Preparation of FC(S)SF, FC(S)SeF and FC(Se)SeF through matrix photochemical reactions of F2 with CS2, SCSe, and CSe2.

The reactions of F2 with CS2, SCSe, and CSe2, respectively, were analyzed under matrix conditions by co-deposition of the halogen with the triatomic molecules trapped in argon matrices at cryogenic temperatures. In all cases, after co-deposition, the formation of the respective van der Waals complexes is observed. When each mixture is subsequently irradiated by means of broad-band UV-visible light (200 ≤ λ ≤ 800 nm), FC(S)SF, fluorothiocarbonylsulfenyl fluoride, FC(S)SeF, fluorothiocarbonylselenyl fluoride and FC(Se)SeF, fluoroselenocarbonylselenyl fluoride are produced, respectively. All these species exist as two stable planar syn- and anti-conformers (syn- and anti- of the CZ double bond, Y = S, Se, with respect to the S-F or Se-F single bond, respectively). For FC(S)SF, syn- is the rotamer with the lowest energy, while for both FC(S)SeF and FC(Se)SeF the anti-form is the lowest energy conformer. In all cases, other products due to alternative or subsequent photochannels are observed during the photochemical processes carried out in argon matrices at cryogenic temperatures.

Preparation and Properties of Chlorosulfuryl Chloroformate, ClC(O)OSO2Cl.

The novel chlorosulfuryl chloroformate, ClC(O)OSO2Cl, was prepared by the reaction of CCl4 and SO3. Alternatively, the compound was obtained from the direct insertion reaction of SO3 to Cl2C═O. The latter reaction constitutes also a confirmation of the proposed mechanism for the former one. Density functional theory and MP2 theoretical approximations predict the existence of two conformers, syn-gauche and syn-anti, depending on the value adopted by the dihedral angles ϕ(Cl-C-O-S) and ϕ(C-O-S-Cl). The structure of the syn-gauche conformer was determined by gas-phase electron diffraction (GED). The existence of the syn-anti conformer can be neither confirmed nor excluded by the GED experiment. Vibrational spectra (vapor-phase and argon-matrix Fourier transform infrared and liquid Fourier transform Raman) were interpreted by an equilibrium mixture between both conformers.

Disulfuryl Dichloride ClSO2 OSO2 Cl: A Conformation and Polymorphism Chameleon.

Disulfuryl dichloride ClSO2 OSO2 Cl was characterized by vibrational spectroscopy in the gaseous and liquid phase as well as in the Ar-matrix. By varying the temperature, certain bands could be assigned to several conformers. Gas-phase electron diffraction revealed a dominance of the anti-conformer at ambient temperature. The same conformation was found in the solid state. Via the in situ technique for crystallization, not less than four different modifications were identified. Among these different modifications, the structural parameters of the molecules remain relatively constant, but the aggregation pattern changes. Although the molecules aggregate by chlorine⋅⋅⋅oxygen contacts in each modification, the geometrical parameters of these interaction show significant differences and were evaluated and are in part inconsistent with the halogen bonding concept.

Photochemical Reaction of OCSe with ClF in Argon Matrix: A Light-Driven Formation of XC(O)SeY (X, Y = F or Cl) Species.

The photochemistry of OCSe with ClF trapped together in argon matrices at cryogenic temperatures has been explored and the first interhalogen representatives of the elusive XC(O)SeY family, namely syn-ClC(O)SeF, anti-ClC(O)SeF, syn-FC(O)SeCl, and anti-FC(O)SeCl, as well as the hitherto triatomic species ClSeF complexed by a CO molecule, were obtained. Both ClC(O)SeF conformers appear to be produced independently by photolysis of the respective precursors; while formation of both FC(O)SeCl structures is ruled by the presence of an angular molecular complex OCSe···Cl-F formed prior to photolysis. This latter photochemical pathway seems to favor the formation of the less stable anti-FC(O)SeCl structure instead of the more stable syn- one. With the aid of quantum chemical calculations, using ab initio, DFT, TDDFT, and CASSCF methods, the mechanism for this photochemical reaction is rationalized both in terms of radical processes as well as a photoinduced electron transfer occurring into the OCSe···Cl-F complex. Also a singlet-triplet conical intersection between anti and syn rotamers of the FC(O)SeCl molecule is theoretically explored.

