Actinide sulfides in the gas phase: experimental and theoretical studies of the thermochemistry of AnS (An = Ac, Th, Pa, U, Np, Pu, Am and Cm).

The gas-phase thermochemistry of actinide monosulfides, AnS, was investigated experimentally and theoretically. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry was employed to study the reactivity of An(+) and AnO(+) (An = Th, Pa, U, Np, Pu, Am and Cm) with CS(2) and COS, as well as the reactivity of the produced AnS(+) with oxidants (COS, CO(2), CH(2)O and NO). From these experiments, An(+)-S bond dissociation energies could be bracketed. Density functional theory studies of the energetics of neutral and monocationic AnS (An = Ac, Th, Pa, U, Np, Pu, Am and Cm) provided values for bond dissociation energies and ionization energies; the computed energetics of neutral and monocationic AnO were also obtained for comparison. The theoretical data, together with comparisons with known An(+)-O bond dissociation energies and M(+)-S and M(+)-O dissociation energies for the early transition metals, allowed for the refining of the An(+)-S bond dissociation energy ranges obtained from experiment. Examination of the reactivity of AnS(+) with dienes, coupled to comparisons with reactivities of the AnO(+) analogues, systematic considerations and the theoretical results, allowed for the estimation of the ionization energies of the AnS; the bond dissociation energies of neutral AnS were consequently derived. Estimates for the case of AcS were also made, based on correlations of the data for the other An and the electronic energetics of neutral and ionic An. The nature of the bonding in the elementary molecular actinide chalcogenides (oxides and sulfides) is discussed, based on both the experimental data and the computed electronic structures. DFT calculations of ionization energies for the actinide atoms and the diatomic sulfides and oxides are relatively reliable, but the calculation of bond dissociation energies is not uniformly satisfactory, either with DFT or CCSD(T). A key conclusion from both the experimental and theoretical results is that the 5f electrons do not substantially participate in actinide-sulfur bonding. We emphasize that actinides form strikingly strong bonds with both oxygen and sulfur.

Infrared spectra and density functional calculations of the SUO2 molecule.

Reactions of laser-ablated U atoms with SO(2) molecules gave the very stable U(VI) molecule, SUO(2), as the major product. Infrared absorptions for two new O=U=O stretching modes were observed in solid argon and neon. The band assignments were confirmed by appropriate (34)SO(2), S(18)O(2), and S(16,18)O(2) isotopic shifts. B3LYP and BPW91 density functional calculations were performed to determine molecular structure, vibrational frequencies, and isotopic shifts. The C(2v) structure is analogous to those computed for UO(3) and US(3). Minor products were identified as SUO, the SUO(2)(+) cation, and the (SO(2))(SUO(2)) adduct.

Reactions of uranium atoms with ammonia: infrared spectra and quasi-relativistic calculations of the U:NH3, H2N--UH, and HN==UH2 complexes.

Ammonia molecules interact with U atoms, and the resulting U:NH3 complex rearranges upon visible irradiation to form the H2N--UH and HN==UH2 molecules in excess argon. These products are identified by functional group frequencies, 15NH3 and ND3 isotopic shifts, and comparison to frequencies calculated by using density functional theory. The N==U pi bond in HN==UH2 is enhanced by partial triple-bond character through N(2p) to U(5f) conjugation, which is comparable to that found in the analogous HN==ThH2 molecule. These products also form complexes with additional ammonia molecules in the matrix. The interesting higher-energy N[triple chemical bond]UH3 complex is not formed.

Examining the performance of DFT methods in uranium chemistry: does core size matter for a pseudopotential?

We have investigated the performance of DFT in U(VI) chemistry. A large, representative selection of functionals has been tested, in combination with two ECPs developed in Stuttgart that have different-sized cores (60 and 78 electrons for U). In addition, several tests were undertaken with another 14 electron pseudopotential, which was developed in Los Alamos. The experimental database contained vibrational wavenumbers, thermochemical data, and (19)F chemical shifts for molecules of the type UF(6-n)Cl(n). For the prediction of vibrational wavenumbers, the large-core RECP (14 electrons) gives results that are at least as good as those obtained with the small-core RECP (32 electrons). GGA functionals are as successful as hybrid GGA for vibrational spectroscopy; typical errors are only a few percent with the Stuttgart pseudopotentials. For thermochemistry, hybrid versions of DFT are more successful than GGA, LDA, or meta-GGA. Marginally better results are obtained with a 32 electron ECP than with 14; since the experimental uncertainties are at least 25 kJ/mol for each reaction, the best functionals give results that are essentially indistinguishable from experiment. However, large-basis CCSD(T) results match experiment better than any DFT that we examined. Our findings for NMR spectroscopy are rather disappointing; no combination of pseudopotential, functional, and basis yields even a qualitatively correct prediction of trends in the (19)F chemical shifts of UF(6-n)Cl(n) species. Results yielded by the large-core RECP are, in general, slightly less bad than those obtained with the small core. We conclude that DFT cannot be recommended for predictions of NMR spectra in this series of compounds, though this conclusion should not be generalized. Our most important result concerns the good performance of the large-core Stuttgart pseudopotential. Given its computational efficiency, we recommend that it be used with DFT methods for the prediction of molecular geometries, vibrational frequencies, and thermochemistry of a given oxidation state. The hybrid GGA functionals MPW1PW91 and PBE0 give the best results overall.

