The Reaction Path in Chemistry: Current Approaches and Perspectives

The Reaction Path in Chemistry: Current Approaches and Perspectives
Author: D. Heidrich
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 303
Release: 2013-03-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9401585393

The so-called reaction path (RP) with respect to the potential energy or the Gibbs energy ("free enthalpy") is one of the most fundamental concepts in chemistry. It significantly helps to display and visualize the results of the complex microscopic processes forming a chemical reaction. This concept is an implicit component of conventional transition state theory (TST). The model of the reaction path and the TST form a qualitative framework which provides chemists with a better understanding of chemical reactions and stirs their imagination. However, an exact calculation of the RP and its neighbourhood becomes important when the RP is used as a tool for a detailed exploring of reaction mechanisms and particularly when it is used as a basis for reaction rate theories above and beyond TST. The RP is a theoretical instrument that now forms the "theoretical heart" of "direct dynamics". It is particularly useful for the interpretation of reactions in common chemical systems. A suitable definition of the RP of potential energy surfaces is necessary to ensure that the reaction theories based on it will possess sufficiently high quality. Thus, we have to consider three important fields of research: - Analysis of potential energy surfaces and the definition and best calculation of the RPs or - at least - of a number of selected and chemically interesting points on it. - The further development of concrete vers ions of reaction theory beyond TST which are applicable for common chemical systems using the RP concept.

Quantum-Mechanical Prediction of Thermochemical Data

Quantum-Mechanical Prediction of Thermochemical Data
Author: Jerzy Cioslowski
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 264
Release: 2006-04-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0306476320

For the first time in the history of chemical sciences, theoretical predictions have achieved the level of reliability that allows them to - val experimental measurements in accuracy on a routine basis. Only a decade ago, such a statement would be valid only with severe qualifi- tions as high-level quantum-chemical calculations were feasible only for molecules composed of a few atoms. Improvements in both hardware performance and the level of sophistication of electronic structure me- ods have contributed equally to this impressive progress that has taken place only recently. The contemporary chemist interested in predicting thermochemical properties such as the standard enthalpy of formation has at his disposal a wide selection of theoretical approaches, differing in the range of app- cability, computational cost, and the expected accuracy. Ranging from high-level treatments of electron correlation used in conjunction with extrapolative schemes to semiempirical methods, these approaches have well-known advantages and shortcomings that determine their usefulness in studies of particular types of chemical species. The growing number of published computational schemes and their variants, testing sets, and performance statistics often makes it difficult for a scientist not well versed in the language of quantum theory to identify the method most adequate for his research needs.

Computational Chemistry: Reviews Of Current Trends, Vol. 5

Computational Chemistry: Reviews Of Current Trends, Vol. 5
Author: Ermanno Gianinetti
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 337
Release: 2000-10-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9814492698

This volume comprises six chapters which explore the development and applications of the methods of computational chemistry. The first chapter is on new developments in coupled-cluster (CC) theory. The homotopy method is used to obtain complete sets of solutions of nonlinear CC equations. The correspondence between multiple solutions to the CCSD, CCSDT, and full CI equations is established, and the applications of the new approach in modeling molecular systems are discussed. The second chapter reviews the computational theory for the time-dependent calculations of a solution to the Schrödinger equation for two electrons and focuses on the development of propagators to the solution.The next chapter features a discussion on a new self-consistent field for molecular interactions (SCF-MI) scheme for modifying Roothaan equations in order to avoid basis set superposition errors (BSSE). This method is especially suitable for computations of intermolecular interactions. Details of the theory, along with examples of applications to nucleic acid base pair complexes, are given. This chapter is well complemented by the following chapter, which reports the current status of computational studies of aromatic stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions among nucleic acid bases. The next chapter reveals the possibility of calculating the kinetics of chemical reactions in biological systems from the first principles. The last chapter reviews the results of rigorous ab initio studies of the series of derivatives of methane, silane, and germane. The presented molecular and vibrational parameters complement experimental data for these systems. In addition, the theoretical approach allows the prediction of the effects of halogeno-substitutions on their structures and properties.

Potential Energy Surfaces

Potential Energy Surfaces
Author: Alexander F. Sax
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 242
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642468799

Potential Energy Surfaces is a collection of lectures given at the 1996 Mariapfarr Workshop in Theoretical Chemistry, organized by Alexander F. Sax. The Mariapfarr Workshops' aim is to discuss in-depth topics in Theoretical Chemistry. The target group of these workshops is graduate students and postdocs.

Quantum Chemistry

Quantum Chemistry
Author: Tamás Veszprémi
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 381
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1461541891

`Quantum Chemistry [the branch of Computational Chemistry that applies the laws of Quantum Mechanics to chemical systems] is one of the most dynamic fields of contemporary chemistry, providing a solid foundation for all of chemistry, and serving as the basis for practical, computational methodologies with applications in virtually all branches of chemistry ... The increased sophistication, accuracy and scope of the theory of chemistry are due to a large extent to the spectacular development of quantum chemistry, and in this book the authors have made a remarkable effort to provide a modern account of the field.' From the Foreword by Paul Mezey, University of Saskatchewan. Quantum Chemistry: Fundamentals to Applications develops quantum chemistry all the way from the fundamentals, found in Part I, through the applications that make up Part II. The applications include: molecular structure; spectroscopy; thermodynamics; chemical reactions; solvent effects; and excited state chemistry. The importance of this field is underscored by the fact that the 1998 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for the development of Quantum Chemistry.

