Benchmarking NMR indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants: SOPPA, SOPPA(CC2), and SOPPA(CCSD) versus CCSD

Accurate calculations of NMR indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants require especially optimized basis sets and correlated wave function methods such as CCSD or SOPPA(CCSD). Both methods scale as N(6), where N is the number of orbitals, which prevents routine applications to molecules with more than 10-15 nonhydrogen atoms. We have therefore developed a modification of the SOPPA(CCSD) method in which the CCSD singles and doubles amplitudes are replaced by CC2 singles and doubles amplitudes. This new method, called SOPPA(CC2), scales only as N(5), like the original SOPPA-method. The performance of the SOPPA(CC2) method for the calculation of indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants is compared to SOPPA and SOPPA(CCSD) employing a set of benchmark molecules. We also investigate the basis set dependence by employing three different basis sets optimized for spin-spin coupling constants, namely the HuzIV-su4, ccJ-pVTZ, and ccJ-pVQZ basis sets. The results of the corresponding CCSD calculations are used as a theoretical reference.     

Basis-set dependence of nuclear spin-spin coupling constants

The convergence of NMR indirect spin-spin coupling constants with the extension of the basis set is analyzed, based on calculations carried out at the multiconfigurational self-consistent-field level for the HF and H₂O systems. For the dominant and difficult Fermi-contact contribution, the standard correlation-consistent basis sets of electronic-structure theory are not suitable, lacking flexibility in the core region. Improved but not satisfactory convergence of the couplings is observed when decontracting the s functions of the correlation-consistent cc-pVXZ basis sets for 2≤X≤6. Next, by systematically extending these basis sets with tight s functions, new sets are obtained that are sufficiently flexible for accurate calculations of indirect nuclear spin-spin couplings, without sacrificing the smooth convergence behavior of the correlation-consistent basis sets. Received: 22 September 1997 / Accepted: 30 December 1997     

Correlated calculations of indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants using second-order polarization propagator approximations: SOPPA and SOPPA(CCSD)

We present correlated calculations of the indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants of HD, HF, H₂O, CH₄, C₂H₂, BH, AlH, CO and N₂ at the level of the second-order polarization propagator approximation (SOPPA) and the second-order polarization propagator approximation with coupled-cluster singles and doubles amplitudes – SOPPA(CCSD). Attention is given to the effect of the so-called W ₄ term, which has not been included in previous SOPPA spin-spin coupling constant studies of these molecules. Large sets of Gaussian basis functions, optimized for the calculation of indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants, were used instead of the in general rather small basis sets used in previous studies. We find that for nearly all couplings the SOPPA(CCSD) method performs better than SOPPA. Received: 6 July 1998 / Accepted: 8 September 1998 / Published online: 23 November 1998     

Density functional theory study of indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants with spin-orbit corrections

This work outlines the calculation of indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants with spin-orbit corrections using density functional response theory. The nonrelativistic indirect nuclear spin-spin couplings are evaluated using the linear response method, whereas the relativistic spin-orbit corrections are computed using quadratic response theory. The formalism is applied to the homologous systems H2X (X=O,S,Se,Te) and XH4 (X=C,Si,Ge,Sn,Pb) to calculate the indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants between the protons. The results confirm that spin-orbit corrections are important for compounds of the H2X series, for which the electronic structure allows for an efficient coupling between the nuclei mediated by the spin-orbit interaction, whereas in the case of the XH4 series the opposite situation is encountered and the spin-orbit corrections are negligible for all compounds of this series. In addition we analyze the performance of the density functional theory in the calculations of nonrelativistic indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants.     

Vibrational contributions to indirect spin-spin coupling constants calculated via variational anharmonic approaches

Zero-point vibrational contributions to indirect spin-spin coupling constants for N2, CO, HF, H2O, C2H2, and CH4 are calculated via explicitly anharmonic approaches. Thermal averages of indirect spin-spin coupling constants are calculated for the same set of molecules and for C2X4, X = H, F, Cl. Potential energy surfaces have been calculated on a grid of points and analytic representations have been obtained by a linear least-squares fit in a direct product polynomial basis. Property surfaces have been represented by a fourth-order Taylor expansion around the equilibrium geometry. The electronic structure calculations employ density functional theory, and vibrational contributions to indirect spin-spin coupling constants are calculated employing vibrational self-consistent-field and vibrational configuration-interaction methods. The performance of vibrational perturbation theory and various approximate variational calculations are discussed. Thermal averages are computed by state-specific and virtual vibrational self-consistent-field methods.     

