Theoretical Insights into Bifurcated Intramolecular Dihydrogen Bonds

Two-ring intramolecular π-electron delocalization assisted dihydrogen bonds existing in (1Z,4Z)-1,4-dipentene-3-bora-1,5-diol and its symmetrically substituted derivatives have been analysed here since the MP2/6-311++G(d,p) calculations on these systems were performed. The influence of the coexistence of two intramolecular dihydrogen bonded rings in these molecular structures on properties of intramolecular dihydrogen bonds as well as on the π-electron delocalization within these rings was investigated. The comparison with corresponding structures of typical two-ring, so-called resonance-assisted, RAHB, systems was performed. The results of calculations show that such rings' coexistence leads to the weakening of dihydrogen bonds, similarly as for the typical two-ring RAHB systems. The Quantum Theory of ''Atoms in Molecules'' (QTAIM) was also applied here to get more details about the nature of dihydrogen bonds. Correlations between dihydrogen bond strength measures and other energetic, geometrical and topological parameters were also analysed. It was found that characteristics of bond critical points as well as of ring critical points are useful to estimate the strength of intramolecular dihydrogen bonds in two-ring dihydrogen bonded systems discussed here. The Natural Bond Orbital, NBO, approach parameters are also discussed as useful ones to describe properties of dihydrogen bonded systems.

Substitution Effect of a Single Nitrogen Atom on π-Electronic Systems of Linear Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Theoretically Visualized Coexistence of Mono- and Polycyclic π-Electron Delocalization

We theoretically investigated the nitrogen substitution effect on the molecular structure and π-electron delocalization in linear nitrogen-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (N-PAHs). Based on the optimized molecular structures and magnetic field-induced parameters of fused bi- and tricyclic linear N-PAHs, we found that the local π-electron delocalization of subcycles (e.g., mono- and bicyclic constituent moieties) in linear N-PAHs is preserved, despite deviation from ideal structures of parent monocycles. The introduction of a fused five-membered ring with a pyrrolic N atom (N-5MR) in linear N-PAHs significantly perturbs the π-electronic condition of the neighboring fused six-membered ring (6MR). Monocyclic pyrrole exhibits substantial bond length alternations, strongly influencing the π-electronic systems of both the fused N-5MR and 6MR in linear N-PAHs, depending on the location of shared covalent bonds. A fused six-membered ring with a graphitic N atom in an indolizine moiety cannot generate monocyclic π-electron delocalization but instead contributes to the formation of polycyclic π-electron delocalization. This is evidenced by bifurcated diatropic ring currents induced by an external magnetic field. In conclusion, the satisfaction of Hückel's 4n + 2 rule for both mono- and polycycles is crucial for understanding the overall π-electron delocalization. It is crucial to consider the unique characteristics of the three types of substituted N atoms and the spatial arrangement of 5MR and 6MR in N-PAHs.

Significance Of Nuclear Quantum Effects In Hydrogen Bonded Molecular Chains

In hydrogen-bonded systems, nuclear quantum effects such as zero-point motion and tunneling can significantly affect their material properties through underlying physical and chemical processes. Presently, direct observation of the influence of nuclear quantum effects on the strength of hydrogen bonds with resulting structural and electronic implications remains elusive, leaving opportunities for deeper understanding to harness their fascinating properties. We studied hydrogen-bonded one-dimensional quinonediimine molecular networks which may adopt two isomeric electronic configurations via proton transfer. Herein, we demonstrate that concerted proton transfer promotes a delocalization of π-electrons along the molecular chain, which enhances the cohesive energy between molecular units, increasing the mechanical stability of the chain and giving rise to distinctive electronic in-gap states localized at the ends. These findings demonstrate the identification of a class of isomeric hydrogen-bonded molecular systems where nuclear quantum effects play a dominant role in establishing their chemical and physical properties. This identification is a step toward the control of mechanical and electronic properties of low-dimensional molecular materials via concerted proton tunneling.

The π-Electron Delocalization in 2-Oxazolines Revisited: Quantification and Comparison with Its Analogue in Esters

The single crystal X-ray analysis of the ester-functionalized 2-oxazoline, methyl 3-(4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)propanoate, revealed π-electron delocalization along the N–C–O segment in the 2-oxazoline pentacycle to significant extent, which is comparable to its counterpart along the O–C–O segment in the ester. Quantum chemical calculations based on the experimental X-ray geometry of the molecule supported the conjecture that the N–C–O segment has a delocalized electronic structure similar to an ester group. The calculated bond orders were 1.97 and 1.10 for the N=C and C–O bonds, and the computed partial charges for the nitrogen and oxygen atoms of −0.43 and −0.44 were almost identical. In the ester group, the bond orders were 1.94 and 1.18 for the C–O bonds, while the partial charges of the oxygen atom are −0.49 and −0.41, which demonstrates the similar electronic structure of the N–C–O and O–C–O segments. In 2-oxazolines, despite the higher electronegativity of the oxygen atom (compared to the nitrogen atom), the charges of the hetero atoms oxygen and nitrogen are equalized due to the delocalization, and it also means that a cationic attack on the nitrogen is possible, enabling regioselectivity during the initiation of the cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-oxazoline monomers, which is a prerequisite for the synthesis of materials with well-defined structures.

Electron delocalization in a rigid cofacial naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide) dimer

Investigating through-space electronic communication between discrete cofacially oriented aromatic π-systems is fundamental to understanding assemblies as diverse as double-stranded DNA, organic photovoltaics and thin-film transistors. A detailed understanding of the electronic interactions involved rests on making the appropriate molecular compounds with rigid covalent scaffolds and π-π distances in the range of ca. 3.5 Å. Reported herein is an enantiomeric pair of doubly-bridged naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide) (NDI) cyclophanes and the characterization of four of their electronic states, namely 1) the ground state, 2) the exciton coupled singlet excited state, 3) the radical anion with strong through-space interactions between the redox-active NDI molecules, and 4) the diamagnetic diradical dianion using UV/Vis/NIR, EPR and ENDOR spectroscopies in addition to X-ray crystallography. Despite the unfavorable Coulombic repulsion, the singlet diradical dianion dimer of NDI shows a more pronounced intramolecular π-π stacking interaction when compared with its neutral analog.