Dichlorophosphanyl isocyanate - spectroscopy, conformation and molecular structure in the gas phase and the solid state.

Dichlorophosphanyl isocyanate, Cl2PNCO, was synthesized and characterized by IR, Raman and 31P NMR spectroscopy. The conformational properties and molecular structures were studied by using gas electron diffraction (GED), X-ray crystallography and quantum-chemical calculations. Extensive DFT and ab initio calculations show that the potential energy surface of Cl2PNCO upon rotating the P-N bond is rather flat; three conformers, namely syn, anti and gauche between the NCO group and the bisector of the ClPCl angle, were theoretically predicted. Experimentally, only one conformer was indicated by gas-phase IR spectroscopy and the preference for a gauche conformation in both gas phase and solid state was unambiguously ascertained by gas electron diffraction and X-ray crystallographic data. In the solid state, the Cl2PNCO molecules adopt a gauche conformation with two distinct dihedral angles Cl-P-N-C of -121.3(2) and 137.4(2)° and form polymeric chains through weak intermolecular CO contacts. Additionally, the dynamic character of the position of the isocyanate group of Cl2PNCO was examined in the gas phase.

The Methylsulfonyloxyl Radical, CH3SO3.

The methylsulfonyloxyl radical, CH3SO3, one of the key intermediates in the atmospheric oxidation of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), was generated by flash pyrolysis of CH3SO2OOSO2CH3 and subsequently isolated in solid noble-gas matrices. The radical has been characterized by UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy and its tautomerization to CH2SO3H observed upon irradiation with light of λ≥360 nm.

The hexacyanodiborane(6) dianion [B2(CN)6](2-).

Diborane(6) dianions with substituents that are bonded to boron via carbon are very reactive and therefore only a few examples are known. Diborane(6) derivatives are the simplest catenated boron compounds with an electron-precise B-B σ-bond that are of fundamental interest and of relevance for material applications. The homoleptic hexacyanodiborane(6) dianion [B2 (CN)6 ](2-) that is chemically very robust is reported. The dianion is air-stable and resistant against boiling water and anhydrous hydrogen fluoride. Its salts are thermally highly stable, for example, decomposition of (H3 O)2 [B2 (CN)6 ] starts at 200 °C. The [B2 (CN)6 ](2-) dianion is readily accessible starting from 1) B(CN)3 (2-) and an oxidant, 2) [BF(CN)3 ](-) and a reductant, or 3) by the reaction of B(CN)3 (2-) with [BHal(CN)3 ](-) (Hal=F, Br). The latter reaction was found to proceed via a triply negatively charged transition state according to an SN 2 mechanism.

Decomposition of fluorophosphoryl diazide: a joint experimental and theoretical study.

The photolytic and thermal decomposition of fluorophosphoryl diazide, FP(O)(N3)2, was studied using matrix isolation spectroscopy. Upon ArF laser photolysis (λ = 193 nm), FPO and a new geminal azido nitrene FP(O)(N3)N were identified using matrix IR spectroscopy. The nitrene shows a triplet ground state with the zero-field parameters |D/hc| = 1.566 cm(-1) and |E/hc| = 0.005 cm(-1). Further decomposition of the nitrene into FPO was observed under an irradiation of λ > 335 nm. In contrast, no nitrene but only FPO was identified after flash vacuum pyrolysis of the diazide. To reveal the decomposition mechanism, quantum chemical calculations on the potential energy surface (PES) of the diazide using DFT methods were performed. On the singlet PES four conformers of the nitrene were predicted. The two conformers (syn and anti) showing intramolecular Nnitrene···Nα,azide interactions are much lower in energy (ca. 40 kJ mol(-1), B3LYP/6-311+G(3df)) than the other two exhibiting Nnitrene···O interactions. syn/anti refers to the relative orientation of the P[double bond, length as m-dash]O bond and the N3 group. The interconversion of these species and the decomposition into FPO via a novel three-membered ring diazo intermediate cyclo-FP(O)N2 were computationally explored. The calculated low dissociation barrier of 45 kJ mol(-1) (B3LYP/6-311+G(3df)) of this cyclic intermediate rationalizes why it could not be detected in our experiments.

