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A systematic investigation on the SN2 displacement reactions of nine carbene radical anions toward the substrate CH3Cl has been theoretically carried out using the popular density functional theory functional BHandHLYP level with different basis sets 6-31+G (d, p)/relativistic effective core potential (RECP), 6-311++G (d, p)/RECP, and aug-cc-pVTZ/RECP. The studied models are CX1X2•− + CH3Cl → X2X1CH3C• + Cl−, with CX1X2•− = CH2•−, CHF•−, CHCl•−, CHBr•−, CHI•−, CF2•−, CCl2•−, CBr2•−, and CI2•−. The main results are proposed as follows: (a) Based on natural bond orbital (NBO), proton affinity (PA), and ionization energy (IE) analysis, reactant CH2•− should be a strongest base among the anion-containing species (CX1X2•−) and so more favorable nucleophile. (b) Regardless of frontside attacking pathway or backside one, the SN2 reaction starts at an identical precomplex whose formation with no barrier. (c) The back-SN2 pathway is much more preferred than the front-SN2 one in terms of the energy gaps [Δ E [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic investigation on the H‐abstraction reactions of 8 carbene radical anions with CCl3H has been performed theoretically using the popular DFT functional BHandHLYP/aug‐cc‐pVTZ/RECP level of theory. As a result, our studies strongly suggest that the reactivity of the title reactions (CX1X2•− + CCl3H) present increase in the order: CHI•− < CHBr•− < CHCl•− < CHF•− for first halogen CHX•− and CCI2•− < CBr2•− < CCl2•− < CF2•− for second halogen CX2•−, more important, the reactions of the former exhibit more activity than those of corresponding the latter. Moreover, based on the NBO analysis, the Activation Strain model analysis and the correlations analyses of activation barrier with both PA and IE, respectively, we further confirm over the conclusion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A computational study of the [2+2] cycloaddition reaction pathways for formaldehyde–ketene and formaldehyde–isocyanic acid has been presented by using the DFT(B3LYP) method. These cycloaddition reactions could yield to eight different four-membered molecules. In the two considered reactions, the reactions for the β-propiolactone and oxazetidinone products have the lower barriers of 26.40 and 32.88kcalmol−1 and are exothermic by 27.68 and 4.00kcalmol−1, respectively. The β-propiolactone and oxazetidinone ring compounds have been predicted to be the most stable thermodynamically. Simulation of the solvent environment (toluene, THF, acetone, acetonitrile and water) has been investigated by using polarized continuum model method, yet only small differences have been found to occur in energetics between the studied structures in the gas-phase and in the solvent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A theoretical investigation at DFT (B3LYP) level on the cyclopropanation reactions catalyzed by nickel(0) and nickel(II) have been extensively investigated. The computation results show that the active catalytic species formed by a CH2 fragment and the Cl2Ni(PH3)2 is carbenoids (PH3)2Ni(CH2Cl)Cl (IMA) and (PH3)Ni(CH2PH3)Cl2 (IMB), but both the carbenes (Cl2NiCH2 (IMC), (PH3)3NiCH2 (IME) and (PH3)2NiCH2 (IMG)) and carbenoids (ClNiCH2Cl (IMD), Ni(CH2PH3)(PH3)2 (IMF) and Ni(CH2PH3)PH3 (IMH)) are active catalytic species obtained from NiCl2, Ni(PH3)3, Ni(PH3)2 and a CH2 fragment. The cyclopropanation reaction proceeds through either concerted or multistep reaction pathway. The most favor cyclopropanation reactions catalyzed by nickel(II) is multistep pathway for IMD with a barrier of 21.65kcalmol−1 but is endothermic 6.74kcalmol−1, and the most favor nickel(0) catalyzed cyclopropanation reactions is also multistep pathway for IME, IMH and IMG species all with barriers of 21.93kcalmol−1 but the downhill potential energy surface discloses that each step of the cyclopropanation reaction are all irreversible. Thus, nickel(0) catalyzed cyclopropanation reaction proceed easer than nickel(II). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanism for the ion–molecule reaction of benzene anion with nitrous oxide has been characterized using the second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2). All the stationary points were determined at the MP2/6-31++G(d,p) level of the theory. As a result, our theoretical investigations strongly suggest that the main pathways on the potential energy surface can be pathways 1 and 2 of the Channel 1 which are two reciprocally competitive pathways, the minor ones can be expressed as pathway (Channel 1) 3 and Channel 2, and Channel 3 should be a competitive reactive pathway relative to the main reactive pathways. Theoretical calculated results are basically consistent with the experimental postulate. Furthermore, some specific character of the reaction of with N2O has been educed by the mechanism study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The cyclopropanation reaction of ethene with aluminum carbenoid has been studied by means of the B3LYP hybrid density functional method. The reaction goes through two pathways: methylene transfer and carbometalation. In methylene transfer pathway, a quantum-chemical investigation shows that the reactions of the carbenoids X2AlCH2X 1-X, (X=F, Cl, Br, I) with ethene 2 to cyclopropane 