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Yes / The predilection of sp-, sp2-, and sp3-hybridized chalcogen-bearing molecules to engage in type I chalcogen···chalcogen interactions was comparatively unveiled in like···like/unlike CY···YC, YCY···YCY, and F2Y···YF2 (where Y = O, S, and Se) complexes, respectively. Upon the optimized monomers, a potential energy surface (PES) scan was conducted to pinpoint the most favorable complexes. The energetic findings unveiled the ability of the investigated systems to engage in the interactions under study with binding energy values ranging from −0.36 to −2.33 kcal/mol. Notably, binding energies were disclosed to align in the posterior sequence; sp2- (i.e., YCY···YCY) > sp- (i.e., CY···YC) > sp3- (i.e., F2Y···YF2) hybridized complexes, except the like···like oxygen-bearing complexes. Instead, the highest negative binding energy values were detected for the OCO···OCO followed by those of the F2O···OF2 and CO···OC complexes. Furthermore, the like···like selenium-bearing complexes demonstrated the most considerable binding energies compared to the other investigated complexes. Remarkably, the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and noncovalent interaction index analyses revealed the highly directional and closed-shell nature of the investigated chalcogen···chalcogen interactions. Symmetry adapted-perturbation theory findings outlined the dispersion forces as the commanding forces for all the studied complexes. These observations will provide convincing justifications for the nature of chalcogens within type I chalcogen···chalcogen interactions, leading to increased progress in various domains regarding drug design and materials science. / Researchers Supporting Project number (RSPD2024R678), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The research on phosphorus-chalcogen compounds enjoys a long tradition in the field of inorganic chemistry, which has led to applications such as strike-anywhere matches, precursors for metal chalcogenide thin films and versatile reagents in organic synthesis. Whereas a wide range of phosphorus-sulfur and -selenium systems is known, the literature lacks information about compounds incorporating phosphorus-tellurium bonds. This thesis describes fundamental studies that develop the basic understanding of the synthesis of phosphorus-tellurium systems and the structural characteristics of these species. The focus will be on cyclic structural motifs as these offer novel bonding modes and often an interesting reactivity. In addition, the novel compounds are compared with the properties of the sulfur and selenium analogues. Three different approaches were developed to stabilise and study compounds incorporating phosphorus-tellurium bonds: a) Stabilisation of binary organophosphorus-tellurium heterocycles by bulky substituents, b) the utilisation of P₂N₂ rings based on the dianions [{EP(NtBu)(μ-NtBu)}₂]²⁻ (E = S, Se, Te) and c) the peri-substitution of phosphorus and tellurium atoms on an acenaphthene backbone. The use of sterically demanding substituents led to the isolation of the first series of structurally characterised organophosphorus(III)-tellurium heterocycles of the type (RP)[sub]nTe[sub]m including three- to six-membered ring systems. The mild oxidation of [{EP(NtBu)(μ-NtBu)}₂]²⁻ (E = S, Se, Te) with iodine yielded macrocyclic (S, Se) or oligomeric systems (Te). Furthermore, a collection of novel P₂N₂-supported phosphorus-chalcogen heterocycles incorporating main group elements was synthesised employing [{EP(NtBu)(μ-NtBu)}₂]²⁻ (E = S, Se, Te) in metathetical reactions with main group element halides. Extension of this approach to transition metal halides generated some unusual metallocycles, as well as macrocycles and ladders incorporating coinage metals. The first peri-substituted phosphorus-tellurium species were studied regarding their interatomic and intermolecular forces. Systems of the general formula RTe–Acenap–P(iPr)₂ were shown to exhibit extensive through-space spin-spin coupling. In addition, the influence of oxidation and complexation on these interactions was investigated and the formation of peri-substituted phosphorus-tellurium cations exhibiting P–Te bonds was observed.