Convenient access to the tricyanoborate dianion B(CN)3²â» and selected reactions as a boron-centred nucleophile.

Alkali metal tricyanoborates M2B(CN)3 (M = Na, K) are accessible by the reaction of tricyanofluoroborates with alkali metals (i) in liquid NH3 or (ii) in THF-naphthalene. The M2B(CN)3 are versatile starting materials for the synthesis of K[RB(CN)3] (R = Et, C6F5, CH2=CHCH2).

Isomers of disulfur dinitride, S2 N2.

UV photolysis (λ=248 or 255 nm) of cyclic S2 N2 isolated in solid argon matrices yields two open-shell S2 N2 isomers, trans SNSN ((3) A'') and cis SNSN ((3) A''), as well as a closed-shell C2v dimer (SN)2 ((1) A1 ). These novel isomers have been characterized by their IR spectra and mutual photo-interconversion reactions. Quantum chemical calculations support the experimental results and also provide insight into the complex potential energy surface of S2 N2 .

Photochemistry of matrix isolated (trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl azide, CF3SO2N3.

The photochemistry of matrix isolated (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) azide, CF3SO2N3, has been studied at low temperatures. Upon ArF laser irradiation (λ = 193 nm), the azide eliminates N2 and furnishes triplet [(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]nitrene, CF3SO2N, which has been characterized by IR and EPR spectroscopy. Upon subsequent UV light irradiation (λ = 260-400 nm) the nitrene converts to CF3N═SO2 and CF3S(O)NO through a Curtius-type rearrangement. Further two new species CF2N═SO2F and FSNO were identified together with CF2NF, SO2, F2CO, CF3NO, and SO as side products. In addition, triplet nitrene CF3N was detected by its EPR and IR spectra. The complex stepwise photodecomposition of matrix isolated CF3SO2N3 is discussed in terms of the observed photolysis products and quantum chemical calculations.

SN2P2: a neutral five-membered sulfur-pnictogen(III) ring.

The novel aromatic ring compound 2,4-diphospha-3,5-diaza-thiole (cyclo-SNPNP) was synthesized via flash pyrolysis of SP(N3)3 and characterized by IR spectroscopy and (15)N isotope labeling. Quantum chemical computations indicate its formation by head-to-tail dimerization of SNP and subsequent elimination of a sulfur atom from the highly unstable boatlike six-membered-ring compound cyclo-SNPSNP.

Matrix isolation study of the conformations and photochemistry of S-ethyl fluorothioformate, FC(O)SCH2CH3.

The IR spectra of S-ethyl fluorothioformate, FC(O)SCH2CH3, were recorded in the vapor phase and compared with the Raman spectrum in the liquid state. Additional IR spectra of the compound isolated in argon and nitrogen matrices at ca. 12 K were also recorded. The title compound exhibits rich conformational equilibria at room temperature being C1 the most stable symmetry with a synperiplanar orientation of the carbonyl double bond (C═O) with respect to the S-C(sp(3)) single bond, while the C-C bond of the ethyl group presents a gauche orientation with respect to the C-S single bond. Several bands assigned to a second conformer were also observed in the IR matrix spectra. This second rotamer presents a planar skeleton (Cs point group) retaining the prevalent syn orientation of the FC(O)SCH2CH3 molecule with an antiperiplanar orientation of the C-C bond of the ethyl group with respect to the C-S bond. The variation of the nozzle temperature before matrix gas deposition gives rise to different conformer ratios. With these data an enthalpy difference of 0.45 kcal mol(-1) can be calculated between the more stable C1 and the Cs conformers. A third form, corresponding to the anti-gauche conformer, is also detected when the matrix is exposed to broad-band UV-visible irradiation. Moreover, the photochemistry of the Ar and N2 matrix-isolated species is studied. Conformational interconversion is observed at short irradiation times, whereas a decarbonylation process with the concomitant formation of a HC(S)CH3:HF molecular complex dominates the photochemistry of FC(O)SCH2CH3 of longer irradiation times. The new ethyl fluoro sulfide, FSCH2CH3, is proposed as an intermediate species.

