Full CI benchmark calculations for molecular properties

Full CI calculations of first- and second-order properties are presented to provide benchmark results for comparisons with other methods, such as multireference CI(MRCI). The full CI(FCI) polarizability of F^– is computed using a double zeta plus polarization plus diffuse basis set. These FCI results are compared to those obtained at other levels of theory; the CASSCF/MRCI with Davidson correction results are in excellent agreement with the FCI. Differences between the polarizability results computed as a (numerical) second derivative of the energy or as an induced dipole moment are also discussed. FCI calculations are presented for the dipole moment and polarizability of HF, CH₂ and SiH₂ using a DZP basis set. Again, the CASSCF/MRCI values are in excellent agreement with the FCI results, whereas SDCI values, whether computed as an expectation value or as an energy derivative, are much worse. The results obtained using the CPF approach are in considerably better agreement with the FCI results than SDCI, and are similar in quality to the SDCI energy derivative results with the inclusion of Davidson's correction.     

Electronic spectra of the linear magnesium-containing carbon chains MgC2nH (n = 1–5): A CASPT2 study

Complete active space self-consistent-field (CASSCF) approach has been used for the geometry optimization of the X²Σ⁺ and A²Π electronic states for the linear magnesium-containing carbon chains MgC_2nH (n = 1–5). Multireference second-order perturbation theory (CASPT2) has been used to calculate the vertical excitation energies from the ground to selected seven excited states, as well as the potential energy curves of two ²Σ⁺ and two ²Π electronic states. The studies indicate that the vertical excitation energies of the A²Π ← X²Σ⁺ transition for MgC_2nH (n = 1–5) are 2.837, 2.793, 2.767, 2.714, and 2.669 eV, respectively, showing remarkable linear size dependence. Compared with the previous TD-DFT and RCCSD(T) results, our estimates for MgC_2nH (n = 1–3) are in the best agreement with the available observed data of 2.83, 2.78, and 2.74 eV, respectively. In addition, the dissociation energies in MgC_2nH (n = 1–5) are also been evaluated.     

An ab initio quantum chemical study of the electronic structure and stability of the pyrrolyl radical: Comparison with the isoelectronic cyclopentadienyl radical

The electronic structure and stability of pyrrolyl are investigated using CASSCF, CASPT2 and G2(MP2) techniques. The ground state of pyrrolyl is found to be ²A₂, with five π-electrons, as in cyclopentadienyl. The computed N–H bond energy of pyrrole is 94.8 kcal mol⁻¹, while the heat of formation Δ_fH₂₉₈^o of pyrrolyl is deduced to be 70.5±1 kcal mol⁻¹. The Arrhenius parameters of N–H and C–H bond fission in pyrrole and cyclopentadiene and hydrogen abstraction reactions (by hydrogen) were also computed, indicating that pyrrolyl forms predominantly by C–H bond fission of pyrrolenine rather than by direct N–H bond fission.     

Crystal-field studies of trivalent Thulium in Yttrium Aluminum Garnet

CF parameters have been calculated from the splitting of some of the manifolds of Tm³⁺ in Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAlG). Values of these parameters are: A ₂ ⁰ =270 cm^–1, A ₂ ² =± 95 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁰ =–170 cm^–1, A ₄ ² =± 410 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁴ =–1020 cm^–1, A ₆ ⁰ =30 cm^–1, A ₆ ² =± 115 cm^–1, and A ₆ ⁴ =–475 cm^–1. There are indications that these parameters do not describe the splitting patterns of excited states with higher energy.

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Zusammenfassung Aus der Aufspaltung entarteter Zustände von Tm³⁺ in YAlG sind Kristallfeldparameter berechnet worden. Die Werte dieser Parameter sind: A ₂ ⁰ =270 cm^–1, A ₂ ² =± 95 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁰ =–170 cm^–1, A ₄ ² =± 410 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁴ =–1020 cm^–1, A ₆ ⁰ =30 cm^–1, A ₆ ² =± 115 cm^–1, und A ₆ ⁴ =–475 cm^–1. Es gibt Anzeichen dafür, daß diese Parameter nicht das Aufspaltungsmuster angeregter Zustände höherer Energie beschreiben.

