Ab initio and Urey−Bradley calculations of normal modes were carried out to analyze the frequency shifts
observed on the SERS spectrum of pyridine obtained on a Ag surface. A molecular model with a Ag atom
attached to the pyridine nitrogen was used in the Urey−Bradley calculation. The frequency shifts in the
SERS spectrum were calculated by adding K(Ag−N) and F(Ag· · ·Cα) force constants and by adjusting the
ring stretches according to how their bond lengths changed in an ab initio calculation with a (Ag−Py)+
model. The ab initio calculations were done with the HF, MP2, and B3LYP methods using the 3-21G, 6-31G,
6-31G*, 6-31G**, and LanL2DZ basis sets. The surface active site was modeled in the calculation by means
of Ag0, Ag+ atoms, and a Ag4
+ pyramidal cluster structure. The calculations were evaluated on how well
they matched the observed frequencies, the ν(Ag−N) stretch, and the frequency shifts for the SERS spectrum
in an electrochemical environment. The calculation with the Ag4
+ model yielded the best results although the
(Ag−Py)+ model also gives reasonable results. All calculations were consistent with an edge-on interaction
between pyridine and the electrode surface and a Ag+ species as part of the surface active site.
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