Theoretical investigation of the halogen bonded complexes between carbonyl bases and molecular chlorine

The halogen bonded complexes between six carbonyl bases and molecular chlorine are investigated theoretically. The interaction energies calculated at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level range between ?1.61 and ?3.50 kcal mol^?1. These energies are related to the ionization potential, proton affinity, and also to the most negative values (V_s,min) on the electrostatic potential surface of the carbonyl bases. A symmetry adapted perturbation theory decomposition of the energies has been performed. The interaction results in an elongation of the Cl? Cl bond and a contraction of the CF and CH bonds accompanied by a blue shift of the ν(CH) vibrations. The properties of the Cl₂ molecules are discussed as a function of the σ*(Cl? Cl) occupation, the hybridization, and the occupation of the Rydberg orbitals of the two chlorine atoms. Our calculations predict a large enhancement of the infrared and Raman intensities of the ν(Cl? Cl) vibration on going from isolated to complexed Cl₂. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.