: The unpolarized absorption and circular dichroism spectra of the fundamental vibrational transitions of the chiral molecule, 4-methyl-2-oxetanone, are calculated ab initio. Harmonic force fields are obtained using Density Functional Theory (DFT), MP2, and SCF methodologies and a 5S4P2D/3S2P (TZ2P) basis set. DFT calculations use the Local Spin Density Approximation (LSDA), BLYP, and Becke3LYP (B3LYP) density functionals. Mid-IR spectra predicted using LSDA, BLYP, and B3LYP force fields are of significantly different quality, the B3LYP force field yielding spectra in clearly superior, and overall excellent, agreement with experiment. The MP2 force field yields spectra in slightly worse agreement with experiment than the B3LYP force field. The SCF force field yields spectra in poor agreement with experiment.The basis set dependence of B3LYP force fields is also explored: the 6-31G* and TZ2P basis sets give very similar results while the 3-21G basis set yields spectra in substantially worse agreements with experiment. jg

Ab initio calculation of vibrational absorption and circular dichroism spectra using density functional force fields

Cation exchange is an emerging synthetic route for modifying the secondary building units (SBUs) of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). This technique has been used extensively to enhance the properties of nanocrystals and molecules, but the extent of its applications for MOFs is still expanding. To harness cation exchange as a rational tool, we need to elucidate its governing factors. Not nearly enough experimental observations exist for drawing these conclusions, so we provide a conceptual framework for approaching this task. We address which SBUs undergo exchange, why certain ions replace others, how the framework influences the process, the role of the solvent, and current applications. Using these guidelines, certain trends emerge from the available data and missing experiments become obvious. If future studies follow this framework, then a more comprehensive body of observations will furnish a deeper understanding of cation exchange and inspire future applications.

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Cation exchange at the secondary building units of metal–organic frameworks

Ketenes and Other Cumulenes as Reactive Intermediates

Cobalt-mediated C–H functionalization has been the subject of extensive interest in synthetic chemistry, but the mechanisms of many of these reactions (such as the cobalt-catalyzed C–H oxidation) are poorly understood. In this paper, possible mechanisms including single electron transfer (SET) and the concerted metalation–deprotonation (CMD) pathways of the CoII/CoIII-catalyzed alkoxylation of C(sp2)–H bonds have been investigated for the first time using the DFT method. CoII(OAc)2 has been employed as an efficient catalyst in our previous experimental study, but the calculated results unexpectedly indicated that the intermolecular SET pathway with CoIII as the actual catalyst might be the most favorable pathway. To support this theoretical prediction, we have explored a series of Cp*CoIII(CO)I2 catalyzed C(sp2)–H bond alkoxylations, extending the application of cobalt-catalyzed functionalization of C–H bonds. Furthermore, kinetic isotope effect (KIE) data, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) data, and TEMPO inhibition experiments also support the SET mechanism in both the Co-catalyzed alkoxylation reactions. Thus, this work should support an understanding of the possible mechanisms of the CoII/CoIII-catalyzed C(sp2)–H functionalization, and also provide an example of the rational design of novel catalytic reactions guided by theoretical calculations.

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Mechanistic insights into cobalt(ii/iii)-catalyzed C-H oxidation: a combined theoretical and experimental study

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to provide the first detailed computational study on the mechanism and enantioselectivity for the [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of ketenes with N-benzoyldiazenes catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). Two possible mechanisms have been studied: first is the "ketene-first" mechanism (mechanism A), and second is the novel "diazene-first" mechanism (mechanism B). The calculated results reveal that mechanism B is more favorable than mechanism A because it is not only of lower energy barrier but also more consistent with the provided general experimental procedure (Huang, X.-L.; He, L.; Shao, P.-L.; Ye, S. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed.2009, 48, 192-195). The enantioselectivity-determining step is demonstrated to present during the first process of cycloaddition, and the main product configuration is verified to agree with the experimental ee values very well. This study should be of some worth on forecasting how different substituent groups of catalysts and/or reactants affect the enantioselectivity of products. The obtained novel mechanistic insights should be valuable for not only rational design of more efficient NHC catalysts but also understanding the general reaction mechanism of [4 + 2] cycloaddition of ketenes.

Theoretical Investigations toward the [4 + 2] Cycloaddition of Ketenes with N-Benzoyldiazenes Catalyzed by N-Heterocyclic Carbenes: Mechanism and Enantioselectivity

Herein, a mechanism of stepwise metal-center exchange for a specific metal-organic framework, namely, [Zn4 (dcpp)2 (DMF)3 (H2 O)2 ]n (H4 dcpp=4,5-bis(4'-carboxylphenyl)phthalic acid), is disclosed for the first time. The coordination stabilities between the central metal atoms and the ligands as well as the coordination geometry are considered to be dominant factors in this stepwise exchange mechanism. A new magnetic analytical method and a theoretical model confirmed that the exchange mechanism is reasonable. When the metathesis reaction occurs between Cu(II) ions and framework Zn(II) ions, the magnetic exchange interaction of each pair of Cu(II) centers gradually strengthens with increasing amount of framework Cu(II) ions. By analyzing the changes of coupling constants in the Cu-exchanged products, it was deduced that Zn4 and Zn3 are initially replaced, and then Zn1 and Zn2 are replaced later. The theoretical calculation further verified that Zn4 is replaced first, Zn3 next, then Zn1 and Zn2 last, and the coordination stability dominates the Cu/Zn exchange process. For the Ni/Zn and Co/Zn exchange processes, besides the coordination stability, the preferred coordination geometry was also considered in the stepwise-exchange behavior. As Ni(II) and Co(II) ions especially favor octahedral coordination geometry in oxygen-ligand fields, Ni(II) ions and Co(II) ions could only selectively exchange with the octahedral Zn(II) ions, as was also confirmed by the experimental results. The stepwise metal-exchange process occurs in a single crystal-to-single crystal fashion.

New Mechanistic Insight into Stepwise Metal-Center Exchange in a Metal–Organic Framework Based on Asymmetric Zn4 Clusters

Ligand-free Synthesis of Noble Metal Nanocatalysts for Electrocatalysis

Reaction mechanisms of the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed dimerization of methyl methacrylate were studied using density functional theory (DFT) at the M05-2X/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. Four possible reaction channels (A, B, C, and D) have been investigated in this work. Particularly, we proposed a novel reaction pathway, where the proton transfers are assisted by a different molecule. The calculated results indicate that the channels B and D are more energetically favourable channels. The obtained results suggest that the E-isomer product is the main product, which is in agreement with the experimental results. Further calculations and analyses of global and local reactivity indices reveal the role of the NHC catalysts in the title reaction. The mechanistic insights gained are valuable for not only rational design of more efficient NHC catalysts but also for understanding the similar reaction mechanism.

Yunxia Li

Papers

Theoretical Investigations toward the [4 + 2] Cycloaddition of Ketenes with N-Benzoyldiazenes Catalyzed by N-Heterocyclic Carbenes: Mechanism and Enantioselectivity

New Mechanistic Insight into Stepwise Metal-Center Exchange in a Metal–Organic Framework Based on Asymmetric Zn4 Clusters

Ligand-free Synthesis of Noble Metal Nanocatalysts for Electrocatalysis

A DFT study on the reaction mechanism of dimerization of methyl methacrylate catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbene.

DFT study on reaction mechanisms of propylamine and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate with 1,3-dimethylalloxan