Investigation of the 2B2 state of H2O+ using valence-bond techniques

Ab initio valence-bond calculations have been performed on the low-lying states of H₂O⁺, with special attention being focused on the

²B₂ state of the ion. The calculated potential energy surface for the

²B₂ state is in qualitative agreement with several previously published molecular orbital calculations in predicting an equilibrium angle of about 60°. This prediction is, however, inconsistent with the most recent interpretation of the high-resolution photoelectron spectrum of H₂O. Examination of the potential energy surfaces for geometries which have been distorted from C_2v symmetry indicates that the

²B₂ and òA₁ states are strongly coupled by the asymmetric stretching motion of the molecular ion. The presence of such a coupling supports the interpretation of the H₂O photoelectron spectrum which invokes excitation of the asymmetric stretching vibration of the ion.