一系列水合和非水合铀酰卤族(F,Cl,Br)配合物在水溶液中的结构和紫外吸收光谱性质的密度泛函理论研究

本文考虑相对论效应并应用密度泛函理论(DFT)研究水溶液中UO2Xn(H2O)5-n(X=F,Cl,Br;n=1～4)和UO2Xn(X=F,Cl,Br;n=1～6)一系列水合和非水合铀酰化合物的结构和紫外吸收光谱性质。将这一系列物质命名为Xnm(X为F,Cl,和Br;n为卤素配体个数,m为水分子配体的个数)。在水溶液中,溶剂化效应采用类导体屏蔽模型(COSMO)并采用SAS溶剂接触曲面构造空穴模拟水溶剂对配合物的作用。配合物的紫外光谱性质采用考虑旋-轨耦合相对论效应的含时密度泛函(SO-TD-DFT)进行计算。U=O键随着F配体数目的增加而明显伸长,然而随Cl和Br配体数目的增加变化较小。随X配体数目的增加和水分子参与配位,铀与X的结合能逐渐减弱。配合物的紫外光谱计算表明铀酰氟的各种配合物并不出现特征吸收峰,而铀酰氯和铀酰溴的各种配合物均有特征吸收光谱。通过分子轨道分析可以很好解释光谱所体现的特征。     

Coordination Polyhedra OsXn(X = F, Cl, Br, I) in Crystal Structures

The Voronoi–Dirichlet polyhedra (VDP) and the method of intersecting spheres were used to perform crystal-chemical analysis of compounds containing complexes [Os _a X _b ] ^z–(X = F, Cl, Br, I). Atoms of Os(V) at X = F and Cl, of Os(IV) at X = Cl, Br, and of Os(III) at X = Br were found to exhibit a coordination number of 6 with respect to the halogen atoms and to form OsX₆octahedra. The coordination polyhedra of Os(III) for X = Cl, I are square pyramids OsX₄. Each Os(III) atom forms one Os–Os bond; as a consequence, the OsBr₆octahedra share a face in forming Os₂Br^3– ₉complexes, while the OsX₄pyramids (X = Cl, I) dimerize to produce [X₄Os–OsX₄]^2–ions. The influence of the valence state of the Os atoms and of the nature of the halogen atoms on the composition and structure of the complexes formed and some characteristics of the coordination sphere of Os were considered.     

Geometries,vibrational frequencies,and electron affinities of X2Cl (X=C,Si,Ge) clusters

Ab initio quantum chemical calculations have been performed on X₂Cl^? and X₂Cl (X = C, Si, Ge) clusters. The geometrical structures, vibrational frequencies, electronic properties and dissociation energies are investigated at the Hartree–Fock (HF), Møller–Plesset second‐ and fourth‐order (MP2, MP4), CCSD(T) level with the 6‐311+G(d) basis set. The X₂Cl (X = C, Si, Ge) and X₂Cl^? (X = Si, Ge) take a bent shape obtained at the ground state, while C₂Cl^? has a linear structure. The impact on internal electron transfer between the X₂Cl and the corresponding anional clusters is studied. The three different types of electron affinities (EAs) at the CCSD(T) are reported. The most reliable adiabatic electronic affinities, obtained at the CCSD(T)/cc‐pvqz level of theory, are predicted to be 3.30, 2.62, and 1.98 eV for C₂Cl, Si₂Cl, and Ge₂Cl, respectively. The calculated EAs of C₂Cl and Ge₂Cl are in good agreement with theoretical results reported. The correlation effects and basis sets effects on the geometrical structures and dissociation energies are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007     

Theoretical investigation on identical anionic halide‐exchange SN2 reaction processes on N‐haloammonium cation NH3X+ (X = F,Cl, Br,and I)