Interaction energies and NMR indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants in linear HCN and HNC complexes

The cooperativity effects on both the electronic energy and NMR indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants J of the linear complexes (HCN)n and (HNC)n (n = 1-6) are discussed. The geometries of the complexes were optimized at the MP2 level by using the cc-pVTZ basis sets. The spin-spin coupling constants were calculated at the level of the second-order polarization propagator approximation with use of the local dense basis set scheme based on the cc-pVTZ-J basis sets. We find strong correlations in the patterns of different properties such as interaction energy, hydrogen bond distances, and spin-spin coupling constants for both series of compounds. The intramolecular spin-spin couplings are with two exceptions dominated by the Fermi contact (FC) mechanism, while the FC term is the only nonvanishing contribution for the intermolecular couplings. The latter do not follow the Dirac vector model and are important only between nearest neighbors.     

The calculation of indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants in large molecules

We present calculations of indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants in large molecular systems, performed using density functional theory. Such calculations, which have become possible because of the use of linear-scaling techniques in the evaluation of the Coulomb and exchange-correlation contributions to the electronic energy, allow us to study indirect spin-spin couplings in molecules of biological interest, without having to construct artificial model systems. In addition to presenting a statistical analysis of the large number of short-range coupling constants in large molecular systems, we analyse the asymptotic dependence of the indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants on the internuclear separation. In particular, we demonstrate that, in a sufficiently large one-electron basis set, the indirect spin-spin coupling constants become proportional to the inverse cube of the internuclear separation, even though the diamagnetic and paramagnetic spin-orbit contributions to the spin-spin coupling constants separately decay as the inverse square of this separation. By contrast, the triplet Fermi contact and spin-dipole contributions to the indirect spin-spin coupling constants decay exponentially and as the inverse cube of the internuclear separation, respectively. Thus, whereas short-range indirect spin-spin coupling constants are usually dominated by the Fermi contact contribution, long-range coupling constants are always dominated by the negative diamagnetic spin-orbit contribution and by the positive paramagnetic spin-orbit contribution, with small spin-dipole and negligible Fermi contact contributions.     

Nuclear magnetic resonance J coupling constant polarizabilities of hydrogen peroxide: A basis set and correlation study

In this article, we present the so far most extended investigation of the calculation of the coupling constant polarizability of a molecule. The components of the coupling constant polarizability are derivatives of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) indirect nuclear spin–spin coupling constant with respect to an external electric field and play an important role for both chiral discrimination and solvation effects on NMR coupling constants. In this study, we illustrate the effects of one‐electron basis sets and electron correlation both at the level of density functional theory as well as second‐order polarization propagator approximation for the small molecule hydrogen peroxide, which allowed us to perform calculations with the largest available basis sets optimized for the calculation of NMR coupling constants. We find a systematic but rather slow convergence with the one‐electron basis set and that augmentation functions are required. We observe also large and nonsystematic correlation effects with significant differences between the density functional and wave function theory methods. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Systematic Gaussian basis-set limit using completeness-optimized primitive sets. A case for magnetic properties

We discuss the connection between the completeness of a basis set, measured by the completeness profiles introduced by Chong (Can J Chem 1995, 73, 79) at a certain exponent interval, and the possibility of reproducing molecular properties that arise either in the region close to the atomic nuclei or in the valence region. We present a scheme for generating completeness-optimized Gaussian basis sets, in which a preselected range of exponents is covered to an arbitrary accuracy. This is done by requiring Gaussian functions, the exponents of which are selected without reference to the atomic structure, to span the range with completeness profile as close to unity as wanted with as few functions as possible. The initial exponent range can be chosen suitable for calculations of molecular energetics or other valence-like properties. By extending the exponent range, properties requiring augmentation of the basis at a given angular momentum value and/or in a given distance range from the nucleus may be straightforwardly and systematically treated. In this scheme a universal, element-independent exponent set is generated in an automated way. The relation of basis-set completeness and performance in the calculation of magnetizability, nuclear magnetic shielding, and spin-spin coupling is tested with the completeness-optimized primitive sets and literature basis sets.     

An NMR and relativistic DFT investigation of one-bond nuclear spin-spin coupling in solid triphenyl group-14 chlorides

A solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and zeroth-order regular approximation density functional theory, ZORA-DFT, study of one-bond nuclear spin-spin coupling between group-14 nuclei and quadrupolar 35/37Cl nuclei in triphenyl group-14 chlorides, Ph3XCl (X = C, Si, Ge, Sn and Pb), is presented. This represents the first combined experimental and theoretical systematic study of spin-spin coupling involving spin-pairs containing quadrupolar nuclei. Solid-state NMR spectra have been acquired for all compounds in which X has a spin-1/2 isotope--13C, 29Si, [117/119]Sn and 207Pb-at applied magnetic fields of 4.70, 7.05 and 11.75 T. From simulations of these spectra, values describing the indirect spin-spin coupling tensor-the isotropic indirect spin-spin coupling constant, 1J(X, 35/37Cl)iso and the anisotropy of the J tensor, Delta1J(X, 35/37Cl)--have been determined for all but the lead-chlorine spin-pair. To better compare the indirect spin-spin coupling parameters between spin-pairs, 1J(iso) and Delta1J values were converted to their reduced coupling constants, 1K(iso) and Delta1K. From experiment, the sign of 1K(iso) was found to be negative while the sign of Delta1K is positive for all spin-pairs investigated. The magnitude of both 1K(iso) and Delta1K was found to increase as one moves down group-14. Theoretical values of the magnitude and sign of 1K(iso) and Delta1K were obtained from ZORA-DFT calculations and are in agreement with the available experimental data. From the calculations, the Fermi-contact mechanism was determined to provide the largest contribution to 1K(iso) for all spin-pairs while spin-dipolar and paramagnetic spin-orbit mechanisms make significant contributions to the anisotropy of K. The inclusion of relativistic effects was found to influence K(Sn,Cl) and K(Pb,Cl).     

Non-empirical calculations of NMR indirect carbon-carbon coupling constants. Part 8--monocycloalkanes

Carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen spin-spin coupling constants were calculated in the series of the first six monocycloalkanes using SOPPA and SOPPA(CCSD) methods, and very good agreement with the available experimental data was achieved, with the latter method showing slightly better results in most cases, at least in those involving calculations of J(C,C). Benchmark calculations of all possible 21 coupling constants J(C,C), J(C,H) and J(H,H) in chair cyclohexane revealed the importance of using the appropriate level of theory and adequate quality of the basis sets. Many unknown couplings in this series were predicted with high confidence and several interesting structural trends (hybridization effects, multipath coupling transmission mechanisms, hyperconjugative interactions) were elucidated and are discussed based on the present calculations of spin-spin couplings.     

Basis set convergence of indirect spin-spin coupling constants in the Kohn-Sham limit for several small molecules

The performance of more than 40 density functionals in predicting indirect spin-spin coupling constants (SSCCs) in the Kohn-Sham basis set limit was tested. For comparison, similar calculations were performed using the RHF, SOPPA, SOPPA(CC2), and SOPPA(CCSD) methods, and the results were estimated toward the complete basis set (CBS) limit. The SSCCs of nine small molecules (N(2), CO, CO(2), NH(3), CH(4), C(2)H(2), C(2)H(4), C(2)H(6), and C(6)H(6)) were calculated using the dedicated Jensen pcJ-n polarization-consistent basis sets and used for the CBS limit estimations within the Kohn-Sham limit. These CBS results were compared with calculations using the aug-cc-pVTZ-J basis set. Among the 41 studied DFT methods, the tHCTHhyb, HSEh1PBE, HSE2PBE, wB97XD, wB97, and wB97X functionals reproduced accurately the experimental (1)J(XH) SSCCs and (3)J(HH60) and (2)J(HH(gem)) in ethane. Similarly, the functionals HSEh1PBE, HSE2PBE, wB97XD, wB97, and wB97X predicted accurately (1)J(CC), and B98, B97-1, B97-2, PBE1PBE, B1LYP, and O3LYP provided accurate (1)J(CO) results in the CO molecule. A very good performance for the calculation of the SSCCs based on the use of the relatively small basis set aug-cc-pVTZ-J was observed.     

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations of nuclear spin-spin coupling constants in PH2, PH3, PH4 and P2H4

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations of nuclear spin-spin coupling constants in PH⁻₂, PH₃, PH⁺₄ and P₂H₄ have been carried out employing SCF perturbation theory. Basis set dependence of all the four contributing terms has been studied in order to find the criterion for the selection of basis sets to be employed for computing this property. The dependence of the coupling constants of PH⁻₂ on its geometry has also been found. This study also discusses the requirement for satisfactory computation of couplings in cases where none of the coupling nuclei is a proton. It is found that bond-centred functions along with at least double zeta basis sets reproduce coupling constants quite satisfactorily. In all the cases studied, uncontracted core basis functions yield couplings which are in better agreement with experimental couplings than those obtained with contracted core functions.     

An ab initio calculation of 14n quadrupole coupling constants

Ab initio SCF-MO calculations of ¹⁴N quadrupole coupling constants are reported for HCN, HNC, CH₃CN, CH₃NC, NH₃, NH₂NH₂, FCN, N₂O, (CN)₂, BrCN, pyridine and pyrazine. There is excellent correlation between calculation and experiment yielding Q = 1.503 ± 0.159 × 10^?26 cm² for the ¹⁴N nuclear quadrupole moment. Dunning sp basis sets are more than adequate for such calculations, STO/4G basis sets yielding almost identical results for pyridine and pyrazine. Unsuccessful attempts were made to correlate coupling constants with electronic population analysis indices.     

