Search

An unsupervised computational protocol is proposed with the aim of obtaining accurate structures of large molecules in the gas phase at the cost of standard density functional theory (DFT) computations. The whole workflow is fully automated and provides optimized equilibrium geometries and ground state rotational constants to be directly compared with experiments. The results for a panel of molecules of biological or medicinal interest show that the accuracy of the results delivered by the new tool at the cost of a single DFT geometry optimization is close to that delivered by state-of-the-art composite wavefunction methods for small semi-rigid molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stereoelectronic factors responsible for stereoselectivity in propene polymerization with several metallocene and post–metallocene transition metal catalysts have been revisited using a combined approach of DFT calculations, the Activation Strain Model, Natural Energy Decomposition Analysis and a molecular descriptor (%VBur). There are in most cases two different paths leading to the formation of stereoerrors (SE), and the classical model does not suffice to fully understand stereoregulation. Improving stereoselectivity requires raising the energies of both SE insertion transition states. Our analyses show that the degrees of deformation of the active site (catalyst+chain) and the prochiral monomer differ for these two paths, and between different catalyst classes. Based on such analyses we discuss: a) the subtle differences in SE formation between stereoselective catalysts with different ligand frameworks; b) the reason for exceptional stereoselectivity reported for a special ansa–metallocene catalyst; c) the (double) stereocontrol origin for isoselective catalysts; d) the electronic contribution for isoselective catalysts generating SE by a modification of the ligand wrapping mode during the polymerization. Although this study will not immediately suggest new catalyst structures, we believe that understanding stereoregulation in great detail will increase our chances of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interplay of high-resolution rotational spectroscopy and quantum-chemical computations plays an invaluable role in the investigation of biomolecule building blocks in the gas phase. However, quantum-chemical methods suffer from unfavorable scaling with the dimension of the system under consideration. While a complete characterization of flexible systems requires an elaborate multi-step strategy, in this work, we demonstrate that the accuracy obtained by quantum-chemical composite approaches in the prediction of rotational spectroscopy parameters can be approached by a model based on density functional theory. Glycine and serine are employed to demonstrate that, despite its limited cost, such a model is able to predict rotational constants with an accuracy of 0.3% or better, thus paving the way toward the accurate characterization of larger flexible building blocks of biomolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas-phase molecular spectroscopy is a natural playground for accurate quantum-chemical computations. However, the molecular bricks of life (e.g., DNA bases or amino acids) are challenging systems because of the unfavorable scaling of quantum-chemical models with the molecular size (active electrons) and/or the presence of large-amplitude internal motions. From the theoretical point of view, both aspects prevent the brute-force use of very accurate but very expensive state-of-the-art quantum-chemical methodologies. From the experimental point of view, both features lead to congested gas-phase spectra, whose assignment and interpretation are not at all straightforward. Based on these premises, this review focuses on the current status and perspectives of the fully a priori prediction of the spectral signatures of medium-sized molecules (containing up to two dozen atoms) in the gas phase with special reference to rotational and vibrational spectroscopies of some representative molecular bricks of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calculation of the energy gap between the magnetic states of organic poly-radicals still represents a challenging playground for quantum chemistry, and high-level techniques are required to obtain accurate estimates. On these grounds, the aim of the present study is twofold. From the one side, it shows that, thanks to recent algorithmic and technical improvements, we are able to compute reliable quantum mechanical results for the systems of current fundamental and technological interest. From the other side, proper parameterization of a simple Hubbard Hamiltonian allows for a sound rationalization of magnetic gaps in terms of basic physical effects, unraveling the role played by electron delocalization, Coulomb repulsion, and effective exchange in tuning the magnetic character of the ground state. As case studies, we have chosen three prototypical organic tri-radicals, namely, 1,3,5-trimethylenebenzene, 1,3,5-tridehydrobenzene, and 1,2,3-tridehydrobenzene, which differ either for geometric or electronic structure. After discussing the differences among the three species and their consequences on the magnetic properties in terms of the simple model mentioned above, accurate and reliable values for the energy gap between the lowest quartet and doublet states are computed by means of the so-called difference dedicated configuration interaction (DDCI) technique, and the final results are discussed and compared to both available experimental and computational estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an important