3+lX3 profit from a weakening of the C–X bonds by the C–Al bonds in the carbenoids 1-X and in the complex [1-X∗2]. The C–F bond is more affected than the C–I bond. Since in the transition states 3[1-X∗2]‡ AlHal is strongly decomplexed, the cleavage of the C–Hal bond is essential compensated by the formation of the Al–Hal bonds, which leads to almost equal transition state energy for the reactions of 1-X with 2. In contrast with methylene transfer, the cyclopropanation reaction of the carbometalation pathway profit from a weakening of the C–Al bonds by the C–X bonds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanisms for the insertion reactions of alkylidenecarbenes with CH3O–H have been investigated at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of the theory. According to our model calculations these insertion reactions will easily yield vinyl ether products and for a given single substituted alkylidenecarbene will yield cis–trans-isomer mixture. Moreover the reactivity of alkylidenecarbene decreases in the order: HFCsp="0.25" />>HClCsp="0.25" />>HBrCsp="0.25" />>H(CH3)Csp="0.25" />>H2Crmore, a configuration mixing model based on the work of Pross and Shaik is used to rationalize the computational results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two series of dyes have been designed and theoretically characterized through density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory to systematically explore the structure-property relationship of dyes with D-A-π-A architecture and the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells, particularly the influence of the π-bridge, including its alkyl side chain, adding additional conjugate spacer, displacement, and separation of π-bridge. Key parameters associated with the short-circuit current density Jsc and open-circuit photovoltage Voc were characterized and analyzed in detail. All of the analysis results manifest that dye H1 should be the best candidate to fabricate dye-sensitized solar cells owing to the best optical absorption property (a broad absorption band from 300 to 900 nm for adsorbed dye) and other outstanding parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations have been carried out to explore the underlying origin of merits for rigid π-spacer based on reference dyes C255 and C254 . The results demonstrate that higher short-circuit current density ( J SC ) of C255 is primarily ascribed to the lower EBE , while the biggish short-circuit current density ( V OC ) mainly originates from the larger μ normal compared to C254 . Besides, a novel index integral of overlap between hole and electron ( S ) is firstly introduced to quantitatively estimate the facility of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and preliminarily confirmed to be effective for the research target of this work. Furthermore, three series of dyes (C-series, A-series, AC-series) have been designed and characterized to screen promising sensitizer candidates and design strategies, while delightful results have been achieved including 6 promising candidates, design stratagem on efficiently reducing the charge recombination and combinational tactics on screening new dyes with excellent spectral properties or outstanding DSSC performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Six indoline-based dyes 1–6 used in DSSCs with difference in π spacer were theoretically researched and verified using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) to shed light on how the additional (auxiliary) acceptor and π spacer order influence the performance of the dye. Key parameters associate with the short-circuit current density (J sc) and open-circuit photovoltage (V oc), including light-harvesting efficiency LHE, electron injection driving force ΔG inject, total reorganization energy λ total (λ h and λ e), the vertical dipole moment μ normal, the energy differences eV oc between E LUMO and E CB as well as the extent of electron recombination were characterized. The theoretical results reveal that compared with dye 1, dyes 2–6 improve the performance potentially due to their auxiliary acceptor. These enable us to determine these factors related to the J sc and V oc can be significantly influenced by the incorporated electron-withdrawing subunit into molecular backbone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The spin-forbidden reaction mechanism of Ir+ with CH3F to yield H2 or HF has been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The overall H2 elimination reaction is calculated to be exothermic, by 36.3 kcal/mol. One pathway is found on three potential energy surfaces (PESs), whereas the HF-elimination reaction is exothermic by 32.8 kcal/mol, two reaction pathways are identified on the quintet and triplet surfaces, only one reaction pathway is identified on the singlet surface. The reaction mechanism can be explained by the simple donor–acceptor model. According to the revealed mechanism and the calculated potential energy surfaces, H2-elimination is energetically much more favorable than HF-elimination. These conclusions are consistent with the experimental observations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mechanisms of the reaction of lanthanide ions (Ce and Pr) with the carbon dioxide were investigated at the B3LYP level of theory. The