Overlap properties of chemical bonds in generic systems including unusual bonding situations

Theoretical insights into the vibrational spectra and chemical bonding of Ln(III) complexes with a tripodal N4O3 ligand along the lanthanide series

This study provides new theoretical insights into the vibrational spectra of Ln(III) complexes, along the lanthanide series by utilizing the LModeAGen protocol and integrating cutting-edge topological ideas. It provides a quantitative interpretation of the vibrational spectra of [Ln(trensal)] complexes at the B3LYP/MWBn(Ln)/6-311++G** (n from 46 (La) to 60 (Lu)) level using the characterization of normal modes from the local vibrational mode theory. This involves decomposing normal vibrational modes related to the complex formation, distortions in the coordination sphere, and C-H vibrations into local mode contributions, offering particularly promising results aimed at the design of highly luminescent lanthanide complexes. This study also delivers key theoretical insights into the chemical bonding of the coordination sphere of [Ln(trensal)] by combining the local vibrational mode theory and the bond overlap model to achieve relationships between bond properties, including those of the Badger-type. Altogether, we present the theoretical framework necessary to quantitatively interpret the vibrational spectra of [Ln(trensal)] complexes along the lanthanide series and gain a better understanding of the lanthanide-ligand chemical bonds, thereby enhancing our understanding of their chemistry and guiding future design efforts.

Chemical Bond Overlap Descriptors From Multiconfiguration Wavefunctions

The chemical bond is a fundamental concept in chemistry, and various models and descriptors have evolved since the advent of quantum mechanics. This study extends the overlap density and its topological descriptors (OP/TOP) to multiconfigurational wavefunctions. We discuss a comparative analysis of OP/TOP descriptors using CASSCF and DCD-CAS(2) wavefunctions for a diverse range of molecular systems, including X-O bonds in X-OH (XH, Li, Na, H2B, H3C, H2N, HO, F) and Li-X' (XF, Cl, and Br). Results show that OP/TOP aligns with bonding models like the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and local vibrational modes theory, revealing insights such as overlap densities shifting towards the more electronegative atom in polar bonds. The Li-F dissociation profile using OP/TOP descriptors demonstrated sensitivity to ionic/neutral inversion during Li-F dissociation, highlighting their potential for elucidating complex bond phenomena and offering new avenues for understanding multiconfigurational chemical bond dynamics.

Bond analysis in meta- and para-substituted thiophenols: overlap descriptors, local mode analysis, and QTAIM

CONTEXT

This study delves into the chemical nuances of thiophenols and their derivatives through a comprehensive computational analysis, moving beyond traditional energetic perspectives such as bond dissociation enthalpy and S-H dissociation dynamics. By employing the overlap model along with its topological descriptors (OP/TOP), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), and local vibrational mode (LVM) theories, the research provides a deeper understanding of the S-H and C-S bonding scenarios in substituted thiophenols. The investigation follows the electron-donating capacity of S-H substituent variation with the nature and positioning of other ring substituents. Energy profile analyses indicate distinct stability differences in the cis and trans conformations of meta- and para-PhSH systems, influenced by the electron-donating strength of these substituents. The study also uncovers significant variations in S-H bond distances and descriptor values, particularly in para-substituted PhSH, reflecting the influence of electron-donating or withdrawing substituents. In contrast, alterations at the meta-position show minimal effects on C-S bond descriptors, while para-substitutions markedly influence C-S bond characteristics, demonstrating a clear correlation with the electron-donating or withdrawing capabilities of the substituents. This research sheds light on the intricate bond dynamics in aromatic systems with diverse substituents, highlighting the complex interaction between electronic effects and molecular conformation.

METHODS

The study employs the ω B97X-D/Def2TZVP level of theory for molecular geometries, ensuring accurate characterization of structures as true minima via analytical harmonic frequency determination. The electronic properties of S-H and C-S bonds in variously substituted thiophenols were analyzed using OP/TOP, QTAIM, and LVM methodologies. Computational processes, including conformational scans, geometry optimizations, and vibrational frequency calculations, were conducted using Gaussian 09, with ultra-fine integration grids and tight convergence criteria for the SCF procedure. Bond descriptors were computed utilizing ChemBOS, Multiwfn, and LModeA software, providing a robust and detailed examination of bond properties.

Decoding Chemical Bonds: Assessment of the Basis Set Effect on Overlap Electron Density Descriptors and Topological Properties in Comparison to QTAIM

Quantum chemical bonding descriptors based on the total and overlap density can provide valuable information about chemical interactions in different systems. However, these descriptors can be sensitive to the basis set used. To address this, different numerical treatments of electron density have been proposed to reduce the basis set dependency. In this work, we introduce overlap properties (OPs) obtained through numerical treatment of the electron density and present the topology of overlap density (TOP) for the first time. We compare the basis set dependency of numerical OP and TOP descriptors with their quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) counterparts, considering the total electron density. Three single (C-C, C-O, and C-F) bonds in ethane, methanol, and fluoromethane and two double (C═C and C═O) bonds in ethene and formaldehyde were analyzed. Diatomic molecules Li-X with X = F, Cl, and Br were also analyzed. Eight parameters, including QTAIM descriptors and OP/TOP descriptors, are used to assess the basis dependency at the ωB97X-D level of theory using 28 basis sets from three classes: Pople, Ahlrichs, and Dunning. The study revealed that the topological overlap electron density properties exhibit comparatively lesser dependence on the basis set compared to their total electron density counterparts. Remarkably, these properties retain their chemical significance even with reduced basis set dependency. Similarly, numerical OP descriptors show less basis set dependency than their QTAIM counterparts. The excess of polarization functions increases charge concentration in the interatomic region and influences both QTAIM and OP descriptors. The basis sets Def2TZVP, 6-31++G(d,p), 6-311++G(d,p), cc-pVDZ, cc-pVTZ, and cc-pVQZ demonstrate reduced variability for the tested bond classes in this study, with particular emphasis on the triple-ζ quality Ahlrichs' basis set. We recommend against using basis sets with numerous polarization functions, such as augmented Dunning's and Ahlrichs' quadruple-ζ.

New luminescent lanthanide tetrakis - complexes NEt4[LnL4] based on dimethyl-N-benzoylamidophosphate

The new lanthanide dimethyl-N-benzoylamidophosphate (HL) based tetrakis-complexes NEt 4 [LnL 4 ] (Ln 3+ = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) are reported. The complexes are characterized by means of NMR, IR, absorption, and luminescent spectroscopy as well as by elemental, X-Ray, and thermal gravimetric analyses. The phenyl groups of the four ligands of the complex anion are directed towards one side, while the methoxy groups are directed in the opposite side, which makes the complexes under consideration structurally similar to calixarenes. The effect of changing the alkali metal counterion to the organic cation NEt 4 + on the structure and properties of the tetrakis-complex [LnL4]- is analyzed. The complexes exhibit bright characteristic for respective lanthanides luminescence. Rather high intensity of the band of 5 D 0 → 7 F 4 transition, observed in the luminescence spectrum of NEt 4 [EuL 4 ], is discussed based on theoretical calculations.