Theoretical characterization of the lowest triplet excited states of the tris-(1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene) ruthenium dication complex.

We present a theoretical study of the ground and the lowest triplet excited states of the tris-(1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene) ruthenium complex [Ru(tap)3]2+. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to obtain the relaxed geometries and emission energies (Delta-SCF), whereas time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) was used to compute the absorption spectrum. Our calculations have revealed the presence of three low-lying excited-state minima, which may be relevant in the photophysical/photochemical properties of this complex. Two minima with similar energies correspond to the MLCT 3A2 and MLCT 3B metal-to-ligand charge-transfer states, the first one corresponding to a D3 structure, whereas the second is a slightly localized C2 species. The third and lowest one corresponds to the metal-centered MC 3A state and displays a pronounced C2 distortion. We have examined for the first time the localized character of the excitation in the computed MLCT states. In particular, we have evaluated the pseudorotation barrier between the Jahn-Teller C2 MLCT 3B minima in the moat around the D3 conical intersection. We have shown that the complex should be viewed as a delocalized [Ru3+(tap(-1/3))3]2+ complex in the lowest MLCT states, in agreement with subpicosecond interligand electron transfer observed by femtosecond transient absorption anisotropy study. Upper-bound estimates of the MLCT-->MC (3 kcal/mol) and MC-->MLCT (10 kcal/mol) activation energy barriers obtained from potential energy profiles in vacuum corroborate the high photoinstability of the MLCT states of the [Ru(tap)3]2+complex.

Linear uranium complexes X2UL5 with L=cyanide, isocyanate: DFT evidence for similarities between uranyl (X=O) and uranocene (X=Cp) derivatives.

A DFT study of the isostructural compounds [UO2L5](n-) with n=3-5 and linear [Cp2UL5](m-) with m=1-3 has been carried out for two different anionic ligands. Structurally stable structures are obtained for all systems. The coordination competition between cyanide (CN(-)) and isocyanide (NC(-)) as well as between cyanate (OCN(-)) and isocyanate (NCO(-)) has been studied in the uranyl case. A clear preference for cyanide and isocyanate complexes is reported. The coordination of five ligands in the equatorial plane is rationalised by the analysis of the MO diagram of both systems. Moreover, the qualitative comparison of the two MO diagrams shows a high similarity in agreement with the isolobality concept. The existence of linear [Cp2UL5](-) organometallic U(VI) complexes is thus proposed, as well as the possibility of obtaining complexes of both types for U(VI) and U(V) with OCN(-) ligands. In addition, the U(IV) linear metallocene is calculated to be stable for the latter ligand.

Infrared spectrum and structure of thorimine (HN=ThH2).

Laser-ablated thorium atoms react with ammonia to form thorimine (NH=ThH(2)), the first actinide imine to be reported. This work underscores the high reactivity of thorium atoms, particularly for N-H bond activation, reveals a new type of multiple bond to actinide atoms, and shows that this bond is strong for thorium as a result of an important contribution from the f orbitals.

Reactions of Th and U atoms with C2H2: infrared spectra and relativistic calculations of the metallacyclopropene, actinide insertion, and ethynyl products.

Reactions of laser-ablated Th and U atoms with C(2)H(2) during condensation with excess argon at 7 K give several new product species. The metallacyclopropene, inserted hydride, and actinide ethynyl are identified from isotopic frequencies and relativistic DFT calculations. The higher-energy vinylidine isomer was not observed. These actinide metallacyclopropenes exhibit substantially stronger bonding interactions than found recently for the Pd and Pt metals. In the case of Th(C(2)H(2)) the argon matrix interaction is strong enough to reverse the computed order of states (MR-CISD) in favor of a triplet ground state for the (Ar)(n)(Th(C(2)H(2))) complex. The nature of the electronic interactions between various metal atoms and acetylene is compared and the origin of the particularly strong interaction for U and Th is traced to the higher energy of their 6d orbitals. The ThCCH and UCCH actinide ethynyl products are also observed and characterized by C[triple bond]C stretching modes 38+/-2 cm(-1) lower than acetylene itself.

Can density functional methods be used for open-shell actinide molecules? Comparison with multiconfigurational spin-orbit studies.

