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Computational and Experimental Investigation of Li-doped Ionic Liquid Electrolytes: [pyr14][tfsi], [pyr13][fsi], and [EMIM][BF4]

We employ molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and experiment to investigate the structure, thermodynamics, and transport of N-methyl-N-butylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsufonyl)imide ([pyr14][TFSI]), N -methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosufonyl)imide ([pyr13][FSI]), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium boron tetrafluoride ([EMIM][BF4]), as a function of Li-salt mole fraction (0.05 xLi+ 0.33) and temperature (298 K T 393 K). Structurally, Li+ is shown to be solvated by three anion neigh- bors in [pyr14][TFSI] and four anion neighbors in both [pyr13][FSI] and [EMIM][BF4], and at all levels of xLi+ we find the presence of lithium aggregates. Pulsed field gradient spin-echo NMR measurements of diffusion and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements of ionic conductivity are made for the neat ionic liquids as well as 0.5 molal solutions of Li-salt in the ionic liquids. Bulk ionic liquid properties (density, diffusion, viscosity, and ionic conductivity) are obtained with MD and show excellent agreement with experiment. While the diffusion exhibits a systematic decrease with increasing xLi+, the contribution of Li+ to ionic conductivity increases until reach- ing a saturation doping level of xLi+ 0.10. Comparatively, the Li+ conductivity of [pyr14][TFSI] is an order of magnitude lower than that of the other liquids, which range between 0.1-0.3 mScm. Our transport results also demonstrate the necessity of long MD simulation runs ( 200 ns) required to converge transport properties at room T. The differences in Li+ transport are reflected in the residence times of Li+ with the anions (Li), which are revealed to be much larger for [pyr14][TFSI] (up to 100 ns at the highest doping levels) than in either [EMIM][BF4] or [pyr13][FSI]. Finally, to comment on the relative kinetics of Li+ transport in each liquid, we find that while the net motion of Li+ with its solvation shell (vehicular) significantly contributes to net diffusion in all liquids, the importance of transport through anion exchange (hopping) increases at high xLi+ and in liquids with large anions.

electrolytes↗

Investigation of Structure and Transport in Li-Doped Ionic Liquid Electrolytes: [pyr14][TFSI], [pyr13][FSI], [EMIM][BF4]

Ionic liquid electrolytes have been proposed as a means of improving the safety and cycling behavior of advanced lithium batteries; however, the properties of these electrolytes under high lithium doping are poorly understood. Here, we employ both polarizable molecular dynamics simulation and experiment to investigate the structure, thermodynamics and transport of three potential electrolytes, N-methyl-N-butylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsufonyl)imide ([pyr14][TFSI]), N- methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosufonyl)imide ([pyr13][FSI]), and 1-ethyl-3-- methylimidazolium boron tetrafluoride ([EMIM][BF4]), as a function of Li (-) salt concentration and temperature. Structurally, Li(+) is shown to be solvated by three anion neighbors in [pyr14][TFSI] and four anion neighbors in both [pyr13][FSI] and [EMIM][BF4], and at all levels of xLi we find the presence of lithium aggregates. Furthermore, the computed density, diffusion, viscosity, and ionic conductivity show excellent agreement with experimental data. While the diffusion and viscosity exhibit a systematic decrease and increase, respectively, with increasing xLi, the contribution of Li(+) to ionic conductivity increases until reaching a saturation doping level of xLi 0.10. Comparatively, the Li(+) conductivity of [pyr14][TFSI] is an order of magnitude lower than that of the other liquids, which range between 0.1-0.3 mScm. The differences in Li(+) transport are reflected in the residence times of Li(+) with the anions, which are revealed to be much larger for [pyr14][TFSI] (up to 100 ns at the highest doping levels) than in either [EMIM][BF4] or [pyr13][FSI]. Finally, we comment on the relative kinetics of Li(+) transport in each liquid and we present strong evidence for transport through anion exchange (hopping) as opposed to the net motion of Li(+) with its solvation shell (vehicular).

ionic liquids↗

Investigation of Structure and Transport in Li-Doped Ionic Liquid Electrolytes: [pyr14][TFSI], [pyr13][FSI] and [EMIM][BF4]

