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:
Molecular difference densities (DD) are conventionally constructed using spherically averaged atomic densities at the appropriate positions. For atoms in degenerate ground states, this is an unphysical choice, and artifacts dominate the DD. We suggest the extraction of both the position and the orientation of an atom with an open valence shell from x-ray scattering or molecular density data. Subtracting the oriented atoms yields a uniquely defined, as well as chemically meaningful, DD. Covalent bonds to electronegative atoms such as O are no longer exceptional but show bond charges of normal magnitude. Lone pairs are characterized by a dipolar density shift from the bond to the back side of the atomic core.
Additional Material:
2 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/qua.560290428
