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At least 1,279 records · Page 71

Complexation of Lanthanides and Heavy Actinides with Aqueous Sulfur-Donating Ligands

The separation of trivalent lanthanides and actinides is challenging because of their similar sizes and charge densities. S-donating extractants have shown significant selectivity for trivalent actinides over lanthanides, with single-stage americium/ lanthanide separation efficiencies for some thiol-based extractants reported at >99.999%. While such separations could transform the nuclear waste management landscape, these systems are often limited by the hydrolytic and radiolytic stability of the extractant. Progress away from thiol-based systems is limited by the poorly understood and complex interactions of these extractants in organic phases, where molecular aggregation and micelle formation obfuscates assessment of the metal–extractant coordination environment. Because S-donating thioethers are generally more resistant to hydrolysis and oxidation and the aqueous phase coordination chemistry is anticipated to lack complications brought on by micelle formation, we have considered three thioethers, 2,2'-thiodiacetic acid (TDA), (2R,5S)- tetrahydrothiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid, and 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid (TPA), as possible trivalent actinide selective reagents. Formation constants, extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and computational studies were completed for thioether complexes with a variety of trivalent lanthanides and actinides including Nd, Eu, Tb, Am, Cm, Bk, and Cf. TPA was found to have moderately higher selectivity for the actinides because of its ability to bind actinides in a different manner than lanthanides, but the utility of TPA is limited by poor water solubility and high rigidity. While significant competition with water for the metal center limits the efficacy of aqueous-based thioethers for separations, the characterization of these solution-phase, S-containing lanthanide and actinide complexes is the most comprehensively available in the literature to date. Here, this is due to the breadth of lanthanides and actinides considered as well as the techniques deployed and serves as a platform for the further development of Scontaining reagents for actinide separations. Additionally, this paper reports on the first bond lengths for Cf and Bk with a neutral S donor.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Effect of Local Structural Distortions on Antiferroelectric–Ferroelectric Phase Transition in Dilute Solid Solutions of K x Na 1– x NbO 3

The fundamental principles that govern antiferroelectric (AFE)–ferroelectric (FE) transitions are not well understood for many solid solutions of perovskite compounds. For example, crystal chemical considerations based on the average Goldschmidt tolerance factor or ionic polarizability do not precisely predict the boundary between the AFE and FE phases in dilute solid solutions of alkali niobates, such as K x Na 1– x NbO 3 ( x ≤ 0.02). Here, based on detailed structural analysis from neutron total scattering experiments, we provide insights about how the relative local distortions around the A- and B-sites of the ABO 3 perovskite structure affect the AFE/FE order of the average crystallographic phases in K x Na 1– x NbO 3 . Specifically, we show that a higher (lower) ratio of B-site-centered distortions over A-site-centered distortions drives transition toward a long-range FE (AFE) phase, which is based on a competition between the long-range polarizing field of the Nb–O dipoles and the disordering effect of local distortions around the A-site. Our study provides a predictive tool for designing complex solid-solution perovskites with tunable (anti)ferroelectric polarization properties, which can be of interest for various energy-related applications such as high-density energy storage and solid-state cooling.

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Reining in Radium for Nuclear Medicine: Extra-Large Chelator Development for an Extra-Large Ion

Targeted α therapy (TAT) of soft-tissue cancers using the α particle-emitting radionuclide 223 Ra holds great potential because of its favorable nuclear properties, adequate availability, and established clinical use for treating metastatic prostate cancer of the bone. Despite these advantages, the use of 223 Ra has been largely overshadowed by other α emitters due to its challenging chelation chemistry. A key criterion that needs to be met for a radionuclide to be used in TAT is its stable attachment to a targeting vector via a bifunctional chelator. The low charge density of Ra 2+ arising from its large ionic radius weakens its electrostatic binding interactions with chelators, leading to insufficient complex stability in vivo. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated macropa-XL as a novel chelator for 223 Ra. It bears a large 21-crown-7 macrocyclic core and two picolinate pendent groups, which we hypothesized would effectively saturate the large coordination sphere of the Ra 2+ ion. The structural chemistry of macropa-XL was first established with the nonradioactive Ba 2+ ion using X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, which revealed the formation of an 11-coordinate complex in a rare anti pendent-arm configuration. Subsequently, the stability constant of the [Ra(macropa-XL)] complex was determined via competitive cation exchange with 223 Ra and 224 Ra radiotracers and compared with that of macropa, the current state-of-the-art chelator for Ra 2+ . A moderate log K ML value of 8.12 was measured for [Ra(macropa-XL)], which is approximately 1.5 log K units lower than the stability constant of [Ra(macropa)]. This relative decrease in Ra 2+ complex stability for macropa-XL versus macropa was further probed using density functional theory calculations. Additionally, macropa-XL was radiolabeled with 223 Ra, and the kinetic stability of the resulting complex was evaluated in human serum. Furthermore, although macropa-XL could effectively bind 223 Ra under mild conditions, the complex appeared to be unstable to transchelation. Collectively, this study sheds additional light on the chelation chemistry of the exotic Ra 2+ ion and contributes to the small, but growing, number of chelator development efforts for 223 Ra-based TAT.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Coordination Chemistry and Photoluminescence of Sm(II) Dibenzo-24-crown-8 Complexes

