Analysis of Main Factors Determining the Prediction of Stabilization Energies of Halide-water Clusters

This work studies the main factors determining the stabilization energy [E _stab(n)] of a series of halide clusters, [X(H₂O) _n ]⁻ (X≡F, Br and I). This property measures the difference between the ionization process of the hydrated and isolated halide. In a previous paper [J. Chem. Phys., 121, 7269 (2004)], the E _stab(n) was studied for a large number of clusters (up to n = 60) by using classical computer simulations based on first-principles polarizable potentials to describe the halide–water interactions. In this work we analyze what features of the MCDHO-type model are necessary for a proper reproduction of the experimental E _stab. The role of the charge redistribution (polarizability) of the water molecule and halide anion, the geometrical relaxation of water molecule (flexibility), as well as the replacement of water clusters by a dielectric continuum of different dielectric permittivities are presented and discussed. The parallel behavior of the E _stab magnitude with the dielectric permittivity of the continuum and with the number of water molecules forming the cluster supports that the electrostatic interactions are the main responsible for the changes induced on the electron structures determining the energetics of the photodetachement process. The photodetachment process does not only occur without nuclear relaxation but also with a small electron redistribution of water molecules.