Local analysis and comparative study of the hydrogen bonds in the linear (HCN)n and (HNC)n clusters

B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p), the density functional theory method of 98 package, is applied to study the hydrogen bonding of a series of linear (HCN)_n and (HNC)_n molecular clusters (for n=1–10). By the localization analysis methods we developed, pair-wised σ type H-bond orders and bond energies are calculated for each pair of the two near-by molecules in both (HCN)_n and (HNC)_n clusters. The calculated results are checked well with the shortening of N–H or C–H distance, the elongation of CH or NH bond distance, and the red shift of stretching frequencies of CH or NH. All pieces of evidence show that the central pair of the two molecules forms the strongest H bond when n of (HCN)_n or (HNC)_n is even, and the two middle pairs form the two strongest H bonds when n is odd. Two terminal pairs of HCN or HNC molecules always form the two weakest H-bonds in each molecular cluster. When comparing molecular cluster energies between (HCN)_n and (HNC)_n for various values of n, the well-known (HCN)_n is found more stable than the related (HNC)_n from energy calculation. However, if outcomes of H-bond local analysis are contrasted, our analysis significantly shows that inter-molecular H-bonds inside of (HNC)_n clusters are much stronger than the corresponding H-bonds in (HCN)_n with the same n. In comparing energy differences between these related clusters per monomer, [E_(HNC)n−E_(HCN)n]/n is found decreasing monotonically as n increases. All pieces of evidence from this theoretical prediction indicate that (HNC)_n with large n is probably constructed by its relative strong H-bonds.     

Density functional theory analysis of CaRgn complexes: (Rg=He, Ne, Ar; n=1–4)

CaRg_n⁺ (Rg=He, Ne, Ar) complexes with n=1–4, are investigated by performing using the B3LYP/6-311+G (3df) density functional theory calculations. The CaHe_n⁺ (n=1–4) complexes are found to be stable. In the case of CaNe_n⁺ and CaAr_n⁺, stable structures and stationary point were found only for n=1 and 2. For n=3 in the C_3V and the D_3h point group as well as for n=4 in the T_d (tetrahedral) point group a saddle point (imaginary frequency) is observed and global minimum could be obtained along the potential energy surface.     

Smectic liquid-crystalline phases of F(CF2)7(CHOH)(CH2)8H and F(CF2)9(CHOH)(CH2)10H Comparison with other partially fluorinated molecules

Partially fluorinated alcohols F(CF₂)_m(CHOH)(CH₂)_nH (where m = 7, n = 8 and m = 9, n = 10) exhibit highly ordered smectic liquid-crystalline phases, as confirmed by optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Miscibility studies show that the smectic phases of the two alcohols are not of the same type. The related partially fluorinated ketones F(CF₂)_mCO(CH₂)_nH do not form a detectable mesophase. This is rather surprising since the (more polar) corresponding alcohols and the (less polar) analogous iodides and n-alkanes do. A brief discussion of the results and a comparison among partially fluorinated alkanes with various functional groups are presented.     

Structural, spectral and thermal properties of a polymeric nickel(II) complex containing two-dimensional network

The structure of the complex [Ni(hmt)(NCS)₂(H₂O)₂]_n, assembled by hexamethylenetetramine (hmt) and octahedral Ni(II), is reported. Crystal data: Fw 351.07, a=9.885(10) Å, b=12.06(1) Å, c=12.505(8) Å, β=114.41(4)°, V=1357(1) ų, Z=4, space group=C2/c, T=173 K, λ(Mo−K)=0.71070 Å, ρ_calc=1.718 gcm⁻¹, μ=17.44 cm⁻¹, R=0.099, Rw=0.145. The tetrahedral assembling template effect of the hmt molecule is completed by two coordination bonds and two hydrogen interactions. The UV–vis absorption spectrum of this complex [Ni(hmt)(NCS)₂(H₂O)₂]_n with a two-dimensional network is determined in the range of 5000–35000 cm⁻¹ at room temperature. The observed spectrum is discussed and explained perfectly by the scaling radial theory proposed by us. The two-dimensional structure has no apparent effects on the d–d transitions of the central Ni(II) ion. The IR spectrum and the GT curve of the complex were also measured and clearly reflect its structural properties.     

