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An electron localization function and catastrophe theory analysis on the molecular mechanism of gas-phase identity SN2 reactions

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Abstract

A set of four reactions, XCH3+X− (X=F, Cl, Br) and ClSiH3+Cl−, is investigated by means of the joint use of the electron localization function (ELF) and catastrophe theory (CT) analysis in order to obtain new insights into the bond breaking/forming processes for identity SN2 gas-phase reactions. Using DFT calculations at the OLYP/6-311++G(d,p) level, the effect of nucleophile (F, Cl, and Br anions) and the role of reacting centers (C or Si) on the reaction mechanisms are investigated. The charge-shift character of carbon–halogen bonds is studied by determination of the weights of the Lewis resonance structures. In all SN2 reactions at the carbon atom, there is a progressive reduction on the covalent character of the C–X bond from the reactant complex (0.41, 0.57, 0.58 for F, Cl, and Br, respectively) until the bond-breaking process, occurring before the transition structure is reached. On the other hand, the Si–Cl bond maintains its degree of covalent character (0.51) from the isolated fragments to the formation of a stable transition complex, presenting two silicon–chlorine charge-shifted bonds. The analysis of the ELF topology along the reaction path reveals that all reactions proceed via the same turning points of fold-type but the order is inverted for reactions taking place at C or Si atoms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departament de Quìmica Fìsica i Analìtica, Universitat Jaume I, Apartat 224, 12080, Castelló, Spain

    Victor Polo, Patricio Gonzalez-Navarrete & Juan Andres

  2. Laboratoire de Chimie Théorique, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 4 Place Jussieu, 75252, Paris Cedex, France

    Bernard Silvi

Authors
  1. Victor Polo
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  2. Patricio Gonzalez-Navarrete
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  3. Bernard Silvi
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  4. Juan Andres
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Correspondence to Juan Andres.

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Dedicated to Prof. Nino Russo on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

Contribution to the Nino Russo Special Issue.

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Polo, V., Gonzalez-Navarrete, P., Silvi, B. et al. An electron localization function and catastrophe theory analysis on the molecular mechanism of gas-phase identity SN2 reactions. Theor Chem Account 120, 341–349 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00214-008-0427-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00214-008-0427-6

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