crossing points (CPs) between the different potential energy surfaces (PESs) have been located by means of the intrinsic reaction coordinate approach used by Yoshizawa et al., and corresponding minimum energy crossing points (MECPs) that we obtained by the mathematical algorithm proposed by Harvey et al. has also been used. In addition, possible spin inversion processes are discussed by means of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) calculations. The value of 61.68 cm (for MECP) and 69.17 cm (for MECP) for the SOC constants indicates that the spin crossing process in Ln + CO (∑) reaction can be occurred efficiently because of the large SOC involved. And the O-atom affinities (OA) testified that the argumentation is thermodynamically allowed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The gas-phase reactions of fluorocarbon compounds CH4– n F n (n =1–3) with Pt (3D, 1S) have been systematically explored via density functional theory (DFT) in order to investigate the mechanisms of these reactions. The results indicate that a reaction of CH3F with Pt (3D, 1S) experiences a rearrangement process to generate counterintuitive production (CH2F−PtH). CH2F2 and CHF3 activation by Pt (3D, 1S) yields high-oxidation-state complexes with carbon–metal double bonds. Moreover, the attack of platinum atoms on fluorine atoms in different fluorocarbon compounds involves intersystem crossing (ISC) between triplet and singlet state Potential Energy Surfaces (PESs). The crossing points (CPs) have been located by the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) approach used by Yoshizawa et al. and corresponding minimum energy crossing points (MECPs) obtained by the mathematical algorithm proposed by Harvey et al. have also been used. Additionally, possible spin inversion processes are discussed using spin–orbit coupling (SOC) calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The mechanisms of the reaction between N2O and CO catalyzed by MO+ (M=Ru, Os) have been investigated using the density functional theory (DFT). The potential energy surfaces, the crossing points and the corresponding minimum energy crossing points have been explored. The probability of hopping in the vicinity of the crossing has been calculated by the Landau–Zener-type model. The results indicate the reactions are O-atom abstraction mechanism for the catalysts RuO+ and OsO+. The large probability value shows the intersystem crossing occurs efficiently, which makes the reaction access to a lower energy pathway and accelerate the reaction rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Activation of the N–N and N–O bonds by La+ in nitrous oxide has been examined systematically using both DFT and CCSD(T) methods. The calculated results indicate that the reaction of La+ (3F, 1D) with N2O (X 1∑) including several reaction pathways and numerous isomers, leads to oxidation, LaO+ (1∑, 3Δ)+N2 () or nitration, LaN+ (2∑+, 4∑+)+NO (X 1∏). The attack of the La+ on the O-end of N2O involves intersystem crossing (ISC) between singlet and triplet state potential-energy surfaces (PESs). Thus, possible spin-inversion process is discussed by means of spin–orbit coupling (SOC) calculations. The probability values of the single () and double () passes are estimated at MECP are approximately 6.682×10−2 and 0.125, respectively. The calculated results also revealed that the O-transfer reaction is energetically more favorable than the N-transfer reaction on the both spin state PESs. These results are in good agreement with experimental observations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) have been carried out to investigate the multi-centered transition state (MCTS) reaction mechanisms associated with the gas-phase ion/molecule reaction of YNH+ with ethene. The potential energy surfaces (PESs), including both reaction pathways of hydrogen and ammonia elimination, have been explored and characterized. By contrast with ammonia elimination, dehydrogenation reaction channel is energetically favorable, which is in good agreement with the experimental observation. Moreover, the dominating product (YC2H3N+) can further react with ethene and the corresponding reaction mechanism which proceeds in a two-step manner and leads to the six-membered metallacyclic structure YC4H5N+, has also been investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A systematic theoretical study of the reaction NO2(2A1)+CO(1∑+)→NO(2∏)+CO2(1∑g +) catalyzed by Ti+ has been investigated by means of UB3LYP/6-311+G(2d) level. Our calculated results sharply reveal that both NO2(2A1)+Ti+(X4F)→NO(2∏)+TiO+(X2Δ) and TiO+(X2Δ)+CO(1∑+)→Ti+(X4F) + CO2(1∑g +) are spin-forbidden reactions. The minimum-energy crossing points (MECPs) that are involved have been characterized at the same level and the possible spin inversion processes are discussed using the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) have been carried out to investigate geometries and bonding characteristics of all the stationary points associated with the gas-phase ion/molecule reactions of YNH+ (1∑+) with propene. The potential energy surface (PES), including six reaction pathways (four dehydrogenation and two demethanation processes), has been explored and analyzed. By contrast, dehydrogenation reaction channels that are associated with two