Photodecomposition of molybdenum(II) and tungsten(II) carbonyl complexes with triazole, benz-imidazole, and oxadiazole acetylinic derivatives

Photodecomposition of 10 different molybdenum and tungsten mixed carbonyl complexes, [M(CO)₃(B)(A)]I₂ where B=o-phenanthroline or bipyridyl, A=3-(2-propynyl)thio-4,5-diphenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole (TRZA) or S-propynyl-2-thio benz-imidazole (BIMDA) and 2(2-propynyl-thio(5-phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (OXA). M(CO)₃(TRZA)I₂, [M(CO)₂(PPh₃)_X(TRZA)I_Y]I_Z where M=Mo, X, Y and Z=1 and M=W, X and Z=2, Y=0, have been performed at 365 nm in oxygen saturated chloroform at 25 °C. The absorbance spectrum of these complexes have been recorded with the time of irradiation in order to examine the kinetics of photodecay.

The apparent rate constant (K_d) for the first-order reaction have been calculated and found to be (3.32–4.79)×10⁻⁵ s⁻¹. The primary quantum yields (Φ) has also been calculated and were in the range (8.33–12.1)×10⁻⁴. The mechanism of the photodecomposition has been suggested according to the kinetic, and photoproduct analysis data, and is similar to reaction of photo-oxidative degradation of polluted molecules in the water.     

Thermodynamics of (1,4-difluorobenzene + an n-alkane) and of (hexafluorobenzene + an n-alkane)

Excess molar enthalpies H^E and excess molar volumes V^E have been measured, as a function of mole fraction x₁, at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure for the five liquid mixtures (x₁1,4-C₆H₄F₂ + x₂n-C_lH_2l+2), l = 7, 8, 10, 12 and 16. In addition, H^E and excess molar heat capacities C_P^E at constant pressure have been determined for the two liquid mixtures (x₁C₆F₆ + x₂n-C_lH_2l+2), l = 7 and 14, at the same temperature and pressure. The instruments used were flow microcalorimeters of the Picker design (the H^E version was equipped with separators) and a vibrating-tube densimeter, respectively.

The excess enthalpies of the five difluorobenzene mixtures are all positive and quite large; they increase with increasing chain length l of the n-alkane from H^E(x₁ = 0.5)/(J mol⁻¹) = 1050 for l = 7 to 1359 for l = 16. The corresponding excess volumes V^E are all positive and also increase with increasing l: V^E(x₁ = 0.5)/(cm³ mol⁻¹) = 0.650 for l = 7 and 1.080 for l = 16. Interestingly, the excess enthalphies of the corresponding mixtures with hexafluorobenzene are only about 5% larger, whereas the excess volumes of (x₁C₆F₆ + x₂n-C_lH_2l+2) are roughly twice as large as those of their counterparts in the series containing 1,4-C₆H₄F₂. Specifically, at 298.15 K H^E(x₁ = 0.5)/(J mol⁻¹) = 1119 for (x₁C₆F₆ + x₂n-C₇H₁₆) and 1324 for (x₁C₆F₆ + x₂n-C₁₄H₃₀), and for the same mixtures V^E(x₁ = 0.5)/(cm³ mol⁻¹) = 1.882 and 2.093, respectively. The excess heat capacities for both systems are negative and of about the same magnitude as the excess heat capacities of mixtures of fluorobenzene with the same n-alkanes (Roux et al., 1984): C_P^E(x₁ = 0.5)/(J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹) = −1.18 for (x₁C₆F₆ + x₂n-C₇H₁₆), and −2.25 for (x₁C₆F₆ + x₂n-C₁₄H₃₀). The curve C_P^E vs. (x₁ for x₁C₆F₆ + x₂n-C₁₄H₃₀) shows a sort of “hump” for x₁ 0.5, which is presumed to indicate emerging W-shape composition dependence at lower temperatures.     

