Liquid-Liquid Extraction of the Eu(III) Cation by BTP Ligands into Ionic Liquids: Interfacial Features and Extraction Mechanisms Investigated by MD Simulations.

What happens at the ionic-liquid (IL)/water interface when the Eu cation is complexed and extracted by bis(dimethyltriazinyl) pyridine "BTP" ligands has been investigated by molecular dynamics and potential of mean force simulations on the interface crossing by key species: neutral BTP, its protonated BTPH form, Eu, and the Eu(BTP) complex. At both the [BMI][TfN]/water and [OMI][TfN]/water interfaces, neither BTP nor Eu(BTP) are found to adsorb. The distribution of Eu(BTP) and Eu(BTP) precursors of Eu(BTP), and of their nitrate adducts, implies the occurrence of a stepwise complexation process in the interfacial domain, however.

Formation of Aqueous Biphasic Systems with an Ionic Liquid Induced by Metallic Salts: Nanoscopic Views from Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

The formation of aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) based on aqueous ionic liquid (IL)/salt mixtures has been investigated via molecular dynamics simulations (with IL butyl-methyl-imidazolium triflate; salts NaCl, CsCl, SrCl, and EuCl). The analysis of ion distributions, solvation, and mutual interactions during the dynamics reveals the heterogeneity of all solutions due to ion segregation into mutually exclusive IL and salt domains, even in monophasic solutions ("ionic sociology"). Ion segregation and ABS formation are found to increase with (i) the salt content and (ii) the IL content, (iii) in the order Na < Sr < Eu, and (iv) when the IL ion "polarity" is diminished, following experimental trends.

Assembly Mechanism of Zr-Containing and Other TM-Containing Polyoxometalates.

The mechanism by which Zr-substituted and other transition metal-substituted polyoxometalates (POMs) form covalently linked dimers has been analyzed by means of static density functional theory (DFT) calculations with a continuous solvent model as well as Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) simulations with explicit solvent molecules. The study includes different stages of the process: the formation of the active species by alkalination of the solution and formation of intercluster linkages. CPMD simulations show that the Zr-triaqua precursor, [WOZr(HO)], under basic conditions, reacts with hydroxide anions to form Zr-aqua-hydroxo active species, [WOZr(OH)(HO)].

Formation of Long, Multicenter π-[TCNE] Dimers in Solution: Solvation and Stability Assessed through Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Purely organic radical ions dimerize in solution at low temperature, forming long, multicenter bonds, despite the metastability of the isolated dimers. Here, we present the first computational study of these π-dimers in solution, with explicit consideration of solvent molecules and finite temperature effects. By means of force-field and ab initio molecular dynamics and free energy simulations, the structure and stability of π-[TCNE] (TCNE=tetracyanoethylene) dimers in dichloromethane have been evaluated.

Uranyl extraction by N,N-dialkylamide ligands studied using static and dynamic DFT simulations.

We report DFT static and dynamic studies on uranyl complexes [UO(2)(NO(3))x(H(2)O)(y)L(z)](2-x) involved in the uranyl extraction from water to an "oil" phase (hexane) by an amide ligand L (N,N-dimethylacetamide). Static DFT results "in solution" (continuum SMD models for water and hexane) predict that the stepwise formation of [UO(2)(NO(3))(2)L(2)] from the UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)(2+) species is energetically favourable, and allow us to compare cis/trans isomers of penta- and hexa-coordinated complexes and key intermediates in the two solvents. DFT-MD simulations of [UO(2)(NO(3))(2)L(2)], [UO(2)(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)L(2)], and [UO(2)(NO(3))(H(2)O)L(2)](+) species in explicit solvent environments (water, hexane, or the water/hexane interface) represented at the MM or full-DFT level reveal a versatile solvent dependent binding mode of nitrates, also evidenced by metadynamics simulations.

Ammonium recognition by 18-crown-6 in different solutions and at an aqueous interface: a simulation study.

The complexation of alkylammonium RNH3(+) cations by 18-crown-6 (18C6) is studied by molecular dynamics (MD) and potential of mean force (PMF) simulations in different solvents (methanol, chloroform, 90:10 chloroform/methanol mixture, water) and at the chloroform/water interface. The free energies of association ΔGass, obtained with different charge models of 18C6, are compared for PrNH3(+) and K(+) cations yielding, with suitable electrostatic models, a preference for K(+) in the different monophasic solutions, as well as in the gas phase. Furthermore, for a given cation, ΔGass is markedly solvent dependent and decreases in magnitude in the order chloroform ≫ mixture > methanol > water, that is, with the (de)solvation energy of the cation and with the extent of pairing with the counterion (here, picrate, Pic(-)).