Vibrational spectrum and gas-phase structure of disulfur dinitride (S2N2).

Gas-phase FTIR spectra of the ν6 (B-type) and the ν4 (C-type) fundamental bands of S2 N2 (D2h ) were recorded with a resolution of ≤0.004 cm(-1) and the vibrational spectrum of S2 N2 (D2h ) in solid Ar has been revisited. All IR-active fundamentals and four combination bands were assigned in excellent agreement with calculated values from anharmonic VPT2 and VCI theory based on (explicitly correlated) coupled-cluster surfaces. Accurate experimental vibrational ground- and excited-state rotational constants of (32) S2 (14) N2 are obtained from a rovibrational analysis of the ν6 and ν4 fundamental bands, and precise zero-point average rz (Rz (SN)=1.647694(95) Å, αz (NSN)=91.1125(33)°) and semi-experimental equilibrium structures (Re (SN)=1.64182(33) Å, αe (NSN)=91.0716(93)°) of S2 N2 have been established. These are compared to the solid-state structure of S2 N2 and structural properties of related sulfur nitrogen compounds and to results of ab initio structure calculations.

Structural diversity and spectral and thermal properties of the first alkaline earth metal tetracyanidoborates: [Mg(H2O)6][B(CN)4]2, [Mg(H2O)2][B(CN)4]2, [Mg(DMF)6][B(CN)4]2, [Ca(H2O)3][B(CN)4]2, and [Ca(H2O)2(CH3CN)][B(CN)4]2.

The first members of tetracyanidoborate salts with alkaline earth cations, [Mg(H2O)6][B(CN)4]2 (1), [Mg(H2O)2][B(CN)4]2 (2), [Mg(DMF)6][B(CN)4]2 (3), [Ca(H2O)3][B(CN)4]2 (4), and [Ca(H2O)2(CH3CN)][B(CN)4]2 (5), were synthesized. Their structures, obtained by single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR- and Raman spectra, as well as their thermal properties were determined. Whereas 1 and 3 consist of isolated ions, the other three compounds comprise coordination polymers. IR and Raman spectra give information about the coordination modes of the respective tetracyanidoborate anions. Calorimetric measurements show that the coordinated solvent molecules can be removed at elevated temperatures and anhydrous/solvent free compounds form. The anhydrous compounds are thermally very stable. They do not start to decompose below 500 °C. No melting is observed below decomposition.

Dimers of perhaloacetyl cyanides: CClF2C(O)OC(CN)2CClF2 and CF3C(O)OC(CN) 2CF3. preparation, properties, and spectroscopy.

The vapor of the new compound 1,1-dicyano-2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethyl chlorodifluoroacetate, CClF2C(O)OC(CN)2CClF2 and of the known 1,1-dicyano-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl trifluoroacetate, CF3C(O)OC(CN)2CF3, were investigated using vibrational spectroscopy tools. The existence of rotational isomerism was confirmed for CClF2C(O)OC(CN)2CClF2 when the matrix isolated compound was examined in combination with the computational results applying quantum chemical models. From the four conformers gauche-syn-gauche, gauche-syn-anti, syn-syn-anti, syn-syn-gauche (the used nomenclature is with respect to the ϕ(ClC-C(O)), ϕ((O)C-OC), and ϕ(OC-CCl) torsion angles, respectively) predicted for CClF2C(O)OC(CN)2CClF2 the first two forms can be evidenced using Ar-matrix IR spectroscopy, with the first one being the most abundant at room temperature. On the other side, the results obtained for CF3C(O)OC(CN)2CF3 reveals the existence of only one syn-syn-anti form. CClF2C(O)OC(CN)2CClF2 melts at -40 °C and its vapor pressure was fitted by the equation ln p = -4732.6 (1/T) + 10.75 (p [Atm], T [K]) in the range -20 to 20 °C. Its extrapolated boiling point is 167 °C. The first ionization potentials occur for CClF2C(O)OC(CN)2CClF2 and CF3C(O)OC(CN)2CF3 at 12.13 and 12.43 eV, respectively, and were attributed to the ejection of electrons formally located at the carbonylic oxygen lone-pair electrons (nO). The proposed interpretation of the photoelectron spectrum is consistent with related molecules reported previously, and also with the prediction of Outer Valence Green's Functions (OVGF).