consecutive hydrogen transfers from C atoms of propene fragment to Y atom of YNH+ moiety and then elimination of H2, are energetically favorable, which is in good agreement with the experimental observation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The gas-phase reaction of activation of C–C double bond of C2H4 by has been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) at the UB3LYP/6-311G(2d,p) level. The calculation results show that the reaction experiences rearranged process. On the basis of Hammond postulate, this is a typical ‘two-state reactivity’ (TSR) reaction. The involving crossing between the singlet and triplet potential energy surfaces has been discussed by means of the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) approach used by Yoshizawa et al., and a minimum energy crossing point (MECP) that we obtained by the mathematical algorithm proposed by Harvey et al. has been also employed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The gas-phase reaction of N2O and CO catalyzed by Pt+ has been investigated by means of the relativistic effective core potential (RECP) of Stuttgart basis sets on platinum and UB3LYP/6-311+G(2d) level on nonmetal atoms. The involving crossings between the doublet and quartet potential energy surfaces have been discussed by means of the intrinsic reaction coordinate approach used by Yoshizawa et al, and corresponding MECPs we obtained by the mathematical algorithm proposed by Harvey et al. has also been employed. In addition, the crossing caused by SOC is efficient. And the O-atom affinities (OA) testified that the argumentation is thermodynamically allowed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The entire reaction mechanism for the gas phase CO–CO2 conversion by FeO+ is discussed by means of the density functional theory and the intrinsic reaction coordinate approach. The calculated results have strongly indicated that the reaction of is a spin-forbidden reaction between the quartet and the sextet potential energy surfaces (PESs). There is a crossing point between the quartet and the sextet potential energy surfaces which may play a significant role in this reaction, by which the activation energy can be decreased from −15.1 to −56.4kJmol−1 at the reaction system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanism of the reaction catalyzed by Sc+ has been investigated by means of UB3LYP/6-311+G(2d) level. Our calculated results strongly indicate that both the reactions NO2(2A1)+Sc+(X3D)→NO(2∏)+ScO+(X1∑+) and are spin-forbidden reactions. The crossing points (CPs) that are involved and the possible spin inversion processes are discussed using the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) approach. On the basis of Hammond postulate, they are typical ‘two-state reactivity’ (TSR) reactions. And the O-atom affinities (OA) testified that the argumentation is thermodynamically allowed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The reaction pathway and energies for the gas-phase CO2–CO conversion by W+ are discussed from density functional theory (DFT) UB3LYP calculation at the relativistic effective core potential (ECP) of Stuttgart basis sets with W+ and 6-311+G(2d) with CO2. The reaction mechanism between W+ and CO2 is an insertion–elimination mechanism. The W+ inserts with no energy barrier into a CO bond resulting in an OWCO+ insertion product. The intrinsic reaction coordinate for the insertion process has been defined and the reaction mechanism has been investigated by analyzing various structures along this path. Crossing points (CPs) are localized, and possible spin inversion processes are discussed by means of the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The reaction of Lu+ with CH3F, which was selected as a representative system of the activation of C–F bond in fluorohydrocarbons by late lanthanide cations, has been examined using density functional theory (DFT). The potential energy surfaces (PESs) of [Lu, C, H3, F]+ were explored in detail in both singlet and triplet electronic states. The electron-transfer reactivity of the reaction was analyzed using the two-state model, and a strongly avoided crossing behaviour on the transition state (TS) area was shown. The theoretical results can act as a guide to further theoretical and experimental researches. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The entire reaction mechanism for the gas-phase CO2–CO conversion by early transition metal ions, La+, Hf+, and Ta+, are studied using density functional theory (DFT). The results indicate that the lowest energy path corresponds to the η2-O coordination of CO2 followed by the insertion of M+ into the C–O bond. The reactions are all exothermic due to the participation of the metal ions, to be compared with the strong endothermic process of the unimolecular CO2 decomposition. Crossing points (CPs) are localized, and possible spin inversion processes are discussed by means of the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The reactions of 4d transition metal ions (except Tc and Cd) with N2O on two potential energy surfaces, producing the metal oxide ion and N2, are studied by means of density functional theory. The results indicate that the lowest energy path corresponds to the coordination of N2O followed by the insertion of M+ into the N–O bond. The reaction mechanism between 4d transition metal ions and N2O is an insertion–elimination mechanism. All products are formed in exothermic processes. The potential energy curve crossings, which dramatically affect reaction mechanisms, are discussed in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The gas-phase reaction of activation C CH3OCH3 by Ti+ has been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) at the 6-311++G(3df,3pd)//6-311+G(d) level. The structures of all reactants, intermediates, transition structures and products of this reaction have been optimized and characterized at the quartet and doublet electronic states. Crossing points (CPs) are localized, and the possible spin inversion processes are discussed by means of the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) approach. Finally, two competitive reaction pathways, including the CP, are proposed from the most stable reactants to the most thermodynamically stable products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The reaction of La+ with CH3F, which was selected as a representative system of the activation of C–F bond in fluorohydrocarbons by bare lanthanide cations, has been examined using density functional theory (DFT) to explore more integrated reaction pathways and mechanisms on both singlet and triplet potential energy surfaces (PESs). A direct fluorine abstraction mechanism and an insertion–elimination mechanism were revealed, the related thermochemistry data involved in reaction of La++CH3F were determined. The crossing points (CPs) have been found by means of single-point computations as a function of the structural change along the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) in this manuscript. The present results not only support the existing reaction conclusions inferred from early experimental data, but also complement the pathway and mechanism for this reaction, which can act as a guide for further experimental researches and theoretical investigations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanisms for the abstraction reactions of germylenes with oxirane and thiirane have been characterized in detail using density functional theory. All the stationary points were determined at the B3LYP/6-311++G (d, p) level of the theory. As a result, our theoretical investigations suggest that, irrespective of deoxygenation and desulfurization, the alkyl-substituted germylene abstractions are much more favorable than those of the π-donor-substituted germylenes. Moreover, for a given germylene, the desulfurization reaction is more exothermic as well as more kinetically favorable. Furthermore, a configuration mixing model based on the work of Pross and Shaik is used to rationalize the computational results. A comparison with carbene and silylene also led to the same result and the results obtained allowed a number of predictions to be made. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The reactivity of X(3P) (X=Ge, Sn, Pb) with N2O(X1Σ) on both singlet and triplet potential energy surfaces have been investigated at the B3LYP level of theory. To accurately evaluate the activation barrier and reaction energy, the coupled cluster single point calculations using the B3LYP structures is performed. The calculated results are in good agreement with experimental observations. The (X=Ge, Sn, and Pb) reactions that Arthur Fontijn has been observed are spin-forbidden for formation of ground state products in the experiments. The present paper is discussed with the aid of the direct abstraction (DA) mechanism (also called the surface crossing model), a correlation argument based on separated fragments X+O+N2 can explain the inefficiency of the (X=Ge, Sn, and Pb) reactions at 298K by the need to switch electron configurations along low-energy adiabatic paths from ground-state reactants to energetically accessible product states. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mechanism of C-H bond activation of ethane was catalyzed by palladium halide cations (PdX+ (X = F, Cl, Br, H, and CH3)), which was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP level. The reaction mechanism was taken into account in triplet and singlet spin state potential energy surfaces. For PdF+, PdCl+, and PdBr+, the high spin states were the ground states, whereas the ground states were the low spin states in PdH+ and PdCH3+. The reaction of PdF+, PdCl+, and PdBr+ with ethane occurred via a typical "two-state reactivity" mechanism. In contrast, for PdH+ and PdCH3+, the overall reaction performed on the ground state PESs in a spin-conserving manner. The crossing points between two potential energy surfaces were observed and effectively decreased the activation barrier in PdX+/C2H6 (X = F, Cl, and Br). The minimum energy crossing points (MECP) were obtained used the algorithm in Harvey method. The natural valence electron configuration calculations were analyzed by natural bond orbital. The distribution and contribution of the front molecular orbital of the initial complexes could be further understand by the density of states. The feature of the bonding evolution in the main pathways was studied using topological analysis including localized orbital locator and atoms in molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dehydrogenation