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Résumé On a calculé les paramètres du champ cristallin à partir de la séparation obtenue par levée de dégénerescence pour les niveaux de Tm³⁺ dans le grenat d'yttrium aluminium (YAlG). Les valeurs de ces paramètres sont: A ₂ ⁰ =270 cm^–1, A ₂ ² =±95 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁰ =–170 cm^–1, A ₄ ² = ± 410 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁴ =–1020 cm^–1, A ₆ ⁰ =30 cm^–1, A ₆ ² =± 115 cm^–1 et A ₆ ⁴ =–475 cm^–1. Il existe des indications selon lesquelles ces paramètres ne décrivent pas l'aspect des séparations des états excités d'énergies plus élevées.

     

Energy levels and crystal-field calculations of trivalent ytterbium in yttrium aluminum garnet and yttrium gallium garnet

The splitting of the two ² F states of Yb³⁺:YAlG and Yb³⁺:YGaG, have been determined from fluorescence and absorption spectra at low temperatures. The levels of the ground states of Yb³⁺: YAlG are at: 0, 388, 613, 778 cm^–1, those of Yb³⁺: YGaG at 0, 308, 567, and 672 cm^–1. Crystal field calculations yield the following values for Yb³⁺:YAlG; A ₂ ⁰ =270 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁰ =–165 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁴ =–1155 cm^–1, A ₀ ⁶ =21 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁶ =–304 cm^–1 and for Yb³⁺:YGaG: A ₀ ² =110 cm^–1, A ₀ ⁴ =–125 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁴ =–1250 cm^–1, A ₀ ⁶ =10 cm^–1 and A ₄ ⁶ =–142 ^–1 A satisfactory agreement has been found for calculated and observed splitting patterns.

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Zusammenfassung Die Aufspaltung der ² F-Zustände von Yb³⁺:YAlG(I) und Yb³⁺:YGaG (II) wurde bei tiefen Temperaturen aus Fluoreszenz- und Absorptionsspektren bestimmt. Die Niveaus des Grundzustandes von (I) liegen bei 0, 388, 613, 778 ^–1, die von (II) bei 0, 308, 567 und 672 ^–1. Die Ligandenfeldtheorie ergibt folgende Werte für die Kristallfeldparameter: für (I) A ₂ ⁰ =270 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁰ =–165 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁴ =–1155 cm^–1, A ₀ ⁶ =21 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁶ =–304 cm^–1 unf für (II) A ₀ ² =110 cm^–1, A ₀ ⁴ =–125 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁴ =–1250 cm^–1, A=10 cm^–1 and A ₄ ⁶ =–142 ^–1. Die Übereinstimmung zwischen berechneter und beobachteter Aufspaltung war befriedigend.

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Résumé La division, par le champ de ligandes, des états ² F _7/2 et ² F _5/2 dans Yb³⁺:YAlG et Yb³⁺:YGaG a été déterminée des spectres de fluorescence et d'absorption. Les sous-niveaux de l'état fordamental se situent à 0, 388, 613, 778 cm^–1 dans Yb³⁺:YAlG, à 0, 308, 567, 672 cm^–1 Yb³⁺: YGaG. Le calcul fournit les valeurs suivantes pour les paramètres: Yb³⁺: YAlG A ₂ ⁰ =270 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁰ =–165 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁴ =–1155 cm^–1, A ₀ ⁶ =21 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁶ = -304 cm^–1 Yb³⁺:YGaG: A ₀ ² =110 cm^–1, A ₀ ⁴ =–125 cm^–1, A ₄ ⁴ =–1250 cm^–1, A ₀ ⁶ =10 cm^–1 et A ₄ ⁶ =–142 ^–1. L'accord entre les spectres calculé et observé est satisfaisant.

     

Calorimetric study of phase transitions in the thiourea carbon tetrachloride inclusion compound

Heat capacities of the inclusion compound (thiourea)_3.00CCl₄ have been measured in the temperature range 15–300 K. A first-order phase transition was found at 41.3 K and a second-order transition at 67.17 K. The enthalpy and entropy of the transition are 149 J mol^–1 and 3.7 J K^–1 mol^–1 for the former, and 241 J mol^–1 and 3.9 J K^–1 mol^–1 for the latter. A divergent expression C = A{(T _c –T)/T _c} ^– was fitted to the excess heat capacity of the upper phase transition. The best-fit parameters wereA = 7.4 J K^–1 mol^–1,T _c = 67.166 K and = 0.31. Possible types of molecular disorder in the high temperature phase are discussed in relation to the transition entropy and the molecular and site symmetries of the guest molecule. The heat capacity of the lowest temperature phase was unusually large and may indicate the existence of very low frequency vibrational modes or labile configurational excitation of the guest molecule. Standard thermodynamic functions were calculated from the heat capacity data and are tabulated in the appendix.Contribution No. 11 from the Microcalorimetry Research Center.     

