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CH2

Methylene (IUPAC name: methylidene), with the CH₂, is an classified as the simplest , consisting of a divalent carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms and bearing two non-bonding valence electrons. As a transient, highly reactive , methylene exists primarily in the gas phase and is unstable under standard conditions, persisting only in dilute matrices or at low temperatures, where it appears as a colorless gas that fluoresces in the mid-infrared spectrum. Its molecular weight is 14.027 g/, and it exhibits two electronic states: the ground-state triplet methylene (³CH₂), with two unpaired electrons and a bent (bond angle approximately 136°), and the excited methylene (¹CH₂), with paired electrons and a more acute bond angle (around 102°), the latter being about 9 kcal/ higher in energy. Methylene is generated in laboratories through methods such as the photolysis or thermolysis of (CH₂N₂), α-elimination from dihalomethanes, or of . In , it plays a crucial role as a , facilitating reactions like stereospecific of alkenes (via , proceeding concertedly) and diradical additions (via , often stepwise), as well as C–H insertions and formations, enabling the construction of strained rings and complex carbon skeletons. The study of methylene's singlet-triplet interconversion and reactivity has been foundational in carbene chemistry since the mid-20th century, with landmark experiments by and Woodworth in 1956 demonstrating its using cis- and trans-2-butene. Beyond , methylene contributes to , processes, and , where it participates in radical chain reactions and interstellar molecule formation.

Nomenclature and History

Nomenclature

The with the :CH₂ is systematically named methylidene according to IUPAC recommendations, where it serves as the hydride for nomenclature. It is also referred to as methylene in common usage or simply as when denoting the class of divalent carbon species. The term "methylene" originated in 1835, coined by French chemists and Eugène-Melchior Péligot during their studies on (wood alcohol), derived from the Greek words methy (wine) and hylē (wood) to reflect its source from wood . This must be distinguished from the (-CH₂-), which represents a bivalent in saturated chains such as in (CH₃-CH₂-CH₃), and the methylidene group (=CH₂), which denotes a doubly bonded unit in unsaturated compounds like in propene (CH₃-CH=CH₂). The notation :CH₂ specifically highlights the carbene's divalent carbon atom, featuring a or unpaired electrons in its electronic configuration.

Historical Development

The earliest attempts to isolate methylene (CH₂) date back to 1835, when Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas and Eugène-Melchior Péligot isolated from wood spirit and sought to generate the free CH₂ by of , viewing it as a of methylene. This work introduced the term "methylene" (from roots meaning "wood wine") to describe the hypothetical CH₂ unit, though they failed to isolate the elusive , and the reactive nature of CH₂ remained unrecognized. Over the subsequent century, fleeting reactive intermediates in various reactions were occasionally attributed to CH₂, but it was widely misconstrued as a stable or biradical rather than a distinct class of divalent carbon intermediate. The modern understanding of methylene as a began in the early 1950s with the pioneering work of William von E. Doering, who generated CH₂ via photolysis of (CH₂N₂) and demonstrated its insertion into C-H bonds and addition to alkenes to form cyclopropanes, thereby establishing carbene chemistry as a field. Doering's experiments, conducted in 1954, provided the first concrete evidence of CH₂'s transient reactivity and laid the groundwork for systematic studies of carbene generation and reactions in the , influencing subsequent researchers like Robert Breslow and Maitland Jones Jr. These developments shifted the perception of CH₂ from an elusive radical to a well-defined with unique electronic properties. A pivotal confirmation came in 1959 from Gerhard Herzberg's spectroscopic studies using of , which captured the vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectrum of CH₂ and established its bent triplet (³B₁), definitively distinguishing it from monovalent radicals. Herzberg's Nobel Prize-winning techniques not only verified CH₂'s existence but also resolved debates about its multiplicity, paving the way for deeper insights into its singlet-triplet interconversion and role in . By the mid-1960s, this body of work had fully transformed CH₂ from a misunderstood entity into a cornerstone of reactivity, enabling precise control in laboratory applications.

