Accurate diabatization based on combined-hyperbolic-inverse-power-representation: 1,2 2A' states of BeH2.

A diabatic potential energy matrix (DPEM) for the two lowest states of BeH2+ has been constructed using the combined-hyperbolic-inverse-power-representation (CHIPR) method. By imposing symmetry constraints on the coefficients of polynomials, the complete nuclear permutation inversion symmetry is correctly preserved in the CHIPR functional form. The symmetrized CHIPR functional form is then used in the diabatization by ansatz procedure. The ab initio energies are reproduced with satisfactory accuracy. In addition, the CHIPR-based DPEM also reproduces the local topology of a conical intersection. Future work will focus on a complete four-state diabatic representation with emphasis on the long-range interactions and spin-orbit couplings, which will enable accurate quantum scattering calculations for the Be+(2P) + H2 → BeH+(X1Σ+) + H(2S) reaction.

Correction: Quantum and semiclassical studies of nonadiabatic electronic transitions between N(4S) and N(2D) by collisions with N2.

Correction for 'Quantum and semiclassical studies of nonadiabatic electronic transitions between N(4S) and N(2D) by collisions with N2' by Dandan Lu et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2023, 25, 15656-15665, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CP01429K.

High-accuracy DMBE potential energy surface for CNO(A''4) and the rate coefficients for the C + NO reaction in the A'2, A''2, and A''4 states.

An accurate potential energy surface (PES) for the lowest lying A''4 state of the CNO system is presented based on explicitly correlated multi-reference configuration interaction calculations with quadruple zeta basis set (MRCI-F12/cc-pVQZ-F12). The ab initio energies are fitted using the double many-body expansion method, thus incorporating long-range energy terms that can accurately describe the electrostatic and dispersion interactions with physically motivated decaying functions. Together with the previously fitted lowest A'2 and A''2 states using the same theoretical framework, this constitutes a new set of PESs that are suitable to predict rate coefficients for all atom-diatom reactions of the CNO system. We use this set of PESs to calculate thermal rate coefficients for the C(P3) + NO(Π2) reaction and compare the temperature dependence and product branching ratios with experimental results. The comparison between theory and experiment is shown to be improved over previous theoretical studies. We highlight the importance of the long-range interactions for low-temperature rate coefficients.

Quantum and semiclassical studies of nonadiabatic electronic transitions between N(4S) and N(2D) by collisions with N2.

The dynamics and kinetics of spin-forbidden transitions between N(2D) and N(4S) via collisions with N2 molecules are investigated using a quantum wave packet (WP) method and the semi-classical coherent switches with decay of mixing (CSDM) method. These electronic transition processes are competing with exchange reaction channels on both the doublet and quartet potential energy surfaces. The WP and CSDM quenching rate coefficients are found in reasonable agreement with each other, and both reproduce the previous theoretical results. For the excitation process, the agreement between the two approaches is dependent on the treatment of the zero-point energy (ZPE) in the product, because the high endoergicity of this process leads to severe violation of the vibrational ZPE. The Gaussian-binning (GB) method is found to improve the agreement with the quantum result. The excitation rate coefficients are found to be two orders of magnitude smaller than that of the adiabatic exchange reaction, underscoring the inefficient intersystem crossing due to the weak spin-orbit coupling between the two spin manifolds of the N3 system.

Dynamical calculations of O(3P) + OH(2Π) reaction on the CHIPR potential energy surface using the fully coupled time-dependent wave-packet approach in hyperspherical coordinates.

We have carried out quantum dynamics calculations for the O + OH → H + O2 reaction on the CHIPR [A. J. C. Varandas, J. Chem. Phys., 2013, 138, 134117] potential energy surface (PES) for ground state HO2 using the fully coupled 3D time-dependent wavepacket formalism [S. Adhikari and A. J. C. Varandas, Comput. Phys. Commun., 2013, 184, 270] in hyperspherical coordinates. Reaction probabilities for J > 0 are calculated for different initial rotational states of the OH radical (v = 0; j = 0, 1). State-to-state as well as total integral cross sections and rate-coefficients are evaluated and compared with previous theoretical calculations and available experimental studies. Using the rate constant for the forward (hereinafter considered to be H + O2 → O + OH) and backward (O + OH → H + O2) reactions of this reactive system, the equilibrium constant of the reversible process [H + O2 ⇌ O + OH] is calculated as a function of temperature and compared with previous experimental measurements.

Quantum and Classical Dynamics of the N(2D) + N2 Reaction on Its Ground Doublet State N3(12A″) Potential Energy Surface.

