Metal clusters, an intermediate state between molecules and the extended solid, show peculiar bonding and reactivity patterns. Their significance is critical to many areas, including air pollution, interstellar matter, clay minerals, photography, catalysis, quantum dots, and virus crystals. In Aromaticity and Metal Clusters, dozens of international experts explore not only the basic aspects of aromaticity, but also the structures, properties, reactivity, stability, and other consequences of the aromaticity of a variety of metal clusters. Although the concept of aromaticity has been known for nearly two centuries, there is no way to measure it experimentally and no theoretical formula to calculate it. In order to gain insight into its exact nature, the authors of this volume examine various indirect characteristics such as geometrical, electronic, magnetic, thermodynamic, and reactivity considerations. The book begins by discussing the evolution of aromaticity from benzene to atomic clusters. Next, more specialized chapters focus on areas of significant interest. Topics discussed include: Computational studies on molecules with unusual aromaticity Electronic shells and magnetism in small metal clusters A density functional investigation on the structures, energetics, and properties of sodium clusters through electrostatic guidelines and molecular tailoring The correlation between electron delocalization and ring currents in all metallic aromatic compounds Phenomenological shell model and aromaticity in metal clusters Rationalizing the aromaticity indexes used to describe the aromatic behavior of metal clusters 5f orbital successive aromatic and antiaromatic zones in triangular uranium cluster chemistry This collection of diverse contributions, composed of the work of scientists worldwide, is destined to not only answer puzzling questions about the nature of aromaticity, but also to provoke further inquiry in the minds of researchers.

Protected Metal Clusters: From Fundamentals to Applications surveys the fundamental concepts and potential applications of atomically precise metal clusters protected by organic ligands. As this class of materials is now emerging as a result of breakthroughs in synthesis and characterization that have taken place over the last few years, the book provides the first reference with a focus on these exciting novel nanomaterials, explaining their formation, and how, and why, they play an important role in the future of molecular electronics, catalysis, sensing, biological imaging, and medical diagnosis and therapy. - Surveys the fundamental concepts and potential applications of atomically precise metal clusters protected by organic ligands. - Provides well-organized, tutorial style chapters that are ideal for teaching and self-study - In-depth descriptions by top scientists in the field - Presents the state-of-the art of protected metal clusters and their future prospects

Evaluating the aromaticity of a molecular system and the influence of this concept on its properties is a crucial step in the development of novel aromatic systems. Modern computational methods can provide researchers with a high level of insight into such aromaticity, but identifying the most appropriate method for assessing a specific system can prove difficult. Aromaticity: Modern Computational Methods and Applications reviews the latest state-of-the-art computational methods in this field and discusses their applicability for evaluating the aromaticity of a system. In addition to covering aromaticity for typical organic molecules, this volume also explores systems possessing transition metals in their structures, macrocycles and even transition structures. The influence of the aromaticity on the properties of these species (including the structure, magnetic properties and reactivity) is highlighted, along with potential applications in fields including materials science and medicinal chemistry. Finally, the controversial and fuzzy nature of aromaticity as a concept is discussed, providing the basis for an updated and more comprehensive definition of this concept. Drawing on the knowledge of an international team of experts, Aromaticity: Modern Computational Methods and Applications is a unique guide for anyone researching, studying or applying principles of aromaticity in their work, from computational and organic chemists to pharmaceutical and materials scientists. - Reviews a range of computational methods to assess the aromatic nature of different compounds, helping readers select the most useful tool for the system they are studying - Presents a complete guide to the key concepts and fundamental principles of aromaticity - Provides guidance on identifying which variables should be modified to tune the properties of an aromatic system for different potential applications

Atomic Clusters with Unusual Structure, Bonding and Reactivity: Theoretical Approaches, Computational Assessment and Applications reviews the latest computational tools and approaches available for accurately assessing the properties of a cluster, while also highlighting how such clusters can be adapted and utilized for the development of novel materials and applications. Sections provide an introduction to the computational methods used to obtain global minima for clusters and effectively analyze bonds, outline experimental approaches to produce clusters, discuss specific applications, and explore cluster reactivity and usage across a number of fields.Drawing on the knowledge of its expert editors and contributors, this book provides a detailed guide to ascertaining the stability, bonding and properties of atomic clusters. Atomic clusters, which exhibit unusual properties, offer huge potential as building blocks for new materials and novel applications, but understanding their properties, stability and bonding is essential in order to accurately understand, characterize and manipulate them for further use. Searching for the most stable geometry of a given cluster is difficult and becomes even more so for clusters of medium and large sizes, where the number of possible isomers sharply increase, hence this book provides a unique and comprehensive approach to the topic and available techniques and applications. - Introduces readers to the vast structural and bonding diversity that clusters show and reflects on their potential for novel application and material development - Highlights the latest computational methods and theoretical tools available for identification of the most stable isomers and accurate analysis of bonding in the clusters - Focuses on clusters which violate the rules established in traditional chemistry and exhibit unusual structure, bonding and reactivity

Superhalogens and Superalkalis is a comprehensive volume designed as the go-to resource on the exciting and evolving topics of these special classes of atomic clusters and the acid salt that results from their interactions. The book details how these substances possess not only unusual structures but also unique properties which can be exploited for various applications. Superhalogens’ strong oxidizing capacity, resulting from their high-electron affinity, leads to their applications in the design of superacids, organic superconductors, and ionic liquids. The low ionization energy of superalkalis enables them to act as strong reducing agents, making them useful in the design of superbases and alkalides. Illustrated throughout, this timely book provides an overview of the research and development on these and other aspects of superhalogen and superalkalis. Key features: Offers a basic introduction of superatoms that is accessible for readers to understand. Includes extensive study questions after each chapter. Provides a systematic presentation of the existing literature on this increasingly trending topic. Presents the latest developments in the field, offering readers state-of-art knowledge. This book is a key reference guide for graduate students, postdocs, upper-level undergraduate students, academic professionals, and researchers who are interested in this fascinating topic.

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This comprehensive book on Nanoclusters comprises sixteen authoritative chapters written by leading researchers in the field. It provides insight into topics that are currently at the cutting edge of cluster science, with the main focus on metal and metal compound systems that are of particular interest in materials science, and also on aspects related to biology and medicine. While there are numerous books on clusters, the focus on clusters as a bridge across disciplines sets this book apart from others. Delivers cutting edge coverage of cluster science Covers a broad range of topics in physics, chemistry, and materials science Written by leading researchers in the field