Herein an assessment of several Long Range Corrected (LRC) Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods for the calculation of reduction potentials of the ([Ni(X2C2H2)2]n/[Ni(X2C2H2)2]n-1), and ([Ni(X2C2H2)(N2C2H4)]n/[Ni(X2C2H2)(N2C2H4)]n-1) and (where X= S or Se and n = 0, or -1) redox couples was done. From the results the values of ω that provide best agreement with CCSD(T) for the tested LRC DFT methods are 0.05 bohr-1, 0.15 bohr-1, 0.05 bohr-1, and 0.20 bohr-1 for ω-B97XD, LC-BLYP, CAM-B3LYP, and ω-B97, respectively. With these values the unsigned average in error was 0.12 V with a standard deviation of 0.13 V for ω-B97XD. For LC-BLYP, CAM-B3LYP, and ω-B97 the unsigned averages in relative errors were 0.12 V, 0.11 V, and 0.13 V, respectively, with respective standard deviations of 0.11 V, 0.12 V and 0.13 V.

A series of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives were characterized and tested as potential antennas in a set of designed lanthanide complexes. The molecular structure and ligand localized nature of the excited states were studied in the framework of the multiconfigurational methods CASSCF/NEVPT2 combined with TDDFT- based approaches, which allows applying a fragmentation scheme in the analysis of the most probable sensitization pathway via antenna effect. The photophysical properties of all the complexes and antennas were carefully analyzed, and the most probable energy transfer pathways were elucidated. Rate constants for photophysical processes involved in the mechanism were calculated, showing a significant contribution of the vibronic coupling in all cases and the predominant intersystem-crossing between S1 and T1 states was demonstrated from the analysis of the nature of the wave function of those states. The energy transfer process described herein demonstrates the possibility of Eu(III) and Nd(III) sensitization by the studied ligands. The proposed methodology gives a complete picture of the antenna excited state dynamics.

Quantum chemical calculations were carried out to establish the half-sandwich structural behaviour between heavier group-14 elements (Si-Pb) and neutral Be3 ring. The proposed complexes are found to be global minima on the potential energy surface. Quantum chemical investigation revealed that the complexes found possess high bond dissociation energy and also favorable thermodynamics of their formation. The complexes were also found to possess significant aromatic behaviour. In addition, the half-sandwich complexes were found to possess promising chemical properties to be useful for potential H2 storage material under reversible conditions.

Interference patterns in the scattering of positrons and electrons by diatomic homonuclear molecules are ab initio calculated. Our results are compared to model potential calculations with incident particles in twisted and plane wave states. All calculations are obtained in the first Born approximation framework. The comparison of the elastic differential cross sections shows how an ab initio description of the electronic molecular structure influence the interference minima structure. The origin of such patterns are also discussed.

We investigate the presence of helical character and chirality using a vector-based charge density perspective instead of energetic or structural measures. The vector-based perspective of the chemical bonding, constructed using the most preferred direction of charge density accumulation, finds the presence of induced symmetry-breaking for α,ω-disubstituted [4]cumulenes as the end groups are torsioned. The stress tensor trajectories Tσ(s) are used to provide the additional symmetry-breaking required to quantify the degree and nature of the chirality and helical character. We find an absence of chirality for [4]cumulene but a very significant degree of axiality as demonstrated by the purely axial form of the Tσ(s) indicating a lack of helical character. The S-1,5-dimethyl-[4]cumulene contains a very low degree of chiral character but significant axiality(helicity) resulting in a weakly helical morphology of the corresponding Tσ(s). The (-)S(-), (+)S(-) and (+)S(+) conformations of S-1,5-diamino-[4]cumulene contain very significant degrees of both chirality and helical character resulting in helical morphology of the corresponding Tσ(s). The chirality assignments are in agreement with the Cahn–Ingold–Prelog (CIP) classifications for the (-)S(-), (+)S(-) and (+)S(+) conformations of S-1,5-diamino-[4]cumulene. We discuss the consequences for the Tσ(s) in locating chiral character in these molecules in future experiment investigations.

We present the derivation of a new response method termed rst order po- larization propagator approximation. The electronic structure is given by a density functional representation. We provide a detailed derivation of the method along with explicit expressions for the relevant integrals and matrix elements.

Spin projected wave functions are known as generalizations of the Hartree-Fock wave function. Among them, the Half-Projected Hartree-Fock (HPHF) model represents a good compromise between the restricted (RHF) and unrestricted (UHF) Hartree-Fock methods. The HPHF wave function is a nearly pure wave function of spin and recovers a small part of the spin correlation energy. This paper reviews the history of the HPHF theory, not only from the conceptual point of view but also providing a compilation of the publications of this method over the years until now. In addition, the extension of the HPHF method to the calculation of non-orthogonal excited states to the ground state will be treated. The variational collapse during the calculation of singlet excited states with the same symmetry as the ground state is avoided by orthogonalizing the excited orbital to the corresponding occupied orbital. As an example, the potential energy surface of the S0 ground and 1S1(n, π∗) first excited state of the formic acid HCOOH are calculated. Formic acid exhibits complex energy surfaces with respect two large amplitude motions, the torsional rotation of the O-H group and the waving out-of-plane angle of the H atom. In the excited state, the molecule adopts a pyramidal structure. The obtained energy results are fitted to curves that can be used for the calculation of the theoretical spectrum.