Ionic liquid electrolytes have been proposed as a means of improving the safety and cycling behavior of advanced lithium batteries; however, the properties of these electrolytes under high lithium doping are poorly understood. Here, we employ both polarizable molecular dynamics simulation and experiment to investigate the structure, thermodynamics and transport of three potential electrolytes, N-methyl-Nbutylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsufonyl)imide ([pyr14][TFSI]), N- methyl-Npropylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosufonyl)imide ([pyr13][FSI]), and 1-ethyl-3-- methylimidazolium boron tetrafluoride ([EMIM][BF4]), as a function of Li-salt concentration and temperature. Structurally, Li(+) is shown to be solvated by three anion neighbors in [pyr14][TFSI] and four anion neighbors in both [pyr13][FSI] and [EMIM][BF4], and at all levels of x(sub Li) we find the presence of lithium aggregates. Furthermore, the computed density, diffusion, viscosity, and ionic conductivity show excellent agreement with experimental data. While the diffusion and viscosity exhibit a systematic decrease and increase, respectively, with increasing x(sub Li), the contribution of Li(+) to ionic conductivity increases until reaching a saturation doping level of x(sub Li) is approximately 0.10. Comparatively, the Li(+) conductivity of [pyr14][TFSI] is an order of magnitude lower than that of the other liquids, which range between 0.1 - 0.3 mS/cm. The differences in Li(+) transport are reflected in the residence times of Li(+) with the anions, which are revealed to be much larger for [pyr14][TFSI] (up to 100 ns at the highest doping levels) than in either [EMIM][BF4] or [pyr13][FSI]. Finally, we comment on the relative kinetics of Li(+) transport in each liquid and we present strong evidence for transport through anion exchange (hopping) as opposed to the net motion of Li(+) with its solvation shell (vehicular).

lithium batteries↗

Electrolyte Suitable for Use in a Lithium Ion Cell or Battery

Electrolyte suitable for use in a lithium ion cell or battery. According to one embodiment, the electrolyte includes a fluorinated lithium ion salt and a solvent system that solvates lithium ions and that yields a high dielectric constant, a low viscosity and a high flashpoint. In one embodiment, the solvent system includes a mixture of an aprotic lithium ion solvating solvent and an aprotic fluorinated solvent.

McDonald, Robert C.↗

Investigation of Structure and Transport in Li-Doped Ionic Liquid Electrolytes: [pyr14][TFSI], [pyr13][FSI], [EMIM][BF4]

Ionic liquid electrolytes have been proposed as a means of improving the safety and cycling behavior of advanced lithium batteries; however, the properties of these electrolytes under high lithium doping are poorly understood. Here, we employ both polarizable molecular dynamics simulation and experiment to investigate the structure, thermodynamics and transport of three potential electrolytes, N-methyl-N-butylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsufonyl)imide ([pyr14][TFSI]), N- methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosufonyl)imide ([pyr13][FSI]), and 1-ethyl-3-- methylimidazolium boron tetrafluoride ([EMIM][BF4]), as a function of Li (-) salt concentration and temperature. Structurally, Li(+) is shown to be solvated by three anion neighbors in [pyr14][TFSI] and four anion neighbors in both [pyr13][FSI] and [EMIM][BF4], and at all levels of xLi we find the presence of lithium aggregates. Furthermore, the computed density, diffusion, viscosity, and ionic conductivity show excellent agreement with experimental data. While the diffusion and viscosity exhibit a systematic decrease and increase, respectively, with increasing xLi, the contribution of Li(+) to ionic conductivity increases until reaching a saturation doping level of xLi 0.10. Comparatively, the Li(+) conductivity of [pyr14][TFSI] is an order of magnitude lower than that of the other liquids, which range between 0.1-0.3 mScm. The differences in Li(+) transport are reflected in the residence times of Li(+) with the anions, which are revealed to be much larger for [pyr14][TFSI] (up to 100 ns at the highest doping levels) than in either [EMIM][BF4] or [pyr13][FSI]. Finally, we comment on the relative kinetics of Li(+) transport in each liquid and we present strong evidence for transport through anion exchange (hopping) as opposed to the net motion of Li(+) with its solvation shell (vehicular).