Current electrochemical energy storage systems are not sufficient to meet ever-rising energy storage requirements of emerging technologies. Hence, development of alternative electrode materials is inevitable. This thesis aims to establish novel electrode materials demonstrating both high energy and power density with prolonged cycle life derived from fundamental understandings on electrochemical reactions of chalcogens, such as sulfur (S) and selenium (Se). First, the effects of the pore size distribution, pore volume and specific surface area of porous carbons on the temperature-dependent electrochemical performance of S-infiltrated carbon cathodes in electrolytes having different salt concentrations are investigated. Additionally, the carbide derived carbon (CDC) synthesis temperature, electrolyte composition, and electrochemical S utilization have been correlated. The effects of thin Li-ion permeable but polysulfide non-permeable Al2O3 layer coating on the surface of S infiltrated carbon cathode are also examined. Similar with S studies, Se infiltrated ordered meso- and microporous CDC composites are prepared and the correlations between pore structure designing and electrolyte molarity are explored. Finally, this thesis demonstrates a simple process to form a protective solid electrolyte layer on the Se cathode surface in-situ. This technique adopts fluoroethylene carbonate to convert into a layer that remains permeable to Li ions, but prevents transport of polyselenides. As a whole, the correlations of multiple cell parameters, such as the cathode structure, the electrolyte composition, and operating temperature on the performances of lithium-chalcogen batteries are discussed.

Metal chalcogenides (sulfides, selenides and tellurides) are materials of current interest due to their peculiar properties such as optoelectronic, magnetooptic, thermoelectric and piezoelectric displays. These semiconducting materials have potential applications in solar cell devices, infrared detectors and ambient thermoelectric generators. Previously, these materials have been deposited by multiple-source precursor route with several problems associated with this technique. This work describes the synthesis of metal complexes (Zn, Cd, Fe, Ni, Pd, Pt) using the imidodichalcogenodiphosphinate ligand (Woollins ligand). Their thermal decomposition together with structural and spectroscopy analysis was carried out. The complexes were used as single source precursors for the deposition of cadmium selenide, cadmium phosphide, cadmium sulfide, zinc selenide, iron selenide and the tellurides of nickel, palladium, platinum and iron as thin films and powders. These were deposited by AACVD and pyrolysis. The deposited thin films and powders were characterised by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The cadmium complexes [Cd{iPr2P(Se)NP(Se)iPr2}2] and [Cd{iPr2P(S)NP(Se)iPr2}2] deposited the mixture of hexagonal CdSe and monoclinic Cd2P3 films at the flow rate of 160 sccm at 475 and 500 °C. At the flow rate of 240 sccm, only hexagonal CdSe was deposited from [Cd{iPr2P(Se)NP(Se)iPr2}2] at all temperatures. Hexagonal CdS and the mixture of orthorhombic Cd6P7/cubic Cd7P10 were deposited from [Cd{iPr2P(S)NP(S)iPr2}2]. The zinc complexes [Zn{iPr2P(Se)NP(Se)iPr2}2] and [Zn{iPr2P(S)NP(Se)iPr2}2] both deposited cubic ZnSe at all temperatures with the flow rates of 160 and 240 sccm. The iron complexes [Fe{(SePPh2)2N}2] and [Fe{(SePPh2NPPh2S)2N}2] deposited orthorhombic FeSe2 mixed with monoclinic Fe3Se4 by pyrolysis at 500 and 550 °C. An unresolved pattern was observed from the complex [Fe{(SePPh2NPPh2S)2N}2] at 550 °C. XPS analysis of the deposited FeSe2 showed the surface oxidation of the material, while the magnetic measurements on the sample using SQUID confirmed its ferromagnetic properties. The telluride complexes of nickel, palladium, platinum and iron deposited the metal telluride respectively as: hexagonal NiTe, hexagonal PdTe, hexagonal PtTe2 (mixed with rhombohedral PtTe) and hexagonal FeTe2. Conductivity studies on NiTe and PdTe revealed them to be insulators, while the magnetic measurements on FeTe2 indicated its antiferromagnetic behaviour.

