Geometry optimization in cartesian coordinates: The end of the Z-matrix?

Geometry optimization directly in Cartesian coordinates using the EF and GDIIS algorithms with standard Hessian updating techniques is compared and contrasted with optimization in internal coordinates utilizing the well known Z-matrix formalism. Results on a test set of 20 molecules show that, with an appropriate initial Hessian, optimization in Cartesians is just as efficient as optimization in internals, thus rendering it unnecessary to construct a Z-matrix in situations where Cartesians are readily available, for example from structural databases or graphical model builders.     

Geometry optimization of metal complexes using natural internal coordinates: Representation of skeletal degrees of freedom

The geometry optimization using natural internal coordinates was applied for transition metal complexes. The original definitions were extended here for the skeletal degrees of freedom which are related to the translational and rotational displacements of the ηⁿ-bonded ligands. We suggest definitions for skeletal coordinates of ηⁿ-bonded small unsaturated rings and chains. The performance of geometry optimizations using the suggested coordinates were tested on various conformers of 14 complexes. Consideration was given to alternative representations of the skeletal internal coordinates, and the performance of optimization is compared. Using the skeletal internal coordinates presented here, most transition metal complexes were optimized between 10 and 20 geometry optimization cycles in spite of the usually poor starting geometry and crude approximation for the Hessian. We also optimized the geometry of some complexes in Cartesian coordinates using the Hessian from a parametrized redundant force field. We found that it took between two and three times as many iterations to reach convergence in Cartesian coordinates than using natural internal coordinates. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Geometry optimization for peptides and proteins: comparison of Cartesian and internal coordinates

We present the results of several benchmarks comparing the relative efficiency of different coordinate systems in optimizing polypeptide geometries. Cartesian, natural internal, and primitive internal coordinates are employed in quasi-Newton minimization for a variety of biomolecules. The peptides and proteins used in these benchmarks range in size from 16 to 999 residues. They vary in complexity from polyalanine helices to a beta-barrel enzyme. We find that the relative performance of the different coordinate systems depends on the parameters of the optimization method, the starting point for the optimization, and the size of the system studied. In general, internal coordinates were found to be advantageous for small peptides. For larger structures, Cartesians appear to be more efficient for empirical potentials where the energy and gradient can be evaluated relatively quickly compared to the cost of the coordinate transformations.     

The location of transition states: A comparison of Cartesian,Z-matrix,and natural internal coordinates

A comparison is made between geometry optimization in Cartesian coordinates, in Z-matrix coordinates, and in natural internal coordinates for the location of transition states. In contrast to the situation with minima, where all three coordinate systems are of comparable efficiency if a reliable estimate of the Hessian matrix is available at the starting geometry, results for 25 different transition states covering a wide range of structural types demonstrate that in practice Z-matrix coordinates are generally superior. For Cartesian coordinates, the commonly used Hessian update schemes are unable to guarantee preservation of the necessary transition state eigenvalue structure, while current algorithms for generating natural internal coordinates may have difficulty handling the distorted geometries associated with transition states. The widely used Eigenvector Following (EF) algorithm is shown to be extremely efficient for optimizing transition states. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Estimating the hessian for gradient-type geometry optimizations

Optimization methods that use gradients require initial estimates of the Hessian or second derivative matrix; the more accurate the estimate, the more rapid the convergence. For geometry optimization, an approximate Hessian or force constant matrix is constructed from a simple valence force field that takes into account the inherent connectivity and flexibility of the molecule. Empirical rules are used to estimate the diagonal force constants for a set of redundant internal coordinates consisting of all stretches, bends, torsions and out-of-plane deformations involving bonded atoms. The force constants are transformed from the redundant internal coordinates to Cartesian coordinates, and then from Cartesian coordinates to the non-redundant internal coordinates used in the specification of the geometry and optimization. This method is especially suitable for cyclic molecules. Problems associated with the choice of internal coordinates for geometry optimization are also discussed.Fellow of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, 1981–83     

Geometry optimization in Cartesian coordinates: Constrained optimization

An efficient algorithm for constrained geometry optimization in Cartesian coordinates is presented. It incorporates mode-following techniques within both the classical method of Lagrange multipliers and the penalty function method. Both constrained minima and transition states can be located and, unlike the standard Z-matrix using internal coordinates, the desired constraints do not have to be satisfied in the initial structure. The algorithm is as efficient as a Z-matrix optimization while presenting several additional advantages.     