Three Sm(II) dibenzo-24-crown-8 (db24c8) complexes were synthesized in anhydrous, air-free conditions via the reaction of SmI 2 with db24c8 and tetrabutylammonium tetraphenylborate ([TBA][BPh 4 ]; where needed) in acetonitrile (CH 3 CN), dimethoxyethane (DME), and tetrahydrofuran (THF) to yield [Sm(db24c8)(CH 3 CN) 2 ][BPh 4 ][I]·CH 3 CN, [Sm(db24c8)(DME)]I 2 , and [Sm(db24c8)(THF) 2 ]I 2 , respectively. In each case, a 10-coordinate, staggered dodecahedral (2:6:2) environment is formed around the Sm 2+ center that is completed by either two solvent molecules (CH 3 CN or THF) or one bidentate solvent molecule (DME). Inner-sphere solvent molecules can be excluded by reacting SmI 2 with db24c8 in 1:3 THF:toluene to yield Sm(db24c8)I 2 . Here, this molecule features a distorted, eight-coordinate, hexagonal pyramidal Sm 2+ metal center, where the coordinated db24c8 molecule shows a torsion angle unexpectedly close to the 180° antiperiplanar arrangement and two uncoordinated db24c8 oxygen atoms. Solution UV–vis–NIR measurements demonstrate that Sm 2+ is a good size match for the cavity of various db24c8 conformations and that Eu 2+ and Yb 2+ exhibit competition between acetonitrile solvation and the Eu 2+ and Yb 2+ /db24c8 complexes in solution. During excitation by 546 nm light, both [Sm(db24c8)(DME)]I 2 and [Sm(db24c8)(THF) 2 ]I 2 exhibit mixed 5d → 4f and 4f → 4f emission at 20 °C and exclusively 4f → 4f at −180 °C, whereas Sm(db24c8)I 2 only shows 5d → 4f emission regardless of temperature. Photoluminescence from [Sm(db24c8)(CH 3 CN) 2 ][BPh 4 ][I]·CH 3 CN is quenched.

Cations↗

Data-Driven Mapping of the Cesium Cadmium Bromide Phase Space Utilizing a Soft-Chemistry Approach

Soft-chemistry techniques provide a versatile approach to synthesizing inorganic materials under mild conditions, enabling access to compositions and structures that are challenging to achieve through traditional thermodynamically driven solid-state methods. However, these solution-based routes often result in phase competition, requiring precise control over reaction conditions to achieve selective product formation. While one-variable-at-a-time (OVAT) approaches have traditionally been used for phase selection, data-driven strategies are emerging as more efficient methods for navigating complex synthetic spaces. Ternary metal halides, such as cesium cadmium bromides (Cs–Cd–Br), are of growing interest due to their potential in wide and ultrawide band gap applications. Unlike the well-studied cesium lead halide phases, the compositional diversity and solution-based synthesis of ternary Cs–Cd–Br phases remain largely unexplored. This study systematically investigates the synthetic phase space of the Cs–Cd–Br system by constructing a data-driven phase map. Using a common set of precursors and a standardized experimental procedure, we successfully synthesize all four known Cs–Cd–Br phases—CsCdBr 3 , Cs 2 CdBr 4 , Cs 3 CdBr 5 , and Cs 7 Cd 3 Br 13 —each exhibiting distinct structures, morphologies, and optical properties. Our findings highlight the potential of soft-chemistry methods for expanding the library of ternary metal halides and provide key insights into the thermodynamic and kinetic factors governing phase formation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Ambient Synthesis for Fe(II) Polypyridyl Complexes with an Order of Magnitude Increase in Charge-Transfer Excited-State Lifetimes over [Fe(bpy) 3 ] 2+

