Solvent effects in electronically excited states using the continuum solvation model COSMO in combination with multireference configuration interaction with singles and doubles (MR-CISD)

An implementation of the COSMO continuum solvation model into the MCSCF and MR-CISD programs of the COLUMBUS program system is reported. Equilibrium solvation and non-equilibrium solvation models for the treatment of electronic excitations have been used. Solvatochromic effects have been computed for a representative set of n-* and -* states of formaldehyde, acrolein and pyrazine using several solvents ranging from some with apolar character to water. Agreement with experimental shifts is good within the limits of a continuum model.Contribution to the Jacopo Tomasi Honorary Issue