Constrained optimization in delocalized internal coordinates

Using the recently introduced delocalized internal coordinates, in conjunction with the classical method of Lagrange multipliers, an algorithm for constrained optimization is presented in which the desired constraints do not have to be satisfied in the starting geometry. The method used is related to a previous algorithm by the same author for constrained optimization in Cartesian coordinates [J. Comput. Chem., 13 , 240 (1992)], but is simpler and far more efficient. Any internal (distance or angle/torsion) constraint can be imposed between any atoms in the system whether or not the atoms involved are formally bonded. Imposed constraints can be satisfied exactly. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 18 :1079–1095, 1997     

Geometry optimization in density functional methods

The geometry optimization in delocalized internal coordinates is discussed within the framework of the density functional theory program deMon. A new algorithm for the selection of primitive coordinates according to their contribution to the nonredundant coordinate space is presented. With this new selection algorithm the excessive increase in computational time and the deterioration of the performance of the geometry optimization for floppy molecules and systems with high average coordination numbers is avoided. A new step selection based on the Cartesian geometry change is introduced. It combines the trust radius and line search method. The structure of the new geometry optimizer is described. The influence of the SCF convergence criteria and the grid accuracy on the geometry optimization are discussed. A performance analysis of the new geometry optimizer using different start Hessian matrices, basis sets and grid accuracies is given.     

Internal‐to‐Cartesian back transformation of molecular geometry steps using high‐order geometric derivatives

In geometry optimizations and molecular dynamics calculations, it is often necessary to transform a geometry step that has been determined in internal coordinates to Cartesian coordinates. A new method for performing such transformations, the high‐order path‐expansion (HOPE) method, is here presented. The new method treats the nonlinear relation between internal and Cartesian coordinates by means of automatic differentiation. The method is reliable, applicable to any system of internal coordinates, and computationally more efficient than the traditional method of iterative back transformations. As a bonus, the HOPE method determines not just the Cartesian step vector but also a continuous step path expressed in the form of a polynomial, which is useful for determining reaction coordinates, for integrating trajectories, and for visualization. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Automatic geometry optimization for molecules with d orbitals. I. General analytic formulas for derivatives of slater orbitals

General analytic formulas for derivatives of real Slater orbitals with respect to the Cartesian coordinates x and y have been derived. The application of this result to molecular geometry optimization or to the construction of a force constant matrix is briefly discussed.     

The use of internal cartesian coordinates for describing molecular vibrations

An analysis of the influence of isotope substitution on the system of electronic-nuclear equations for an arbitrary molecular system was used as a basis for formulating invariance conditions with respect to isotope substitution of the potential energy surface written in the Cartesian coordinates rigidly bound with the center of mass of the molecule (internal Cartesian coordinates). This property of the potential function obviates the necessity of using curvilinear natural coordinates, which can be replaced by Cartesian coordinates, in theoretical studies of the vibrational spectra of molecules and their isotopomers and in solving the direct and inverse anharmonic problems. An equation for the quantum-mechanical Hamiltonian of a normal molecule in internal Cartesian coordinates was obtained.     

Coordinate reduction for exploring chemical reaction paths

The potential energy surface for the reaction of a typical molecular system composed of N atoms is defined uniquely by 3N-6 coordinates. These coordinates can be defined by the Cartesian coordinates of the atomic centers (minus overall translation and rotation), or a set of internally defined coordinates such as bond stretches, angle bends, and torsions. By applying principal component analysis to the geometries along a reaction path, a reduced set of coordinates, d ≪ 3N-6, can be obtained. This reduced set of coordinates can reproduce the changes in geometry along the reaction path with chemical accuracy and may help improve the efficiency of reaction path optimization algorithms.     

