Valence electronic structure of CH3Br and CH3I: Electron momentum distributions and separation energies

Bromomethane (CH₃Br) and iodomethane (CH₃I) have been studied by binary (e,2e) coincidence spectroscopy at 1200 eV using non-coplanar symmetric kinematics. Separation energy spectra have been determined in the energy range up to 47 eV at azimuthal angles of 0° and 8° for CH₃Br and 0° and 6° for CH₃I. The separation energy spectra and the electron momentum distributions measured for each of the valence orbitals are compared with theoretical predictions employing SCF wavefunctions and outer valence type and extended 2 ph-TDA Green function calculations. Electron density and momentum density maps have been calculated for all the valence orbitals using the SCF wavefunctions, and they are used to explain trends and contrasts in the electronic structure and bonding properties of these halomethanes in both position and momentum space.     

Binary (e,2e) spectroscopic study of carbonyl sulfide and the momentum-space chemistry of CO2, CS2 and OCS

The valence-shell binding energy spectra (8–44 eV) and molecular orbital momentum distributions of OCS have been studied by non-coplanar symmetric binary (e,2e) spectroscopy. Existing theoretical binding energy spectra calculated using the many-body 2ph-TDA Green's function (GF) method and using the symmetry-adapted cluster (SAC) on method are compared with the experiment. Intense many-body structure in the measured and calculated binding energy spectra indicates the general breakdown of the independent particle ionization picture. Experimental momentum distributions are compared with those calculated using ab initio SCF wavefunctions of minimal basis set quality and of near Hartree—Fock quality. Excellent agreement between the experimental momentum distributions and those calculated by the near Hartree—Fock wavefunction is obtained for the three innermost valence orbitals: 8σ, 7σ and 6σ. The correct order of the close lying outer-valence 2π and 9σ orbitals is unambiguously identified from the shapes of the measured momentum distributions. Momentum and position contour density maps computed from theoretical wavefunctions of near Hartree—Fock quality are used to interpret the shapes and atomic characters of the observed momentum distributions. The momentum densities of the outermost-valence antibonding π orbitals and of the outermost-valence bonding σ orbitals of the linear triatomic group: CO₂, CS₂ and OCS are compared respectively with each other. The associated chemical trends are discussed within the existing framework of momentum-space chemical principles.     

Experimental and theoretical binding energy spectra and momentum distributions for the valence orbitals of H2O

The binding energy spectra (10–46 eV) and momentum distributions of the valence orbitals of H₂O have been measured using a new high-sensitivity binary (e,2e) electron spectrometer employing position-sensitive detectors. The binding energy spectrum shows a previously unreported feature at = 27 eV which is shown to be associated with the (2a₁)^?1 ionization process. The region between 25 and 46 eV is compared with previous (e,2e) and X-ray photoelectron measurements as well as with several existing and new many-body calculations indicating a splitting of the 2a₁ ionization pole strength. In addition the separate momentum distributions of the three outer valence orbitals of H₂O have been obtained from deconvoluted binding energy spectra run at a series of azimuthal angles. The results, which show considerably improved signal-to-noise ratio over earlier measurements using single-channel instrumentation are compared with spherically averaged momentum distributions calculated with a variety of wavefunctions.     

Experimental and calculated momentum densities for the valence orbitals of carbon tetrafluoride

Carbon tetraflouoride has been investigated by binary (e,2e) spectroscopy at 1200 eV impact energy. Binding energy spectra (10–60 eV) at azimuthal angles of 0° and 8° are reported and are found to be in quantitative agreement with a previous Green's function calculated spectrum. Momentum distributions corresponding to individual orbitals are also reported and compared with theoretical momentum distributions evaluated using double-zeta quality SCF wavefunctions. Excellent agreement between experimental and theories is found for the strongly bonding 3t₂ orbital and the antibonding 4a₁ orbital but agreement is less good for the outermost non-bonding orbitals. Intense structure due to molecular density (bond) oscillation is observed experimentally in the region above 1.0 a_o^?1 in the case of the non-bonding 4t₂ orbital. It is also notable that the measured 4a₁ momentum distribution exhibits an extremely well-defined “p” character with clear separation between the s and p components. Contour maps of the position-space and momentum-space orbital densities in the F-C-F plane of the molecule are used to provide a qualitative interpretation of the features observed in the momentum distribution. In order to further extend momentum-space chemical concepts to three-dimensional systems, constant density surface plots are also used to give a more comprehensive view of the density functions of the CF₈ molecule.     