CCSD(T) calculations have been used for identically nucleophilic substitution reactions on N‐haloammonium cation, X^? + NH₃X⁺ (X = F, Cl, Br, and I), with comparison of classic anionic S_N2 reactions, X^? + CH₃X. The described S_N2 reactions are characterized to a double curve potential, and separated charged reactants proceed to form transition state through a stronger complexation and a charge neutralization process. For title reactions X^? + NH₃X⁺, charge distributions, geometries, energy barriers, and their correlations have been investigated. Central barriers ΔE for X^? + NH₃X⁺ are found to be lower and lie within a relatively narrow range, decreasing in the following order: Cl (21.1 kJ/mol) > F (19.7 kJ/mol) > Br (10.9 kJ/mol) > I (9.1 kJ/mol). The overall barriers ΔE relative to the reactants are negative for all halogens: ?626.0 kJ/mol (F), ?494.1 kJ/mol (Cl), ?484.9 kJ/mol (Br), and ?458.5 kJ/mol (I). Stability energies of the ion–ion complexes ΔE_comp decrease in the order F (645.6 kJ/mol) > Cl (515.2 kJ/mol) > Br (495.8 kJ/mol) > I (467.6 kJ/mol), and are found to correlate well with halogen Mulliken electronegativities (R² = 0.972) and proton affinity of halogen anions X^? (R² = 0.996). Based on polarizable continuum model, solvent effects have investigated, which indicates solvents, especially polar and protic solvents lower the complexation energy dramatically, due to dually solvated reactant ions, and even character of double well potential in reactions X^? + CH₃X has disappeared. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011     

Analysis of competing bonding parameters. Part 2. The structure of halosilanes and halogermanes (MH4−nXn,n=1–4; M=Si,Ge; X=F,Cl, Br)

A qualitative rationalization of bonding patterns in halosilanes and halogermanes (MH_4−nX_n, n=1–4; M=Si, Ge; X=F, Cl, Br) is presented. Geometrical and bonding properties in these molecules are discussed on the basis of ab initio molecular orbital calculations employing the natural bond orbital population analysis. The results have been compared with data derived previously for halomethanes. Differences in the n-dependence of the M–Cl and M–Br bond lengths for M=C, Si, Ge are explained by a significant reduction in the closed-shell repulsion between the halide atoms. As M gets larger, a continuous decrease in the X–M–X bond angle is observed. Small bond angles (for n=2, 3) are favoured by the p-rich M orbitals in the M–X bonds. They are opposed, however, by the X⋯X repulsion. As M gets larger, the X⋯X separation for a given bond angle increases. A reduction in the X–M–X bond angle is therefore accomplished without overcompensation due to the X⋯X repulsion energy. The variation in the charge density at M as a function of n has been rationalized by differences in the electronegativity of the terminal atoms H and X. Dipole moments have been computed for the molecules in the series. As in the fluoromethanes, a maximum in the dipole moments at n=2 is explained by a combination of geometric and electronic properties unique to the fluoro-compounds. These are, an n-independent charge density at the F sites and a significant decrease in the M–F bond distance as n increases.     

Magnitude and origin of the attraction and directionality of the halogen bonds of the complexes of C6F5X and C6H5X (X = I, Br, Cl and F) with pyridine

The geometries and interaction energies of complexes of pyridine with C₆F₅X, C₆H₅X (X=I, Br, Cl, F and H) and R_FI (R_F=CF₃, C₂F₅ and C₃F₇) have been studied by ab initio molecular orbital calculations. The CCSD(T) interaction energies (E_int) for the C₆F₅X–pyridine (X=I, Br, Cl, F and H) complexes at the basis set limit were estimated to be ?5.59, ?4.06, ?2.78, ?0.19 and ?4.37 kcal mol^?1, respectively, whereas the E_int values for the C₆H₅X–pyridine (X=I, Br, Cl and H) complexes were estimated to be ?3.27, ?2.17, ?1.23 and ?1.78 kcal mol^?1, respectively. Electrostatic interactions are the cause of the halogen dependence of the interaction energies and the enhancement of the attraction by the fluorine atoms in C₆F₅X. The values of E_int estimated for the R_FI–pyridine (R_F=CF₃, C₂F₅ and C₃F₇) complexes (?5.14, ?5.38 and ?5.44 kcal mol^?1, respectively) are close to that for the C₆F₅I–pyridine complex. Electrostatic interactions are the major source of the attraction in the strong halogen bond although induction and dispersion interactions also contribute to the attraction. Short‐range (charge‐transfer) interactions do not contribute significantly to the attraction. The magnitude of the directionality of the halogen bond correlates with the magnitude of the attraction. Electrostatic interactions are mainly responsible for the directionality of the halogen bond. The directionality of halogen bonds involving iodine and bromine is high, whereas that of chlorine is low and that of fluorine is negligible. The directionality of the halogen bonds in the C₆F₅I– and C₂F₅I–pyridine complexes is higher than that in the hydrogen bonds in the water dimer and water–formaldehyde complex. The calculations suggest that the C? I and C? Br halogen bonds play an important role in controlling the structures of molecular assemblies, that the C? Cl bonds play a less important role and that C? F bonds have a negligible impact.     