A fully relativistic method for calculation of nuclear magnetic shielding tensors with a restricted magnetically balanced basis in the framework of the matrix Dirac-Kohn-Sham equation

A new relativistic four-component density functional approach for calculations of NMR shielding tensors has been developed and implemented. It is founded on the matrix formulation of the Dirac-Kohn-Sham (DKS) method. Initially, unperturbed equations are solved with the use of a restricted kinetically balanced basis set for the small component. The second-order coupled perturbed DKS method is then based on the use of restricted magnetically balanced basis sets for the small component. Benchmark relativistic calculations have been carried out for the (1)H and heavy-atom nuclear shielding tensors of the HX series (X=F,Cl,Br,I), where spin-orbit effects are known to be very pronounced. The restricted magnetically balanced basis set allows us to avoid additional approximations and/or strong basis set dependence which arises in some related approaches. The method provides an attractive alternative to existing approximate two-component methods with transformed Hamiltonians for relativistic calculations of chemical shifts and spin-spin coupling constants of heavy-atom systems. In particular, no picture-change effects arise in property calculations.     

Anharmonic analysis of the vibrational spectrum of ketene by density functional theory using second-order perturbative approach

The paper reports main results of a comprehensive study of the vibrational spectrum of ketene computed using second-order perturbation theory treatment based on quartic, cubic and semidiagonal quartic force constants. Two different models--a homogeneous model using the same density functionals and basis functions for the harmonic calculations and anharmonic corrections, and a hybrid model in which the two parts of the calculation are conducted using different density functionals and basis sets--have been employed in the present calculations. Different DFT and CCSD methods and DZ and TZ extended basis sets involving diffuse and polarization functions have been used to calculate optimized and vibrationally averaged geometrical parameters, the harmonic and anharmonic vibrational frequencies and the spectroscopic constants such as anharmonicity constants, rotational constants, rotation-vibration coupling constants, Nielsen's centrifugal distortion constants and Coriolis coupling constants. Homogeneous model is found to be superior to the hybrid model in several respects. Difficulties in the hybrid model may arise due to one of the following reasons: (a) the basic requirement that the geometry optimization and frequency calculations must be done at the same level of theory to have valid frequencies is not met in the hybrid model; (b) the molecular structure gets reoptimized at the low level for anharmonic corrections; (c) in addition, the perturbation could also diverge for the above reasons, particularly for the very low, very anharmonic terms where the harmonic approximation is not close enough to make the perturbation work.     

Basis set construction for molecular electronic structure theory: natural orbital and Gauss-Slater basis for smooth pseudopotentials

A simple yet general method for constructing basis sets for molecular electronic structure calculations is presented. These basis sets consist of atomic natural orbitals from a multiconfigurational self-consistent field calculation supplemented with primitive functions, chosen such that the asymptotics are appropriate for the potential of the system. Primitives are optimized for the homonuclear diatomic molecule to produce a balanced basis set. Two general features that facilitate this basis construction are demonstrated. First, weak coupling exists between the optimal exponents of primitives with different angular momenta. Second, the optimal primitive exponents for a chosen system depend weakly on the particular level of theory employed for optimization. The explicit case considered here is a basis set appropriate for the Burkatzki-Filippi-Dolg pseudopotentials. Since these pseudopotentials are finite at nuclei and have a Coulomb tail, the recently proposed Gauss-Slater functions are the appropriate primitives. Double- and triple-zeta bases are developed for elements hydrogen through argon. These new bases offer significant gains over the corresponding Burkatzki-Filippi-Dolg bases at various levels of theory. Using a Gaussian expansion of the basis functions, these bases can be employed in any electronic structure method. Quantum Monte Carlo provides an added benefit: expansions are unnecessary since the integrals are evaluated numerically.     

Supplementary d and f functions in molecular wave functions: Optimum and nonoptimum exponents

Energy optimization calculations have been carried out to determine the variability of optimum p, d, and f polarization function exponents in molecules containing first- and second-row elements and in normal valency and hypercoordinate species. Optimum exponents were determined for single sets of higher-order functions at both Hartree–Fock and correlated (Moller–Plesset) levels of theory using the Dunning–Hay double zeta and the McLean–Chandler triple zeta basis sets. More detailed calculations were used to test the response to nonoptimum d and f function exponents of the total energy, the optimum geometry, and harmonic stretching frequencies. The variability in optimum exponents and the size of the energy penalties incurred by adopting nonoptimum values reduces the utility of standard exponents for p, d, and f polarization functions. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.