Molecular orbital momentum distributions and binding energies for nitric oxide

Binding energy spectra of the valence electrons of the open shell molecule NO have been obtained up to 55 eV at azimuthal angles of 0° and 7° using binary (e, 2e) spectroscopy at an impact energy of 1200 eV. The momentum distribution has been obtained for the least tightly bound (unpaired) electron, removal of which leads to formation of the X ¹Σ⁺ ground state of NO⁺. Momentum distributions have also been measured at 21.0 and 40.5 eV. The measured momentum distributions are compared with several literature wavefunctions of varying complexity. They are found to be in excellent agreement with those calculated using the natural spin orbital wavefunctions of Kouba and Ohrn.     

Outer valence orbital momentum distributions of carbon dioxide by binary (e,2e) spectroscopy

The outer valence orbital momentum distributions of CO₂ have been reinvestigated using a high momentum resolution (0.1 a_o^?1 fwhm) binary (e,2e) spectrometer operated at 1200 eV impact energy under the non-coplanar symmetric scattering condition. Generally good agreement of the measured momentum distributions with theoretical momentum distributions calculated using literature SCF double-zeta quality wavefunctions has been obtained for the 1π_g, (1π_u + 3σ_u) and 4σ_g orbitals. Although there is a reasonable agreement of the measured momentum distributions with earlier low momentum resolution (0.4 a_o^?1 fwhm) non-coplanar measurements at 400 eV impact energy reported by Cook and Brion, given the large differences in the momentum resolutions much more definitive results are obtained in the present study. In particular, the significantly higher momentum resolution clearly shows the mixed s-p character of the 4σ_g orbital. The present study also gives a much better agreement with theory in the case of the 4σ_g momentum distribution. For each orbital the calculated and where possible the experimentally determined spherically averaged momentum distributions are compared and contrasted with their respective two-dimensional momentum and position density maps. These together with three-dimensional surface plots at selected constant density values of the four outermost orbitals are used to provide a detailed comparison of momentum-space bonding and orbital properties with their more familiar position-space counterparts in the CO₂ triatomic molecule. The calculated momentum-space density contour maps of the core orbitals exhibit rather large density oscillations and the feasibility of future experiments is discussed.     

Examination of charge alternation in CH4 and CH3F from ab initio LCAO SCF MO wavefunctions and their localized bond orbitals

The question of whether or not fluorine substitution produces charge alternation is examined for CH₄ and CH₃F. Two sets of ab initio LCAO SCF MO wavefunctions (one a 3 G STO based one, the other a double zeta based one) are analyzed via charge density, localized CH bond moment, and population analysis calculations. Although both sets of wavefunctions show a slightly more negative H region in CH₃F relative to CH₄, in qualitative agreement with earlier work by Pople et al., the differences are small, and their sources are not clear. For example, in the 3 G calculations the CH localized orbital is the essential source of the increased density in CH₃F, while for the double zeta calculations the increased density is due to the tail of an F lone-pair orbital trans to the CH bond. Consideration of details of these studies as well as those from large STO based SCF MO wavefunctions by Arrighini et al., suggests that one will need very accurate wavefunctions to resolve the problem unambiguously.The Radiation Laboratory is operated under contract with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. This is AEC document no. COO-38-847.     

Valence-shell momentum distributions and ionization energies of carbon disulfide

Valence-shell binding energy spectra and momentum distributions of CS₂ have been measured using non-coplanar symmetric binary (e,2e) spectroscopy. The present measurements are compared with previously published binding energy spectra calculated using the many body 2ph-TDA Green's function (GF) method and the symmetry-adapted cluster configuration-interaction (SAC CI) method. The measured and the calculated binding energy spectra both show extensive population splittings particularly above 20 eV, confirming a significant breakdown of independent particle ionization picture. A relatively strong-outer valence many-body state at 17.0 eV is shown to be satellite of the (2π₀)^?1 state, in accord with earlier conclusions of photoelectron studies. Momentum distributions measured at several carefully chosen binding energies are compared with the corresponding molecular orbital momentum distributions calculated using small and extended gaussian basis sets. The good qualitative agreement between momentum distributions measured in the inner-valence region wth theoretical 4σ_m and 5σ_g orbital momentum distributions confirms the qualitative predictions of satellite parentages by GF and SAC CI calculations. Momentum and position density contour maps of individual orbitals are used to interpret the shapes and atomic characters of the experimental momentum distributions. Momentum densities of the valence orbitals of CS₂ are compared with those of the respective valence isoelectronic species CO₂     