Energy transfer and migration in highly forbidden transitions of lanthanide ion doped crystals

Förster–Dexter theory for resonant energy transfer is extended to higher order and applied to explain the rates of energy transfer and migration processes in highly forbidden transitions for some solid-state lanthanide (Ln) ion systems for which experimental results are available. The second-order two-body energy transfer mechanism involves two inter-ion correlated dipole electrostatic interactions, i.e. dipole dipole–dipole dipole (dd–dd) energy transfer, also termed Axe–Axe energy transfer in view of the similarity of the theoretical formalism with that for two-photon transitions. Each of the dipolar transitions consists of a transition from the 4fⁿ configuration to an opposite-parity configuration, taken to be 4fⁿ⁻¹5d. dd–dd energy transfer is a short-range (R⁻¹²) interaction so that it is most important in systems with short donor Ln–acceptor Ln separations. The energy transfer formalism is extended to include spin-forbidden transitions at one or two sites, the so-called Axe–Judd–Pooler (Axe–JP) and JP–JP energy transfer. In some cases the dd–dd mechanism is the dominant energy transfer process, as exemplified herein for energy migration in the ⁵D₀ state of Sm²⁺ in SrF₂, and also in the ⁵D₀ state of Eu³⁺ in Cs₂NaEuCl₆.     

Calorimetric study of phase transitions in the thiourea 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane clathrate compound

Heat capacities of the thiourea clathrate compound of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, {(NH₂)₂CS}₃(CHCl₂)₂, were measured at temperatures between 13 and 330 K. Two phase transitions were found. The enthalpy and entropy changes of the transition are 5940 J·mol^–1 and 28.1 JK^–1· mol^–1 for the one occurring at 224 K and 2756 J·mol^–1 and 11.3 JK^–1·mol^–1 for the other at 248 K. It is concluded from the transition entropy values that the guest molecules are orientionally disordered nearly to the same extent as in the neat liquid.Contribution No. 56 from the Microcalorimetry Research Center     

Intensités des Transitions Électroniques de [PdCl4]2− Intensities of Electronic Transitions of [PdCl4]2−

The oscillator strengths of the symmetry-forbidden transitions of the ion [PdCl₄]^2– were calculated by a method based on the evaluation of the MO of the distorted ion. It is not very likely that the transition to¹ B _1g (a _1g (d _z ²)b _1g ) state, weak, mainlyz polarized, explains the band that appears as a shoulder observed towards 30 000 cm^–1 in the absorption spectrum. If this band is specific of the ion [PdCl₄]^2–, the assignment to the forbidden charge-transfer transition,¹ A _1g ¹ B _2g , is more plausible.

     

Theoretical rotational-vibrational spectra of theX 3 B 1,a 1 A 1 andb 1 B 1 states of NH 2 +

Summary The three-dimensional potential energy functions have been calculated from highly correlated multireference configuration interaction electronic wavefunctions for theX ³ B ₁,a ¹ A ₁, andb ¹ B ₁ states of the NH ₂ ⁺ ion. For the quasi-linear electronic ground state this information and the electric dipole moment functions have been used to calculate spectroscopic constants, line intensities and rotationally resolved absorption spectra. For thea ¹ A ₁-b ¹ B ₁ bent/quasi-linear Renner-Teller system ro-vibronic energy levels have been obtained from a variational approach accounting for anharmonicity, rotation-vibration and electronic angular momenta coupling effects. The vibronic levels are given for energies up to 13 500 cm^–1 for the bending levels and up to 8000 cm^–1 for the stretching and combination levels.Dedicated in the honor of Prof. Werner Kutzelnigg     

A note on the electronic structure of O 2 −

Summary The electronic spectrum of O ₂ ^– is reinvestigated using CASSCF and CI methods. In particular, a previously noted curious flattening of theA ² _u curve has been studied in detail. The present analysis disagrees with the previous one where this flattening was found to be a result of an avoided curve crossing between a valence and a Rydberg state of O ₂ ^– . A simple procedure is suggested to determine whether a wavefunction is of real Rydberg character or if the bound character of the state is just an artefact of the calculation.     