and forgotten result of fundamental quantum mechanics obtained in 1930 by Enrico Persico, consisting of an eigenvalue equation for minimum uncertainty states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thanks to recent developments in hardware and software, quantum chemical methods are increasingly used for interpreting the complex mechanisms underlying polymerization reaction by homogeneous catalysis. Unfortunately, the dimensions of even the smallest realistic models are too large to permit the use of state‐of‐the‐art composite wave function methods. Under these circumstances, density functional theory still offers the best compromise between cost and accuracy. However, comprehensive benchmarks of different functionals are not yet available for this important research field. The main aim of the present paper is to fill this gap by performing an unbiased comparison of several density functionals and continuum solvent models for the stereo‐control in the propylene polymerization on prototypical catalysts inducing different reaction mechanisms. While it was not possible to define a unique computational protocol providing the best results in all the situations, the B3PW91 functional in conjunction with D3 empirical dispersions and the solvent model density solvent model performs remarkably well for three out of the four investigated catalysts. Under such circumstances, it is recommended to compare the results delivered by different models when approaching additional classes of catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxirane derivatives are the most used benchmarks for chiroptical spectroscopies in view of their small size and relative rigidity. The molecular structure, vibrational harmonic and anharmonic frequencies, and infrared intensities of the ground electronic states are analyzed in this paper. Equilibrium structure and harmonic force fields have been evaluated by means of high-level quantumchemical calculations at the coupled-cluster level including single and double excitations together with a perturbative treatment of triples (CCSD(T)). Extrapolation to the complete basis-set limit as well as core-correlation effects have also been taken into account. Anharmonic contributions have been computed at the CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ level for trans-2,3-dideuterooxirane. These data can serve as references to evaluate the accuracy of less expensive computational approaches rooted in the density functional theory (DFT). The latter have been used within hybrid CC/DFT approaches, which have been applied to simulate fully anharmonic infrared (IR) spectra. Finally, the best theoretical estimates of the equilibrium structures and vibrational wavenumbers are compared to the most accurate experimental data and show in all cases very good agreement, i.e., within 0.001 Å, 0.1 deg, 10 cm-1, and 0.5 km mol-1, for bond lengths, angles, wavenumbers, and IR intensities, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupled-cluster singles doubles model with perturbative treatment of triples (CCSD(T)) coupled with extrapolation to the complete basis-set limit and additive approaches represent the 'golden standard' for the structural and spectroscopic characterization of building blocks of biomolecules and nanosystems. However, when open-shell systems are considered, additional problems related to both specific computational difficulties and the need of obtaining spin-dependent properties appear. In this contribution, we present a comprehensive study of the molecular structure and spectroscopic (IR, Raman, EPR) properties of the phenyl radical with the aim of validating an accurate computational protocol able to deal with conjugated open-shell species. We succeeded in obtaining reliable and accurate results, thus confirming and, partly, extending the available experimental data. The main issue to be pointed out is the need of going beyond the CCSD(T) level by including a full treatment of triple excitations in order to fulfil the accuracy requirements. On the other hand, the reliability of density functional theory in properly treating open-shell systems has been further confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general formulation to compute anharmonic vibrational averages and transition properties at the second-order of perturbation theory is derived from the Rayleigh-Schrödinger development. This approach is intended to be applicable to any property expanded as a Taylor series up to the third order with respect to normal coordinates or their associated momenta. The equations are straightforward to implement and can be easily adapted to various properties, as illustrated for the case of electric and magnetic dipole moments. From those, infrared and vibrational circular dichroism spectra can be readily obtained. This fully automatic procedure has been applied to several chiral molecules of small-to-medium sizes and compared to the standard double harmonic approximation and to experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we investigate the molecular structure and hyperfine couplings of a series of σ radicals containing first- and second-row atoms (H2CN,H2CP,NH2,PH2) for which accurate gas-phase microwave results are available. The presence of α- and, especially, β-hydrogen atoms makes the evaluation of magnetic properties of these radicals particularly challenging. Geometrical parameters have been computed by the coupled-cluster ansatz in conjunction with hierarchical series of basis sets, thus accounting for extrapolation to the complete basis-set limit. Core correlation as well as higher excitations in the electronic-correlation treatment