Electron momentum spectroscopy of sulphurhexafluoride

The SF₆ molecule has been studied using high-resolution electron momentum spectroscopy [EMS], at a total energy of 1200 eV and using non-coplanar symmetric kinematics. Binding-energy spectra ranging up to 62 eV were measured at out of plane azimuthal angles from 0° to 28°, and in the outer-valence region from 0° to 34°, corresponding to target electron momenta from about 0.1–2.8 au. The binding-energy spectra and electron momentum distributions obtained for the valence orbitals are compared with the results of Green function calculations for the ionization energies and their corresponding pole strengths and the spherically averaged momentum distributions obtained from the SCF wavefunction on which the Green function calculations are based. The SCF basis includes d components on both S and F atoms. In the outer-valence region, where the one-particle picture holds for the ionization process, there is very good agreement between the theoretical energies and pole strengths and the measured ones, but the orbital momentum distributions are given poorly by the SCF wavefunctions. The measured momentum distributions are significantly higher at low momentum (< 1 au), particularly for the 1t_2u and 3e_g orbitals. In the inner-valence region a substantial splitting of the lines occurs, which is only predicted in a qualitative way. The SCF momentum distribution for the 2e_g orbital is in poor agreement with the data, whereas that of the 3t_1u orbital is in very good agreement with the measurements.     

Orbital momentum distributions and binding energies for the complete valence shell of molecular chlorine by electron momentum spectroscopy

The complete valence shall binding energy spectrum (10–50 eV) of Cl₂ has been determined using electron momentum (binary (e,2e)) spectroscopy. The inner valence region, corresponding to 4σ_u and 4σ_g ionization, has been measured for the first time and shows extensive splitting of the ionization strength due to electron correlation effects. These measurements are compared with the results of many-body calculations using Green function and CI methods employing unpolarised as well as polarised wavefunctions. Momentum distributions, measured in both the outer and inner valence regions, are compared with calculations using a range of unpolarised and polarised wavefunctions. Computed orbital density maps in momentum and position space for oriented Cl₂ molecules are discussed in comparison with the measured and calculated spherically averaged momentum distributions.     

Electron Momentum Spectroscopy Investigation on Electronic Structure of Iso-dichloroethylene Valence Shell

Here an electron momentum spectroscopy study on the electronic structure of valence shell of iso-dichloroethylene molecule is reported. The experiment is carried out with a binary (e, 2e) spectrometer at incident electron energy of 1200 eV, employing noncoplanar symmetric arrangement. The binding energy spectra and electron momentum distributions (EMDs) of iso-dichloroethylene valence shell have been obtained. Theoretical EMDs are predicted with both Hartree-Fock and density functional theory methods, generally indicating good agreements with the measurement results. The interference effect is observed to significantly influence the EMDs of 2a₂ and 5b₂ Cl lone-pair orbitals.     

Valence electronic structures of CH2BrCl and CF2BrCl: binding energy spectra and electron momentum distributions

The binding energy spectra (BES) of valence shells of CH2BrCl and CF2BrCl have been measured at a series of different azimuthal angles by an (e, 2e) electron momentum spectrometer employing noncoplanar symmetric geometry at an impact energy of 1200 eV plus binding energy. The experimental momentum profiles (XMPs) are extracted from the sequential BES and compared with the theoretical ones calculated by using Hartree-Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT-B3LYP) calculations with 6-311G, 6-311++G**, and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets. In general, the DFT-B3LYP calculations using the larger basis sets 6-311++G** and aug-cc-pVTZ describe the XMPs well for both molecules. Moreover, the pole strengths of main ionizations from the inner valence orbitals 2a', 3a', and 1a' of CH2BrCl are determined, and the controversial ordering of two outer valence orbitals 3a' ' and 6a' of CF2BrCl has also been assigned unambiguously.     

Looking at orbitals in the laboratory: The experimental investigation of molecular wavefunctions and binding energies by electron momentum spectroscopy

