Ab initio calculations on the interaction of oxygen containing ligands with alkali cations. The system H2CO/Li+

Ab initio calculations on formaldehyde/Li⁺ complexes are presented. The most stable arrangement is characterized by an energy of interaction of 43.2 kcal/mole, C_2v symmetry and an oxygen—lithium distance of R_OLi = 1.77 Å. A detailed analysis of the electron density function gives proof of the electrostatic nature of the complexes H₂O/Li⁺ and H₂Co/Li⁺ and shows extensive mutual polarization. The failure of the semi-empirical method to predict the changes in electron density at the Li⁺ cation correctly is explained.