ISSN:
0020-7608
Keywords:
Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modeling
;
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
An ab initio self-consistent-field molecular orbital (SCF-MO) procedure has been used to compute the average local ionization energies [Ī(r)] of some strained molecules on three-dimensional surfaces defined by the contour of electronic density equal to 0.002 electrons/bohr3. Ī(r) is rigorously defined within the framework of SCF-MO theory and can be interpreted as the average energy needed to ionize an electron at any point in the space of a molecule. Thus, the positions of the smallest Ī(r) values (ĪSmin) on the surfaces of molecules are the sites expected to be the most reactive to electrophiles. We find ĪSmin, near the C—C bond midpoints of saturated three-membered, but not foru-membered, hydrocarbon rings. These ĪS,min are interpreted as reflecting the “σ-aromatic” character of the former. Our Ī(r) data effectively provide a “fingerprint” characterizing saturated three-membered rings, which is useful, for example, in analyzing molecules such as [1.1.1] propellane. Our results for the latter are consistent with the interpretation of it having a biradical character, as has been suggested earlier.
Additional Material:
1 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/qua.560382462
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