Low temperature absorption spectra of KMnO4 in KClo4

The permanganate spectrum has been remeasured at liquid hydrogen and helium temperatures using spectrographs with reasonably high dispersion. Evidence is found for four absorption band systems. The first one is assigned as ¹ A ₁ ¹ T ₂ and displays a great deal of vibrational structure starting with the 0–0 line located at 18,072 cm^–1. The second transition found at 25,000 to 30,000 cm^–1 is rather featureless. The third transition with maximum at 33,000 cm^–1 shows a simple progression in quanta of 750 cm^–1. The fourth band is completely featureless with maximum intensity at 43,500 cm^–1. These findings are compared with a simplified SCF LCAO MO calculation.

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Zusammenfassung Das Permanganat-Spektrum wurde bei Temperaturen von flüssigem Wasserstoff und Helium unter Verwendung eines ausreichend auflösenden Spektrographen neu vermessen, wobei vier Absorptionssysteme gefunden wurden. Dem ersten von ihnen wurde ein ¹ A ₁ ¹ T ₂-Übergang zugeordnet; es besitzt eine ausgeprägte Vibrationsstruktur (0–0-Bande bei 18,072 cm^–1, während das folgende zwischen 25,000 und 30,000 cm^–1 kaum eine Struktur zeigt. Der dritte Übergang mit Maximum bei 33,000 cm^–1 zeigt einfache Progressionen entsprechend Quanten von 750 cm^–1. Die vierte Bande schließlich ist vollkommen strukturlos und hat ihr Maximum bei 43,500 cm^–1. Diesen Daten wurden die Ergebnisse einer einfachen SCF-LCAO-MO-Rechnung gegenübergestellt.

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Résumé Le spectre du permanganate de potassium a été réétudié aux températures de l'hydrogène et de l'hélium liquide en utilisant des spectrographes à dispersion raissonnablement élevée. On trouve la preuve de la présence de quatre systèmes de bandes d'absorption. Le premier, attribué à ¹ A ₁ ¹ T ₂, possède une forte structure vibrationnelle commencant à la bande 0–0 située à 18.072 cm^–1. La seconde transition située entre 25.000 et 30.000 cm^–1 est plutot sans structure. La troisième transition avec un maximum à 33.000 cm^–1 présente une progression simple de 750 cm^–1. La quatrième bande est complètement sans structure et a son maximum vers 43.500 cm^–1. Ces observations sont comparées avec un calcul simplifié SCF LCAO MO.

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NATO Postdoctoral Fellow 1965–66.     

First and second dissociation constants of deuterio-o-phthalic acid in D2O from 5 to 50°C

The first and second dissociation constants of deuterio-o-phthalic acid in deuterium oxide have been determined by the emf method over the temperature range of 5 to 50°C. The pD values for potassium deuterium phthalate have been calculated from these two constants and experimentally verified. The thermodynamic properties for the dissociation of deuterio-o-phthalic acid have been evaluated. At 25°C, these values in the molality scale are: pK _1A =3.505, pK _2A =5.890, and pD=4.518. From K _1A and K _2A , respectively: G ^o =20.003, 33.582 kJ-mol^–1; H ^o =2.851, 2.208 kJ-mol^–1; S ^o =–76.7, –105.2 J-mol^–1-K^–1; and C _p ^o =–52.7, –315.6 J-mol^–1-K^–1. The isotope effect is discussed.     