have also been taken into account. An analogous approach has been employed for evaluating hyperfine coupling constants with particular emphasis given to basis-set, correlation, and geometrical effects. The corresponding vibrational corrections, required for a meaningful comparison to experimental data, have also been investigated. The remarkable agreement with experiment confirms the reliability of the present computational approach, already validated for π radicals, thus establishing the way for setting up a benchmark database for magnetic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a scheme for the calculation of the spin-spin coupling term J in diradicals which is quantitatively accurate and computationally cheap. The method exploits the use of modified virtual orbitals and perturbation theory, incorporated in a multireference configuration interaction approach. The results obtained for model diradical species which exhibit ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic coupling are fully satisfactory and very promising for future applications of the method to larger molecular systems of technological interest in magnetic-based devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Configuration interaction calculations have been applied to the study of the magnetic coupling in bis-nitronyl nitroxide radicals with benzene bridges. Molecular orbitals obtained with different localization schemes have been considered in the generation of the CI space, with the aim of investigating the role played by the various fragments in the magnetic interaction. The aromatic bridge is found significant, while fragments outside the magnetic-bridge-magnetic moiety can be neglected. Using simplified model molecular species, an accurate analysis of the ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic coupling in the meta and para diradicals is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure, harmonic frequencies, and hyperfine couplings of F2NO have been computed by the coupled cluster ansatz using a hierarchical series of basis sets and, in some cases, extrapolation procedures to reach the complete basis set limit. Methods rooted into the density functional theory have been used to estimate anharmonic and environmental effects. The remarkable agreement with experimental hyperfine coupling constants and most of vibrational frequencies confirms the reliability of the computational approach and suggests that one of the observed frequencies probably refers to a different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Configuration interaction calculations have been applied to the study of the magnetic coupling in a series of bisnitronyl nitroxide diradicals. Molecular orbitals obtained with different localization schemes have been considered in the generation of the configuration interaction space, with the aim of investigating the role played by the various fragments in the magnetic interaction. Polyene spacers are found significant, while fragments outside the magnetic-bridge-magnetic moiety can be neglected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orientational order parameters and conformational behavior of five relatively large rodlike molecules, biphenyl, trans-stilbene, 1,3-diphenyl-butadiene, 1,3,5-diphenyl-hexatriene, and 1,3,5,7-diphenyl-octatetraene, dissolved in the thermotropic liquid crystal ZLI-1167, have been studied using an integrated approach combining 13C NMR measurements and quantum mechanical computations of carbon chemical shift tensors. Besides biphenyl, the phenyl moiety of all structures has been found to have a high rotational mobility in the temperature range of the present experiments. The rank-two order parameter in the nematic phase is found to increase steadily from the shortest to the longest term of the series at any temperature within the nematic range. The molecular biaxiality order parameter is found to be small and essentially constant with temperature, giving further support to the common assumption of effective uniaxiality for these probes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective state specific (SS) model for the inclusion of solvent effects in time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) computations of excited electronic states has been developed and coded in the framework of the so-called polarizable continuum model (PCM). Different relaxation time regimes can be treated thus giving access to a number of different spectroscopic properties together with solvent relaxation energies of paramount relevance in electron transfer processes. SS and conventional linear response (LR) models have been compared for two benchmark systems (coumarin 153 and formaldehyde in different solvents) and in the limiting simple case of a dipolar solute embedded in a spherical cavity. The results point out the complementarity of LR and SS approaches and the advantages of the latter model especially for polar solvents. The favorable scaling properties of PCM-TD-DFT models in both SS and LR variants and their availability in effective quantum mechanical codes pave the route for the computation of reliable spectroscopic properties of large molecules of technological and/or biological interest in their natural environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anharmonicity corrections to the harmonic vibrational spectra of CHFClBr and its deuterated isotopomer were computed by means of variational and perturbational approaches. A comparison of both methods is provided. Based on CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ electronic structure calculations excellent agreement with experimental data was obtained. Absolute