The resolution of the weak-exchange limit made rigorous, simple and general in binuclear complexes

The correct interpretation of magnetic properties in the weak-exchange regime has remained a challenging task for several decades. In this regime, the effective exchange interaction between local spins is quite weak, of the same order of magnitude or smaller than the various anisotropic terms, which \textit{in fine} generates a complex set of levels characterized by spin intercalation if not significant spin mixing. Although the model multispin Hamiltonian, \hms{} = \js{} + \da{} +\db{} + \dab{}, is considered good enough to map the experimental energies at zero field and in the strong-exchange limit, theoretical works pointed out limitations of this simple model. This work revives the use of \hms{} from a new theoretical perspective, detailing point-by-point a strategy to correctly map the computational energies and wave functions onto \hms{}, thus validating it regardless of the exchange regime. We will distinguish two cases, based on experimentally characterized dicobalt(II) complexes from the literature. If centrosymmetry imposes alignment of the various rank-2 tensors constitutive of \hms{} in the first case, the absence of any symmetry element prevents such alignment in the second case. In such a context, the strategy provided herein becomes a powerful tool to rationalize the experimental magnetic data, since it is capable of fully and rigorously extracting the multispin model without any assumption on the orientation of its constitutive tensors. Finally, previous theoretical data related to a known dinickel(II) complex is reinterpreted, clarifying initial wanderings regarding the weak-exchange limit

Use of 15N NMR spectroscopy to probe covalency in a thorium nitride.

Reaction of the thorium metallacycle, [Th{N(R)(SiMe2)CH2}(NR2)2] (R = SiMe3) with 1 equiv. of NaNH2 in THF, in the presence of 18-crown-6, results in formation of the bridged thorium nitride complex, [Na(18-crown-6)(Et2O)][(R2N)3Th(μ-N)(Th(NR2)3] ([Na][1]), which can be isolated in 66% yield after work-up. Complex [Na][1] is the first isolable molecular thorium nitride complex. Mechanistic studies suggest that the first step of the reaction is deprotonation of [Th{N(R)(SiMe2)CH2}(NR2)2] by NaNH2, which results in formation of the thorium bis(metallacycle) complex, [Na(THF) x ][Th{N(R)(SiMe2CH2)}2(NR2)], and NH3. NH3 then reacts with unreacted [Th{N(R)(SiMe2)CH2}(NR2)2], forming [Th(NR2)3(NH2)] (2), which protonates [Na(THF) x ][Th{N(R)(SiMe2CH2)}2(NR2)] to give [Na][1]. Consistent with hypothesis, addition of excess NH3 to a THF solution of [Th{N(R)(SiMe2)CH2}(NR2)2] results in formation of [Th(NR2)3(NH2)] (2), which can be isolated in 51% yield after work-up. Furthermore, reaction of [K(DME)][Th{N(R)(SiMe2CH2)}2(NR2)] with 2, in THF-d 8, results in clean formation of [K][1], according to 1H NMR spectroscopy. The electronic structures of [1]- and 2 were investigated by 15N NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. This analysis reveals that the Th-Nnitride bond in [1]- features more covalency and a greater degree of bond multiplicity than the Th-NH2 bond in 2. Similarly, our analysis indicates a greater degree of covalency in [1]- vs. comparable thorium imido and oxo complexes

A diuranium carbide cluster stabilized inside a C80 fullerene cage.

Unsupported non-bridged uranium-carbon double bonds have long been sought after in actinide chemistry as fundamental synthetic targets in the study of actinide-ligand multiple bonding. Here we report that, utilizing Ih(7)-C80 fullerenes as nanocontainers, a diuranium carbide cluster, U=C=U, has been encapsulated and stabilized in the form of UCU@Ih(7)-C80. This endohedral fullerene was prepared utilizing the Krätschmer-Huffman arc discharge method, and was then co-crystallized with nickel(II) octaethylporphyrin (NiII-OEP) to produce UCU@Ih(7)-C80·[NiII-OEP] as single crystals. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals a cage-stabilized, carbide-bridged, bent UCU cluster with unexpectedly short uranium-carbon distances (2.03 Å) indicative of covalent U=C double-bond character. The quantum-chemical results suggest that both U atoms in the UCU unit have formal oxidation state of +5. The structural features of UCU@Ih(7)-C80 and the covalent nature of the U(f1)=C double bonds were further affirmed through various spectroscopic and theoretical analyses

The OpenMolcas Web: A Community-Driven Approach to Advancing Computational Chemistry

The developments of the open-source OpenMolcas chemistry software environment since spring 2020 are described, with a focus on novel functionalities accessible in the stable branch of the package or via interfaces with other packages. These developments span a wide range of topics in computational chemistry and are presented in thematic sections: electronic structure theory, electronic spectroscopy simulations, analytic gradients and molecular structure optimizations, ab initio molecular dynamics, and other new features. This report offers an overview of the chemical phenomena and processes OpenMolcas can address, while showing that OpenMolcas is an attractive platform for state-of-the-art atomistic computer simulations

Géométries, structures électroniques et propriétés physico-chimiques d’espèces de l’astate : une application de la mécanique quantique relativiste