molecular dynamics↗

Operando FTIR Studies of Electrolyte Solution Structures and Dynamics at Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces

The well-stabilized electrode-electrolyte interface (EEI) is critical to battery performance and safety, thus understanding the electrolyte solution structures (e.g., ion solvation and ionic association) and dynamics within EEI is an important area of study. Unfortunately, due to the sensitive nature of the electrodes, ex-situ characterization methods are limited and challenging to interpret as chemical and structural changes occur upon deconstructing the cell. In this work, we present operando characterization of near-surface electrolyte solution structures and dynamics by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy during battery cycling. We studied two selected model electrodes, a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) or a planar silicon (Si), in a standard Gen2 electrolyte of 1.2 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate (EC):ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) (3:7 wt%). In the former case, the composite cathode on aluminum foil is placed face-down on an ATR crystal. A ring of lithium metal serves as the counter/reference electrode and no separator is required. In the latter case, a lightly doped p-type silicon wafer is phosphorous-doped at the surface to increase the conductivity of the sample without compromising infrared transparency. The ATR crystal is then pressed on the back of the silicon with a minimal air gap to ensure sufficient optical contact between the two materials. The front of wafer is then placed in a modified coin-type cell geometry with a minimal electrolyte, a separator, and a lithium metal counter/reference electrode. In both experiments, we analyze the electrolyte solution structures within the EEI and find similar patterns as a function of potential. Firstly, we find that EMC decomposes faster than EC -suggesting that EMC plays a greater role in the electrochemical reactions on the electrode surface (e.g., formation of a protective layer to prevent further electrolyte decomposition). Secondly, we monitor the increase/decrease of the vibrational absorption peaks attributed to carbonates coordinated with Li+ ions relative to the decrease/increase of their uncoordinated counterparts, as expected when changing the local concentration of Li+ ions near the electrode surface during deintercalation/intercalation into the electrode. Finally, we observe that the features assigned to the Li+-PF6 -/-solvent molecules contact ion pair relative to the uncoordinated PF6 - anion. These observations give important information regarding the electrolyte solution structures and dynamics near the electrode surfaces. We look forward to applying these techniques to additional lithiumion battery systems with different cathode or anode materials and beyond lithium-ion systems to characterize surface chemistry/evolution (on-going research) and solution structures/dynamics (in particular, (de)solvation behaviors) within the EEI, which can be a bottleneck to efficient ion transfer from the electrolyte to the electrode.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Investigating the Effect of Water on the Mechanical Properties of Cellulose from Multiscale Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide insight into the structure and physicochemical properties of materials with atomic resolution. However, the length and time scales accessible to atomistic MD are orders of magnitude smaller than many relevant processes such as the response of a bulk material to experimentally accessible strain rates, which presents challenges when comparing models to experimental measurements. Bottom-up coarse-graining provides a means for systematically mapping atomistic information to lower resolution models to increase the length and time scales achievable by simulation. Cellulose is an abundant carbohydrate biopolymer with applications to many fields of research, such as materials science and renewable energy, due to its desirable mechanical properties and viability for conversion into biofuel. The effect of moisture content on the Young's modulus of cellulose is of special interest due to its native environment often being in the hydrated secondary plant cell wall and the grinding energy requirements for biomass feedstock preprocessing. The current work investigates the effects of water solvent on the Young's modulus of cellulose calculated from coarse-grained MD mechanical stress simulations. The coarse-grained model was parametrized from atomistic MD calculations of cellulose-cellulose potentials of mean force using umbrella sampling techniques under vacuum and solvated conditions. The Young's moduli of the coarse-grained cellulose assemblies parametrized from cellulose in vacuum or solvated in water were computed via mechanical stress simulations to highlight the importance of capturing solvent interactions for modeling the mechanical behavior of cellulose.

BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES,RADIATION PROTECTION AND↗

Liquid-Phase Modeling in Heterogeneous Catalysis

The notion that solvents can affect the chemical reactivity has been prevalent in the homogeneous catalysis community, going back as far as 1863.(1) Remarkable changes in reaction rate have been reported in the seminal work of Menschutkin, who demonstrated a change in reaction rate constant up to a factor of 700 as a function of the solvents employed for the reaction of triethylamine with ethyl iodide at 373 K.(2) It is well-known nowadays that solvents can affect the reaction rate, reaction mechanism, and selectivity of chemical reactions occurring in condensed phase. While solvent effects usually lead to changes in reaction rates of up to 3 orders of magnitude, rate increases of 9 orders of magnitude have been reported.(3, 4) In homogeneous metal catalysis such as hydroformylation, hydrogenation, and cross-coupling reactions, solvent effects have been studied systematically and exploited for industrial applications.(5) Substantial solvent effects have also been reported in heterogeneous catalysis for several hydrogenation,(6-9) oxidation,(10-12) and electrochemical reactions (where electric field effects lead in addition to an electric double layer(13-16)). However, in heterogeneous catalysis, systematic studies of solvation effects are rare, and solvent effects are generally not well understood. In this context, we note that liquid-phase processing is highly desirable for process cost reduction and high product selectivity for the heterogeneously catalyzed conversion of highly functionalized lignocellulosic biomass, because the feedstocks contain significant amounts of water, are produced in aqueous-phase environments, and reactant molecules are highly water-soluble, reactive, and thermally unstable.(17-19) Processing at relatively low temperatures in condensed phase has therefore the potential to (1) minimize undesirable thermal degradation reactions, (2) increase the targeted product selectivity, and (3) facilitate the product separation from excess water because reaction products often contain less oxygen and are therefore less hydrophilic than the feed streams.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

SISGR: Physical chemistry of reaction dynamics in ionic liquids

This document is the final technical report for the five-institution project titled, “SISGR: Physical chemistry of reaction dynamics in ionic liquids”. The project included the groups of Edward Castner, Jr. at Rutgers, Mark Maroncelli at Penn State, Claudio Margulis at Univ. of Iowa, David Blank at Univ. of Minnesota, and James Wishart at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The project spanned several funding periods between 2009 and 2017, with a no-cost extension at Rutgers continuing until 3/14/2018. The scientific research carried out included an array of experimental and theoretical investigations into the properties and chemical reactivity of room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs). Such ILs are of broad importance for energy science and technology applications, including their use in advanced batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells; processing of biomass to liquid fuels; and for solubilizing and separating high-level radionuclides from nuclear waste products. Specific examples include the study of the transport and structural properties of the liquids, studies of photo-induced electron-transfer reactions, and characterization of solvated electrons in the ILs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Identification of efficient and stable solid-solid electrochemical interfaces for Li-S batteries. Final Report

The objective of this work is to develop a better understanding of the interactions between battery components that drive the observed battery performance. Using computational tools at the atomistic level, we elucidate molecular, crystal, and amorphous structures, interfacial structures and reactions, and electrochemical behavior. We focus on Li metal anodes, liquid electrolytes, solid electrolytes, S cathodes, and metal-oxide cathodes, and their corresponding interfaces. Within liquid electrolytes, we study their bulk structure and dynamics, as a function of salt concentration. The analysis allows to understand the formation of localized high concentrated regions as the solvent is substituted by a weakly interacting diluent species. Analysis of the electron distribution yields the reactive behavior at interfaces. Moreover, we employ tools that allow the characterization of ion and electron transport at interfaces, during the processes of solvation and desolvation occurring while cycling. For Sulfur cathodes we elucidate synthesis processes and the role of carbon-sulfur and nitrogen-sulfur interactions not only to provide electronic conductivity but also to define alternative reaction pathways during discharge of Li-S batteries. Full-cell simulations offer new insights regarding the integration of all the battery components. Our studies also include solid electrolytes and their interfaces with Li metal, S-C, and metal-oxide electrodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Enhancing Cycling Stability of Lithium Metal Batteries by a Bifunctional Fluorinated Ether