mean deviations are in the range of about 4 cm-1 for the fundamental modes, while slightly larger values of about 7 cm-1 were found for the first vibrational overtones. In addition, vibrationally averaged structural parameters are provided for both molecules. The calculations will serve as a future starting point for parity-violation effects in vibrational transitions in these chiral molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general perturbative procedure for the computation of harmonic and anharmonic contributions to parity-violating vibrational shifts is introduced and applied to PHBrF and AsHBrF. The results point out the importance of both diagonal and off-diagonal anharmonic contributions and indicate that some parity-violating shift of AsHBrF approaches the resolution forecasted for next generation experiments. The proposed approach is sufficiently general and computationally effective to allow studies of similar and larger molecular systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the structural, magnetic, and vibrational properties of H2CN computed using a second-order perturbative approach in which equilibrium values and harmonic frequencies evaluated at the coupled-cluster level are combined with anharmonic and vibrational averaging contributions obtained by hybrid Hartree–Fock/Kohn–Sham methods. Our computations lead to remarkably accurate results and suggest some revision of the experimental vibrational assignments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the implementation of a fully automated code for the building of anharmonic force constants and their use in a second-order perturbative evaluation of vibrorotational parameters. Next, a number of test applications are discussed, which show the strengths and limits of various computational levels. © 2005 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-principles [density-functional theory (DPT)] molecular-dynamic simulations of the Berry pseudorotation mechanism in SF4 were performed using the atom-centered density-matrix propagation method. The reaction was monitored by following the chemical shieldings of the fluorine atoms, computed on snapshots along the trajectories. In particular we compared the results obtained using a standard functional based on the generalized gradient approximation with those issuing from its hybrid Hartree-Fock-DFT counterpart using a number of basis sets. Our results show that both the basis set and the functional choice rule the quality of the molecular properties monitored as well as the trajectory over the potential-energy surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares harmonic and anharmonic zero-point energies and thermodynamic functions for a number of molecules of small and medium size. Anharmonic corrections cannot be neglected for quantitative studies, but can be obtained quite effectively by a perturbative treatment including cubic force constants to the second order and semidiagonal quartic constants to the first order. Simple finite difference equations provide all the necessary terms by at most 6N-11 Hessian evaluations, where N is the number of atoms in the system. Accurate values are obtained by this method using the Becke three parameter Lee–Yang–Parr functional, medium size basis sets, and, when needed, proper treatment of internal rotations. The whole model has been completely automated in the Gaussian package. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main features of the ultraviolet spectrum of acrolein have been studied by a multireference perturbative treatment and by a time dependent density functional approach. The valence and Rydberg transition energies have been calculated and the assignment of the experimental bands has been clarified. The different relaxation trends of the three lowest singlet and triplet excited states have been analyzed by unconstrained geometry optimizations. This has allowed, in particular, the characterization of a twisted [sup 3](ππ[sup *]) state, which is crucial for the interesting photophysics and photochemistry of the acrolein molecule and, more generally, of the α,β-enones. Solvatochromic shifts in aqueous solution have been investigated using a combined discrete/continuum approach based on the so called polarizable continuum model. The experimental trends are well reproduced by this approach and a closer degeneracy in the triplet manifold has been detected in solution with respect to gas phase. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we propose a modification of the exchange functional introduced by Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof, which significantly enlarges the original field of applications. This modification is obtained by a series expansion of the functional, which introduces one additional parameter, but retains all the asymptotic and scaling properties of the original model. The results obtained for structural, thermodynamic, kinetic, and spectroscopic properties are satisfactory and not far from those delivered by the most reliable functionals including heavy parametrization. The way in which the functional is derived and the lack of empirical parameters fitted to specific properties makes the new exchange functional widely applicable, for both quantum chemistry and for condensed-matter physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the extension of the polarizable continuum solvation model to multi-configurational complete active space as implemented in the Gaussian programs. Allowance of energy and gradient computations in a unified approach for closed and open shell systems; Energy calculations and geometry optimizations in solution.