Replacing precious metals with abundant metals is an important research focus in photochemical energy conversion and storage to meet global energy demands. However, transition metal complexes (TMCs) based on abundant 3d metals typically possess photochemical disadvantages─such as short charge-transfer excited-state lifetimes─and molecular modifications have focused on optimizing the interplay of structure, dynamics, and energetics to overcome their limitations. One strategy to do so is the use of bespoke ligands that can extend the lifetimes of chemically useful excited states. Here, in this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of novel Fe(II) complexes featuring lengthy polypyridyl ligands that can be readily synthesized. Steady-state and transient absorption spectroscopies indicate that these complexes have desirable properties and their excited metal-to-ligand charge-transfer states live an order of magnitude longer than in the benchmark [Fe(bpy) 3 ] 2+ . This lifetime is largely preserved in the heteroleptic complexes, thereby enabling the preparation of asymmetric complexes. Additionally, we apply nonradiative transition theory to explain the long-time decay kinetics. In light of their ease of preparation and reasonable excited-state lifetimes, we suggest the use of these complexes in Fe(II) dye-sensitized solar cells, where the rate of charge injection would be competitive with increased lifetime.

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Fullerene Promotes CO 2 Reduction to Methanol by a Cobalt(II) Phthalocyanine Electrocatalyst

Heterogenization of molecular electrocatalysts offers an attractive way to improve the catalytic selectivity and efficiency of CO 2 conversion to liquid fuels. Herein, we employ density functional theory to compare the mechanism of CO 2 RR by a cobalt(II) tetra(amino)phthalocyanine (Co(II)Pc(NH 2 ) 4 ) electrocatalyst with and without the presence of fullerene support. Our DFT calculations suggest that the CO 2 reduction mechanism is initiated by a metal-based electron reduction followed by subsequent CO 2 nucleophilic addition, electron transfer, proton transfer, water dissociation, and proton-coupled electron transfer steps that lead to CO and methanol formation. We show that graphitic interactions between the Co(II)Pc(NH 2 ) 4 electrocatalyst and C 60 support selectively improve the CO 2 RR to methanol at mild potentials. The undesirable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was also investigated for both electrocatalysts and proceeds via the protonation of the cobalt metal center over the nitrogen atom in the inner ring. The competition between the HER and the CO 2 RR was improved in favor of CO and methanol formation using the Co(II)Pc(NH 2 ) 4 @C 60 electrocatalyst. Overall, our results suggest C 60 as a promising graphitic support for molecular electrocatalysts integration for CO 2 catalysis.

Alcohols↗

Lithium Solvation and Mobility in Ionic Liquid Electrolytes with Asymmetric Sulfonyl-Cyano Anion

The solvation structure and transport properties of Li + in ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes based on n-methyl-n-butylpyrrolidinium cyano(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide [PYR 14 ][CTFSI] and [Li][CTFSI] (0 ≤ x Li ≤ 0.7) were studied by Raman and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) diffusometry, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. At x Li < 0.3, Li + coordination is dominated by the cyano group. As x Li is increased, free cyano-sites become limited, resulting in increased coordination via the sulfonyl group. Here, the 1:1 mixture of the symmetric anions bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([TFSI]) and dicyanamide ([DCA]) results in similar physical properties as the IL with [CTFSI]. However, anion asymmetry is shown to increase Li-salt solubility and promote Li+ transference. The lifetimes of Li + -cyano coordination for [CTFSI] are calculated to be shorter than those for [DCA], indicating that the competition from the sulfonyl group weakens its solvation with Li + . This resulted in higher Li + transference for the electrolyte with [CTFSI]. In relation to the utility of these electrolytes in energy storage, the Li–LiFePO 4 half cells assembled with IL electrolyte (x Li = 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7) demonstrated a nominal capacity of 140 mAh/g at 0.1C rate and 90 °C where the cell with x Li = 0.7 IL electrolyte demonstrated 61% capacity retention after 100 cycles and superior rate capability owing to increased electrochemical stability.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

