The properties of the metal complex hydrides

The essential features (geometries of the minima and of the saddle points, energy barriers) of the potential energy surface of the four hydrides YXH₄ mentioned in the title have been determined with two basis sets, of minimal and DZ quality respectively. The importance of the different extent of the deformation of the XH₄ group in the different structures of the four hydrides is brought out and discussed. The aspects of charge distribution and bonding are examined drawing on population analysis, comparison of the electrostatic molecular potentials and decomposition of the interaction energy (this last referred to the Y⁺ + XH₄^– YXH₄ process). The capability of XH₃ in effecting the etherolytic disruption of the Y-H bond is finally brought out.