The experimental technique of electron momentum spectroscopy (EMS ) (i.e., binary (e, 2e) spectroscopy) is discussed together with typical examples of its applications over the past decade in the area of experimental quantum chemistry. Results interpreted within the framework of the plane wave impulse and the target Hartree—Fock approximations provide direct measurements of, spherically averaged, orbital electron momentum distributions. Results for a variety of atoms and small molecules are compared with calculations using a range of Fourier transformed SCF position space wavefunctions of varying sophistication. Measured momentum distributions (MD ) provide a “direct” view of orbitals. In addition to offering a sensitive experimental diagnostic for semiempirical molecular wavefunctions, the MD's provide a chemically significant, additional experimental constraint to the usual variational optimization of wavefunctions. The measured MD's clearly reflect well known characteristics of various chemical and physical properties. It appears that EMS and momentum space chemistry offer the promise of supplementary perspectives and new vistas in quantum chemistry, as suggested by Coulson more than 40 years ago. Binding energy spectra in the inner valence region reveal, in many cases, a major breakdown of the simple MO model for ionization in accord with the predictions of many-body calculations. Results are considered for atomic targets, including H and the noble gases. The measured momentum distribution for H₂ is also compared with results from Compton scattering. Results for H₂ and H are combined to provide a direct experimental assessment of the bond density in H₂, which is compared with calculations. The behavior of the outer valence MD ''s for small row two and row three hydride molecules such as H₂O and H₂S, NH₃, HF, and HCl are consistent with well known differences in chemical and physical behavior such as ligand-donor activity and hydrogen bonding. MD measurements for the outermost valence orbitals of HF, H₂O and NH₃ show significant differences from those calculated using even very high-quality wavefunctions. Measurements of MD's for outer σ_g orbitals of small polyatomic molecules such as CO₂, COS, CS₂, and CF₄ show clear evidence of mixed s and p character. It is apparent that EMS is a sensitive probe of details of electronic structure and electron motion in atoms and molecules.     

An investigation of the valence orbitals of water by high momentum resolution electron momentum spectroscopy

The momentum distributions of the valence orbitals for water well as the binding energy spectra in the region 10–45 eV have been reinvestigated with a high momentum resolution (≈0.1 a₀^?1 fwhm) binary (e.2e) spectrometer. The binding energy spectra show considerable satellite structure in the region > 25 eV which is consistent with theoretical predictions of final state configuration interaction (many-body effects) involving the (2a₁)^?1 hole state. An investigation of the momentum distribution in the satellite region confirms this assignment. This is in accord with a variety of recent theoretical studies and also consistent with earlier experiments. Differences suggested in earlier comparisons between theory and low momentum resolution experiments for the momentum distributions of the 1b₁ and 3a₁ orbitals have been verified. Several possible theoretical studies are suggested to investigate further this discrepancy between experiment and theory. Bonding effects and thenature of the molecular orbitals of H₂O in momentum space are also discussed.     

UV angle-resolved photoelectron spectra of mixed methylene dihalides using synchrotron radiation

Photoelectron spectra for the dihalomethanes CH₂BrCl, CH₂ClI and CH₂Br₂ have been recorded with photons in the energy range 19–115 eV using Daresbury Laboratory Synchroton Radiation Source. Ionization energies have been measured for all valence falling within this energy including Br 3d and I 4d orbitals. Asymmetry parameters have been measured for all intense ionization processes and characteristic Cooper minima observed for halogen lone pair orbitals. For CH₂ClI lone pair orbital β spectra show strong evidence of mixed halogen character although a similar situation is not observed for CH₂BrCl. Partial photoionization cross sections are tabulated for the observed ionization processes. Detailed spectra are presented for the molecule CH₂ClI since this appears to be the first photoelectron study of this molecule.     

An investigation of valence shell orbital momentum profiles of difluoromethane by binary (e,2e) spectroscopy

The electron binding energy spectra and momentum profiles of the valence orbitals of difluoromethane, also known as HFC32 (HFC-hydrofluorocarbon) (CH(2)F(2)), have been studied by using a high resolution (e,2e) electron momentum spectrometer, at an impact energy of 1200 eV plus the binding energy, and by using symmetric noncoplanar kinematics. The experimental momentum profiles of the outer valence orbitals and 4a(1) inner valence orbital are compared with the theoretical momentum distributions calculated using Hartree-Fock and density functional theory (DFT) methods with various basis sets. In general, the shapes of the experimental momentum distributions are well described by both the Hartree-Fock and DFT calculations when large and diffuse basis sets are used. However, the result also shows that it is hard to choose the different calculations for some orbitals, including the methods and the size of the basis sets employed. The pole strength of the ionization peak from the 4a(1) inner valence orbital is estimated.     