The initial state-selected dynamics of the N(2D) + N2(X1∑) → N2(X1∑) + N(2D) exchange reaction on its electronic ground doublet state N3(12A″) potential energy surface (PES) has been studied here by time-dependent quantum mechanics (TDQM) and quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) methods. Dynamical attributes such as total reaction probabilities, state-selected integral cross sections, and initial state-selected rate constants have been calculated. The presence of metastable quasi-bound complexes in the collision process is confirmed by substantial oscillatory structures in the reaction probability curves. Also, rotational excitations of reagent N2 on the reactivity have been examined by calculating the probabilities for the two-body rotational angular momentum up to j = 10. We conclude that the reagent rotational excitation increases the reactivity. The TDQM results are compared with QCT results.

Role of Augmented Basis Sets and Quest for ab Initio Performance/Cost Alternative to Kohn-Sham Density Functional Theory.

Following a previous work, we have assessed the feasibility of MP2/CBS(d, t) as an alternative to state-of-the-art density functionals. The effect of using augmented basis sets is here tested on the 76 barrier heights and 10 isomerization reactions previously utilized. Moreover, calculations for 20 sets of the GMTKN24 database for thermochemistry, kinetics, and noncovalent interactions have been performed. For the density functional theory calculations, M06-2X and B3LYP-D3 functionals are utilized as two representative functionals, while MP2 and CCSD(T) methods are employed as the ab initio counterparts. The results show that MP2 calculations perform similarly to the ones obtained with M06-2X insofar as accuracy and computational cost are concerned. For all methods, the use of augmented basis sets yields enhanced results for anionic systems when compared with the ones from non-augmented bases. Otherwise, the basis-set change effect is found to be minimal. It is therefore concluded that the use of large basis sets is unjustified when facing the increase in computational cost.

Fully coupled (J > 0) time-dependent wave-packet calculations using hyperspherical coordinates for the H + O2 reaction on the CHIPR potential energy surface.

Quantum dynamics of the H + O2→ O + OH reaction has been extensively studied on the adiabatic ground state of CHIPR [A. J. C. Varandas, J. Chem. Phys., 2013, 138, 134117] potential energy surfaces by employing a coupled 3D time-dependent wavepacket approach in hyperspherical coordinates. Calculations have been performed for all non-zero J values for various initial rotational states of the diatom [O2(v = 0, j = 1-5)]. State-to-state and total integral cross sections are calculated using fully converged reaction probabilities, where initial state selected and Boltzmann averaged thermal rate constants are also subsequently calculated. Moreover, a comparison of various reaction attributes obtained by using the fully close coupled approach with the ones obtained from the J-shifting approximation and extrapolation scheme is presented along with other theoretical results and experimental observations.

Straightening the Hierarchical Staircase for Basis Set Extrapolations: A Low-Cost Approach to High-Accuracy Computational Chemistry.

Because the one-electron basis set limit is difficult to reach in correlated post-Hartree-Fock ab initio calculations, the low-cost route of using methods that extrapolate to the estimated basis set limit attracts immediate interest. The situation is somewhat more satisfactory at the Hartree-Fock level because numerical calculation of the energy is often affordable at nearly converged basis set levels. Still, extrapolation schemes for the Hartree-Fock energy are addressed here, although the focus is on the more slowly convergent and computationally demanding correlation energy. Because they are frequently based on the gold-standard coupled-cluster theory with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)], correlated calculations are often affordable only with the smallest basis sets, and hence single-level extrapolations from one raw energy could attain maximum usefulness. This possibility is examined. Whenever possible, this review uses raw data from second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory, as well as CCSD, CCSD(T), and multireference configuration interaction methods. Inescapably, the emphasis is on work done by the author's research group. Certain issues in need of further research or review are pinpointed.

3D time-dependent wave-packet approach in hyperspherical coordinates for the H + O2 reaction on the CHIPR and DMBE IV potential energy surfaces.

We perform quantum dynamics calculations for the reaction H + O2 → O + OH on the ground-state potential energy surfaces CHIPR [Varandas, J. Chem. Phys., 2013, 138, 134117] and DMBE IV [Pastrana et al., J. Phys. Chem. 1990, 94, 8073] using a three-dimensional time-dependent wave packet formalism based on hyperspherical coordinates. Initial rovibrational state [O2(v = 0-4, j = 1-5)] dependent reaction probabilities are calculated for the case J = 0. The J-shifting scheme is employed to estimate initial state selected integral cross-sections as well as thermal rate coefficients, which is verified using a realistic extrapolation scheme. The calculated total and state-to-state rate coefficients are compared with the findings of recent experimental studies and previous theoretical calculations.

