Relativistic molecular orbital theory of zero-field splittings in triplets

A method of calculating matrix elements of 1/r₁₂ in a basis of Dirac scattered-wave (DSW) orbitals is outlined. In the limit c → ∞, this method reduces to that described by Cook and Karplus for non-relativistic orbitals. For triplet states that can be described by a single configuration with two unpaired electrons, the relativistic exchange integrals give not only the singlet—triplet splittings (as in non-relativistic theory), but also the spin—orbit contributions to the triplet zero-field splittings. Results are reported for the ³ (n → π*) excited state of γ-thiopyrone (4H-pyran-4-thione), which has a very large value of D (calc. ?31 cm^?1, exp. ?24 to ?28 cm^?1).