Cyclohexyl radicals are crucial primary intermediates in combustion of fossil and alternative fuels. They would present the inherent conformation feature, i.e. diverse conformers retained in inversion-topomerization pathways, jointly controlled by the varying radical site and specific spatial positions of alkyl side chains on “easy-distortion” cyclic ring. These conformers for one radical have different energies and thermodynamics, and are highly expected to influence their subsequent decomposition reactions in terms of energetics and kinetics. To reveal such impact, all conformational structures and their interconversion mechanisms for trans-1,2-dimethylcyclohexyl isomers were explored by employing quantum chemical calculations coupled with transition state theory. Originated from distinct conformers, all accessible transition states were explicitly identified in different reaction paths for each type of intramolecular H-transfer or β-scission, and then were carefully used in computing rate coefficients. The kinetic predictions demonstrate that the fairly speedy equilibrium among conformers would be established for one isomer via conformation before they proceed the initial decomposition over 300-2500 K. This allows thoroughly evaluating the contribution of various conformers to the kinetics for multiple paths in one reaction regarding to their thermodynamic properties. Moreover, conformational analysis elucidates that H-transfers exhibit strong structure dependence. Note that the most favorable 1,5 H-transfer is only feasible for one twist-boat with radical site in axial side chain accompanied by one isoclinal methyl group. The results for β-scissions are affected by steric energies and substituent effects remained in conformational structures. These findings facilitate to finally suggest the proper kinetic parameters for each decomposition reaction with the aim of their potential implication in kinetic modelling.

The noncovalent interactions between a redox-active molecule, phenyl-substituted dithiafulvene (Ph-DTF), and ten commonly encountered nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) were systematically investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. Our modeling studies examined their 1:1 complexes in terms of equilibrium geometries, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), nature of noncovalent forces, intermolecular charge transfer (ICT), interaction energies and related energy decomposition analysis. The computational results indicate that Ph-DTF can form thermodynamically stable supramolecular complexes with trinitro-substituted benzenes (e.g., 2,4,6-trinisuchtrotoluene and picric acid), but its interactions with mono- and dinitrobenzenes do not exhibit such stability. The selective binding properties are further corroborated by AIMD simulations. Overall, this computational work establishes a comprehensive understanding of the nature of noncovalent interactions of Ph-DTF with various NACs, and the results can be used as theoretical guidance for the rational design of selective receptors and/or chemosensors for certain NACs that are of great concern in current industrial applications and environmental control.

In order to elucidate the temperature-dependent valence state of Ce ion and the occupation number of Ce 4f electrons in cerium mononitride (CeN), we perform an ab initio calculation on CeN by using a many-body scheme combing density functional theory (DFT) with dynamical mean field theory (DMFT), taking into account the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) interaction and on-site Coulomb repulsion between Ce 4f electrons. Results demonstrate that Ce 4f j=5/2 and j=7/2 manifolds undergo insulating-metallic transition with the increasing of temperature. Ce 4f-conduction electrons hybridization, f-f correlation, SOC interaction and final state effects yield a complicated spectrum function in CeN. Ce 4f atomic configuration transition and hybridization might be responsible for the temperature-dependent occupancy number of Ce 4f electrons and the mixed-valence state in CeN. A fact that localization of Ce 4f electrons, i.e., 4f1 configuration or Ce3+ valence, increases with the increasing of temperature could account for the experimentally observed lattice constant versus temperature data. Finally, the so-called quasiparticle band structure is also discussed for comparison with experimental angle-resolved photoemission spectrum (ARPES).

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are known for their low toxicity, strong fluorescence, high surface area, large solubility and tunable band gaps. However, the change in their properties depends on the preparation processes of GQDs. Thus, certain types of preparation lead to certain defects, such as surface defect, edge defects, Stone-Wales defect. These structural defects are responsible for hindering GQDs to possess their regular shape that affects the morphological properties of GQDs. Thus, the optical and electrical properties get affected. The GQDs, which are synthesized via acidic methods are generally more vulnerable to defects compared to those synthesized using eco-friendly methods. Thereby, the aim of this review is to discuss the causes of structural defects. Moreover, it focuses on how they affect the properties of GQDs and to what extent they affect them. The processes of regulating defects have been elucidated so that more efficient applications can be designed using GQDs with controlled amounts of defects.

Compounds with (NHC)→E coordination bond are being generated and their chemistry is being explored over the past 15 years (NHC= N-heterocyclic carbenes, E = main group elements). Many examples of species with N-heterocyclic olefins (NHOs) are known, which exhibit umpolung chemistry. Increasing number of chemical species, which carry NHC as a functional unit, are being reported. There is a need to understand their electronic structure. Alkylated imidazole oximes (cationic, found useful in medicinal chemistry) ((NHC)-C(H)=N-OH(+)) carry NHC unit as a functional group. Similarly, the corresponding nitroso-N-heterocyclic olefins ((NHC)=C(R)-N=O) also carry NHC as a functional unit. It is important to establish the interaction between the NHC unit and the rest part of the molecule in these species. Density functional (DFT) study has been carried out to explore the electronic structure details of a few oximes and nitroso NHOs. The results indicate that a structure with NHC→C coordination interaction can be considered as one of the resonance structures of these species.