Matrix photochemical study and conformational analysis of CH3C(O)NCS and CF3C(O)NCS.

The vapor of acetyl isocyanide, CH3C(O)NCS, and trifluoroacetyl isocyanide, CF3C(O)NCS, were isolated in solid Ar at 15 K. The existence of rotational isomerism was confirmed when the matrixes were irradiated with broad-band UV-vis light (200 ≤ λ ≤ 800 nm) and also by temperature-dependent Ar-matrix IR spectroscopy. The initial spectra showed the vapor of CH3C(O)NCS and CF3C(O)NCS consist of two conformers syn-syn and syn-anti (with the C═O bond syn with respect to the C-H or C-F bond and syn or anti with respect to the N═C double bond). When CH3C(O)NCS is irradiated, simultaneously with the randomization process, H2CCO and HSCN are produced. In the case of the photolysis of CF3C(O)NCS, the main products are CF3NCS and CO. The assignment of the IR bands to the different photoproducts was made on the basis of the usual criteria, taking account reported antecedents in the literature.

Geometry and microwave rotational spectrum of the FC16O18O• radical.

The rotational spectrum of an asymmetrically substituted isotopologue of the fluoroformyloxyl radical FC(16)O(18)O(•) with resolved fine and hyperfine structures were measured and analyzed for the very first time. The molecular parameters of this radical obtained from the spectral analysis were processed along with the symmetrical isotopologues FC(16)O2(•) and FC(18)O2(•) and accurate substitution geometry was attained. In addition to those, coupled cluster quantum chemistry calculations were used to scale the experimental parameters, and in this manner, trustworthy values of the equilibrium and ground state geometries were derived.

Chlorodifluoroacetyl isothiocyanate, ClF2CC(O)NCS: preparation and structural and spectroscopic studies.

Chlorodifluoroacetyl isothiocyanate, ClF2CC(O)NCS, was synthesized by the reaction of ClF2CC(O)Cl with an excess of AgNCS. The colorless product melts at -85 °C, and its vapor pressure follows the equation ln p = -4471.1 (1/T) + 11.35 (p [atm], T [K]) in the range -38 to 22 °C. The compound has been characterized by IR (gas phase, Ar matrix, and matrix photochemistry), by liquid Raman, by (19)F and (13)C NMR, gas UV-vis, and photoelectron spectroscopy (PES), by photoionization mass spectrometry (PIMS), and by gas electron diffraction (GED). The conformational properties of ClF2CC(O)NCS have been analyzed by joint application of vibrational spectroscopy, GED and quantum chemical calculations. The existence of two conformers has been detected in the gas and liquid phases, in which the C-Cl bond adopts a gauche orientation with respect to the C═O group; the C═O group is in syn- or anti-position with respect to the N═C double bond of the NCS group. The computed ΔG° difference between these two gauche-syn and gauche-anti forms is ΔG° = 0.63 kcal mol(-1) in the B3LYP/6-31G(d) approximation. The most significant gas-phase structural parameters for gauche-syn ClF2CC(O)NCS are re(NC═S) 1.559(2) Å, re(N═CS) 1.213(2) Å, re(N-C) 1.399(7) Å, re(C═O) 1.199(2) Å, and ∠e(CNC) 134.7(13)°. Photolysis of ClF2CC(O)NCS using an ArF excimer laser (193 nm) mainly yields ClF2CNCS, CO, and ClC(O)CF2NCS. The valence electronic properties of the title compound were studied using PES and PIMS. The experimental first vertical ionization energy of 10.43 eV corresponds to the ejection primarily of the sulfur lone-pair electrons of the in-plane nonbonding orbital on the NCS group.