Search

The A2 pi <-- X2 sigma+ transition in MgCCH was studied with correlation consistent basis sets and single- and multireference correlation methods. The A2 pi excited state was characterized in detail; the x2 sigma+ ground state has been described elsewhere recently. The estimated complete basis set (CBS) limits for valence correlation, including zero-point energy corrections, are 22668, 23191, and 22795 for the RCCSD(T), MRCI, and MRCI + Q methods, respectively. A core-valence correction of +162 cm-1 shifts the RCCSD(T) value to 22830 cm-1, in good agreement with the experimental result of 22807 cm-1.

The X2A1 and A2E states of the MgCH3 radical have been studied with correlation consistent basis sets and the coupled cluster method RCCSD(T) in order to compare with two recent experimental efforts [M. A. Anderson and L. M. Ziurys, Astrophys. J. 452, L157 (1995); R. Rubino, J. M. Williamson, and T. A. Miller, J. Chem. Phys. 103, 5964 (1995)]. The best computed values [RCCSD(T)/cc-pCVTZ] for the X2A1 state are (experimental results in parentheses): Ae = 160.433 GHz, Be = 10.948 GHz (B0 = 11.008 GHz), and Mue = 1.011 D. The Mg-CH3 bond is weak, 26.3 kcal/mol. Values for the A2E state are Ae = 154.648 GHz (A0 = 149.666 GHz), Be = 10.87 GHz (B0 = 10.932 GHz), and Mue = 1.022 D. The excitation energy (Te) for the A2E <-- X2A1 transition is 19 999 cm-1 (T00 = 20 030 cm-1). A brief discussion of bonding trends in Mg-containing radials is included.

A study of Mg-bearing compounds has been performed in order to determine molecular properties which are critical for planning new astronomical searches and laboratory studies. The primary focus of the work is on MgCCH, MgCCH+, and the isomers of MgC2. Only MgCCH has been identified in laboratory studies. Additional calculations have been carried out on MgH, MgNC, MgCN, and their cations in an effort to evaluate pathways to the formation of MgCCH and MgCCH+ in the interstellar medium (ISM) or in circumstellar envelopes. Correlated ab initio methods and correlation-consistent basis sets have been employed. Properties including structures, rotational constants, dipole moments, and harmonic frequencies are reported. A transition state between linear MgCC and cyclic MgC2 has been characterized and was found to yield a minimal barrier (approximately 0.5 kcal mole-1), indicating easy interconversion to the cyclic form. Direct reactions in the ISM between Mg or Mg+ and HCCH are precluded by energetic considerations, but a number of ion-molecule or neutral-neutral exchange reactions between CCH and various Mg-containing species offer plausible pathways to MgCCH or MgCCH+. Weakly bound MgH may react with CCH to form MgCCH, but MgH has not been detected. Both MgNC and MgCN have been observed, but reactions with CCH are slightly endothermic by 1-3 kcal mole-1. Although MgH+, MgNC+, and MgCN+ have not been detected, their reactions with CCH to form MgCCH+ are all exothermic. With only a small barrier separating linear MgCC and cyclic MgC2, the dissociative recombination of MgCCH+ with an electron is expected to yield cyclic MgC2 and regenerate Mg and CCH. New astronomical searches for MgCCH, MgCCH+, cyclic MgC2, MgNC+, and MgCN+ will provide further insight into organo-magnesium astrochemistry.