The Fourier transform of Cartesian Gaussian functions product is presented in the light of positron scattering. The calculation of this class of integrals is crucial in order to obtain the scattering amplitude in the first Born approximation framework for an _ab initio_ method recently proposed. A general solution to the scattering amplitude is given to a molecular target with no restriction due to symmetry. Moreover, symmetry relations are presented with the purpose of identifying terms that do not contribute to the calculation for the molecules in the D∞h point group optimizing the computational effort. KEYWORDS — Positron and electron scattering, Fourier transform of the Gaussian product theorem, McMurchie-Davidson procedure, Obara-Saika procedure, linear molecules .

The relativistic properties of Hydrogen-like atoms (HLAs) are here investigated in the Heisenberg picture for the first time. The relativistic vibrational Hamiltonian (RVH) is first defined as a power series of harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian by using the relativistic energy eigenvalue . By applying the first-order RVH (proportional to ) to the Heisenberg equation, a pair of coupled equations is turned out for the relativistic motion of the electron’s position and linear momentum. A simple comparison of the first-order relativistic and nonrelativistic equations reveals this reality that the natural (fundamental) frequency of HLA (like entropy) is slowly raised by increasing the atomic number from . The second-order RVH (proportional to ) has then been implemented to determine an exact expression for the electron relativistic frequency in the different atomic energy levels. In general, the physical role of RVH is fundamental because it not only specifies the temporal relativistic variations of position, velocity, and linear momentum of the oscillating electron, but also identifies the corresponding relativistic potential, kinetic, and mechanical energies. The results will finally be testified by demonstrating energy conservation.

The effect of the presence of a deuterium (D) or tritium (T) isotope bonded to the alpha carbon of glycine is determined without the need to apply external forces e.g. electric fields or using normal mode analysis. Isotopic effects were accounted for using the mass-dependent diagonal Born-Oppenheimer energy correction (DBOC) at the CCSD level of theory. We calculated the stress tensor trajectories of the dominant C-N bond within next generation quantum theory of atoms in molecules (NG-QTAIM). S-character chirality was discovered using the stress tensor trajectories, instead of the Cahn–Ingold–Prelog (CIP) rules, for ordinary glycine. The S-character chirality was preserved after the substitution of the H on the alpha carbon for a D isotope but transformed to R-character chirality after replacement with the T isotope. This reversal of the chirality depending on the presence of a single D or T isotope bound to the alpha carbon adds to the debate on the nature of the extraterrestrial origins of chirality in simple amino acids. We demonstrate that NG-QTAIM is a promising tool for understanding isotopic induced electronic charge density changes, useful in analysis of infrared (IR) or circular dichroism (CD) spectra explaining changes in mode couplings and bands intensities or sign.

C-radical borylation is an significant approach for the construction of carbon−boron bond. Photochemical borylation of aryl halides successfully applied this strategy. However, precise mechanisms, such as the generation of aryl radicals and the role of base additive(TMDAM) and water, remain controversy in these reactions. In this study, photochemical borylation of aryl halides has been researched by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Indeed, the homolytic cleavage of the C−X bond under irradiation with UV-light is a key step for generation of aryl radicals. Nevertheless, the generation of aryl radicals may also undergo the process of single electron transfer and the heterolytic carbon-halogen bond cleavage sequence, and the latter is favorable during the reaction.

Based on the Crystal structure Analysis by Particle Swarm Optimization (CALYPSO) searching method and density functional theory (DFT), theoretical studies about structures, electronic and thermodynamic properties have been investigated systematically at the TPSSh/6-311+G(d) level for NiB2n0/- (n=7-11) clusters. Results found that the lowest energy structures possess a Ni atom-centered double ring tubular boron structures, NiB180/- except. Relative stabilities were analyzed via computing their vertical ionization potentials (VIP), vertical electronic affinity (VEA), adiabatic electronic affinity (AEA), HOMO-LUMO gaps and hardness. The infrared spectra, Raman spectra and photoelectron spectra were computationally simulated to facilitate their experimental characterizations. At last, aromatic properties (Nucleus independent chemical shift) and thermodynamic properties (enthalpy and entropy) with temperature were discussed in detailed for studied systems.

Metadynamics simulation has been used to describe the conformational energy landscapes of several helical quinoline oligoamides bearing β-pinene-derived pyridine at either the C or N terminus. Based on the experimental results, helix-sense preference for four types of foldamers with the chiral terminal group has been verified. To compare to the key factors of inducing handedness to helical-sense preference, a terminal group with three hydrogen bond sites is designed and corresponding foldamers are built. The calculated results show the delocalization effect and steric hindrance mainly responsible for a particular helix-sense preference for the investigated foldamers. The more hydrogen bonds between the terminal group and oligoamide units are formed, the more stable foldamers are.