Les tentatives menées pour détruire des cellules cancéreuses avec les agents radiothérapeutiques à base de 211 At qui ont été synthétisés jusqu’à présent ne sont pas encore pleinement satisfaisantes car elles sont entachées par une deastatination in vivo. Étant donné que ce problème est lié aux connaissances actuelles qui sont limitées concernant la chimie de base de l’astate et de ses espèces, des recherches fondamentales combinant des expériences à l’échelle des ultra-traces et des études théoriques ont été lancées. Dans cette thèse, une étude théorique de plusieurs espèces de l’astate est réalisée au moyen de méthodes relativistes basées sur la théorie de la fonctionnelle de la densité ou des méthodes à basées sur la fonction d’onde. Tout d'abord, les méthodes qui peuvent être utilisées pour faire des prédictions pertinentes sont établies. A l’aide de ces approches, nous rationaliserons les structures électroniques, géométries et propriétés physicochimiques des différents systèmes d'intérêt théorique ou expérimental, en particulier les espèces AtF3 et AtO+. Finalement, nous identifierons formellement une nouvelle espèce de l’astate à l’aide de résultats expérimentaux et de calculs, ce qui non seulement complète le diagramme de Pourbaix de l’astate en milieu aqueux non complexant, mais aussi donne des informations cruciales pour identifier des conditions expérimentales pour rendre le plus « réactif » possible le précurseur At−, qui est de nos jours impliqué dans la synthèse d’agents radiothérapeutiques innovants.Trials to destroy cancer cells with currently synthesized 211 At-based radiotherapeutic agents are not yet fully satisfactorily since they resume to in vivo deastatination. Since this issue is related to the limited knowledge of the basic chemistry of At and its species, fundamental researches combining ultra-trace experiments and computational studies have been initiated. In this thesis, a computational study of several At species is performed, by means of relativistic density functional theory and wave-function-based calculations. First, the quantum mechanical approaches that can safely be used to make adequate predictions are established. Using these approaches, we attempt to rationalize the electronic structures, geometries, and physico-chemical properties of various systems of theoretical and/or experimental interest, in particular the AtF3 and AtO+ ones. By the end, we firmly identify a new At species by combining outcomes of experiments and calculations. This new species not only completes the Pourbaix diagram of At in aqueous and non-complexing media, but also gives clues of identifying experimental conditions to make best reactive the At– precursor, which is currently involved in the synthesis of promising radiotherapeutic agents

Géométries, structures électroniques et propriétés physico-chimiques d’espèces de l’astate : une application de la mécanique quantique relativiste

Trials to destroy cancer cells with currently synthesized 211At-based radiotherapeutic agents are not yet fully satisfactorily since they resume to in vivo deastatination. Since this issue is related to the limited knowledge of the basic chemistry of At and its species, fundamental researches combining ultra-trace experiments and computational studies have been initiated. In this thesis, a computational study of several At species is performed, by means of relativistic density functional theory and wave-function-based calculations. First, the quantum mechanical approaches that can safely be used to make adequate predictions are established. Using these approaches, we attempt to rationalize the electronic structures, geometries, and physico-chemical properties of various systems of theoretical and/or experimental interest, in particular the AtF3 and AtO+ ones. By the end, we firmly identify a new At species by combining outcomes of experiments and calculations. This new species not only completes the Pourbaix diagram of At in aqueous and non-complexing media, but also gives clues of identifying experimental conditions to make best reactive the At– precursor, which is currently involved in the synthesis of promising radiotherapeutic agents.Les tentatives menées pour détruire des cellules cancéreuses avec les agents radiothérapeutiques à base de 211At qui ont été synthétisés jusqu’à présent ne sont pas encore pleinement satisfaisantes car elles sont entachées par une deastatination in vivo. Étant donné que ce problème est lié aux connaissances actuelles qui sont limitées concernant la chimie de base de l’astate et de ses espèces, des recherches fondamentales combinant des expériences à l’échelle des ultra-traces et des études théoriques ont été lancées. Dans cette thèse, une étude théorique de plusieurs espèces de l’astate est réalisée au moyen de méthodes relativistes basées sur la théorie de la fonctionnelle de la densité ou des méthodes à basées sur la fonction d’onde. Tout d'abord, les méthodes qui peuvent être utilisées pour faire des prédictions pertinentes sont établies. A l’aide de ces approches, nous rationaliserons les structures électroniques, géométries et propriétés physico-chimiques des différents systèmes d'intérêt théorique ou expérimental, en particulier les espèces AtF3 et AtO+. Finalement, nous identifierons formellement une nouvelle espèce de l’astate à l’aide de résultats expérimentaux et de calculs, ce qui non seulement complète le diagramme de Pourbaix de l’astate en milieu aqueux non complexant, mais aussi donne des informations cruciales pour identifier des conditions expérimentales pour rendre le plus « réactif » possible le précurseur At−, qui est de nos jours impliqué dans la synthèse d’agents radiothérapeutiques innovants

Pseudo Jahn-Teller effect, spin-orbit coupling, and electron correlation in the XF₃ (X=Cl, Br, I, At) series

International audienc

Ground-state reversal induced by solvation: Electronic structure of AtO⁺ in water

International audienc

Investigating AtO⁺-(OH⁻)_n complexes at the molecular scale using quantum mechanical methods

National audienc

Investigation of the AtO(OH)₂^- hydrolysed species: Relativistic calculations

International audienc