Halogen bonding between substituted chlorobenzene and trimethylamine: Decisive role of σ–hole and C?Cl bond breaking energy

Theoretical studies have been carried out on the halogen bonding interaction between para substituted chlorobenzene (Y C₆H₄Cl, Y = H, NH₂, CH₃, F, CN, NO₂) and N(CH₃)₃ using ab initio MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ and DFT based wB97XD/6‐311++G(d,p) methods. The positive electrostatic potential (V_S,max) on the Cl atom and the heterolytic bond breaking enthalpy of the C Cl bond have been calculated and their role on halogen bonding is discussed. The heterolytic bond breaking enthalpy of the C Cl bond is proposed as a measure of the strength of the σ‐hole on Cl atom. The binding strength of the complexes ranging between −6.13 kJ mol⁻¹ and −9.29 kJ mol⁻¹ are linearly related to the V_S,max of the Cl atom and the bond breaking enthalpy of the C Cl bond. In addition, energy decomposition analysis was performed on the halogen bonded complexes via symmetry adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) to predict the dominant energy component and the nature of the N···Cl interaction.     

Structure and bonding of three-coordinate N-heterocyclic carbene nickel nitrosyl complexes: Theoretical study

The structure and bonding of the for C₃N₃H₂X₂Ni(Cp)NO (X = H, F, Cl, Br) and their linkage isomers C₃N₃H₂X₂Ni(Cp)ON has been studied by carrying out density functional theory. The bonding nature of NiC bonds has been further explored by means of AIM method and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. Nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) values calculated at several points above ring center indicate aromaticity of heterocyclic cycle. Also, the effect of substitution (X = F, Cl, Br, CN) in N-heterocyclic carbene on the properties of complex has been shown.     

Nitrile Cluster Compounds [(M6X12)X2(RCN)4] (M=Nb, Ta; X=Cl, Br; R=Et, n-Pr, n-Bu)

Three new series of mixed-ligand clusters of the [(M₆X₁₂)X₂(RCN)₄] (M=Nb, Ta; X=Cl, Br; R=Et, n-Pr, n-Bu) composition have been prepared. It is supposed that four nitrile molecules and two halogen atoms are coordinated to the terminal octahedral coordination sites of the [M₆X₁₂]²⁺ unit.     

Ab-inito Calculations in Reductive Bond-breaking Reaction of C-X Bond in CH3X and CH2X2 with X = F and CI

MP4/6-31+G* level calculations are performed to study the reductive bond-breaking reaction of the C-X bond in halomethanes, CH₃X and CH₂X₂ where X is a fluorine atom or chlorine atom. This type of reaction involves a radical anion, after attaching an extra electron to the halomethane molecule, in which a C-X bond-breaking takes place. Products are a radical and a halogen anion. The equilibrium geometry and bond dissociation energy of the C-X bond thus found are in good agreement with previous theoretical and experimental results. The anomeric effect, electrostatic effect, and radical re-stabilization effect, are investigated to find their influences on bond length and bond dissociation energy in CH₃X and CH₂X₂. Potential energy curves are calculated for the reductive bond-cleavage process, and trends in activation energy for various cases are discussed.     