Physical and Structural Properties

Molecular Structure

The methylene molecule (CH₂) adopts bent equilibrium geometries in both its singlet (¹A₁) and triplet (³B₁) states, reflecting the influence of its electronic configuration on bonding. In the triplet ground state, the H-C-H bond angle is 133.84° with C-H bond lengths of 1.075 Å, as determined from high-resolution spectroscopic analysis combined with theoretical fitting of the potential energy surface. The carbon atom in this state exhibits diradical character, with the two unpaired electrons occupying nearly degenerate non-bonding orbitals (one σ-like and one π-like), consistent with an sp² hybridization, with the two unpaired electrons occupying one in-plane σ orbital and one perpendicular p orbital. In contrast, the excited state features a narrower H-C-H angle of approximately 102° and longer C-H lengths of 1.107 , derived from experimental rotational constants and computations at the coupled-cluster level. Here, the carbon is also sp² hybridized, but the occupies the in-plane σ orbital, while the empty p orbital lies orthogonal to the , leading to greater due to repulsion between the and the C-H bonding pairs. These state-specific geometries arise from the variation in energies with bond angle, as illustrated by for AH₂ systems, where the stabilizes the occupied orbitals differently for and triplet configurations. Equilibrium structures for both states have been corroborated experimentally through and , providing precise rotational and vibrational data for validation of computational predictions.

Spectroscopic Properties

The of CH₂ reveals a prominent at 141.5 , attributed to the from the ground triplet state (X³B₁) to an excited triplet state, providing key evidence for its structure despite the molecule's short-lived nature in the gas phase. This vacuum feature, first observed through techniques, enables kinetic monitoring of triplet CH₂ and highlights the challenges in detecting the reactive species directly due to its broad, diffuse character. Infrared spectroscopy of CH₂, particularly through and in the mid-infrared region (approximately 1200–3000 cm⁻¹), captures the vibrational modes associated with C–H stretches and bends, offering insights into its bent geometry and bond strengths. For the , the symmetric and antisymmetric C–H stretching fundamentals appear at 3035 cm⁻¹ and 3249 cm⁻¹, respectively, while the bending mode (ν₂) appears around 963 cm⁻¹, with these emissions observed in low-temperature environments to mitigate rapid decay. Such spectra underscore the molecule's high reactivity, as vibrational relaxation occurs on timescales in the gas phase. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy definitively confirms the triplet of CH₂, exhibiting characteristic signals with a zero-field splitting D ≈ 0.7 cm⁻¹, which reflects the unpaired electrons' and the molecule's non-linear structure. Early matrix-isolated EPR measurements at low temperatures yielded D values around 0.703 cm⁻¹, with temperature-dependent variations indicating partial rotation of the CH₂ moiety, further validating the spectroscopic assignment over theoretical predictions alone. Matrix isolation spectroscopy has been instrumental in stabilizing transient CH₂ within inert matrices like at cryogenic temperatures (typically 4–20 K), allowing detailed observation of its UV, , and signatures without interference from reactive . This technique isolates individual CH₂ units, revealing site-specific splittings in vibrational bands and enabling high-resolution studies that align gas-phase data with theoretical models of its electronic and vibrational states.

Electronic States and Reactivity

Singlet and Triplet States

The ground state of methylene (CH₂) is the triplet state, denoted as ³B₁, in which the two nonbonding electrons occupy orthogonal p-orbitals on the carbon atom as unpaired electrons with parallel spins. This configuration results in a diradical character and a bent geometry with a bond angle of approximately 136°. The lowest-energy singlet state, ¹A₁, lies approximately 9 kcal/mol above the triplet ground state and features a closed-shell electronic configuration where the nonbonding electrons are paired in a hybrid orbital. This state exhibits a more acute bond angle of about 102° compared to the triplet. The ¹A₁ state is readily populated via photolysis of precursors such as diazomethane or ketene at wavelengths around 300–400 nm. Spin-orbit coupling between the and triplet states enables , with effective rate constants on the order of 10⁸ s⁻¹ under typical experimental conditions. Theoretical studies of the surfaces for CH₂ demonstrate that the and triplet states intersect along certain coordinates, such as the bending mode, providing barrierless pathways for nonadiabatic interconversion at minimum energy crossing points.