Presents an analysis of the performances of a parameter free density functional model (PBE0) obtained combining the PBE generalized gradient functional with a predefined amount of exact change. Results obtained for structural, thermodynamic, kinetic and spectroscopic properties; Kohn-Sham approach to density function (DF) theory; Systems containing heavier atoms.

Presents an algorithm for the analytical evaluation of free energy second derivatives by polarizable continuum models. Application of the algorithm to Hartree-Fock levels and density functional calculations; Derivation of the implemented algorithm; Efficiency of the analytical procedure.

Examines exchange functionals with improved long-range behavior and adiabatic connection methods without adjustable parameters. Gradient regions in van der Waals interactions; Details on the Perdew and Wang model of exchange functional modification; Role of exact and density functional exchange in adiabatic connection.

Presents a set of rules for determining the atomic radii of spheres used to build molecular cavities in continuum solvation models. Computation of hydration free energy for various molecules, allowing the study of relatively large systems; Optimized radii's reduction of the mean error with respect to experimental solvation energies.

Computes the kinetic and thermodynamic properties for the Diels-Alder reactions of butadiene with ethylene, formaldehyde and thioformaldehyde. Quantum chemical principles included in the properties; Presence of heteroatoms; Extension of basis sets and inclusion of most of the dynamical correlation.

Intramolecular proton transfer in the ground and the lowest two excited electronic states of malonaldehyde has been investigated by using density functional and post-Hartree-Fock methods. Our best estimates of the energy barriers governing proton transfer in the ground and lowest triplet state are quite low (4.3 and 6.6 kcal/mol, respectively), whereas a significantly higher barrier (12.0 kcal/mol) is obtained for the second triplet state. The coupled cluster approach provides reliable results already with relatively compact basis sets, its only drawback being the very unfavorable scaling with the number of active electrons. Among the cheaper methods, those based on the many-body perturbative approach provide good results for the ground electronic state, but their performances strongly deteriorate for excited states. The overestimation of correlation energy by conventional density functional methods produces an excessive degree of conjugation in the backbone of malonaldehyde with the consequent underestimation of energy barriers governing proton transfer. A more coherent picture is offered by a hybrid density functional/Hartree-Fock approach, which couples good structural predictions with a reduced, although still not negligible, underestimation of energy barriers. Furthermore, different electronic states are described with comparable accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative post-Hartree–Fock study has been performed on cyclopropyl and oxiranyl radicals in order to ascertain the role of the oxygen atom in modifying the hyperfine structure and height of the barrier governing inversion at the radical center. The structural parameters and harmonic force fields obtained for the parent molecules using second-order many-body perturbation theory with a large basis set are in good agreement with experiment. The same approach points out significant distortions upon breaking of a CH bond and a larger pyramidality for the radical center in oxiranyl with respect to cyclopropyl. Also inversion barriers of both radicals are in remarkable agreement with experimental estimates. Isotropic hyperfine parameters in good agreement with those obtained from electron spin resonance spectra can be computed only when using purposely tailored basis sets in the framework of a coupled cluster approach and taking into account vibrational averaging effects induced by the inversion motion. Interpretation of the results in terms of direct and spin polarization effects points out a number of general trends for germinal and vicinal atoms. Furthermore, it is well evidenced that replacement of a methylenic group by an oxygen atom modifies the hyperfine parameters through geometric rather than direct electronic effects. © 1996 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive post-Hartree–Fock calculations are reported for the geometrical structures and hyperfine parameters of cyclopropyl and bicyclobutyl radicals. Computations for the parent molecules, whose structures are experimentally well characterized, show that reliable geometrical parameters are obtained, especially for bicyclobutane, only when using sufficiently flexible basis sets including f functions on carbon. Isotropic hyperfine splittings obtained by purposely tailored basis sets, proper treatment of correlation, and inclusion of vibrational averaging effects are in remarkable agreement with experiment. Our results suggest a revision of the accepted assignment for bicyclobtyl