TeraChem Cloud: A High-Performance Computing Service for Scalable Distributed GPU-Accelerated Electronic Structure Calculations

The encapsulation and commoditization of electronic structure arise naturally as interoperability, and the use of nontraditional compute resources (e.g., new hardware accelerators, cloud computing) remains important for the computational chemistry community. Here, we present TERACHEM CLOUD, a high-performance computing service (HPCS) that offers on-demand electronic structure calculations on both traditional HPC clusters and cloud-based hardware. The framework is designed using off-the-shelf web technologies and containerization to be extremely scalable and portable. Within the HPCS model, users can quickly develop new methods and algorithms in an interactive environment on their laptop while allowing TERACHEM CLOUD to distribute ab initio calculations across all available resources. This approach greatly increases the accessibility of hardware accelerators such as graphics processing units (GPUs) and flexibility for the development of new methods as additional electronic structure packages are integrated into the framework as alternative backends. Cost-performance analysis indicates that traditional nodes are the most cost-effective long-term solution, but commercial cloud providers offer cutting-edge hardware with competitive rates for short-term large-scale calculations. We demonstrate the power of the TERACHEM CLOUD framework by carrying out several showcase calculations, including the generation of 300,000 density functional theory energy and gradient evaluations on medium-sized organic molecules and reproducing 300 fs of nonadiabatic dynamics on the B800-B850 antenna complex in LH2, with the latter demonstration using over 50 Tesla V100 GPUs in a commercial cloud environment in 8 h for approximately $1250.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

N 5 -Scaling Excited-State-Specific Perturbation Theory

In this paper, we show that by working in a basis similar to that of the natural transition orbitals and using a modified zeroth-order Hamiltonian, the cost of a recently introduced perturbative correction to excited-state mean field theory can be reduced from seventh to fifth order in the system size. The (occupied) 2 (virtual) 3 asymptotic scaling matches that of ground-state second-order Møller-Plesset theory but with a significantly higher prefactor because the bottleneck is iterative: it appears in the Krylov-subspace-based solution of the linear equation that yields the first-order wave function. Here, we discuss the details of the modified zeroth-order Hamiltonian we use to reduce the cost and the automatic code generation process we used to derive and verify the cost scaling of the different terms. Overall, we find that our modifications have little impact on the method's accuracy, which remains competitive with singles and doubles equation-of-motion coupled cluster.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Modern Approaches to Exact Diagonalization and Selected Configuration Interaction with the Adaptive Sampling CI Method

Recent advances in selected configuration interaction methods have made them competitive with the most accurate techniques available and, hence, creating an increasingly powerful tool for solving quantum Hamiltonians. In this work, we build on recent advances from the adaptive sampling configuration interaction (ASCI) algorithm. We show that a useful paradigm for generating efficient selected CI/exact diagonalization algorithms is driven by fast sorting algorithms, much in the same way iterative diagonalization is based on the paradigm of matrix vector multiplication. We present several new algorithms for all parts of performing a selected CI, which includes new ASCI search, dynamic bit masking, fast orbital rotations, fast diagonal matrix elements, and residue arrays. The ASCI search algorithm can be used in several different modes, which includes an integral driven search and a coefficient driven search. The algorithms presented here are fast and scalable, and we find that because they are built on fast sorting algorithms they are more efficient than all other approaches we considered. After introducing these techniques, we present ASCI results applied to a large range of systems and basis sets to demonstrate the types of simulations that can be practically treated at the full-CI level with modern methods and hardware, presenting double- and triple-ζ benchmark data for the G1 data set. The largest of these calculations is Si$_2$H$_6$ which is a simulation of 34 electrons in 152 orbitals. We also present some preliminary results for fast deterministic perturbation theory simulations that use hash functions to maintain high efficiency for treating large basis sets.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Transformation of an Embedded Five-Membered Ring in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons via the Hydrogen-Abstraction–Acetylene-Addition Mechanism: A Theoretical Study

