Structure, Spectra, and Reaction Energies of the Aluminum-Nitrogen (HAl-NH)(2) and (H(2)Al-NH(2))(2) Rings and the (HAl-NH)(4) Cluster.
Rings of four-coordinate aluminum and nitrogen are easily synthesized and well studied, as are clusters of four-coordinate Al and N. Only recently, however, have rings that are derivatives of the model compounds (HAl-NH)(n)() (n = 2, 3) with three-coordinate Al and N been synthesized. Ab initio investigations of the structure, bonding, vibrational spectra, and reaction energies for the three-coordinate ring (HAl-NH)(2), the four-coordinate ring (H(2)Al-NH(2))(2), and the four-coordinate cluster (HAl-NH)(4) are presented. Even in the absence of differences in steric factors, the four-membered ring has longer Al-N bonds than either the six-membered ring or the unassociated aluminum amide, H(2)Al-NH(2). This is due to both rehybridization and pi interactions. Theoretical reaction energies for formation of the (HAl-NH)(4) cluster from the (H(2)Al-NH(2))(2) ring are consistent with intermolecular loss of hydrogen, or the necessity of surface catalysis.
Davy
Randall D.
RD
Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602.
Schaefer III
Henry F.
HF