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Published on: April 12, 2018
Electronic Switch in the Carbon-Centered [Re(12)CS(17)(CN)(6)] Nanocluster
An external electric field can control rhenium-rhenium distances in metal clusters. This discovery presents a new molecular switch model based on [Re(12)mu(6)-CS(17)(CN)(6)](n-) complexes.
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Theoretical Chemistry
Background:
- Metal clusters, specifically carbon-centered rhenium complexes like [Re(12)mu(6)-CS(17)(CN)(6)](n-), exhibit unique electronic properties.
- The internuclear distances within these clusters are sensitive to changes in oxidation state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically investigate the control of internuclear Re-Re distances in [Re(12)mu(6)-CS(17)(CN)(6)](n-) complexes.
- To explore the potential of using an external electric field to manipulate these distances.
- To assess the feasibility of these complexes as molecular switches.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical calculations were employed to study the [Re(12)mu(6)-CS(17)(CN)(6)](n-) system.
- The effect of varying oxidation states (n = 6, 8) on Re-Re distances was analyzed.
- The influence of an external electric field on these distances was simulated.
Main Results:
- An abrupt change in internuclear Re-Re distances was observed between {Re(6)} subunits upon altering the oxidation state.
- This change in distance was theoretically shown to be controllable by an external electric field.
- (13)C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) signals for the mu(6)-C atom showed a significant shift (~400 ppm) correlated with the oxidation state.
Conclusions:
- The metal cluster [Re(12)mu(6)-CS(17)(CN)(6)](n-) can be effectively controlled by external electric fields.
- The observed changes in internuclear distances and NMR signals suggest potential applications.
- These rhenium complexes serve as a promising model for developing molecular switches.
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