Using redundant internal coordinates to optimize equilibrium geometries and transition states

A redundant internal coordinate system for optimizing molecular geometries is constructed from all bonds, all valence angles between bonded atoms, and all dihedral angles between bonded atoms. Redundancies are removed by using the generalized inverse of the G matrix; constraints can be added by using an appropriate projector. For minimizations, redundant internal coordinates provide substantial improvements in optimization efficiency over Cartesian and nonredundant internal coordinates, especially for flexible and polycyclic systems. Transition structure searches are also improved when redundant coordinates are used and when the initial steps are guided by the quadratic synchronous transit approach. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The choice of internal coordinates in complex chemical systems

This article presents several considerations for the appropriate choice of internal coordinates in various complex chemical systems. The appropriate and black box recognition of internal coordinates is of fundamental importance for the extension of internal coordinate algorithms to all fields where previously Cartesian coordinates were the preferred means of geometry manipulations. Such fields range from local and global geometry optimizations to molecular dynamics as applied to a wide variety of chemical systems. We present a robust algorithm that is capable to quickly determine the appropriate choice of internal coordinates in a wide range of atomic arrangements. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010     

First-principle calculation of reduced masses in vibrational analysis using generalized internal coordinates: some crucial aspects and examples

In this paper we present and analyze the most essential aspects of reduced masses along generalized internal coordinates. The definition of reduced masses in the internal coordinate formalism is established through the Wilson G-matrix concept and includes sophisticated relations between internal and Cartesian coordinates. Moreover, reduced masses in internal coordinates are, in general, no longer constant but coordinate-dependent. Based on the approach presented earlier [Stare, J.; Balint-Kurti, G. G. J. Phys. Chem. A 2003, 107, 7204-7214] and on our experience with reduced masses discussed in this paper, we have developed a robust program for the calculation of Wilson G-matrix elements and their functional coordinate dependence. The approach is based on the first principles and can be used in virtually any (internal) coordinate set. Since the program allows for projection of any kind of nuclear motion on the selected internal coordinates, the method is particularly suitable for ab initio or DFT potential energy functions calculated by partial geometry optimization. Moreover, reduced masses obtained by this program can be used as a decision tool for selecting the most appropriate internal coordinates for the considered vibrational problem and for the inclusion or omission of the kinetic coupling terms in the vibrational Hamiltonian.     

Internal coordinate density of state from molecular dynamics simulation

The vibrational density of states (DoS), calculated from the Fourier transform of the velocity autocorrelation function, provides profound information regarding the structure and dynamic behavior of a system. However, it is often difficult to identify the exact vibrational mode associated with a specific frequency if the DoS is determined based on velocities in Cartesian coordinates. Here, the DoS is determined based on velocities in internal coordinates, calculated from Cartesian atomic velocities using a generalized Wilson's B ‐matrix. The DoS in internal coordinates allows for the correct detection of free dihedral rotations that may be mistaken as hindered rotation in Cartesian DoS. Furthermore, the pronounced enhancement of low frequency modes in Cartesian DoS for macromolecules should be attributed to the coupling of dihedral and angle motions. The internal DoS, thus deconvolutes the internal motions and provides fruitful insights to the dynamic behaviors of a system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Normal Coordinate Analysis in Cartesian Space I. Planar Symmetric Xn Molecules

Normal coordinate analysis of X_n type molecules can be carried out in the Cartesian space as well as in the internal space. Force constants in Cartesian coordinates for aromatic compounds belonging to D_nh group are calculated. The force constants of benzene are evaluated from vibrational frequencies both in the ground state and the ¹B_1u excited state. The calculated frequencies of planar carbon vibration of annulene of any N are tabulated. The normal coordinates derived from the calculation of 10-annulene are roughly the same of naphthalene derived more elaborated by Scherer. The normal modes in 10-annulene are indeed good approximations to the ones in naphthalene. This conclusion is valid for the other aromatic compounds.     

Green's Function Determination of Force Constants-H2O as Example

Treating isotopically substituted molecule as a perturbed system, Green's function for the perturbation are constructed and related to the force field of vibration. By spectral representation, Green's function is diagonalized in the normal coordinates. Then transforming back to the Cartesian coordinates, the Cartesian force constants are generated without solving the secular equation directly. The relations between the internal force constants and the Cartesian force constants ate given and complete internal force field can be obtained. The results for H₂O are discussed.     

Constrained optimization in cartesian coordinates

Modifications are made to a previously published algorithm for constrained optimization in Cartesian coordinates (J. Comp. Chem., 13 , 240, 1992) to incorporate both fixed and dummy atoms. Standard distance and angle constraints can now be specified with respect to dummy atoms, greatly extending the range of constraints that can be handled. Fixed atoms can be eliminated from the optimization space and so there is no need to calculate their gradients resulting in potentially significant savings of CPU time in ab initio computations. Several examples illustrate the range and versatility of the modified algorithm. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.