reaction mechanism of cyclohexane catalyzed by dimer transition metal cluster V2+ has been investigated at the B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) level of density functional theory. Density of states (DOS) graph is used to understand more deeply the roles of the front molecular orbital of the initial complexes. After the first molecular dehydrogenation, the reaction mainly consists of two competition mechanisms. First, the C-H bonds of cyclohexane can be effectively activated by the V2+ cation, yielding the same-face dehydrogenation products. Second, the C-C bonds are activated, forming the different-face dehydrogenation products. Our calculations indicate that the reaction takes place more easily along the low-spin potential energy surface on the same-face and is a low-barrier or even barrier-free transformation. Carbon-carbon single bonds are nonpolar and generally far less reactive. A comparison of the reaction mechanism of V2+ and congener Ti2+ with cyclohexane has been presented. The bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of V2+ are greater than that of Ti2+, leading to difficulties in forming sandwich complexes in the different-face dehydrogenation of cyclohexane, and the same-face dehydrogenation is an important reaction channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the mechanisms of H 2 evolution on Pt 6 , Pt 5 Sn 5 , and Pt 3 Sn 6 clusters were respectively investigated by the B3LYP method of density functional theory (DFT). The B3LYP functional with non-local dispersion corrections (B3LYP-D3) method were performed to investigate the adsorption of H and H + on clusters. The calculation results indicated that the adsorption energy of H on Pt reduced due to the interaction of Sn and Pt, which promoted H desorption from Pt to form H 2 . Meanwhile, Sn atom of Pt 5 Sn 5 and Pt 3 Sn 6 clusters had strong interaction with H + due to the existence of Pt, which was benefit for the reduction of H + on Sn atom. As a consequence, Pt 5 Sn 5 and Pt 3 Sn 6 showed lower potential barrier and higher activities than Pt for H 2 evolution. The potential barriers of H 2 formation over Pt 3 Sn 6 clusters was only 11.1% of that over Pt cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel organic dye with 2D-A structure has been designed and calculated whereby density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) for dye-sensitized solar cells. The double-donor branched dye which was consisted of two separated light-harvesting moieties was beneficial to photocurrent generation. First, we discussed the effects of different donor chains on photoelectric performance in the dye molecule, using the DTP-B8 which was a previously reported structure as the reference. Only to conclude that the suitable length can achieve the satisfactory efficiency. Secondly, to modify and sift potential sensitizers further, three series of dyes (BC-series, CB-series and CC-series) were designed and characterized. The increased molar extinction coefficient and the red-shifted λ max was attributed to an increasing in electron conjunction. This work presented a new route to design sensitizers that provide two channels for donating more electrons and improve the final efficiency. It is expected to provide some theoretical guidance on designing and synthetizing high efficiency photosensitive dye in the future experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While green chemistry is commonly used in industrial applications, the concepts of green chemistry can be incorporated into educational pedagogy. Along with chemistry concepts, knowledge of which processes present the minimum hazard to human health or the environment should be part of the curriculum. Chemists trained in this manner will have a significant impact on solving environmental problems. This article presents some exercises to introduce students to the concept of green chemistry. By doing these exercises, students develop an appreciation for the role of green chemistry on feedstock substitution, milder reaction conditions, reduced environmental exposure, and resource conservation. This, coupled with the "maximum atom utilization theory or atom economy concept serves as the basis for using green chemistry in laboratory pedagogy.

Abstract: Series sensitizers of indoline and triphenylamine as the donor group, quinoxaline and its derivatives as the additional acceptor, different heteroaromatic rings (furan, benzene and selenophene) as the π-conjugated group, 2-cyanoacrylic acid as the acceptor/anchoring which featured on the D–A–π–A architecture have been theoretically designed based on the reported dyes IQ2 and TQ2 used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), to shed light on how the additional (auxiliary) acceptor and π spacer influence the performance of the dyes. These enable us to determine master factors influenced the efficiency of DSSCs, such as the light-harvesting efficiency, lifetime of excited state, exciton binding energy, total reorganization energy and electron injection driving force as well as the vertical dipole moment. The theoretical results revealed that compared with dye IQ2, our designed dyes IQS2 and IQS3 displayed much better light harvesting properties and longer first excited lifetime. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]