This dissertation summarizes my research in the Nuckolls group on two projects, with a central theme of achieving control of electronic coupling in various nanoscale systems. The two studies of interest aim at the study of emerging properties from alkali-doping of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and the synthesis of novel metal chalcogen molecular clusters. Chapter 1 is divided into two parts. Part one provides a brief history of the forces we associate with bond formation. We will learn that although defining a “chemical bond” is helpful, it is limited to our incomplete understanding of what forces contribute to its existence. The behavior of an electron in externally applied magnetic fields will be discussed, where the collective behavior of electrons in a material can be measured, showing a myriad of emerging properties. The known superconducting alkali-doped PAHs are introduced, followed by the unresolved problems of reproducibility and lack of structural data to accompany superconducting samples. Finally, the proximity of AFM to superconductivity is discussed, which could give us insights on further exploration of hight temperature organic superconductors. Part two introduces atomically precise clusters of atoms, also knows as superatoms. Various synthetic approaches to create metal chalcogenide superatoms are introduced. Next, a closer look into the cobalt selenide core, [Co6Se8], is presented. The ability to selectively substitute the ligands on this superatom, achieves dimensional control. The subunit can be seen as a 0-dimensional subunit, where it readily gives away its electrons. Furthermore, assembly of the clusters into 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional structures is described. Chapter 2 introduces a novel approach to acquire phase pure alkali-doped PAHs, p-terphenyl specifically. Previous reports of solution-processed doping of PAH have inspired highly reliable synthesis of these salts, by employing a chelating agent to stabilize the alkali metal. The first half of chapter 2 analyzes one such crystal in detail, describing emerging AFM fluctuations. The AFM coupling between nearest neighboring p-terphenyls occurs in all three crystallographic directions. Interestingly, this coupling can be seen as an unconventional bond between two terphenyl units along the hard axis, and resembles resonance structures seen in polyacetylene. The second half of the chapter further investigates the novel method, obtaining a library of alkali-doped p-terphenyls. This approach allows for selective variation of either the alkali-metal, the chelating agent, or the electronic structure of p-terphenyl. Obtaining nearly a dozen structures allows for a study of trends of doping level and accompanied magnetic properties. Lastly, Chapter 3 proves a new mechanism for ligand substitution of cobalt selenide superatomic clusters, using an easily removable carbene as the ligand. This approach grants access to new surface ligands and core shapes to expand the properties of these superatoms. Through this approach, larger atomically precise materials can be targeted, giving rise to new types of electronic properties.

A reação de Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) consiste em uma poderosa transformação química, podendo levar à formação de importantes blocos de construção em síntese orgânica. No entanto, a reação de MBH apresenta sérias limitações, principalmente no que diz respeito ao tempo reacional, ao uso de aceptores de Michael β-substituídos e à necessidade de eletrófilos secundários extremamente elétron-deficientes. Dentro desta temática, o presente trabalho investiga uma metodologia tricomponente do tipo Michael-aldol mediada por organocalcogenolatos metálicos, dando origem a adutos de MBH β-organocalcogeno funcionalizados como produto. Nestes estudos foram avaliados diferentes organocalcogenolatos metálicos (S, Se e Te), bem como diferentes aceptores de Michael (eletrófilo primário) e aldeídos (eletrófilo secundário) frente à metodologia. Tal estudo tornou possível a obtenção da (±)-Acaterina, um produto natural biologicamente ativo, em uma única etapa reacional, sendo a síntese mais curta e de maior rendimento até então relatada. Além disso, a metodologia tricomponente foi adaptada à adição de um terceiro eletrófilo no meio reacional, tornando possível a obtenção de derivados de adutos de MBH (ésteres, éteres de silício e carbonatos) também de maneira one-pot (reação tetra-componente do tipo Michael-aldol-O-funcionalização/eliminação de selenóxido). Investigando possíveis novas aplicações dos derivados de MBH produzidos, foi estudada a enolização de ésteres derivados de adutos de MBH onde se observou comportamento nucleofílico do LDA bem como de outras bases fortes. Utilizando cálculos computacionais baseados em DFT, uma coordenada de reação foi calculada para um dos sistemas nos quais LDA foi empregado e, o resultado teórico obtido está de acordo com os resultados obtidos experimentalmente. / The Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction consists on a powerfull chemical transformation, leading to important building blocks in organic synthesis. However, the MBH presents some serious drawbacks, specially in respect to reactional time, the use of β- substituted Michael acceptors and the need for highly electron-deficient secondary electrophiles. Within this issue, the present work aims the investigation of a tricomponent Michael-aldol reaction mediated by metallic organochalcogenolates, leading to β-organochalcogen functionalized MBH adducts as products. In these studies the behavior of different metallic organochalcogenolates as well as different Michael acceptors (primary electrophile) and aldehydes (secondary electrophiles) were evaluated towards the methodology. Within this study it was possible to synthesize (±)-Acaterin, a natural bioactive compound, in a single reactional step, consisting in the shortest and higher yielding protocol related so far. Moreover, the tricomponent methodology was adapted to the addition of a third electrophile into the reactional media, allowing the preparation of MBH derivatives (esters, silicon ethers and carbonates) also in an one-pot manner (Michael-aldol-O-functionalization/selenoxide elimination four-component reaction). Investigating possible new applications of the produced MBH derivatives, the enolization of MBH esters was studied and a nucleophilic behavior was observed for LDA and for other strong bases. By means of DFT-based computational calculations, a reaction coordinate was calculated for a LDA-based enolization system and the obtained theoretical results are in agreement with the experimentally obtained results.