Applicability of Sherwood correlations for natural organic matter (NOM) transport in nanofiltration (NF) membranes

A Sherwood correlation (mass transfer correlation) pertinent to natural organic matter–nanofiltration (NOM–NF) systems was established through the determination of the mass transfer coefficient (k) based on a combined film/thermodynamic approach, under laminar flow conditions. In this study, the NOM transport characteristics inside a NF membrane were quantitatively demonstrated through the pore Peclet number (Pe) calculated from experimental data. Transport experiments were performed, using a plate-and-frame crossflow test unit, at various feed flow rates, with a thin-channel type test cell that could be adjusted to different channel heights. The transport experimental results, with Suwannee River NOM (SRNOM), show that the transport of the SRNOM through the NF membrane (denoted as ESNA, MWCO of 200–250) was dominated by diffusion, which was further confirmed by the determined pore Pe (Pe < 1.0). The Sherwood correlation established for the SRNOM and NF membrane under ambient conditions (neither pH nor ionic strength adjustment) exhibited the standard form: Sh = 0.853Re^0.550Sc^0.363. The k values calculated by the correlations (k_Sh) were in good agreement with those determined from the experiments (k_exp). However, significant discrepancy between the k_Sh and k_exp was observed with alterations in the feed water chemistry. The k_Sh value increased with either decreasing pH or increasing ionic strength, as the experimentally determined diffusion coefficient of the SRNOM increased under these condition, whereas, the k_exp exhibited opposite trends, due to the decreased water permeation (or suction) rate, increased NOM transmission and decreased electrostatic repulsion. The k values for other source water NOM (but with the same membrane) were also estimated by the Sherwood correlation coupled with diffusion cell tests. The discrepancy between the k_Sh and k_exp values was less than 20%, and the discrepancy decreased with increased feed flow rate.     

Gas-phase stability of cluster ions SF m + (SF6) n with m = 0–5 and n = 1–3

The gas-phase stabilities of cluster ions SF⁺_m (SF₆)_n with m = 0−5 were determined by using a high pressure mass spectrometer. The bond energies of SF⁺_m (SF₆)₁ were found to be less than 10 kcal/mol and to decrease with m = 0 → 5. There appear to be rather large gaps in the bond energies between n = 1 and 2 for the clusters SF⁺_m (SF₆)_n with m = 0−4. The structures of SF⁺₅, SF⁺ (SF₆)₁, SF⁺₃ (SF₆)₁, and SF⁺₅ (SF₆)₁ were investigated by ab initio molecular orbital calculations. For SF⁺₅, the D_3h geometry is found to be most stable andC_4v is a transition state of the Berry pseudorotation. For the ion-molecule complexes, the “on-top hat” models were found to be the most stable structures.     

Single crystal ESR study of bis(N-benzylpyridoxaldiminato) copper(II)

Single crystals of bis(N-benzylpyridozaldiminato) Cu(II) were studied by ESR in three perpendicula planes at 300 K and 9.4 GHz. Only one exchange—narrowed line was observed for the two magnetically inequivalent copper ions in the monoclinic symmetry lattice with space group P2₁/a and elementary cell parameters a = 9.561(9), B = 16.605(8), C = 17.561(2) Å and β = 104(1°). Each ligand is bidentate via the phenolic oxygen and the imino nitrogen atoms, leading to tetrahedrally distorted square planar environment around the copper atom. The ESR linewidth remained Lorentzian for all orientations considered. The components of the g_xx = 2.043(4), g_yy = 2.064(4), g_zz = 2.259(4). The linewidth anisotropy was analyzed in terms of dipole-dipole interactions, magnetic inequivalence of molecules and hyperfine interactions.     

Synthesis of ferrocenyl-1,2-diketones and related compounds: Crystal and molecular structures of 1,2-diferrocenylethanedione and 1-ferrocenyl-2-(4-biphenylyl) ethanedione

Ferrocenyl-1,2-diketones FcCOCOR, 3, [Fc = (C₅H₅)Fe(C₅H₄)] can be prepared by oxidation of acylferrocenes FcCOCH₂R or, more efficiently, by oxidation of the isomeric ketones FcCH₂COR, 2. The ketones 2 are in turn readily synthesized from the salt (FcCH₂PPh₃)⁺I⁻ via the acylated salts [FcCH(COR)PPh₃]⁺I⁻. The haloacylferocenes FcCOCCl_x H_3−x (x = 1, 2, 3, of which the x = 2 example is synthetically equivalent to a diketone) are synthesized by Friedel—Crafts acylation of ferrocene using CCl_xH_3−xCOCl/AlCl₃, but the reaction proceeds via two parallel pathways, one giving the normal acyl derivatives FcCOCCl_xH_3−x and the other giving the reduced products FcCOCCl_x−1H_4−x. Two diketones FcCOCOFc 3b and FcCOCOC₆H₄Ph 3c have been structurally characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Pu在Gd2Zr2O7基质中的模拟固化: (Gd1-xCex)2Zr2O7+x的热物理性能研究