Abstract The lifespan of lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) can be greatly improved by the formation of inorganic‐rich electrode‐electrolyte interphases (EEIs) (including solid‐electrolyte interphase on anode and cathode‐electrolyte interphase on cathode). In this work, a localized high‐concentration electrolyte containing lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) salt, 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME) solvent and 1,2‐bis(1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethoxy)ethane (BTFEE) diluent is optimized. BTFEE is a fluorinated ether with weakly‐solvating ability for LiFSI so it also acts as a co‐solvent in this electrolyte. It can facilitate anion decomposition at electrode surfaces and promote the formation of more inorganic‐rich EEI layers. With an optimized molar ratio of LiFSI:DME:BTFEE = 1:1.15:3, LMBs with a high loading (4 mAh cm −2 ) lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 ) cathode can retain 80% capacity in 470 cycles when cycled in a voltage range of 2.8–4.4 V. The fundamental understanding on the functionality of BTFEE revealed in this work provides new perspectives on the design of practical high‐energy density battery systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Chemical Tuning Meets 2D Molecular Magnets

Two-dimensional (2D) magnets provoke a surge of interest in large anisotropy in reduced dimensions and are promising for next-generation information technology where dynamic magnetic tuning is essential. Until recently, the crucial metal-organic magnet Cr(pyz) 2 ∙xLiCl∙yTHF with considerable high coercivity and high-temperature magnetic order opens up a new platform to control magnetism in metal-organic materials at room temperature. Here we report an in-situ chemical tuning route to realize the controllable transformation of low-temperature magnetic order into room-temperature hard magnetism in Cr(pyz) 2 ∙xLiCl∙yTHF. The chemical tuning via electrochemical lithiation and solvation/desolvation exhibits continuously variable magnetic features from cryogenic magnetism to the room-temperature optimum performance of coercivity (H c ) of 8500 Oe and energy product of 0.6 MGOe. Such chemically flexible tunability of room-temperature magnetism is ascribed to the different degrees of lithiation and solvation that modify the stoichiometry and Cr-pyrazine coordination framework. Furthermore, the additively manufactured hybrid magnets show air stability and electromagnetic induction, providing potential applications. Our findings here suggest chemical tuning as a universal approach to control the anisotropy and magnetism of 2D hybrid magnets at room temperature, promising for data storage, magnetic refrigeration, and spintronics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development of Electrolytes under Lean Condition in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries stand out as one of the promising candidates for next-generation electrochemical energy storage technologies. A key requirement to realize high-specific-energy Li–S batteries is to implement low amount of electrolyte, often characterized by the electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratio. Low E/S ratio aggravates the known challenges for Li–S batteries and introduces new ones originated from the high concentration of polysulfides in limited electrolyte reservoir. Here, in this review, the connections between the fundamental properties of electrolytes and the electrochemical/chemical reactions in Li–S batteries under lean electrolyte condition are elucidated. The emphasis is on how the solvating properties of the electrolyte affect the fate of polysulfides. Built upon the mechanistic analysis, different strategies to design lean electrolytes to improve the overall process of Li–S reactions and Li anode protection are discussed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Electrolyte Design for Fast‐Charging Lithium‐Based Batteries

Fast charging is essential for the widespread adoption of lithium (Li)-ion batteries, but it is fundamentally limited by sluggish interfacial kinetics, Li plating, and electrolyte instability at high current densities. Over the past decade, electrolyte engineering has emerged as a key strategy to address these challenges. This review summarizes the development of fast-charging electrolytes over the past ten years and outlines a design framework. Electrolyte formulations are first deconstructed into their main components—solvents, salts, and functional additives—and representative strategies for tuning solvation structure and interphase chemistry are discussed to suppress Li plating and improve interfacial kinetics. The discussion then extends to advanced electrolyte systems, particularly localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs), and their compatibility with different anode chemistries. Advanced characterization techniques are also summarized and categorized based on destructiveness, spatial and temporal resolution, quantitative analysis, and the chemical species or processes probed across multiple length scales. Recent progress in AI-enabled electrolyte discovery and battery management system (BMS) strategies for optimized fast-charging protocols is further highlighted. Finally, perspectives are presented on translating electrolyte innovations from academic research to practical applications, with emphasis on cell format, realistic operating conditions, and manufacturability.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Tuning the Mechanical Properties of Crosslinked Copolymers via Sequence and Solvent‐Selective Swelling for Vat Photopolymerization