Distributed polarizability models for imidazolium-based ionic liquids.

Quantum chemical calculations are used to derive distributed polarizability models sufficiently accurate and compact to be used in classical molecular dynamics simulations of imidazolium-based room temperature ionic liquids. Two distributed polarizability models are fitted to reproduce the induction energy of three imidazolium cations (1,3-dimethyl-, 1-ethyl-3-methyl-, and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) and four anions (tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, nitrate, and thiocyanate) polarized by a point charge located successively on a grid of surrounding points. The first model includes charge-flow polarizabilities between first-neighbor atoms and isotropic dipolar polarizability on all atoms (except H), while the second model includes anisotropic dipolar polarizabilities on all atoms (except H).

Liquid-liquid extraction of uranyl by TBP: the TBP and ions models and related interfacial features revisited by MD and PMF simulations.

We report a molecular dynamics (MD) study of biphasic systems involved in the liquid-liquid extraction of uranyl nitrate by tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP) to hexane, from "pH neutral" or acidic (3 M nitric acid) aqueous solutions, to assess the model dependence of the surface activity and partitioning of TBP alone, of its UO2(NO3)2(TBP)2 complex, and of UO2(NO3)2 or UO2(2+) uncomplexed. For this purpose, we first compare several electrostatic representations of TBP with regards to its polarity and conformational properties, its interactions with H2O, HNO3, and UO2(NO3)2 species, its relative free energies of solvation in water or oil environments, the properties of the pure TBP liquid and of the pure-TBP/water interface. The free energies of transfer of TBP, UO2(NO3)2, UO2(2+), and the UO2(NO3)2(TBP)2 complex across the water/oil interface are then investigated by potential of mean force (PMF) calculations, comparing different TBP models and two charge models of uranyl nitrate.

Nature of Zr-monosubstituted monomeric and dimeric polyoxometalates in water solution at different pH conditions: static density functional theory calculations and dynamic simulations.

Static density functional theory (DFT) calculations with a continuous solvent model as well as classical and Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with explicit solvent molecules were performed to study the nature of Zr-monosubstituted monomeric and dimeric polyoxometalates (POMs) in water at different pHs. We have analyzed Zr-aqua, -hydroxo, and -aqua-hydroxo species derived from Linqvist- and Keggin-type anions. Both DFT and Car-Parrinello MD methods suggest that the Zr center tends to have coordination number greater than 6 and can bind up to 3 water molecules.

Structure of a uranyl peroxo complex in aqueous solution from first-principles molecular dynamics simulations.

Static ab initio and density-functional computations, as well as Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations in aqueous solution are reported for [UO2(OH)(κ(2)-O2)(H2O)2](-) and [UO2(OH)2(κ(1)-O2H)(H2O)](-). Whereas the κ(1)-hydroperoxo isomer is found to be more stable than the κ(2)-peroxo form in the gas phase, the order of stability is reversed in explicit bulk solution. Based on free energies from thermodynamic integration (BLYP functional), the peroxo form is favoured by ca.

Liquid-liquid extraction of uranyl by an amide ligand: interfacial features studied by MD and PMF simulations.

We report a molecular dynamics study of biphasic systems involved in the liquid-liquid extraction of uranyl nitrate by a monoamide ligand (L = N,N-di(2-ethylhexyl)isobutyramide, DEHiBA) to hexane, from pH neutral or acidic (3 M nitric acid) aqueous solutions. We first describe the neat interfaces simulated with three electrostatic models, one of which including atomic polarizabilities. The free energy profiles for crossing the water/hexane interface by L or its UO2(NO3)2L2 complex are then investigated by PMF (potential of mean force) calculations.

Oil-soluble and water-soluble BTPhens and their europium complexes in octanol/water solutions: interface crossing studied by MD and PMF simulations.

Bistriazinyl-phenantroline "BTPhen" ligands L display the remarkable feature to complex trivalent lanthanide and actinide ions, with a marked selectivity for the latter. We report on molecular dynamics studies of tetrasubstituted X(4)BTPhens: L(4+) (X = (+)Et(3)NCH(2)-), L(4-) (X = (-)SO(3)Ph-), and L(0) (X = CyMe(4)) and their complexes with Eu(III) in binary octanol/water solutions. Changes in free energies upon interface crossing are also calculated for typical solutes by potential of mean force PMF simulations.

