Comparative studies on the structures,infrared spectrum,and thermodynamic properties of phthalocyanine using ab initio Hartree–Fock and density functional theory methods

The molecular structure, vibrational spectrum, standard thermodynamic functions, and enthalpy of formation of free base phthalocyanine (Pc) have been studied using the density functional theory B3LYP procedure, as well as the ab initio Hartree–Fock method. Various basis sets 3‐21G, 6‐31G*, and LANL2DZ have been employed. The results obtained at various levels are discussed and compared with each other and with the available experimental data. It is shown that calculations performed at the Hartree–Fock level cannot produce a reliable geometry and related properties such as the dipole moment of Pc and similar porphyrin‐based systems. Electron correlation must be included in the calculations. The basis set has comparatively less effect on the calculated results. The results derived at the B3LYP level using the smaller 3‐21G and LANL2DZ basis sets are very close to those produced using the medium 6‐31G* basis set. The geometry of Pc obtained at the B3LYP level has D_2h symmetry and the diameter of the central macrocycle is about 4 Å. The enthalpy of formation of Pc in the gas phase has been predicted to be 1518.50 kJ/mol at the B3LYP/6‐311G(2d,2p)//B3LYP/6‐31G* level via an isodesmic reaction. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2001