Block copolymers (BCPs) offer distinct advantages for vat photopolymerization by enabling mechanically programmable network structures through microphase-separated morphologies that can be kinetically trapped during curing, yielding properties unattainable in homogeneous resins. However, the respective roles of repeat-unit sequence and solvent environment, together with their interplay in directing network formation and mechanical performance, remain unclear. Here, we synthesize a series of CO 2 -based polycarbonate copolymers comprising a crosslinkable glassy poly(vinyl cyclohexene carbonate) (PVCHC, A block) and a non-crosslinkable soft poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC, B block). The polymer sequence is systematically varied (ABA, BAB, and statistical), and solvent choice controls block-selective swelling to jointly control gelation behavior, microphase morphology, and mechanical response through changes in the accessibility and local environment of photocrosslinkable vinyl groups during network formation, as revealed by photorheology and small angle x-ray scattering. By tuning polymer sequence and curing solvent, we transform nominally identical formulations from brittle to highly ductile materials, achieving a three-orders-of-magnitude range in toughness (0.003 to 9.1 MJ m −3 ). These results establish clear structure–processing–property relationships and identify polymer sequence and selective solvation as powerful strategies for programming both printability and performance of block copolymer resins for additive manufacturing.

additive manufacturing↗

Engineering Redox Potential of Lithium Clusters for Electrode Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Low negative electrode potential and high reactivity makes lithium (Li) ideal candidate for obtaining highest possible energy density among other materials. Here, we show a novel route with which the overall electrode potential could significantly be enhanced through selection of cluster size. In using first principles density functional theory and continuum dielectric model, we studied free energy and redox potential as well as investigated relative stability of Li n (n ≤ 8) clusters in both gas phase and solution. We found that Li 3 has the lowest negative redox potential (thereby highest overall electrode potential) suggesting that cluster based approach could provide a novel way of engineering the next generation battery technology. The microscopic origin of Li 3 cluster’s superior performance is related to two major factors: gas phase ionization and difference between solvation free energy for neutral and positive ion. Taken together, our study provides insight into the engineering of redox potential in battery and could stimulate further work in this direction.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Quantum chemical modeling of superbase-catalyzed reactions of acetophenone and methyl mesityl ketone with acetylene

The mechanisms of furan formation and the competitive reaction of 1,5-diketone formation from 1-mesitylbut-2-en-1-one (1a) and 1-phenylbut-2-en-1-one (1b) were studied using the B3LYP/6-311++G**//B3LYP/6-31+G* quantum chemical approach taking into account solvation effects in terms of the IEFPCM model. The addition to 1a of the ethynide ion to form β-acetylene enolate ion (2a) occurs with the activation energy ΔG{sup ≠} = 13.3 kcal mol{sup –1}, while the further intramolecular O-vinylation with the closure of 2a to the dihydrofuran cycle of the dihydrofuran carbanion is the rate-determining step in the reaction pathway of substituted furan formation needing the activation energy G{sup ≠} = 19.5 kcal mol{sup –1}. The alternative addition of the mesitylethenolate ion to 1a to form the 1,5-diketone carbanion is associated with a higher (by 3.4 kcal mol{sup –1}) free activation energy than that of ethynide ion addition. In contrast, in the case of 1b, the addition at the C=C bond of the phenylethenolate ion rather than of the ethynide ion to form the 1,5-diketone carbanion is more preferable, since its activation free energy is 1.5 kcal mol{sup –1} lower. The quantum chemical calculation results are consistent with the experimental data.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DFT studies of the electron density distribution and donor-acceptor interactions in water-soluble aminohydroximate metallamacrocyclic Ca{sup II} and Y{sup III} complexes

The topology of the electron density and the nature of donor-acceptor interactions in copper-based glycinehydroximate metallamacrocycles bearing calcium(II) and yttrium(III) have been studied for the first time in terms of the density functional theory (DFT). The DFT calculations at the M06/Def2-TZVP level were performed taking into account non-specific (PCM) and specific solvation. Quantitative estimations of the donor-acceptor interactions and topological properties of the electron density were obtained. According to them, the thermodynamic stability of the yttrium complex is higher than that of the calcium analog. The calculated values of the Gibbs energy changes indicate the spontaneous substitution of Ca{sup 2+} by Y{sup 3+} in the metallamacrocycle in an aqueous medium.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