Speciation of La(III) chloride complexes in water and acetonitrile: a density functional study.

Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CMPD) simulations and static computations are reported at the BLYP level of density functional theory (DFT) for mixed [LaCl(x)(H(2)O)(y)(MeCN)(z)](3-x) complexes in aqueous and nonaqueous solution (acetonitrile). Both methodologies predict coordination numbers (i.e.

Bromide complexation by the Eu(III) lanthanide cation in dry and humid ionic liquids: a molecular dynamics PMF study.

We report a molecular dynamics study on the EuBr(n)(3-n) complexes (n=0 to 6) formed upon complexation of Br(-) by Eu(3+) in the [BMI][PF(6)], [BMI][Tf(2)N] and [MeBu(3)N][Tf(2)N] ionic liquids (ILs), to compare the effect of the IL anion (PF(6)(-) versus Tf(2)N(-)), the IL cation (BMI(+) versus MeBu(3)N(+)) and the "IL humidity" on their solvation and stability. In "dry" solutions all complexes remain stable and the first coordination shell of Eu(3+) is purely anionic (Br(-) and IL anions), surrounded by IL cations (BMI(+) or MeBu(3)N(+) ions). Long range "onion type" solvation features (up to 20 Å from Eu(3+)), with alternating cation-rich and anion-rich solvent shells, are observed around the different complexes.

Acid extraction to a hydrophobic ionic liquid: the role of added tributylphosphate investigated by experiments and simulations.

We have studied the extraction of four HA acids (HNO(3), HReO(4), HClO(4), HCl) to a hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (BMI(+) Tf(2)N(-)) at room temperature, in a wide range of acidic concentrations in water. The effect of tributylphosphate (TBP) as co-solvent is investigated. According to experimental observations, water dragging to the IL phase increases with added TBP and/or acids.

Perrhenate complexation by uranyl in traditional solvents and in ionic liquids: a joint molecular dynamics/spectroscopic study.

The complexation of perrhenate (ReO(4)(-)) anions by the uranyl (UO(2)(2+)) cation has been investigated by joint molecular dynamics simulations and spectroscopic (UV-vis, TRLFS, and EXAFS) studies in aqueous solution, acetonitrile, and three ionic liquids (ILs), namely, [Bmi][Tf(2)N], [Me(3)BuN][Tf(2)N], and [Bu(3)MeN][Tf(2)N] that are based on the same Tf(2)N(-) anion (bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) and either Bmi(+) (1-butyl,3-methylimidazolium), Me(3)BuN(+), or Bu(3)MeN(+) cations. They show that ReO(4)(-) behaves as a weak ligand in aqueous solution and as a strong ligand in acetonitrile and in the ILs. According to MD simulations in aqueous solution, the UO(2)(ReO(4))(2) complex quickly dissociates to form UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)(2+), while in acetonitrile, a stable UO(2)(ReO(4))(5)(3-) species forms from dissociated ions.

Water versus acetonitrile coordination to uranyl. Effect of chloride ligands.

Optimizations at the BLYP and B3LYP levels are reported for the mixed uranyl chloro/water/acetonitrile complexes [UO(2)Cl(n)(H(2)O)(x)(MeCN)(5-n-x)](2-n) (n = 1-3) and [UO(2)Cl(n)(H(2)O)(x)(MeCN)(4-n-x)](2-n) (n = 2-4), in both the gas phase and a polarizable continuum modeling acetonitrile. Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) simulations have been performed for [UO(2)Cl(2)(H(2)O)(MeCN)(2)] in the gas phase and in a periodic box of liquid acetonitrile. According to population analyses and dipole moments evaluated from maximally localized Wannier function centers, uranium is less Lewis acidic in the neutral UO(2)Cl(2) than in the UO(2)(2+) moiety.

Insights into uranyl chemistry from molecular dynamics simulations.

First-principles and purely classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for complexes of the uranyl ion (UO(2)(2+)) are reviewed. Validation of Car-Parrinello MD simulations for small uranyl complexes in aqueous solution is discussed. Special attention is called to the mechanism of ligand-exchange reactions at the uranyl centre and to effects of solvation and hydration on coordination and structural properties.

Liquid-liquid extraction of pertechnetic acid (TcVII) by tri-n-butyl phosphate: where is the proton? A molecular dynamics investigation.

