An intricate molecule: aluminum triiodide. Molecular structure of AlI3 and Al2I6 from electron diffraction and computation

The Journal of Physical Chemistry. a
Magdolna HargittaiMária Kolonits

Abstract

The molecular structure of aluminum triiodide was investigated in the gas phase by high-temperature gas-phase electron diffraction and high-level computations. The geometries of monomeric, AlI3, and dimeric, Al2I6, molecules were determined from two separate experiments carried out under carefully controlled conditions to prevent decomposition. This is the first experimental determination of the dimer structure by modern techniques. The computed geometrical parameters strongly depend on the applied methods and basis sets as well as on core-valence correlation effects. The electron diffraction thermal average bond length, r(g), of AlI3 at 700 K is 2.448(6) A; while those of Al2I6 at 430 K are 2.456(6) A (terminal) and 2.670(8) A (bridging). The equilibrium geometry of the monomer molecule is planar with D(3h) symmetry. The dimer molecule is extremely floppy, and it is difficult to determine the symmetry of its equilibrium geometry by computation, as it is sensitive to the applied methods. MP2 and CCSD calculations find the Al2I6 molecule puckered with C(2v) symmetry (although with a very small barrier at planarity), while density functional methods give a structure with a planar central ring of D(2h) symmetry. Comparison of the ...Continue Reading

References

Dec 26, 2001·Chemical Reviews·M Hargittai

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jul 3, 2010·Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy·Yu ZhangZhengjing Jiang
May 21, 2008·Chemistry : a European Journal·Brian VestPeter Schwerdtfeger
Apr 3, 2016·The Journal of Chemical Physics·Arnab MajumdarYansun Yao
Jan 28, 2009·Accounts of Chemical Research·Magdolna Hargittai

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.