Vibrational analyses of p-benzoquinodimethane and p-benzoquinone based on ab initio Hartree-Fock and second-order Moller-Plesset calculations

Benzoquinone-Lubricated Intercalation in Manganese Oxide for High-Capacity and High-Rate Aqueous Aluminum-Ion Battery

Aqueous aluminum-ion batteries are attractive post-lithium battery technologies for large-scale energy storage in virtue of abundant and low-cost Al metal anode offering ultrahigh capacity via a three-electron redox reaction. However, state-of-the-art cathode materials are of low practical capacity, poor rate capability, and inadequate cycle life, substantially impeding their practical use. Here layered manganese oxide that is pre-intercalated with benzoquinone-coordinated aluminum ions (BQ-Alx MnO2 ) as a high-performance cathode material of rechargeable aqueous aluminum-ion batteries is reported. The coordination of benzoquinone with aluminum ions not only extends interlayer spacing of layered MnO2 framework but reduces the effective charge of trivalent aluminum ions to diminish their electrostatic interactions, substantially boosting intercalation/deintercalation kinetics of guest aluminum ions and improving structural reversibility and stability. When coupled with Zn50 Al50 alloy anode in 2 m Al(OTf)3 aqueous electrolyte, the BQ-Alx MnO2 exhibits superior rate capability and cycling stability. At 1 A g-1 , the specific capacity of BQ-Alx MnO2 reaches ≈300 mAh g-1 and retains ≈90% of the initial value for more than 800 cycles, along with the Coulombic efficiency of as high as ≈99%, outperforming the Alx MnO2 without BQ co-incorporation.

Role of p-Benzoquinone in the Synthesis of a Conducting Polymer, Polyaniline

Polyaniline (PANI) and 2,5-dianilino-p-benzoquinone both are formed by oxidation of aniline in an acidic aqueous environment. The aim of this study is to understand the impact of addition of p-benzoquinone on the structure of PANI prepared by the oxidation of aniline hydrochloride with ammonium peroxydisulfate and to elucidate the formation of low-molecular-weight byproducts. An increasing yield and size-exclusion chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of the products show that p-benzoquinone does not act as a terminating agent in the synthesis of PANI and the content of 2,5-dianilino-p-benzoquinone increases with the increasing molar concentration of p-benzoquinone in the reaction mixture, [BzQ]. Regarding the structure of PANI, Raman and UV-visible spectra show that the doping level and the charge delocalization both decrease with the increase of [BzQ], and the FTIR spectra of the PANI bases indicate an increased concentration of benzenoid units at higher [BzQ]. We explain these observations by an increasing concentration of structural defects in PANI chains and propose a 2,5-dianilino-p-benzoquinone-like structure of these defects present as pendant groups. The bands typical of 2,5-dianilino-p-benzoquinone-like moiety are observed even in the vibrational spectra of the sample prepared without addition of p-benzoquinone. This confirms in situ oxidation of aniline to p-benzoquinone within the course of the oxidation of aniline hydrochloride to PANI.

Spectroscopic investigation, natural bond orbital analysis, HOMO-LUMO and thermodynamic functions of 2-tert-butyl-5-methyl anisole using DFT (B3LYP) calculations

The optimized molecular structure and corresponding vibrational assignments of 2-tert-butyl-5-methyl anisole (TBMA) have been investigated using density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP with 6-31G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets investigation of the relative orientation of the methoxy group has shown two conformers (O-cis) and (O-trans) exist. The vibrational analysis of the stable conformer of the title compound is performed by means of infrared absorption and Raman spectroscopy in combination with theoretical simultaneously. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis is useful to understand the intra-molecular hyper conjugative interaction lone pair and π(∗)(C-C), σ(∗)(C-H) bond orbital. HOMO and LUMO energies show that charge transfer occurs in the molecule, therefore; HOMO, LUMO and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) were calculated and analyzed. (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra by using gauge including atomic orbital (GIAO) method of studied compound were compared with experimental data. The thermodynamic functions of TBMA were calculated by B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) basis set.