Ab initio Study of the Geometrical and Electronic Structures of Sc(MDA)2 and Sc(MDA)3 Molecules

The geometrical parameters, force fields, and vibrational spectra of various geometrical configurations of Sc(MDA)₂ and Sc(MDA)₃ molecules were calculated using the restricted Hartree—Fock method taking into account electron correlation by second–order Möller–Plesset perturbation theory. The calculations were performed using effective pseudopotentials for describing atomic cores and valence double zeta basis sets supplemented by polarization functions. It was shown that the configurations of D ₃ [Sc(MDA)₃] and D _2h [Sc(MDA)₂] symmetry correspond to the minimum on the potential energy surface of the ground electronic state. The configurations of D _3h symmetry for Sc(MDA)₃ and D _2d for Sc(MDA)₂ correspond to first–order saddle points. The ground electronic states of Sc(MDA)₂ and Sc(MDA)₃ molecules are the states of ² A _g and ¹ A ₁ symmetries, respectively. For both configurations (D _2h and D _2d of the Sc(MDA)₂ molecule, the energies of vertical electron transitions were calculated using the CASSCF method. The formation of chemical bonding in the compounds considered was analyzed. It was shown that the Sc–O bond is predominantly ionic and the conjugation is characteristic only of the oxygen–carbon skeleton of the chelate fragment. The results obtained are compared with literature experimental and theoretical data for related compounds.     

Kinetics of the thermal decomposition of [Co(NH3)6]2(C2O4)3·4H2O

The thermal decomposition of [Co(NH₃)₆]₂(C₂O₄)₃·4H₂O was studied under isothermal conditions in flowing air and argon. Dissociation of the above complex occurs in three stages. The kinetics of the particular stages thermal decomposition have been evaluated. The R_N and/or A_M models were selected as those best fitting the experimental TG curves. The activation energies,E, and lnA were calculated with a conventional procedure and by a new method suggested by Kogaet al. [10, 11]. Comparison of the results have showed that the Arrhenius parameters values estimated by the use of both methods are very close. The calculated activation energies were in air: 96 kJ mol^–1 (R_1.575, stage I); 101 kJ mol^–1 (Ain1.725 stage II); 185 kJ mol^–1 (A _2.9, stage III) and in argon: 66 kJ mol^–1 (A _1.25, stage I); 87 kJ mol^–1 (A _1.825, stage II); 133 kJ mol^–1 (A _2.525, stage III).     

The molecular and electronic structure of dibenzo[g,p]chrysene: A twisted case

Summary Studies of the electronic structure and spectrum of dibenzo [g,p]chrysene, carried out in 1965 and 1985, were not fully conclusive. They are repeated here by means of improved linear dichroism spectroscopy, quantum mechanical calculations of the spectra, and structural studies. Based on the new evidence, especially the observed transition moment directions, it is concluded that the molecule is nonplanar with D₂ symmetry. The experimentally determined transition moment directions also allow a complete assignment of all significant transitions in the region 25 000 to 45 000 cm^–1. All three possible (perpendicular) transition moment directions are represented among the observed electronic transitions.Dedicated to Jan Linderberg on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

Theoretical studies on N-loss predissociation mechanisms of N2O+ (A?2Σ+) in Cs symmetry

The N-loss predissociation mechanisms of the A ²Σ⁺ (2 ² A′) state of N₂O⁺ to the first and second dissociation limits were studied in the C _s symmetry. The potential energy curves (PECs) and minimum energy crossing points (MECPs) for the C _s states of N₂O⁺ were calculated at the CAS levels. On the basis of our CAS calculation results (CASPT2 energetic results and CASSCF spin orbit couplings), we suggest two processes for N-loss predissociation mechanisms of A ²Σ⁺ (2 ² A′) to the first and second limits. The first two steps in the two processes are the same: A ²Σ⁺ passes through the 2 ² A′/1 ⁴ A″ MECP and then reaches the 1 ⁴ A″ (1 ⁴Σ⁻) PEC. The 2 ² A′/1 ⁴ A″ MECP has a bent geometry and is slightly higher in energy than the transition state along the 1 ⁴ A″ PEC. Our mechanisms are different from the previously suggested mechanisms (via 1 ⁴Π).     