Radical Character and General Reactivity

Methylene (CH₂) possesses inherent character stemming from its two non-bonding electrons, which occupy orthogonal orbitals in the , enabling radical-like reactivity. In the , CH₂ acts as a , preferentially undergoing stepwise abstraction from substrates such as alkanes to form methyl radicals and alkyl radicals. Conversely, the excited facilitates concerted mechanisms, including direct insertion into bonds or reactions, reflecting closed-shell behavior. This state-dependent reactivity underscores the diradical nature of CH₂, where between and triplet states can modulate reaction pathways, though triplet CH₂ dominates under typical generation conditions. The divalent carbon center imparts exceptional electrophilicity and high reactivity, resulting in gas-phase lifetimes shorter than 1 μs in the presence of common quenchers, limiting observation to specialized techniques like matrix isolation or . Triplet CH₂ exhibits moderate selectivity in hydrogen abstraction, with rate constants for alkanes on the order of 10^{10}–10^{11} L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 300 K, approaching the diffusion limit for primary C–H bonds but showing discrimination for tertiary sites. As the simplest carbene, CH₂ serves as the prototypical example in carbene chemistry, providing foundational insights into the electronic structure and reaction patterns of substituted carbenes.

Preparation Methods

Photochemical Generation

Photolysis of (CH₂N₂) represents a cornerstone method for generating methylene (:¹CH₂) under controlled laboratory conditions. Irradiation at 435 nm, corresponding to a strong absorption band of the precursor, leads to the efficient extrusion of nitrogen gas, producing :¹CH₂ + N₂ with a approaching 1. This wavelength selectively excites the S₁ state of diazomethane, facilitating rapid dissociation on a timescale to yield the reactive carbene. The process is widely employed due to its high efficiency and the clean separation of inert N₂ byproduct. An alternative photochemical route involves the photolysis of (H₂C=C=O) at 214 nm, which predominantly generates (³CH₂). Excitation in the vacuum ultraviolet region dissociates into :³CH₂ + CO, with the arising from the spin-forbidden pathway favored at this shorter ; the for ³CH₂ formation is near unity under these conditions. This method is particularly useful for studying the distinct reactivity of the , which exhibits character compared to the electrophilic . Flash photolysis techniques have been instrumental in advancing kinetic studies of methylene, allowing precise control over the electronic state through wavelength selection. In these setups, high-intensity pulsed lamps or lasers deliver the appropriate (e.g., 435 nm for or 214 nm for triplet generation), enabling time-resolved observation of :CH₂ lifetimes and reactions on microsecond timescales. Seminal experiments using of and have quantified rates and deactivation pathways, providing foundational data on state-specific behavior. Due to the explosive nature of and potential instability of , photochemical generation requires stringent safety protocols, including preparation and handling under inert atmospheres such as or to prevent or unwanted side reactions. Generated :CH₂ is often monitored spectroscopically in real-time to confirm production and state purity.

Thermal Decomposition Routes

Thermal decomposition routes for generating methylene (CH₂) involve high-temperature of suitable precursors, providing an alternative to milder photochemical methods by leveraging heat to drive bond breaking and carbene extrusion. Early investigations into such processes laid the foundation for understanding and formation in gas-phase reactions. In 1929, Paneth and Hofeditz pioneered the thermal generation of free alkyl radicals through the decomposition of mercury dialkyl compounds, such as , at elevated temperatures around 500–600°C, demonstrating the transient nature of these species via mirror removal techniques in flow systems. This work established key techniques for studying reactive intermediates but pertains to methyl radicals (CH₃•), not methylene. A classic thermal route for methylene involves the of (CH₂N₂) at temperatures of 400–500°C, yielding :¹CH₂ + N₂ via unimolecular decomposition. This method produces vibrationally excited carbene, which can be intercepted before to the , and is widely used in gas-phase studies due to its selectivity. High-temperature of (CH₃OH) at temperatures exceeding 1000 K represents another route, where primarily occurs via pathways, yielding CH₂ as an intermediate amid competing products such as , , and . This process is prominent in environments, with onset around 910 K and complete conversion by 1150 K, though CH₂ forms transiently and requires rapid for isolation. experiments facilitate precise study of such high-temperature generations, simulating extreme conditions (1900–2800 K) and revealing activation energies around 80 kcal/mol for associated steps. Thermally produced CH₂ from these routes exhibits high reactivity, often inserting into C–H bonds or adding to unsaturated systems before dimerizing to .

