A matrix isolation ESR investigation of Mg+-N2.

Abstract

The adducts formed between 25Mg+ with 14N2 and 25Mg+ with 15N2 have been trapped in a solid neon matrix and studied with electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. These radical species were formed through the interaction of laser ablated magnesium and nitrogen gas. The Mg+-N2 radical species was found to have a ground electronic state of 2Σ+ in a linear configuration with discrete coupling to the proximate nitrogen resolved in the spectra. Fitting the ESR spectra allowed magnetic parameters to be determined as follows: g⊥ = 2.0012(5), g∥ = 2.0015(8), A⊥(1-14N) = 32(3) MHz, A∥(1-14N) = 34(5) MHz, A⊥(1-15N) = 45(4) MHz, A∥(1-15N) = 47(6) MHz, A⊥(25Mg) = -581(5) MHz, and A∥(25Mg) = -582(5) MHz, and estimates derived for A⊥(2-14N) = 1(2) MHz, A∥(2-14N) = 2(5) MHz, A⊥(2-15N) = 2(2) MHz, and A∥(2-15N) = 4(6) MHz. Ab initio calculations using the coupled-cluster single double triple methodology showed that the linear form was 59.7 kcal mol-1 more stable than the T-shaped form. The potential energy curve around the equilibrium geometry was explored using the complete active space self-consistent field approach, and Hartree-Fock singles and double configuration interaction and multireference singles and double configuration interaction calculations of the hyperfine coupling constants were undertaken, and reasonable agreement with the experiment was observed.