Perturbational analysis of the regioselectivity in the acrolein dimerization

Using intermolecular SCF-perturbation theory, the controlling factors determining the regioselectivity in the acrolein dimerization are derived by a rigorous decomposition of the interaction energy. This partitioning of the interaction energy is performed up to a level where a comparison with frontier orbital models is possible. The regioselectivity is found to be determined by orbital interactions occuring via the terminal atoms and atoms involved in secondary Woodward-Hoffmann interactions.