采用高温固相反应,以NaF作助熔剂,在1000 ℃的温度下合成了锕系元素Pu的模拟固化体(Gd_1-xCe_x)₂Zr₂O_7+x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7).研究了模拟固化体的物相、热膨胀系数(TEC)、热导率(TC)随温度及组成的变化规律.粉末X射线衍射(XRD)测试结果表明: Gd₂Zr₂O₇基质本身呈弱有序烧绿石结构,而用Ce⁴⁺取代Gd³⁺的模拟固化体都呈缺陷萤石结构. (Gd_1-xCe_x)₂Zr₂O_7+x的Ce(3d) X射线光电子能谱(XPS)有六个峰,结合能分别位于881.7, 888.1, 897.8, 900.4, 907.1, 916.1 eV处,与CeO2的XPS图谱非常相似,说明Ce为四价.随着温度的升高,所有样品的热膨胀系数总体上呈增大趋势.在室温至750 ℃附近,大部分样品的热导率随温度的升高而降低,之后热导率又呈小幅上升.在相同温度下,固化体(Gd_1-xCe_x)₂Zr₂O_7+x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7)的热膨胀系数及热导率随组成变化呈相同趋势:在0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1范围内随x的增大而增大,随后在x = 0.1-0.7时逐渐减小.     

La-NMR-spektroskopie an allyllanthan(III)-komplexen

¹³⁹La-NMR chemical shifts were measured for several anionic complexes of formulae Li(C₄H₈O₂)_3/2 [La(ν³-C₃H₅)₄], [Li(C₄H₈O₂)₂][Cp′_nLa(ν³-C₃]H₅)_4−n] (Cp′ = Cp(ν⁵-C₅H₅); n = 1, 2 and Cp′ = Cp * (ν⁵-C₅Me₅); N = 1) and Li[R_nLa(ν³-C₃H₄)₄−n] (R = N(SiMe₃)₂; n = 1, 2 and R = CCsIMe₃; n = 4), as well as for neutral compounds for formulae La(ν³-C₃H₅)₃L_n (L = (C₄H₈O₂)_1.5, (HMPT)₂, TMED), Cp′_nLa(ν³-C₃H₅)_3−n (Cp′= Cp(ν⁵-Cp₅H₅), Cp *(ν⁵-C₅Me₅); n = 1, 2) and La(ν³-C₃H₂)₂X(THF)₂ X = Cl, Br, I). Typical ranges of the ¹³⁹La-NMR chemical shifts were found for the different types of complex independent of number and kind of organyl groups directly bonded to lanthanum.

Zusammenfassung

¹³⁹La-NMR-Spektroskopie wurde an einer Reihe anionischer Allyllanthanat(III)-Komplexe der Zusammensetzung ]- [La)ν³-C₃H₅)₄, [Li(C₄H₈)₂][Cp′_nLa(ν³-C₃H₅)_4−n(Cp′ = Cp(ν⁵-C₅H₅); n = 1, 2 und Cp′ = Cp * (ν⁵-C₅Me₅); N = 1) und Li[R_nLa(ν³-C₃H₅)_4−n (R = B(SiMe₃)₂; n = 1, 2 und R = CCSiMe₃; n = 4 sowie neutraler Allyllanthan(III)-Komplexe der Zusammensetzung La(ν³-C₃H₅)₃L_n (L_n = (C₄H₈O₂)_1.5, (HMPT)₂, TMED), Cp′_n, La(ν³-C₃H₅)_3−n (Cp′ = Cp(ν⁵-C₅H₅), Cp * (ν⁵- Cp₅Me₅); n = 1, 2) und La(ν³-Cp₃H₅)₂X(THF)₂ (X = Cl, Br, I) durchgefürt. In Abhängikeit von der Anzahl und der Art der am Lanthan gebundenen Gruppen wurden für die verschieden Komplextypen charakteristische Resonanzbereiche ermittelt.     