The geometries, electronic structures, and vibrational frequencies of two isoelectronic compounds PuO(2)(2+) and PuN(2) have been studied in detail at the density functional theory (DFT) and multiconfigurational ab initio levels of theory. Dynamic correlation was taken into account using second-order perturbation theory (CASPT2) and the variational difference-dedicated configuration interaction method for comparison with the results of the DFT study. Spin-orbit effects were included within the framework of an effective uncontracted spin-orbit configuration-interaction method which considers electron correlation effects and spin-orbit coupling on equal footing. The twelve lowest f-f electronic transitions are reported. The electronic ground state of both systems is found to be the Omega=4 component of (3)H(g). We thus disagree with an earlier assignment of the ground state of PuN(2) [E. F. Archibong and A. K. Ray, J. Mol. Struct: THEOCHEM 530, 165 (2000)]. Spin-orbit effects are small on both the geometry and vibrational frequencies of the ground states of PuO(2)(2+) and PuN(2), but they completely change the distribution of electronically excited states. A comparison of results obtained with the two classes of methods allows us to demonstrate that an unambiguous assignment of the electronic ground state and electronic spectra requires the use of multireference methods including spin-orbit coupling. Single-reference methods such as DFT provide a reasonable description of the electronic properties of ground states of these open-shell systems, and therefore also of their structural and vibrational properties. The experimental antisymmetric stretching frequency of matrix-isolated PuN(2) is reproduced well by both CASPT2 and DFT calculations; generalized gradient approximation formulations of DFT are more successful than hybrid versions in this respect. Ground-state properties of UO(2) (2+), UN(2), UO(2), PuO(2) (2+), and PuN(2) are compared and discussed.

On the electronic structure of molecular UO2 in the presence of Ar atoms: evidence for direct U-Ar bonding.

Calculations via scalar-relativistic density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio CCSD(T) methodologies are used to explore the possibility of direct interactions between molecular UO2 and Ar atoms. The 3Hg electronic state of UO2, which is an excited state of the isolated molecule, exhibits significant bonding to Ar in the model complexes UO2(Ar) and UO2(Ar)5. The calculated vibrational frequencies of ground-state 3Phiu UO2 and UO2(Ar)5 with an (fphi)1(fdelta)1 electron configuration agree well with the observed frequencies of UO2 in solid neon and solid argon, respectively. The results strongly suggest that the ground electron configuration of UO2 changes from 5f17s1 to 5f2 when the matrix host is changed from neon to argon.

The First infrared spectra and quasirelativistic DFT studies of the US, US(2), and US(3) molecules.

Laser-ablated U atoms react with discharged sulfur vapor in excess argon to form the US, US(2), and US(3) molecules, which are identified from matrix infrared spectra using sulfur isotopic substitution. Vibrational frequencies from quasirelativistic DFT calculations support these assignments and provide an insight into the bonding and structure. Unlike linear UO(2), US(2) is bent because of more favorable U(6d)-S(3p) overlap, and US(2) has a 118 +/- 5 degrees (experimental based on isotopic shift) or 121 degrees (calculated (3)B(2) ground state, B3LYP) S-U-S bond angle.

Fluxionality and Isomerism of the Bis(dihydrogen) Complex RuH(2)(H(2))(2)(PCy(3))(2): INS, NMR, and Theoretical Studies.

To study the fluxionality of the bis(dihydrogen) complex RuH(2)(H(2))(2)(PCy(3))(2) (1), NMR spectra were recorded in Freons (mixture of CDCl(3), CDFCl(2), and CDF(2)Cl). 1 was found to remain fluxional at all temperatures, but the presence of CDCl(3) necessary for its solubilization induces its transformation into, first, RuHCl(H(2))(2)(PCy(3))(2) (3) and the new ruthenium(IV) dihydride RuH(2)Cl(2)(PCy(3))(2) (4). 4 is produced selectively in pure CDCl(3) but reacts further to give a mixture of chloro complexes. 4 was isolated from the reaction of 1 with aqueous HCl in Et(2)O and shows a fluxional process attributed to the interconversion between two symmetrical isomers. The activation parameters of this process were obtained by (1)H NMR line shape analysis, as well as those corresponding to the exchange between 3 and free dihydrogen. The fluxionality of the dihydrogen-hydride system is also evident at a much faster time scale than that of NMR studies in the inelastic neutron scattering observations of the rotation of the dihydrogen ligands. The geometries and relative energies of several isomers of complexes 1, 3, and 4 were studied using density functional theory (DFT) and MP2 methods, together with a few coupled-cluster (CCSD(T)) calculations. In contrast to what might have been expected, the two hydrides and the two H(2) units of 1 lie in the same plane, due to the attractive "cis effect" created by the hydrides. The two H(2) ligands adopt cis positions in the lowest-energy isomer. Rotation of the two dihydrogen ligands has been analyzed using DFT calculations. A slight preference for a C(2) conrotatory pathway has been found with a calculated barrier in good agreement with the experimental INS value. Two low-energy isomers of 4 have been characterized computationally, both of which have C(2)(v)() symmetry, consistent with the solution NMR spectra.