A reação de Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) consiste em uma poderosa transformação química, podendo levar à formação de importantes blocos de construção em síntese orgânica. No entanto, a reação de MBH apresenta sérias limitações, principalmente no que diz respeito ao tempo reacional, ao uso de aceptores de Michael β-substituídos e à necessidade de eletrófilos secundários extremamente elétron-deficientes. Dentro desta temática, o presente trabalho investiga uma metodologia tricomponente do tipo Michael-aldol mediada por organocalcogenolatos metálicos, dando origem a adutos de MBH β-organocalcogeno funcionalizados como produto. Nestes estudos foram avaliados diferentes organocalcogenolatos metálicos (S, Se e Te), bem como diferentes aceptores de Michael (eletrófilo primário) e aldeídos (eletrófilo secundário) frente à metodologia. Tal estudo tornou possível a obtenção da (±)-Acaterina, um produto natural biologicamente ativo, em uma única etapa reacional, sendo a síntese mais curta e de maior rendimento até então relatada. Além disso, a metodologia tricomponente foi adaptada à adição de um terceiro eletrófilo no meio reacional, tornando possível a obtenção de derivados de adutos de MBH (ésteres, éteres de silício e carbonatos) também de maneira one-pot (reação tetra-componente do tipo Michael-aldol-O-funcionalização/eliminação de selenóxido). Investigando possíveis novas aplicações dos derivados de MBH produzidos, foi estudada a enolização de ésteres derivados de adutos de MBH onde se observou comportamento nucleofílico do LDA bem como de outras bases fortes. Utilizando cálculos computacionais baseados em DFT, uma coordenada de reação foi calculada para um dos sistemas nos quais LDA foi empregado e, o resultado teórico obtido está de acordo com os resultados obtidos experimentalmente. / The Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction consists on a powerfull chemical transformation, leading to important building blocks in organic synthesis. However, the MBH presents some serious drawbacks, specially in respect to reactional time, the use of β- substituted Michael acceptors and the need for highly electron-deficient secondary electrophiles. Within this issue, the present work aims the investigation of a tricomponent Michael-aldol reaction mediated by metallic organochalcogenolates, leading to β-organochalcogen functionalized MBH adducts as products. In these studies the behavior of different metallic organochalcogenolates as well as different Michael acceptors (primary electrophile) and aldehydes (secondary electrophiles) were evaluated towards the methodology. Within this study it was possible to synthesize (±)-Acaterin, a natural bioactive compound, in a single reactional step, consisting in the shortest and higher yielding protocol related so far. Moreover, the tricomponent methodology was adapted to the addition of a third electrophile into the reactional media, allowing the preparation of MBH derivatives (esters, silicon ethers and carbonates) also in an one-pot manner (Michael-aldol-O-functionalization/selenoxide elimination four-component reaction). Investigating possible new applications of the produced MBH derivatives, the enolization of MBH esters was studied and a nucleophilic behavior was observed for LDA and for other strong bases. By means of DFT-based computational calculations, a reaction coordinate was calculated for a LDA-based enolization system and the obtained theoretical results are in agreement with the experimentally obtained results.