Biocatalytic procedure for obtaining all four diastereoisomers of 1-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-ethylferrocene: synthons for chiral 1,3-disubstituted ferrocenes

Lipase from Candida antarctica has been successfully used to realise the selective esterification of the four 1-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-ethylferrocene isomers, possessing central/planar chirality. In this reaction, the lipase recognises only the two isomers possessing an (R)-configuration, independently from planar chirality. This allows us to split the mixture into two couples of diastereoisomers, namely the (S_p,R_c)-/(R_p,R_c)- and (R_p,S_c)-/(S_p,S_c)-isomers, conveniently separated in the single constituents by crystallisation from hexane.     

The interaction between C28 (Td) and X (X=H and F)

Hydrogen and fluorine addition reactions with C₂₈(T_d) have been investigated by the density function theory method at B3LYP/6-31G level. The interaction potential between C₂₈(T_d) and atom X (X=H and F) shows that there are three possible stable isomers of C₂₈(T_d)X (X=H and F) and the average binding energy calculations suggest that C₂₈(T_d)H₄ is the most stable hydrogen adduct among C₂₈(T_d)H_n (n=1–28). Furthermore, by comparisons of the energy between C₂₈(T_d)H and C₂₈(C_s)H we found that the former are more stable than the later, and the structural and energy analysis further indicate that C₂₈(C_s)H is only with a small distortion of C₂₈(T_d)H symmetry. In addition, the transition states, as well as reaction pathways of X transfer reactions between different key points on C₂₈(T_d) representative patch are given to explore the possible reaction mechanism.     

Ab initio MRD-CI study of GaAs, GaAs2(±), Ga2As2(±) and As4 clusters

Using pseudopotentials and double zeta basis sets with s, p diffuse functions and two sets of d functions, MRD-CI calculations were performed on As₂^(±), As₄⁽⁺⁾, GaAs⁻, GaAs₂^(±) and Ga₂As₂^(±). This study complements previous theoretical investigations on Ga^(±) to Ga₄^(±) and GaAs⁽⁺⁾. For As₄ tetrahedral symmetry was assumed, and Re of X¹A₁ determined as 4.73a₀. Vertical ionization potentials to several states of As₄⁺ were calculated. For GaAs₂, GaAs₂⁺ and GaAs₂⁻, ground and one low-lying state were geometry-optimized, both in C_2v (Ga-As-As), and linear symmetry (GaAsAs, C_∞h and AsGaAs, D_∞h). The lowest state of GaAs₂ is ²B₂ in C_2v. For Ga₂As₂, the lowest state and low-lying excited states were optimized in various geometries. The most stable state has rhombic structure (¹A_g in D_2h), but T-form and other forms (C_2v, C_∞v, D_∞h) are only 1–2 eV less stable. In D_2h symmetry, several low-lying excited states of Ga₂As₂ were studied. The ground states of Ga₂As₂⁺ and Ga₂As₂⁻ were found to be ²B_2u, and ²B_2g, respectively. Trends in ionization potentials (IP), electron affinities (EA), atomization energies and fragmentation energies for the molecules Ga_xAs_y and the pure compounds Ga_n and As_n up to 4 atoms, were studied. Ga_xAs_y clusters, with x + y even, have higher IP's than odd-numbered clusters. An experimentally observed alternation of EA, whereby an odd number of atoms have higher EA than their even neighbors, is confirmed. The mixed compounds Ga_xAs_y have atomization energies between those of Ga_n and As_n (x + y = n), usually closer to those of Ga_n. Fragmentation of Ga_xAs_y occurs such that As----As bonds are retained, and if possible, also Ga----As bonds, since the dissociation energy of As₂ is higher than that of GaAs, which in turn is higher than that of Ga₂. Calculated fragmentation energies agree qualitatively with experimental observations about the composition of 3-atomic and 4-atomic clusters Ga_xAs_y.     