Electron, Spin and Momentum Densities and Chemical Reactivity

Electron, Spin and Momentum Densities and Chemical Reactivity
Author: Paul G. Mezey
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 328
Release: 2006-04-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 030646943X

The electron density of a non-degenerate ground state system determines essentially all physical properties of the system. This statement of the Hohenberg–Kohn theorem of Density Functional Theory plays an exceptionally important role among all the fundamental relations of Molecular Physics. In particular, the electron density distribution and the dynamic properties of this density determine both the local and global reactivities of molecules. High resolution experimental electron densities are increasingly becoming available for more and more molecules, including macromolecules such as proteins. Furthermore, many of the early difficulties with the determination of electron densities in the vicinity of light nuclei have been overcome. These electron densities provide detailed information that gives important insight into the fundamentals of molecular structure and a better understanding of chemical reactions. The results of electron density analysis are used in a variety of applied fields, such as pharmaceutical drug discovery and biotechnology. If the functional form of a molecular electron density is known, then various molecular properties affecting reactivity can be determined by quantum chemical computational techniques or alternative approximate methods.

The Role of Rydberg States in Spectroscopy and Photochemistry

The Role of Rydberg States in Spectroscopy and Photochemistry
Author: C. Sándorfy
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 524
Release: 2006-04-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0306469383

The aim of this volume is to offer a balanced overview of molecular Rydberg spectroscopy as it has developed over recent decades. Recent evolution has split Rydberg spectroscopy into two apparently distinct fields: the one concerns the low (n=3-5) Rydberg states, the other the very high (typically EMn/EM”150) Rydberg states. The former is aimed at spectral levels where Rydberg, valence-shell, and intermediate-type states interact, with a variety of photochemical consequences. The latter considers states extremely close to the ionization limit, from whereionization is possible with a very slight amount of additional energy. Recently developed techniques make it possible to produce ions in well-defined electronic, vibrational and rotational states, including states resulting from spin-orbit or Jahn-Teller splitting. It is then possible to study the structure and reactions of such state-selected ions as well as those of the corresponding neutral molecules. These techniques amount to badly needed high resolution photoelectron spectroscopy.

Some Applications of Quantum Mechanics

Some Applications of Quantum Mechanics
Author: Mohammad Reza Pahlavani
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 440
Release: 2012-02-22
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9535100599

Quantum mechanics, shortly after invention, obtained applications in different area of human knowledge. Perhaps, the most attractive feature of quantum mechanics is its applications in such diverse area as, astrophysics, nuclear physics, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, solid state physics and nanotechnology, crystallography, chemistry, biotechnology, information theory, electronic engineering... This book is the result of an international attempt written by invited authors from over the world to response daily growing needs in this area. We do not believe that this book can cover all area of application of quantum mechanics but wish to be a good reference for graduate students and researchers.

Continuum Solvation Models in Chemical Physics

Continuum Solvation Models in Chemical Physics
Author: Benedetta Mennucci
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 636
Release: 2008-02-28
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780470515228

This book covers the theory and applications of continuum solvation models. The main focus is on the quantum-mechanical version of these models, but classical approaches and combined or hybrid techniques are also discussed. Devoted to solvation models in which reviews of the theory, the computational implementation Solvation continuum models are treated using the different points of view from experts belonging to different research fields Can be read at two levels: one, more introductive, and the other, more detailed (and more technical), on specific physical and numerical aspects involved in each issue and/or application Possible limitations or incompleteness of models is pointed out with, if possible, indications of future developments Four-colour representation of the computational modeling throughout.

A Chemist's Guide to Density Functional Theory

A Chemist's Guide to Density Functional Theory
Author: Wolfram Koch
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 378
Release: 2015-11-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3527802819

"Chemists familiar with conventional quantum mechanics will applaud and benefit greatly from this particularly instructive, thorough and clearly written exposition of density functional theory: its basis, concepts, terms, implementation, and performance in diverse applications. Users of DFT for structure, energy, and molecular property computations, as well as reaction mechanism studies, are guided to the optimum choices of the most effective methods. Well done!" Paul von Rague Schleyer "A conspicuous hole in the computational chemist's library is nicely filled by this book, which provides a wide-ranging and pragmatic view of the subject.[...It] should justifiably become the favorite text on the subject for practioneers who aim to use DFT to solve chemical problems." J. F. Stanton, J. Am. Chem. Soc. "The authors' aim is to guide the chemist through basic theoretical and related technical aspects of DFT at an easy-to-understand theoretical level. They succeed admirably." P. C. H. Mitchell, Appl. Organomet. Chem. "The authors have done an excellent service to the chemical community. [...] A Chemist's Guide to Density Functional Theory is exactly what the title suggests. It should be an invaluable source of insight and knowledge for many chemists using DFT approaches to solve chemical problems." M. Kaupp, Angew. Chem.