On the Oxidation of the Three‐Dimensional Aromatics [B12X12]2− (X=F,Cl, Br,I)

The perhalogenated closo‐dodecaborate dianions [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? (X=H, F, Cl, Br, I) are three‐dimensional counterparts to the two‐dimensional aromatics C₆X₆ (X=H, F, Cl, Br, I). Whereas oxidation of the parent compounds [B₁₂H₁₂]^2? and benzene does not lead to isolable radicals, the perhalogenated analogues can be oxidized by chemical or electrochemical methods to give stable radicals. The chemical oxidation of the closo‐dodecaborate dianions [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? with the strong oxidizer AsF₅ in liquid sulfur dioxide (lSO₂) yielded the corresponding radical anions [B₁₂X₁₂] ^{? ?} (X=F, Cl, Br). The presence of radical ions was proven by EPR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and supported by quantum chemical calculations. Use of an excess amount of the oxidizing agent allowed the synthesis of the neutral perhalogenated hypercloso‐boranes B₁₂X₁₂ (X=Cl, Br). These compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction of dark blue B₁₂Cl₁₂ and [Na(SO₂)₆][B₁₂Br₁₂] ? B₁₂Br₁₂. Sublimation of the crude reaction products that contained B₁₂X₁₂ (X=Cl, Br) resulted in pure dark blue B₁₂Cl₁₂ or decomposition to red B₉Br₉, respectively. The energetics of the oxidation processes in the gas phase were calculated by DFT methods at the PBE0/def2‐TZVPP level of theory. They revealed the trend of increasing ionization potentials of the [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? dianions by going from fluorine to bromine as halogen substituent. The oxidation of all [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? dianions was also studied in the gas phase by mass spectrometry in an ion trap. The electrochemical oxidation of the closo‐dodecaborate dianions [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? (X=F, Cl, Br, I) by cyclic and Osteryoung square‐wave voltammetry in liquid sulfur dioxide or acetonitrile showed very good agreement with quantum chemical calculations in the gas phase. For [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? (X=F, Cl, Br) the first and second oxidation processes are detected. Whereas the first process is quasi‐reversible (with oxidation potentials in the range between +1.68 and +2.29 V (lSO₂, versus ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc^0/+))), the second process is irreversible (with oxidation potentials ranging from +2.63 to +2.71 V (lSO₂, versus Fc^0/+)). [B₁₂I₁₂]^2? showed a complex oxidation behavior in cyclic voltammetry experiments, presumably owing to decomposition of the cluster anion under release of iodide, which also explains the failure to isolate the respective radical by chemical oxidation.     

Ab initio and AIM studies on typical π‐type and pseudo‐π‐type halogen bonds: Comparison with hydrogen bonds

Series of typical π‐type and pseudo‐π‐type halogen‐bonded complexes B ··· ClY and B ··· BrY and hydrogen‐bonded complex B ··· HY (B = C₂H₄, C₂H₂, and C₃H₆; Y = F, Cl, and Br) have been investigated using the MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ method. A striking parallelism was found in the geometries, vibrational frequencies, binding energies, and topological properties between B ··· XY and B ··· HY (X = Cl and Br). It has been found that the lengths of the weak bond d(X ··· π)/d(H ··· π), the frequencies of the weak bond ν(X ··· π)/ν(H ··· π), the frequency shifts Δν(X? Y)/Δν(H? Y), the electron densities at the bond critical point of the weak bonds ρ_c(X ··· π)/ρ_c(H ··· π), and the electron density changes Δρ_c(X? Y)/Δρ_c(H? Y) could be used as measures of the strengths of typical π‐type and pseudo‐π‐type halogen/hydrogen bonds. The typical π‐type and pseudo‐π‐type halogen bond and hydrogen bond are noncovalent interactions. For the same Y, the halogen bond strengths are in the order B ··· ClY < B ··· BrY. For the same X, the halogen bond strength decreases according to the sequence F > Cl > Br that is in agreement with the hydrogen bond strengths B ··· HF > B ··· HCl > B ··· HBr. All of these typical π‐type and pseudo‐π‐type hydrogen‐bonded and halogen‐bonded complexes have the “conflict‐type” structure. Contour maps of the Laplacian of π electron density indicate that the formation of B ··· XY halogen‐bonded complex and B ··· HY hydrogen‐bonded complex is very similar. Charge transfer is observed from B to XY/HY and both the dipolar polarization and the volume of the halogen atom or hydrogen atom decrease on B ··· XY/B ··· HY complex formation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011     