Molecular structure, vibrational spectra, HOMO, LUMO and NMR studies of 2,3,4,5,6-penta bromo toluene and bromo durene based on density functional calculations

This work deals with the vibrational spectra of 2,3,4,5,6-Penta Bromo Toluene (PBT) and Bromo Durene (BD) by quantum chemical calculations. The solid phase FTIR and FT-Raman spectra of the title compounds were recorded in the regions 4000-400 cm(-1) and 4000-50 cm(-1), respectively. The spectra were interpreted with the aid of normal coordinate analysis based on density functional theory (DFT) using B3LYP/6-31G* level and basis set combinations and was scaled using various scale factors yielding a good agreement between observed and calculated frequencies. The infrared and Raman spectra were also predicted from the calculated intensities. Comparison of the simulated spectra with the experimental spectra provides important information about the ability of the computational method to describe the vibrational modes. The HOMO and LUMO energies were calculated within the molecule. (13)C and (1)H NMR chemical shifts results were also calculated and compared with the experimental values. Thermodynamical properties like entropy heat capacity, zero point energy have been calculated for the title molecules.

Experimental and DFT studies on the vibrational and electronic spectra of 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone

Vibrational and electronic spectral measurements were made for 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ). Optimized geometrical structure and harmonic vibrational frequencies were computed by DFT(B3LYP, CAMB3LYP, B3P86, M062X, mPW3PBE and PBE1PBE) using 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. Complete assignments of the observed spectra were proposed. The absorption spectra of the compound were computed both in gas-phase and in CH(2)Cl(2) solution using TDCAMB3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) and PCM-TDCAMB3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) approaches, respectively, the calculated results provide a good description of positions of the bands maxima in the observed electronic spectrum.

Vibrational analysis of 4-amino pyrazolo (3,4-d) pyrimidine A joint FTIR, Laser Raman and scaled quantum mechanical studies

The FTIR and Laser Raman spectra of 4-amino pyrazolo (3,4-d) pyrimidine have been measured in the regions 4000-400 cm(-1) and 3500-100 cm(-1), respectively. Utilizing the observed FTIR and Laser Raman data, a complete vibrational assignment and analysis of the fundamental modes of the title compound were carried out. The vibrational frequency which were determined experimentally are compared with those theoretically from force field calculation based on ab initio HF/6-311+G**(d,p) and standard B3LYP/6-311+G**(d,p) methods and basis set combinations for optimized geometries. The observed FTIR and Laser Raman vibrational frequencies were analysed and compared with the theoretically predicted vibrational frequencies. The assignments of bands to various normal modes of the molecules were also carried out. A detailed interpretation of the infrared and Raman spectra of 4-amino pyrazolo (3,4-d) pyrimidine [4AP(3,4-D)P] is also reported based on total energy distribution (TED). The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies shows that charge transfer occur within the molecule. The theoretical FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra for the title molecule have also been constructed.

Simulation of IR and Raman spectra of p-hydroxyanisole and p-nitroanisole based on scaled DFT force fields and their vibrational assignments

This work deals with the vibrational spectroscopy of p-hydroxyanisole (PHA) and p-nitroanisole (PNA) by means of quantum chemical calculations. The mid and far FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra were recorded in the condensed state. The fundamental vibrational frequencies and intensity of vibrational bands were evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) with the standard B3LYP/6-31G* method and basis set combination and were scaled using various scale factors which yield a good agreement between observed and calculated frequencies. The vibrational spectra were interpreted with the aid of normal coordinate analysis based on scaled density functional force field. The results of the calculations were applied to simulate infrared and Raman spectra of the title compounds, which showed excellent agreement with the observed spectra.

Scaled quantum chemical calculations and FTIR, FT-Raman spectral analysis of 2-Methylpyrazine

The mid and far FTIR and Raman spectra of 2-Methylpyrazine (2MP) were measured in the liquid state. The fundamental vibrational frequencies and intensity of vibrational bands were evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) and standard B3LYP/6-311+G** basis set combination. The vibrational spectra were interpreted, with the aid of normal coordinate analysis based on a scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) force field. The infrared and Raman spectra were also predicted from the calculated intensities. Comparison of simulated spectra with the experimental spectra provides important information about the ability of the computational method to describe the vibrational modes. Unambiguous vibrational assignment of all the fundamentals was made using the total energy distribution (TED).