Magnetic study of highly conductive TCNQ salts of Cu(II) complexes with 2,2''-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline and ethylenediamine

The magnetic susceptibility has been determined for CuL_n(TCNQ⁻)₂ (L = 2,2'-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, or ethylenediamine;n = 1 or 2), having high electric conductivity. The results show that the Cu²⁺L_n chelates are partially reduced to Cu²⁺L_n in the complexes. The equilibrium Cu²⁺L_n(TCNQ⁻)₂ Cu⁺L_n(TCNQ⁻)(TCNQ^o) produces conduction electrons in TCNQ columns.     

Stabile Bis(η-alkin)MCl2-komplexe; Darstellung und reaktivität

The synthesis and reactivity of {(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CCSiMe₃)₂} MCl₂ (M = Fe: 3a; M = Co: 3b; M = Ni: 3c) is described. The complexes 3 are accessible by the reaction of (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃) ₂Ti(CSiMe₃)₂ (1) with equimolar amounts of MCl₂ (2) (M = Fe, Co, Ni). 3a reacts with the organic chelat ligands 2,2′-dipyridyl (dipy) (4a) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (4b) in THF at 25°C to afford in quantitative yields (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CSiMe₃)₂ (1) and [Fe(dipy)₂]Cl₂ (5a) or [Fe(phen)₂]Cl₂ (5b). 1/n[Cu^IHal]_n (6) or 1/n[Ag^IHal]_n (7) (Hal = Cl, Br) react with {(η⁵ -C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CCSiMe₃)₂}FeCl₂ (3a), by replacement of the FeCl₂ building block in 3a, to yield the compounds {(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(C CSiMe₃)₂}Cu^IHal (8) or {(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CSiMe₃)₂}Ag^IHal (9) (Hal = Cl, Br), respectively. In 8 and 9 each of the two Me₃SiCC-units is η²-coordinated to monomeric Cu^I Hal or Ag^IHal moieties. Compounds 8 and 9 can also be synthesized by the reaction of (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂ Ti(CSiMe₃)₂ (1) with 1/n[Cu^IHal]_n (6) or 1/n [Ag^IHal]_n (7) in excellent yields. All new compounds have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic data (IR, ¹H-NMR, MS). The magnetic moments of compounds 3 were measured.     

Some complexes of nickel (II) with morpholine

The compounds NiX₂M_x[M = morpholine; X = C₆F₅ (x = 2), NO₃(x = 3), Br(x = 2 or 3), and I(x = 4)] have been prepared and investigated. Magnetic and spectral studies have been carried out to determine the mode of coordination and stereochemistry of the complexes. Except for NiBr₂M₃, which appears to contain bridging morpholine, in all other compounds the neutral ligand acts as a monodentate N-donor group.     

溶液表面吸附实验的再讨论

In the solution adsorption experiment, different adsorption mode has been observed for aqueous ethanol and aqueous n-butanol, respectively. However, it is difficult to make an adjustment by the profiles of σ-c relationship. Choosing the experimental conditions improperly will give wrong results. Since there is no consistency between the Gibbs adsorption isotherm and Langmuir adsorption isotherm, the experimental data should not be fitted by using any algebraic equations or physical models. The data fitting for this experiment should be carried out according to the following steps:fitting the σ-lnc curve manually, making it monotonic and smooth; retrieving more data from this fitting curve, and re-plotting the σ-lnc curve; calculating the first derivatives at these data points (i.e., (∂σ/∂lnc)_T); calculating surface adsorptions by Gibbs adsorption isotherm, Γ=-(∂σ/∂lnc)_T/RT. As for the calculation of the cross-section area for the solute molecule, the effect of concentration of bulk solution (i.e., c) on the surface molecular density should be taken into account.     

A density functional study on hydrated clusters of orthoboric acid, B(OH)3(H2O)n (n=1–5)

We have calculated the optimized structures and stabilization energies for hydrated clusters of orthoboric acid molecule, B(OH)₃(H₂O)_n (n=1–5), with a hybrid density functional approach. Although some ion-pair structures are revealed in the case of n=4 and 5 clusters, the most stable structure is found to be a non-proton-transferred form up to n=5 hydrated clusters. The calculated IR spectra of the stable B(OH)₃(H₂O)_n of n=3–5 clusters predict small red shifts of hydrogen-bonded OH frequencies. These geometry and IR results are related to the weak acidity nature of orthoboric acid.