Metastable Dianions and Dications

A theoretical study of metastable dianions and dications has been carried out at the CCSD(T)//MP2 level. MX₃²⁻ and LX₄²⁻ (M=Li and Na, L=Be and Mg, X=F and Cl) have been considered as dianions, M₃X²⁺ (M=Li and Na, X=F and Cl), YH₃²⁺ and ZH₄²⁺ (Y=F and Cl and Z=O, S) as dications. Minima structures are found in all cases, but they are less stable than the corresponding dissociated pair of mono-ions. The dissociation profile of the molecules in two mono-ions has been explored showing in all cases a maximum that prevent their spontaneous dissociation. The strength and nature of the chemical bond in the dianions and dications have been analyzed with the QTAIM, NBO and LMOEDA method and compared to the corresponding monoanions and monocations.     

Competition between halogen bond and hydrogen bond in complexes of superalkali Li3S and halogenated acetylene XCCH (X = F,Cl, Br,and I)

Complexes of superalkali Li₃S and XCCH (X = F, Cl, Br, and I) have been studied with theoretical calculations at the MP2/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level. Three types of structures are found: (A) the X atom combines with the S atom through a halogen bond; (B) the X atom interacts with the π electron of Li₃S by a π halogen bond; (C) the H atom combines with the S atom through a hydrogen bond. For A and B, a heavier halogen atom makes the interaction stronger, while for C, the change of interaction energy is not obvious, showing a small dependence on the nature of the X atom in HCCX. A is more stable than B and their difference in stability decreases as X varies from Cl to I. For the F and Cl complexes, A is weaker than C, however, the former is stronger than the latter in the Br and I complexes. The above three types of interactions have been analyzed by means of electron localization function, electron density difference, and energy decomposition, and the results show that they have similar nature and features with conventional interactions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

On the kinetic stability of the SH3X species with X=F,Cl

Portions of the [S, H₃, X] (X=F, Cl) potential energy surfaces (PESs) were explored using the RHF, MP2, and QCISD(T) methods with emphasis on H₂ and HX eliminations, SH₃X→SHX+H₂ and SH₃X→SH₂+HX, respectively. Upon the halogen X substitution, the most favorable decomposition pathway of SH₄ went over to HX elimination, proceeding with a very low activation barrier of 6.9 (X=F) and 1.3 (X=Cl) kcal/mol. Moreover, the transition states (TSs) for H₂ elimination from SH₃X resembled the less favorable homopolar TS of SH₄. Upon the X=F substitution, the barrier to H₂ loss of SH₄ was calculated to increase from 19.5 to 21.5 kcal/mol. For X=Cl, only the indirect H₂ elimination path via the SH₂+HCl→SHCl+H₂ exchange was found. The hydrogen‐exchange reaction SH₂+HX→SH₂+HX was predicted to occur through formation of the hydrogen‐bonded complex XHSH₂ and with a relatively high barrier of 43.5 (X=F) and 38.5 (X=Cl) kcal/mol. FHSH₂ and ClHSH₂ were found to be the lowest energy species on the [S, H₃, F] and [S, H₃, Cl] PESs, lying 53.4 and 44.7 kcal/mol below SH₃F and SH₃Cl, respectively. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 73: 37–43, 1999     

Four-Center Nodes: Supramolecular Synthons Based on Cyclic Halogen Bonding

The isocyanide trans-[PdBr₂(CNC₆H₄-4-X′)₂] (X′=Br, I) and nitrile trans-[PtX₂(NCC₆H₄-4-X′)₂] (X/X′=Cl/Cl, Cl/Br, Br/Cl, Br/Br) complexes exhibit similar structural motif in the solid state, which is determined by hitherto unreported four-center nodes formed by cyclic halogen bonding. Each node is built up by four Type II C−X′⋅⋅⋅X−M halogen-bonding contacts and include one Type I M−X⋅⋅⋅X−M interaction, thus giving the rhombic-like structure. These nodes serve as supramolecular synthons to form 2D layers or double chains of molecules linked by a halogen bond. Results of DFT calculations indicate that all contacts within the nodes are typical noncovalent interactions with the estimated strengths in the range 0.6–2.9 kcal mol⁻¹.     