Five-membered rings are constituents of many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their presence on the edges of large PAHs has been repeatedly observed experimentally. However, modern kinetic combustion models often do not consider the growth of PAHs through the transformation of the five-membered rings. Here, in connection with the above, we carried out a theoretical study of the mechanism of Hydrogen-Abstraction-aCetylene-Addition (HACA) transformation of an embedded five-membered ring on the armchair PAH edge to a six-membered ring, considering cyclopenta[d,e,f]phenanthrene (4,5-methylenephenanthrene) as a prototype system for this process. The potential energy surface for the reactions of cyclopenta[d,e,f]phenanthrenyl radicals produced by direct H abstractions from cyclopenta[d,e,f]phenanthrene with acetylene has been compiled at the G3(MP2,CC)//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory including zero-point vibrational energy corrections. The computed energies and molecular parameters were then used to solve the Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus Master Equation (RRKM-ME) in order to calculate reaction rate at various pressures and temperatures, which were fitted to modified Arrhenius equation for further kinetic modeling. The results show that the HACA transformation of the embedded five-membered ring to a six-membered ring is possible, albeit slow. The most viable reaction mechanism involves the R2 + C 2 H 2 reaction, where the acetylene molecules adds to a σ-radical in the six-membered ring adjacent to the five-membered ring via a low entrance barrier. The predominant product of R2 + C 2 H 2 is predicted to be 3 ethynyl 4H cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene Pr5 via immediate H elimination from the initial addition complex. Next, Pr5 undergoes H-assisted isomerization to 4aH-pentaleno[4,3,2,1-cdef]phenanthrene Pr4, and the latter adds an H atom eventually forming the 1-pyrenylmethyl radical Pr3: R2 + C 2 H 2 ⇌ 3 ethynyl 4H cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene (Pr5) + H ⇌ 4aH-pentaleno[4,3,2,1-cdef]phenanthrene (Pr4) + H Pr5 + H ⇌ Pr4 + H Pr4 + H → 1-pyrenylmethyl (Pr3) This HACA sequence may be competitive with the methyl radical addition to the R1 radical formed by H abstraction from the CH 2 group in the five-membered ring of cyclopenta[d,e,f]phenanthrene, which provides a pathway to pyrene following two H atom losses. Relative contributions of the two mechanisms of the five- to six-membered ring transformation would strongly depend on the branching ratios of the R1 and R2 radicals produced by the H abstractions and the available concentration of C 2 H 2 vs. CH 3 and hence differ in different flames.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Vibrational signatures of HNO 3 acidity when complexed with microhydrated alkali metal ions, M + ∙(HNO 3 )(H 2 O) n =5 (M = Li, K, Na, Rb, Cs), at 20 K

The speciation of strong acids like HNO 3 under conditions of restricted hydration is an important factor in the rates of chemical reactions at the air-water interface. Here we explore the trade-offs in play when HNO 3 is attached to alkali ions (Li + -Cs + ) with four water molecules in their primary hydration shells. This is achieved by analyzing the vibrational spectra of the M + ∙(HNO 3 )(H 2 O) 5 clusters cooled to about 20 K in a cryogenic photofragmentation mass spectrometer. The local acidity of the acidic OH group is estimated by the extent of the red shift in its stretching frequency when attached to a single water molecule. Here, the persistence of this local structural motif (HNO 3 -H 2 O) in all of these alkali metal clusters enables us to determine the competition between the effect of the direct complexation of the acid with the cation, which acts to enhance acidity, and the role of the water network in the first hydration shell around the ions, which acts to counter (screen) the intrinsic effect of the ion. Analysis of the vibrational features associated with the acid molecule as well as those of the water network reveal how cooperative interactions in the micro hydration regime conspire to effectively offset the intrinsic enhancement of HNO 3 acidity afforded by attachment to the smaller cations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Single-Step Mechanism for Regioselective Nitration of 9,10-BN-Naphthalene with Acetyl Nitrate in the Gas Phase

Here, the energetics of the regioselective mononitration of 9,10-BN-naphthalene with acetyl nitrate (H 3 C 2 NO 4 ) were modeled with ab initio simulations in the gas phase and an acetonitrile solvent. The single-electron-transfer (SET) nitration mechanism leading to a σ-complex and a single-step nitration mechanism were modeled. The energy barrier for the single-step mechanism was lower than that for the SET mechanism in the gas phase. However, the two are much more energetically competitive in the solvent. The σ-complex was found to be unstable in the gas phase owing to the interaction with the counterion. Using the single-step mechanism, the carbon site 1 nearest boron had the lowest activation energy for nitration of 22.6 kcal/mol, while site 3 had the second lowest barrier of 24.6 kcal/mol. Finally, details on the molecular structures at intermediate and transition states as well as charges in different configurations are discussed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Electronic Structure and Anion Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Uranium–Gold Clusters UAu n – , n = 3–7