Analysis of vibrational spectra of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene based on density functional theory calculations

This work deals with the vibrational spectroscopy of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) by means of quantum chemical calculations. The FTIR and FT-Raman spectra were measured in the condensed state. The fundamental vibrational frequencies and intensity of vibrational bands were evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) with the standard B3LYP/6-311+G** basis set combinations, and was scaled using various scale factors which yields a good agreement between observed and calculated frequencies. The vibrational spectra were interpreted with the aid of normal coordinate analysis based on scaled quantum mechanical force field. The results of the calculations were applied to simulated infrared and Raman spectra of the title compound, which showed excellent agreement with the observed spectra.

Infrared and ab initio studies of conducting molecules: 2,5-diamino-3,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone

2,5-Diamino-3,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone has been synthesized by modifying the procedure reported in literature. Its IR spectrum has been recorded in the solid phase in the range 4000-400cm(-1). Ab initio calculations have been performed using Gaussian '03 program to compute optimized geometry, harmonic vibrational frequencies along with intensities in IR and Raman spectra and atomic charges at RHF/6-31+G*, B3LYP/6-31+G* and B3LYP/6-311++G** levels. To make vibrational analysis Gaussian View software was used. The optimized molecular structure is found to possess C2h point group symmetry. The observed IR frequencies have been assigned to different modes taking C2h molecular symmetry with the help of pictorial view of normal modes. From the magnitude of the observed frequencies corresponding to the NH2 stretching motions an indication of H-bonding is noticed. From geometrical parameters of the molecule it appears that two parallel sets of conjugated strands are formed in this molecule providing a route to conduct charges. The N-H bonds facing towards chlorine atoms are found to be shorter than those facing towards oxygen atoms indicating the presence of H-bonding between hydrogen atom of an NH2 group and carbonyl (quinoid) oxygen atom.

Analysis of vibrational spectra of 4-amino-2,6-dichloropyridine and 2-chloro-3,5-dinitropyridine based on density functional theory calculations

This work deals with the vibrational spectroscopy of 4-amino-2,6-dichloropyridine (ADCP) and 2-chloro-3,5-dinitropyridine (CDNP) by means of quantum chemical calculations. The mid and far FTIR and FT-Raman spectra were measured in the condensed state. The fundamental vibrational frequencies and intensity of vibrational bands were evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) with the standard B3LYP/6-31G(*) and B3LYP/6-311+G(**) methods and basis set combinations, and was scaled using various scale factors which yields a good agreement between observed and calculated frequencies. The vibrational spectra were interpreted with the aid of normal coordinate analysis based on scaled density functional force field. The results of the calculations were applied to simulated infrared and Raman spectra of the title compounds, which showed excellent agreement with the observed spectra.

Spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical characterization of acceptor--sigma spacer--donor monolayers

A novel self-assembled monolayer based on benzoquinone--sigma spacer--ferrocene assembly has been prepared on the surface of gold. The preceding paper gives the reaction conditions for the synthesis of the monolayer and a detailed electrochemical characterization of the assembly. In the present paper, the monolayer structure and the orientation of the redox moieties are followed by a detailed spectroscopic analysis. The monolayer has been characterized by reflectance absorbance IR spectroscopy, FT-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at every step of modification. Additionally, spectroelectrochemical studies have been carried out by coupling Raman spectroscopy with cyclic voltammetry to elucidate the structural variations associated with the monolayer as a function of applied dc bias.

Large Raman-scattering activities for the low-frequency modes of substituted benzenes: Induced polarizability and stereo-specific ring-substituent interactions

The large nonresonant Raman-scattering activities of the out-of-plane bending and torsional modes of monosubstituted benzene analogs are studied by low-frequency Raman experiments and B3LYP6-31++G(d,p) calculations. Electronic interactions between the sigma orbitals of the substituent and the pi orbitals of the ring are found to enhance the Raman activities, depending on the substituent and its conformation. In the case of tert-butylbenzene [C6H5C(CH3)3] and trimethylphenylsilane [C6H5Si(CH3)3], three single bonds which are linked to the alpha atom of the substituent have low rotational barriers around the joint bond. Nearly free rotation of the substituents leads to a significant probability for one of the single bonds to occupy a conformation close to the vertical configuration with respect to the ring at room temperature. The resultant sigma-pi electronic interaction gives rise to the large Raman activities. In contrast, those possessing a single bond in a coplanar (or nearly coplanar) configuration at the most stable equilibrium state, i.e., anisole (C6H5OCH3), thioanisole (C6H5SCH3), and N-methylaniline (C6H5NHCH3), display no prominent Raman bands for the low-frequency vibrational modes. In these molecules, the sigma-pi conjugation does not take place due to the orthogonal orientation of the orbitals. Strong conformational dependence of the sigma-pi Raman enhancement is clearly obtained for the metastable vertical conformer of thioanisole, for which Raman activities are one-order magnitude greater than those of the coplanar conformer.

