Relativistic perturbation theory of molecular structure

Summary The recently developed relativistic double perturbation theory is extended to handle relativistic changes of molecular structure more easily. This is achieved by simple coordinate scalings. Accurate higher order mixed perturbation energies for H₂⁺ are calculated. The relativistic changes of bond energy,DE, of bond length,R_e, and especially of force constant,k, and of anharmonicity,a, are large, up to 100%·(Z/c)². The dominant contributions tok anda are due to the indirect change of the nonrelativistick anda connected with the relativistic change of bond length. Accordingly the relativistic changes obey Badger's and Gordy's rules (–RDEk).Dedicated to Prof. Klaus Ruedenberg in appreciation of his fundamental contributions to both formal theory and physical explanations in quantum chemistry