triple bond]N in toluene leads to the formation of (RS)(3)Mo[triple bond]N compounds as yellow, air-sensitive compounds, where R = (i)Pr and (t)Bu. The single-crystal structure of ((t)BuS)(3)Mo[triple bond]N reveals a weakly associated dimeric structure where two ((t)BuS)(3)Mo[triple bond]N units (Mo-N = 1.61 A, Mo-S = 2.31 A (av)) are linked via thiolate sulfur bridges with long 3.03 A (av) Mo-S interactions. Density functional theory calculations employing Gaussian 98 B3LYP (LANL2DZ for Mo and 6-31G* for N, O, S, and H) have been carried out for model compounds (HE)(3)Mo[triple bond]N and (HE)(3)MoNO, where E = O and S. A comparison of the structure and bonding within the related series ((t)BuE)(3)Mo[triple bond]N and ((t)BuE)(3)MoNO is made for E = O and S. In the thiolate compounds, the highest energy orbitals are sulfur lone-pair combinations. In the alkoxides, the HOMO is the N 2p lone-pair which has M-N sigma and M-O pi* character for the nitride. As a result of greater O p pi to Mo pi interactions, the M-N pi orbitals of the Mo-N triple bond are destabilized with respect to their thiolate counterpart. For the nitrosyl compounds, the greater O p pi to Mo d pi interaction favors greater back-bonding to the nitrosyl pi* orbitals for the alkoxides relative to the thiolates. The results of the calculations are correlated with the observed structural features and spectroscopic properties of the related alkoxide and thiolate compounds.

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