DFT studies on some properties of maleonitriledithiolate complexes [M(mnt)2]2− (M = Ni, Pd, Pt and Zn, Cd, Hg)

The structures and some molecular properties of the complexes M(mnt)22− (M = Ni, Pd, Pt and Zn, Cd, Hg; mnt2− = deprotonated maleonitriledithiolate) have been studied by using density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/LanL2DZ level of theory. Computed binding energies show that the sequences of binding strengths are Ni < Pd < Pt and Cd < Hg < Zn. The natural bonding orbitals analyses show that Ni, Pd and Pt gain 1.40e, 1.62e and 1.72e, respectively to their n  s, (n−1)dx2−y2(n−1)dx2−y2 and (n−1)dz2(n−1)dz2 orbitals from both ligand mnt2− and (n − 1)dyz of metal ions, while Zn, Cd and Hg complexes gain electrons to their ns orbitals. The absorption spectra of these complexes were obtained by using time-dependent density functional theory associated with polarized continuum model. Comparison of the absorption spectra in acetonitrile solution with those in gas phase show that the solvatochromic effect made the lowest energy absorption red shift by 31, 34 and 44 nm for d8 metal complexes Ni(mnt)22−, Pd(mnt)22− and Pt(mnt)22−, respectively, while blue shift by 28, 44, 25 nm for d10 metal complexes Zn(mnt)22−, Cd(mnt)22− and Hg(mnt)22−, respectively. The calculated results reproduced the experimental data with the deviations less than 5% for Ni–S stretching vibrational frequencies and less than 3% for other vibrational modes.

DFT study of the structural and spectroscopic properties of complexes M(mnt)22− (M = Ni, Pd, Pt and Zn, Cd, Hg) has been reported.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Computed binding energies show that the sequences of binding strengths are Ni(mnt)22− < Pd(mnt)22− < Pt(mnt)22− and Cd(mnt)22− < Hg(mnt)22− < Zn(mnt)22−.
► Comparison of the absorption spectra in acetonitrile solution with those in gas phase show that the solvatochromic effect made the lowest energy absorption red shift.
► The calculated results reproduced the the experimental data with the deviations less than 5% for Ni-S stretching vibrational frequencies and less than 3% for other vibrational modes.