A collaborative effort between experiment and theory towards elucidating the electronic and molecular structures of uranium-gold clusters is presented. Anion photoelectron spectra of UAu n – (n=3-7) were taken at third (355 nm) and fourth (266 nm) harmonics of a Nd:YAG laser, as well as excimer (ArF 193nm) photon energies, where the experimental adiabatic electron affinities (AEA) and vertical detachment energies (VDE) values were measured. Complementary first principles calculations were subsequently carried out to corroborate experimentally determined electron detachment energies and to determine the geometry and electronic structure for each cluster. Except for the ring-like neutral isomer of UAu 6 where one unpaired electron is spread over the Au atoms, all other neutral and anionic UAu n clusters (n = 3 - 7) were calculated to possess open-shell electrons with the unpaired electrons localized on the central U atom. The smaller clusters closely resemble the analogous UF n species, but significant deviations are seen starting with UAu 5 where a competition between U-Au and Au-Au bonding begins to become apparent. The UAu 6 system appears to mark a transition where Au-Au interactions begin to dominate, where both a ring-like and two heavily distorted octahedral structures around the central U atom are to be nearly isoenergetic. With UAu 7 , only ring-like structures are calculated. Altogether, the calculated electron detachment energies are in good agreement with the experimental values

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Removing Basis Set Incompleteness Error in Finite-Temperature Electronic Structure Calculations: Two-Electron Systems

We investigate the basis-set-size dependence for quantities related to interacting electrons in the canonical ensemble. Calculations are performed using exact diagonalization (finite temperature full configuration interaction method) on two-electron model systems–the uniform electron gas (UEG) and the helium atom. Our data reproduce previous observations of a competition for how the internal energy converges between the ground-state correlation energy and the high-temperature kinetic energy. We explore how this can be related to component parts of the internal energy including kinetic, exchange, and correlation energies and show there is surprising nuance in how this can be broken down into mostly monotonically converging quantities. We also show that separation of the free energy into a free energy with/without correlation allows for monotonic convergence with basis set size due to the variational principle. We find that the free energy convergence matches the previously observed convergence properties of the internal energy. We discuss the free energy divergence that happens when converging a finite basis analytical hydrogen atom to the complete basis set limit and compare this to the energies of a helium atom in a large periodic box. Reducing the box size, we saw convergence trends for the helium atom that were similar to the UEG.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

High-Pressure Rate Rules for Ether Alkylperoxy Radical Isomerization

The first isomerization reaction of an alkylperoxy (RO 2 ) radical holds significant importance in low-temperature oxidation, as it governs the branching ratios of the hydroperoxyalkyl (QOOH) radicals, which influence the competition between the chain-propagation and chain-branching reactions. In this study, we systematically calculated high-pressure rate rules for the RO 2 isomerization reaction of monoethers, exploring 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-membered ring transition states. Primary, secondary, and tertiary carbon sites, where both the abstracting peroxy group and the abstracted hydrogen are located, were considered, with particular emphasis on distinguishing between secondary carbons adjacent (alpha) and nonadjacent to the ether functional group. Using the G4//B3LYP/6-311++G(2df,2pd) level of theory and the transition state theory, we estimated the rate constants and the Arrhenius coefficient for over 120 possible isomerization reactions. We examined the effect of ring size and ring atoms, revealing that 6- and 7-membered ring isomerizations were generally the fastest. The impact of the ether functional group on transition states was investigated by comparing reactions with identical ring size, peroxy, and radical positions, but with the ether functional group positioned either outside (i.e., out) or inside (i.e., in) the transition state ring, leading to differences in the rate constants. When comparing to analogous alkane rate constants, differences of up to an order of magnitude were observed, underscoring the need for caution when assigning rate rules by analogy. We applied our rate constants in the di-iso-butyl ether kinetic model and evaluated their influence on low-temperature chemistry finding that they altered the branching ratios by up to a factor of 9, highlighting the significance of site-specific rate constants for more accurate low-temperature modeling.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