Chemical Reactions

Reactions with Organic Substrates

Methylene (CH₂) in its undergoes stereospecific [2+1] reactions with , forming as the primary products. This reaction proceeds via a concerted mechanism, preserving the of the . For instance, the addition of CH₂ to yields , a process first demonstrated through the photolysis of in the presence of . The reaction is highly efficient and occurs at near-collision rates, with rate constants for CH₂ addition to simple olefins typically ranging from 10⁸ to 10⁹ L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ at , reflecting the electrophilic nature of the and the nucleophilic π-bond of the . In contrast to the , which leads to non-stereospecific and hydrogen abstraction, the pathway is particularly useful in for constructing strained rings with defined . Substituted alkenes, such as cis- or trans-2-butene, produce the corresponding cis- and trans-1,2-dimethyls, respectively, without . This arises from the synchronous overlap of the carbene's empty p-orbital with the alkene's π-system, forming a three-membered ring in a suprafacial manner. The synthetic utility of this transformation has been exploited in the preparation of complex natural products, where cyclopropane moieties serve as versatile intermediates for ring expansion or opening. Singlet CH₂ also inserts into C-H bonds of alkanes, generating new C-C bonds and forming higher homologues. A prototypical example is the insertion into to produce (CH₂ + CH₄ → C₂H₆), observed in gas-phase photolysis experiments. This reaction exhibits little to no selectivity, showing relative rates close to statistical (per hydrogen basis) for primary, secondary, and tertiary C-H bonds in alkanes like and . Absolute rate constants for these insertions are on the order of 10⁰ to 10¹ L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹, significantly slower than additions to alkenes, indicating a higher barrier due to the non-polar σ-bond. The process is thought to involve a concerted, four-center , though abstraction-recombination pathways may contribute under certain conditions. With carbonyl compounds, CH₂ reacts to form carbonyl , which are 1,3-dipoles capable of further transformations. For example, the to a such as acetone generates an intermediate that can cyclize to an or undergo 1,2-migration to yield a carbonyl compound, for example, with acetone to yield butan-2-one via 1,2-methyl migration in the intermediate. This formation is reversible and competes with direct O-H insertion, with the outcome depending on the substrate's substitution and reaction conditions. The reaction's versatility has made it a cornerstone for carbon in , particularly in the construction of oxygenated frameworks.

Reactions with Inorganic Compounds

Methylene, particularly in its triplet (^3CH_2), exhibits radical-like reactivity with various inorganic molecules, often involving abstraction or addition pathways that lead to oxygenated or other functionalized products. These reactions are significant in chemistry and atmospheric processes, where methylene acts as a . Singlet methylene (^1CH_2), being more electrophilic, can participate in concerted insertions, though such pathways are less common with simple inorganic diatomics due to energy barriers. The reaction of triplet methylene with dioxygen is a key example, proceeding via initial addition to form a peroxyl , followed by fragmentation. This yields molecular , , and as major products, with quantum yields indicating efficient conversion under gas-phase conditions. The overall process is exothermic and plays a role in the oxidation of hydrocarbons. With dihydrogen, triplet methylene undergoes to produce methyl and atomic : ^3CH_2 + H_2 → CH_3 + H. This pathway has a low activation barrier of approximately 10 kcal/mol and is stereospecific in studies, highlighting the character of the . methylene, in contrast, can insert into the H-H to form directly, though this requires higher input. Triplet methylene reacts with primarily through oxygen atom abstraction, yielding and : ^3CH_2 + CO_2 → H_2CO + CO. Kinetic studies report a bimolecular rate constant of about 1.5 × 10^{-13} cm^3 molecule^{-1} s^{-1} at , with the reaction being endothermic by roughly 8 kcal/mol but facilitated in high-temperature environments like flames. Alternative addition-fragmentation routes via a carbonyl intermediate are possible but higher in energy. The interaction of singlet methylene with dinitrogen is theoretically proposed to form via a barrierless , though experimental is limited due to the high endothermicity (about 50 kcal/mol) and competition with other decay channels. In specialized contexts, such as Titan's atmosphere simulations, this pathway could contribute to cyanoacetylene formation, but it remains minor under conditions. Triplet methylene shows negligible reactivity with N_2.

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