Structure and charge distribution of some alkynoyl cations

We have performedab initio calculations to determine the structure and charge distribution of some alkynoyl cations and their parent alkynoyl fluorides. We have used Mulliken population analysis and a new technique developed by Yáñez, Stewart and Pople. Our results indicate that the mesomeric form O⁺C–CC–R is one of the most important contributors to the structure of these cations, in agreement with experimental conclusions. We have also found that the participation of mesomeric form O=C=C=C⁺ -R is not negligible and increases with -substitution. In the 3-phenylpropynoyl cation substantial delocalization of charge into the phenyl group occurs. Calculations from YSP population analysis are in good agreement with experimental evidence.