Structures and vibrational frequencies of 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde and 2-methoxy-1-naphthaldehyde based on density functional theory calculations

FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde (HMN) and 2-methoxy-1-naphthaldehyde (MN) have been recorded in the regions 4000-400 cm(-1) and 3500-100 cm(-1), respectively. The molecular structure, conformational stability, geometry optimization, vibrational frequencies have been investigated. The total energy calculations of HMN and MN were tried for various possible conformers. The spectra were interpreted with the aid of normal coordinate analysis based on density functional theory (DFT) using B3LYP/6-31G* and B3LYP/6-311+G** level and basis set combinations and was scaled using various scale factors yielding good agreement between observed and calculated frequencies. The infrared and Raman spectra were also predicted from the calculated intensities. Comparison of the simulated spectra with the experimental spectra provides important information about the ability of the computational method to describe the vibrational modes.

Vibrational analysis of 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone and 1,5-dichloroanthraquinone. A joint FTIR, FT-Raman and scaled quantum mechanical study

This work deals with the vibrational spectroscopy of 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone (1,4-DAAQ) and 1,5-dichloroanthraquinone (1,5-DCAQ). The mid and far FTIR and FT-Raman spectra were measured in the condensed state. The fundamental vibrational frequencies and intensity of the vibrational bands were evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional and 6-31G* basis set. The vibrational spectra were interpreted with the aid of normal coordinate analysis based on a scaled quantum mechanical force field. The infrared and Raman spectra were also predicted from the calculated intensities. Unambiguous vibrational assignment of all the fundamentals were made using the potential energy distribution (PED).

Crystal structure determination of thymoquinone by high-resolution X-ray powder diffraction

The crystal structure of 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (thymoquinone) and its thermal behavior--as necessary physical and chemical properties--were determined in order to enhance the current understanding of thymoquinone chemical action by using high resolution x-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and 3 thermo-analytical techniques thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The findings obtained with high-resolution x-ray powder diffraction and molecular location methods based on a simulated annealing algorithm after Rietveld refinement showed that the triclinic unit cell was a = 6.73728(8) A, b = 6.91560(8) A, c = 10.4988(2) A, alpha = 88.864(2) degrees, beta = 82.449(1) degrees, gamma = 77.0299(9) degrees; cell volume = 472.52(1) A3, Z = 2, and space group P1. In addition, FTIR spectrum revealed absorption bands corresponding to the carbonyl and C-H stretching of aliphatic and vinylic groups characteristically observed in such p-benzoquinones. Also, a chemical decomposition process starting at 65 degrees C and ending at 213 degrees C was noted when TGA was used. DSC allowed for the determination of onset at 43.55 degrees C and a melting enthalpy value of DeltaH(m) = 110.6 J/g. The low value obtained for the fusion point displayed a van der Waals pattern for molecular binding, and the thermograms performed evidence that thymoquinone can only be found in crystalline triclinic form, as determined by DRX methods.

Protonated p-Benzoquinone

The structure and energetics of protonated p-benzoquinone (pBQ) have been investigated using high-pressure mass spectrometry and ab initio calculations. The experimental proton affinity of pBQ is 801.4 +/- 8.9 kJ/mol (191.5 +/- 2.1 kcal/mol) (1sigma) from bracketing measurements and hydration thermochemistry. This value is supported by theory and by analogies with related compounds. In its protonation chemistry, pBQ behaves as an aliphatic ketone, both structurally and energetically. The dissociation of the hydrate (pBQH(+)).(H(2)O) is characterized by DeltaH degrees (D) = 90.0 +/- 2.3 kJ/mol and DeltaS degrees (D) = 123.4 +/- 4.9 J/mol.K (95% confidence).