Assessing How Correlated Molecular Orbital Calculations Can Perform versus Kohn-Sham DFT: Barrier Heights/Isomerizations.

To assess the title issue, 38 hydrogen transfer barrier heights and 38 non-hydrogen transfer barrier heights/isomerizations extracted from extensive databases have been considered, in addition to 4 2 p-isomerization reactions and 6 others for large organic molecules. All Kohn-Sham DFT calculations have employed the popular M06-2X functional, whereas the correlated molecular orbital (MO)-based ones are from single-reference MP2 and CCSD(T) methods. They have all utilized the same basis sets, with raw MO energies subsequently extrapolated to the complete basis set limit without additional cost. MP2 calculations are found to be as cost-effective as DFT ones and often slightly more, while showing a satisfactory accuracy when compared with the reference data. Although the focus is on barrier heights, the results may bear broader implications, in that one may see successes and difficulties of DFT when compared with traditional MO theories for the same data.

Carbon Dioxide Capture and Release by Anions with Solvent-Dependent Behaviour: A Theoretical Study.

Recently, Clyburne and co-workers [Science, 2014, 344, 75-78] reported the novel synthesis of the elusive cyanoformate anion, NCCO2- . The stability of this anion is dependent on the dielectric constant of the local environment (polarity-switchable solvent): it is stable in low-polarity media and unstable in high-polarity solvents; hence, capturing and then releasing CO2 . The possibility of extending such behaviour to other anions is explored herein. Specifically, the CO2 capture process is studied for 26 anions in the gas phase and 3 distinct solvents (water, tetrahydrofuran, and toluene) by using the polarisable continuum model. Calculations are performed with the M06-2X and B3LYP-D3 density functionals and the aug-cc-pVTZ basis set. The design of new CO2 complexes with the anion, which can be formed or destroyed on demand by changing the solvent, is possible; the results for the alkoxylate and thiolate anions are especially promising. The nature of the substituents connected to the atom that bonds to CO2 in the anion is crucial in modulating the relative stability of the products-a key point for reversibility in the CO2 capture process. A moderate interaction for the anion-CO2 adduct-about 10 kcal mol-1 relative free energy with respect to the isolated reactants in the gas phase-and a relevant effect in the dielectric constant of the local environment are also key ingredients to achieve solvent dependency.

Role of (H2O)(n) (n = 2-3) Clusters on the HO2 + O3 Reaction: A Theoretical Study.

We report a theoretical investigation on the role of the water dimer and trimer in the reaction between the hydroperoxyl radical and ozone. This study is part of an ongoing series of research endeavors that intend to deliver a comprehensive understanding on the role of water on this reaction. Due to the complexity of the potential energy surface, and to be able to make comparisons with our previous works, our calculations have employed model chemistries based on the Kohn-Sham DFT formalism. It is found that the calculated reaction paths share a common scheme, not only in the context of this work, but also in consideration of our previous studies. Also, oxygen-abstraction barriers are always submerged, with the relative energy between the hydrogen- and oxygen-abstraction saddle-points increasing with the number of water molecules, which maintain an apparent spectator role. Finally, we report novel HO2···(H2O)3 and HO3···(H2O)n complexes originating from our reaction schemes.

Coupled 3D Time-Dependent Wave-Packet Approach in Hyperspherical Coordinates: The D(+)+H2 Reaction on the Triple-Sheeted DMBE Potential Energy Surface.

We implement a coupled three-dimensional (3D) time-dependent wave packet formalism for the 4D reactive scattering problem in hyperspherical coordinates on the accurate double many body expansion (DMBE) potential energy surface (PES) for the ground and first two singlet states (1(1)A', 2(1)A', and 3(1)A') to account for nonadiabatic processes in the D(+) + H2 reaction for both zero and nonzero values of the total angular momentum (J). As the long-range interactions in D(+) + H2 contribute significantly due to nonadiabatic effects, the convergence profiles of reaction probabilities for the reactive noncharge transfer (RNCT), nonreactive charge transfer (NRCT), and reactive charge transfer (RCT) processes are shown for different collisional energies with respect to the helicity (K) and total angular momentum (J) quantum numbers. The total and state-to-state cross sections are presented as a function of the collision energy for the initial rovibrational state v = 0, j = 0 of the diatom, and the calculated cross sections compared with other theoretical and experimental results.

Low-temperature D(+) + H2 reaction: a time-dependent coupled wave-packet study in hyperspherical coordinates.

A recently proposed coupled three-dimensional time-dependent wave-packet formalism in hyperspherical coordinates is shown to yield accurate results for the reactive non-charge transfer process in the title system at collision energies as low as 100 K, where the lowest sheet of the accurate double many body expansion form for the singlet H3 (+) is used. The results are compared with available experimental data as well as time-independent calculations, and the agreement shown to be generally good.

