S42+ and S42− : an ab initio study

The structures of S₄²⁺ and S₄^2? have been investigated by ab initio calculations using the GAUSSIAN 70 system of programs and the 44-31G basis set. Electronic singlet states of the square form and three possible conformations of the chain structure were examined for both ions, and the singlet rectangle form of S₄^2? was also investigated. The anti chain form of S₄²⁺ was found to be 78.3 kJ mol^? more stable than the square form, in contrast to previous experimental data. S₄^2?is predicted to adopt the chain structure with the anti conformation.