Far-infrared spectrum,conformational stability,barriers to internal rotation,normal coordinate calculations,and vibrational assignment for chloroacetaldehyde

The far infrared spectrum [350 to 25 cm^–1] of gaseous chloroacetaldehyde, ClCH₂CHO, has been recorded at a resolution of 0.10 cm^–1. The first excited-state transition of the asymmetric torsion of the more stable near s-cis [chlorine atom s-cis to the aldehyde hydrogen atom] conformer has been observed at 26.9 cm^–1, with seven additional upper state transitions falling to higher frequency. Additionally, the fundamental torsional transition of the s-trans conformer has been observed at 58.9 cm^–1 with two excited states also falling to higher frequency. From these data, the asymmetric torsional potential coefficients have been determined to be:V ₁=414±11;V ₂ = 191±3;V ₃=–203±5;V ₄=44±1 andV ₆=–26±1 cm^–1. The s-cis to s-trans barrier is 500±5 cm^–1 (1.43±0.01 kcal mol^–1) with the s-cis conformer being more stable by 267±19 cm^–1 (0.76±0.05 kcal mol^–1) than the s-trans form. The Raman [4000 to 100 cm^–1] and infrared (4000 to 400 cm^–1] spectra of the gas have been recorded. Additionally, the Raman spectrum of the liquid has been recorded and qualitative depolarization values obtained. Complete vibrational assignments are proposed for both conformers based on band contours, depolarization values, and group frequencies. The assignments are supported by ab initio Hartree-Fock gradient calculations employing the 3–21G^* basis set to obtain the frequencies and the potential energy distributions for the normal vibrations for both rotamers. Additional ab initio calculations at the MP4/6-31G^* level have been carried out to determine the structural parameters for both conformers. The results are discussed and compared with the corresponding quantities obtained for some similar molecules.This contribution taken in part from the thesis of C. L. Tolley which will be submitted to the Department of Chemistry in partial fulfillment of the Ph.D. degree.     

The electronic structures of pyridine-N-oxide and related compounds

The electronic structures of pyridinen-oxide, 2- and 4-methoxypyridinen-oxide, their conjugate acids, and 2- and 4-pyridone are calculated using the Pariser-Parr-Pople SCF-CI approximation. The results indicate that the¹ B ₁¹ A ₁ transition of pyridinen-oxide lies in the same energy region as the transition previously assigned as beingn -*. The strong electronic transitions in the 250–280 m region of pyridine-n-oxide, 4-methoxypyridinen-oxide, and 4-pyridone are assigned as being¹ A ₁¹ A ₁.

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Zusammenfassung Die elektronischen Strukturen von Pyridin-N-Oxyd, 2- und 4-Methoxypyridin-N-Oxyd, ihrer Kationen, und von 2- und 4-Pyridon wurden nach der Methode von Pariser-Parr-Popple SCF-CI berechnet. Es ergibt sich, daß der¹ B ₁¹ A ₁ Übergang des Pyridin-N-Oxyds etwa die gleiche Energie besitzt, wie die bisher einemn -* Übergang zugeordnete Bande. Der intensitätsstarke Übergang des Pyridin-N-oxyds, 4-Methoxypyridin-N-oxyds und 4-Pyridons im Bereich von 250–280 m wird einem¹A₁¹ A ₁ Übergang zugeordnet.

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Résumé Les structures électroniques de l'oxyde de pyridine, desn-oxydes de 2- et 4-methoxypyridine, leurs cations, et les 2- et 4-pyridone sont calculés par l'approximation Pariser-Parr-Pople SCF-CI. Les résultats obtenus indiquent que la transition¹ B ₁¹ A ₁ dun-oxyde de pyridine est située dans la même région d'énergie que la transition assignée auparavant comme étantn -*. Les transitions électroniques fortes dans la région de 250–280 m dun-oxyde de pyridine, dun-oxyde de 4-methoxypyridine et du 4-pyridone sont assignées comme étant¹ A ₁¹ A ₁.

     

Spectroscopic properties and potential energy curves of some low-lying electronic states of AlO,AlO+, LaO,and LaO+: An ab initio CASSCF study

Results of CASSCF state-averaged calculations on the lowest electronic states of LaO and LaO⁺ are reported in this work. For comparison, some low-lying electronic states of AlO and AlO⁺ are also reported. The ground state of LaO was found to be the X²Σ⁺ (R_e = 1.987 Å, ω_e = 794 cm^?1) with a low-lying A²Δ excited state. Five more excited states below 26000 cm^?1 were found. The first ionization potential (IP ) is found at 5.16 eV, resulting in an X¹Σ⁺ ground state for the LaO⁺ diatom, in opposition to AlO⁺ for which an X³ Π ground state has been found. Analysis of the wave functions, dipole moments, and Mulliken populations reveal that the bonding is quite ionic in both systems. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.