In the presented work, first principle studies on electronic structure, stability, and magnetic properties of metal chalcogenide, CrnTem clusters have been carried out within a density functional framework using generalized gradient functions to incorporate the exchange and correlation effects. The energetic and electronic stability was investigated, and it was found that they are not always correlated as seen in the cluster Cr6Te8 which has smaller gap between its HOMO (Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital) and LUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital) and a high electron affinity of 3.39 eV indicating lower electronic stability whereas higher fragmentation energy indicating energetic stability. The high electron affinity shows that the stability of Cr6Te8 cluster can be enhanced by adding charge donating ligands including PEt3 to form stable Cr6Te8(PEt3)6 clusters as seen in experiments. The other cluster of interest was Cr4Te6 in which energetic stability was accompanied with electronic inertness marked by its large HOMO-LUMO gap, non-magnetic ground state and high fragmentation energy.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / This work presents a study related to the synthesis and characterization of a series of clusters with chacogen-metal bonds in which the metals are mercury, silver, cobalt, nickel, palladium, cadmium and zinc. The synthetic strategy is based on the combination a building block, bis-(phenyltellurium)mercury(II), (Hg(TePh)2), as the starting material, with a series of co-ligands and metal salts. In the synthesis of the fourteen clusters presented in this work, evidence of redistribution reactions was observed and, for some syntheses, disproportion reactions occurred concomitantly. In this study the following clusters were obtained: [Hg5(PhTe)7Br3]n;[Hg6(PhTe)15Te2Ag4]n; [Hg4(TePh)7IPy]n;[Hg4(SePh)7IPy]n;[Hg8(TePh)14Te(PPhMe2)2]·DMF; [Hg11(TePh)18Te2(Py)3]·Py2;[Hg6(PhTe16)Ag4];[Hg2(TePh)4Ag2(Cl2)]n; [Hg6(TePh)16Ag4Py4]·H2O;[Hg8Te(TePh)12Cl4]-2[Ni(DMF)6]+2; {[Zn(H2O)2(OH)2]@[Hg16(TePh)32]};[Pd2(TePh)2Cl2(PPh3)2]; [Hg8Te(TePh)12Cl4]-2[Co(DMF)6]+2 and {[Cd(H2O)2(OH)2]@[Hg16(TePh)32]}. The clusters were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis and electron microscopy with X-ray dispersive energy spectroscopy. For some clusters, thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to test their stability. / Este trabalho apresenta um estudo relacionado com a síntese e caracterização de uma série de clusters contendo ligações de organocalcogenetos e metais de transição como mercúrio, prata, cobalto, níquel, paládio, cádmio e zinco. A metodologia de síntese baseou-se na utilização de um bloco de montagem básico, o bis(feniltelureto) de mercúrio (Hg(TePh)2), como material de partida e uma série de coligantes além de diferentes sais de metais. Na formação dos 14 clusters apresentados neste trabalho, houve evidências de reações de redistribuição e oxi-redução. Os clusters obtidos neste trabalho foram: [Hg5(PhTe)7Br3]n; [Hg6(PhTe)15Te2Ag4]n; [Hg4(TePh)7IPy]n; [Hg4(SePh)7IPy]n; [Hg8(TePh)14Te(PPhMe2)2]·DMF; [Hg11(TePh)18Te2(Py)3]·Py2; [Hg6(PhTe16)Ag4]; [Hg2(TePh)4Ag2(Cl2)]n; [Hg6(TePh)16Ag4Py4]·H2O; Hg8Te(TePh)12Cl4]-2[Ni(DMF)6]+2; {[Zn(H2O)2(OH)2]@[Hg16(TePh)32]}; [Pd2(TePh)2Cl2(PPh3)2]; [Hg8Te(TePh)12Cl4]-2[Co(DMF)6]+2 e {[Cd(H2O)2(OH)2]@[Hg16(TePh)32]}. Estruturalmente estes clusters foram caracterizados através da difração de raios-x em monocristal. Além disso, para todos os compostos incluem-se os resultados de análise elementar, espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios-x (EDX) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Para alguns dos clusters também foram realizados testes de estabilidade térmica através da análise de termogravimetria.