Intramolecular interactions of L‐phenylalanine: Valence ionization spectra and orbital momentum distributions of its fragment molecules

Intramolecular interactions between fragments of L ‐phenylalanine, i.e., phenyl and alaninyl, have been investigated using dual space analysis (DSA) quantum mechanically. Valence space photoelectron spectra (PES), orbital energy topology and correlation diagram, as well as orbital momentum distributions (MDs) of L ‐phenylalanine, benzene and L ‐alanine are studied using density functional theory methods. While fully resolved experimental PES of L ‐phenylalanine is not yet available, our simulated PES reproduces major features of the experimental measurement. For benzene, the simulated orbital MDs for 1e_1g and 1a_2u orbitals also agree well with those measured using electron momentum spectra. Our theoretical models are then applied to reveal intramolecular interactions of the species on an orbital base, using DSA. Valence orbitals of L ‐phenylalanine can be essentially deduced into contributions from its fragments such as phenyl and alaninyl as well as their interactions. The fragment orbitals inherit properties of their parent species in energy and shape (ie., MDs). Phenylalanine orbitals show strong bonding in the energy range of 14‐20 eV, rather than outside of this region. This study presents a competent orbital based fragments‐in‐molecules picture in the valence space, which supports the fragment molecular orbital picture and building block principle in valence space. The optimized structures of the molecules are represented using the recently developed interactive 3D‐PDF technique. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011     

The valence orbitals of NH3 by electron momentum spectroscopy: Quantitative comparisons using Hartree-Fock limit and correlated wavefunctions

The complete valence shell binding energy spectra and valence orbital electron momentum distributions for NH₃ have been measured by high-momentum-resolution electron momentum spectroscopy (EMS). The results are quantitatively compared with theoretical calculations using SCF wavefunctions ranging from DZ quality to a newly developed 126-GTO wavefunction essentially at the Hartree-Fock limit. The 3a₁ and to a lesser extent the 2a₁ valence orbital are not adequately described even at the Hartree-Fock limit with basis set saturation including diffuse functions. The differences between theory and experiment are largely resolved by ion-neutral overlap calculations using CI wavefunctions to incorporate the effects of electron correlation. The 126-G (CI) wavefunctions provide accurate calculation of a wide range of electronic properties of NH₃ and also give good quantitative prediction of the three valence orbital momentum distributions as well as a reasonable prediction of the many-body pole strength distribution observed in the (2a₁)⁻¹ inner valence binding energy spectrum. The present EMS results are compared with recent investigations of wavefunction tails by exterior electron distribution calculations and Penning ionization electron spectroscopy measurements reported by Ohno et al.     

Numerical MC SCF and CI calculations of the ground-state potential energy curve of N2

The numerical procedure of McCullough is used in calculations of Hartree-Fock and MC SCF wavefunctions for ground state of N₂. The latter are derived using the complete set of 18 spin and symmetry adapted configurations in the space of MOs that arise from 2p atomic orbitals. An increase in dissociation energy of 0.17 eV is observed when compared to MC SCF calculations in a large basis of Slater-type functions and the same set of configurations. Integrals involving the numerical MC SCF MOs are used in CI calculations in which substitutions involving the 1s and 2s electrons are included. The increase in dissociation energy due to numerical versus basis set valence CI is 0.08 eV. Spectroscopic constants and molecular quadrupole moments are reported.     

Electron momentum spectroscopy of the valence orbitals of H2O and D2O: Quantitative comparisons using Hartree—Fock limit and correlated wavefunctions

The large discrepancies found earlier between experimental measurements and calculations based on near Hartree—Fock wavefunctions for the valence orbital electron momentum distributions of H₂O are reinvestigated. New and improved electron momentum spectroscopy measurements for the valence orbitals of H₂O and D₂O, together with existing experimental data, have been placed on a common intensity scale using the binding energy spectra. Investigation of possible vibrational effects by means of new measurements of the momentum distributions of D₂O indicates no detectable differences with the H₂O results, within experimental error. A quantitative comparison of these experimental results with both the shapes and magnitudes of momentum distributions calculated in the PWIA and THFA approximations using new, very precise Hartree—Fock (single-configuration) wavefunctions is made. These wavefunctions, which include considerable polarization and which are effectively converged at the HF limit for total energy, dipole moment and momentum distribution permit establishment of basis set independence. The significant discrepancies between theory and experiment which still remain for the momentum distributions of the 1b₁, 3a₁ and 2a₁ orbitals at the THFA level are largely removed by CI calculations of the full ion—neutral overlap amplitude. These CI wavefunctions for the final ion and neutral ground states, generated from the accurate HF limit basis sets, recover up to 88% of the correlation energy. The present work clearly shows the need for adequate consideration of electron correlation effects in describing the low-momentum parts of the 1b₁, 3a₁ and 2a₁ electron distributions, a region which is of crucial importance in problems related to chemical bonding and reactivity. The high level of quantitative agreement obtained between experiment and calculations using sufficiently sophisticated wavefunctions provides support for the essential validity of the plane wave impulse approximation as used in the interpretation of EMS experiments on small molecules.