Experimental and ab initio structural study of the ketotin compounds,X3SnCR2CH2COMe: crystal structures of X3SnCMe2CH2COMe (X = Cl and I)

The MeCOCH₂CMe₂ ligand in X₃SnCMe₂CH₂COMe ( 2 ; X = halide) acts as a C,O‐chelating group both in the solid state and in non‐coordinating solutions. The intramolecular Sn? O bond lengths in trigonal bipyramidal 2 (X = Cl and I), as determined by X‐ray crystallography, indicate that the stronger interaction occurs in 2 X = Cl. Comparisons with the Sn? O bond lengths in the estertin trihalides, X₃SnCH₂CH₂CO₂R ( 1 ; R = Me), suggest that the latter form stronger chelates than do 2 . In chlorocarbon solution, 2 (X = Cl, I) undergoes exchange reactions, as shown by NMR spectra, to give all possible halide derivatives, ∑(Cl_nI_3?nSnCMe₂CH₂COMe) (n = 0–3). Various ab initio calculations on 2 and X₃SnCH₂CH₂COMe ( 3 ) have been carried out. Comparisons of the theoretical and experimental structures of 2 for X = Cl or I are reported. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

σ-Hole bond tunability in YO<Subscript>2</Subscript>X<Subscript>2</Subscript>:NH<Subscript>3</Subscript> and YO<Subscript>2</Subscript>X<Subscript>2</Subscript>:H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O complexes (X = F,Cl, Br; Y = S,Se): trends and theoretical aspects

A σ-hole is defined as an electron-deficient region on the extension of a covalently bonded group IV–VII atoms. If the electronic density in the σ-hole is sufficiently low, then this region will have a positive electrostatic potential, which allows attractive noncovalent interactions with negative sites. SO₂X₂ and SeO₂X₂ (X = F, Cl and Br) have three Lewis acid sites of σ-hole located in the outermost of chalcogen atom and X end, participating in the chalcogen and halogen bonds with NH₃ and H₂O, respectively. MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ and M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ calculations reveal that for a given halogen atom, SeO₂X₂ forms stronger chalcogen bond interactions than SO₂X₂ counterpart. Almost a perfect linear relationship is evident between the interaction energies and the magnitudes of the product of most positive and negative electrostatic potentials. The interaction energies calculated by M06-2X and MP2 methods are almost consistent with each other.     

A Comprehensive Study on Redox Behavior and Halogen Exchange in Telluropyran Derivatives

Incorporation of tellurium into polycyclic compounds may endow them with unique chemical and optoelectronic properties which are not observed in their lighter chalcogen analogues. Herein, a telluropyran-containing polycyclic compound ( T1 ) synthesized through a ring-expansion reaction from the corresponding tellurophene analogue can be reversibly oxidized into halogen adducts T1•X₂ (X=Cl, Br, I) with the formation of two Te−X bonds. Their chemical structures have been verified by two-dimensional ¹H-¹H correlation spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The halogen oxidations of T1 and the reverse thermal eliminations as well as the halogen exchange in halogen adducts T1•X₂ have been systematically investigated and compared by UV-vis absorption titration, electrochemical measurements, thermogravimetric analysis, and density functional calculations (DFT). The oxidation of Te(II) in T1 to Te(IV) in T1•X₂ results in the switch from aromaticity to nonaromaticity for the six-membered telluropyran ring, as revealed by nucleus-independent chemical shift calculations. It is also found that the halides in the halogen adducts can be exchanged by lighter ones, but not vice versa. The stabilities of the oxidized products are in the order of T1•Cl₂ > T1•Br₂ > T1•I₂ , which are consistent with the calculated rate constants and energy barriers of the elimination reactions.     

Ab initio study of the ground and lower-lying excited electronic states of NiX2 and FeX2 (X=F,Cl, Br,I) molecules

The ground and lower-lying excited electronic states of FeX₂ and NiX₂ (X=F, Cl, Br, I) molecules are systematically investigated by ab initio method at the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and multiconfigurational quasi-degenerate second-order perturbation (MCQDPT2) levels of theory. It is concluded that the dynamic electron correlation has to be taken into account in the prediction of the properties for such kind of molecules. The equilibrium bond lengths r_e(M–X), force constants and harmonic vibrational frequencies are calculated for the ground and lower-lying excited electronic states. The spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effects are analysed.