We report a molecular dynamics study on pertechnetic acid (PTA) extraction from water to an oil phase containing either pure TBP (tri-n-butyl phosphate) or a TBP/n-hexane mixture, with the main aim to understand the state of the acid (associated TcO(4)H vs dissociated TcO(4)(-)H(+)) and its "complexation" by TBP. Experimentally, Tc(VII) is extracted from acidic water to TBP:alkane solutions in 1:3 or 1:4 Tc:TBP ratio, suggesting that three or four TBPs coordinate to TcO(4)H or TcO(4)(-). According to simulations in TBP solution, however, neither TcO(4)H nor TcO(4)(-) species displays specific coordination to TBP.

Basicity, complexation ability and interfacial behavior of BTBPs: a simulation study.

BTBPs represent an important class of tetradentate heterocyclic ligands with N-donor binding sites that have been recently developed to separate trivalent actinides from lanthanides. We first investigate by QM calculations the conformational properties, basicity and complexation energies with Eu(NO(3))(3), comparing BTBP derivatives with alkyl substituents on the pyridinyl or triazinyl moieties to their conformationally cis-locked BTPhen analogues. The latter, preorganized for protonation and complexation, are found to be more basic and to afford more stable complexes.

Water versus acetonitrile coordination to uranyl. Density functional study of cooperative polarization effects in solution.

Optimizations at the BLYP and B3LYP levels are reported for mixed uranyl-water/acetonitrile complexes [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5-n)(MeCN)(n)](2+) (n = 0-5), in both the gas phase and a polarizable continuum modeling acetonitrile. Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) simulations have been performed for these complexes in the gas phase, and for selected species (n = 0, 1, 3, 5) in a periodic box of liquid acetonitrile. According to structural and energetic data, uranyl has a higher affinity for acetonitrile than for water in the gas phase, in keeping with the higher dipole moment and polarizability of acetonitrile.

Strontium nitrate extraction to ionic liquids by a crown ether: a molecular dynamics study of aqueous interfaces with C4mim+- vs C8mim+-based ionic liquids.

In order to gain microscopic insights into the extraction mechanism of strontium cations by 18-crown-6 (18C6) to room temperature ionic liquids (ILs), we simulated by molecular dynamics (MD) strontium complexes in neat ionic liquids and at their interfaces with water. We compared two ILs, based on the PF(6)(-) anion and either 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium (C(4)mim(+)) or 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium (C(8)mim(+)) cations. Regarding the complexes, two states were considered: charged [Sr⊂18C6](2+) vs neutral [Sr⊂18C6,(NO(3))(2)], where the nitrates are either fully dissociated or coordinated to Sr.

BTP-based ligands and their complexes with Eu(3+) at "oil"/water interfaces. A molecular dynamics study.

Heterocyclic N-donor ligands based on the bistriazinylpyridine (BTPs) skeleton have been recently developed to separate trivalent actinides from lanthanides by liquid-liquid extraction from nuclear solutions. In this paper, we report molecular dynamics investigations on BTPs in water-"oil" biphasic systems (oil = hexane + octanol vs. hexane vs.

Competitive complexation of nitrates and chlorides to uranyl in a room temperature ionic liquid.

By coupling EXAFS, UV-vis spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical calculations, we studied the competitive complexation of uranyl cations with nitrate and chloride ions in a water immiscible ionic liquid (IL), C(4)mimTf(2)N (C(4)mim(+): 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium; Tf(2)N(-) = (CF(3)SO(2))(2)N)(-): bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide). Both nitrate and chloride are stronger ligands for uranyl than the IL Tf(2)N(-) or triflate anions and when those anions are simultaneously present, neither the limiting complex UO(2)(NO(3))(3)(-) nor UO(2)Cl(4)(2-) alone could be observed. At a U/NO(3)/Cl ratio of 1/2/2, the dominant species is likely UO(2)Cl(NO(3))(2)(-).

Complexation of Cs+, K+ and Na+ by norbadione A triggered by the release of a strong hydrogen bond: nature and stability of the complexes.

Norbadione A (NBA) is a pigment present in edible mushrooms which is presumed to selectively complex Cs(+) cations. Due to a very uncommon complexation mechanism, we used a combination of several experimental techniques, including (1)H-NMR, (133)Cs-NMR, isothermal calorimetric, potentiometric titrations and molecular dynamics MD simulations to determine the nature of the complexed species, as well as their stability constants for the NBA-M(+) systems (M(+) = Cs(+), K(+), Na(+)) in methanol:water 80:20 solutions at 25.0 degrees C.