Quantum dynamics study on the CHIPR potential energy surface for the hydroperoxyl radical: the reactions O + OH⇋O2 + H.

Quantum scattering calculations of the O((3)P)+OH((2)Π)⇌O2((3)Σg (-))+H((2)S) reactions are presented using the combined-hyperbolic-inverse-power-representation potential energy surface [A. J. C. Varandas, J. Chem. Phys. 138, 134117 (2013)], which employs a realistic, ab initio-based, description of both the valence and long-range interactions. The calculations have been performed with the ABC time-independent quantum reactive scattering computer program based on hyperspherical coordinates. The reactivity of both arrangements has been investigated, with particular attention paid to the effects of vibrational excitation. By using the J-shifting approximation, rate constants are also reported for both the title reactions.

Carbon dioxide capture with the ozone-like polynitrogen molecule Li3N3.

In a very recent article (Chem.-Eur. J. 2014, 20, 6636), Olson et al. performed a theoretical study of the low-lying isomers of Li3N3 and found that two of the most stable structures show a novel N3(3-) molecular motif, which possesses structural and chemical bonding features similar to ozone. We explore a first application of these new Li3N3 species as a captor of carbon dioxide. Our results conclude that this is a very exothermic and exoergic process (the capture of one and two carbon dioxide molecules on Li3N3 releases, respectively, 42 and 70 kcal mol(-1) in relative free energy values evaluated at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ//B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory), which apparently occurs without any energy barrier but requires a nonlinear N3(3-) molecular motif.

Accurate double many-body expansion potential energy surface for the 2(1)A' state of N2O.

An accurate double many-body expansion potential energy surface is reported for the 2(1)A' state of N2O. The new double many-body expansion (DMBE) form has been fitted to a wealth of ab initio points that have been calculated at the multi-reference configuration interaction level using the full-valence-complete-active-space wave function as reference and the cc-pVQZ basis set, and subsequently corrected semiempirically via double many-body expansion-scaled external correlation method to extrapolate the calculated energies to the limit of a complete basis set and, most importantly, the limit of an infinite configuration interaction expansion. The topographical features of the novel potential energy surface are then examined in detail and compared with corresponding attributes of other potential functions available in the literature. Exploratory trajectories have also been run on this DMBE form with the quasiclassical trajectory method, with the thermal rate constant so determined at room temperature significantly enhancing agreement with experimental data.

Coupled 3D time-dependent wave-packet approach in hyperspherical coordinates: application to the adiabatic singlet-state(1(1)A') D(+) + H2 reaction.

We explore a coupled three-dimensional (3D) time-dependent wave packet formalism in hyperspherical coordinates for a 4D reactive scattering problem on the lowest adiabatic singlet surface (1(1)A') of the D(+) + H2 reaction. The coupling among the wavepackets arises through quantization of the rotation matrix, which represents the orientation of the three particles in space. The required transformation from Jacobi to hyperspherical coordinates and vice versa during initialization and projection of the wave packet on the asymptotic state(s), and the coupled equations of motion, are briefly discussed. With the long-range potential known to contribute significantly on the D(+) + H2 system, we demonstrate the workability of our approach, where the convergence profiles of the reaction probability for the reactive noncharge transfer (RNCT) process [D(+) + H2(v=0, j=0,1) → HD(v',j') + H(+)] are shown for three different collisional energies (1.7, 2.1, and 2.5 eV) with respect to the helicity (K) and total angular momentum (J) quantum numbers. The calculated reactive cross-section is presented as a function of the collision energy for two different initial states of the diatom (v = 0, j = 0, 1).

Quasiclassical trajectory study of the atmospheric reaction N((2)D) + NO(X (2)Π) → O((1)D) + N(2)(X (1)Σ(g)(+)).

Quasiclassical trajectories have been run for the title atmospheric reaction over the range of temperatures 5 ≤ T/K ≤ 3000 on a recently proposed single-sheeted double many-body expansion (DMBE) potential energy surface for ground-state N2O((1)A'). As typical in a capture-like reaction, the rate constant decreases with temperature for 50 ≤ T/K ≤ 800 K, while showing a small dependence at higher temperature regimes. At room temperature, it is predicted to have a value of (20.1 ± 0.2) × 10(-12) cm(3) s(-1). The calculated cross sections show a monotonic decay with temperature and translational energy. Good agreement with the experimental data has been observed, providing more realistic rate constants and hence support of enhanced accuracy for the DMBE potential energy surface with respect to other available forms.