radical and suggest that long-range couplings are not governed by the well-known W rule but rather by a syn rule. © 1996 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive density functional calculations are reported for the geometrical structures, thermochemistry, infrared, and hyperfine parameters of representative carbon-centered π radicals. Local functionals can be considered sufficient for geometrical and vibrational parameters, but seriously fail in the computation of thermochemical data and of spin-dependent properties. Gradient corrections (especially Becke exchange and Lee–Yang–Parr correlation functionals) sensibly improve matters. Inclusion of some Hartree–Fock exchange in a fully self-consistent density functional implementation delivers a further significant improvement, approaching the accuracy of the most refined post Hartree–Fock computations. Purposely tailored basis sets are also introduced which are small enough to be used in molecular computations, but still give high quality geometries and hyperfine coupling constants. © 1995 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density functional calculations with large basis sets have been performed for nine conformers of neutral glycine. The results obtained by standard, even gradient corrected functionals are significantly different from the best post-Hartree–Fock computations and the available experimental data. Inclusion of some Hartree–Fock exchange significantly improves matters, thus providing a promising protocol for the study of noncovalent interactions in biomolecules. © 1995 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential energy surface for the ground electronic state of the HO2 system has been characterized using extended basis sets with a recently introduced density functional incorporating gradient corrections and some Hartree–Fock exchange. All the structural, thermodynamic and spectroscopic properties of the hydroperoxide radical and of its molecular fragments (OH, O2) are in close agreement with experiment. The saddle points for HO2 isomerization and OO–H dissociation, together with the hydrogen bonded OH–O structure, have been fully characterized. Refined post Hartree–Fock computations have been performed to further validate density functional results. The two series of quantum mechanical computations are in good agreement and suggest some refinement of the most recent semiempirical surfaces developed for dynamical studies. This task can be made easier by the force fields of all the stationary points computed in the present work. These findings together with the very favorable scaling of the computations with the number of electrons suggest that the density functional approach is a promising theoretical tool for the study of reactions involving large, chemically significant species. © 1994 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isotropic and anisotropic hyperfine coupling constants of second row atoms have been studied using extended basis sets with a number of different density functionals. Local functionals give even the wrong sign for some atoms, and the same occurs when the Perdew’s correlation functional is coupled to the Becke exchange one. Much better results are obtained using the Lee–Yang–Parr correlation functional. Introduction of some Hartree–Fock exchange in the functional delivers a further significant improvement, approaching the accuracy of the most refined post-Hartree–Fock computations. Purposely tailored basis sets are also introduced which are small enough to be used in molecular computations, but still give high quality geometries and hyperfine coupling constants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All the stationary points on the S0 surface of H2CS and their quadratic force fields have been determined by correlated methods using large multiply polarized basis sets. Complete quartic force fields of all stationary points and reaction paths connecting each pair of minima through a first-order saddle point have been obtained at the MP2 level using smaller polarized basis sets. These data allow the computation of reliable isomerization and fragmentation rates by semiclassical expressions which take into account tunneling as well as curvature and mode–mode couplings. Further insight into the characteristics of the different reaction channels has been gained from the parameters of the so-called reaction path Hamiltonian (RPH) both in adiabatic and diabatic representations. The bookkeeping and processing of the large body of data involved in this study has been possible through the development of a package which is able to perform anharmonic and reaction path computations. The results are discussed with special reference to the H2CO system and to the interplay of potential, kinetic, and statistic effects in determining reaction mechanisms and rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general quantum-mechanical protocol for the study of nonrigid free radicals has been applied to the series CH3, CH2F, CHF2, and CF3. Electronic structures have been computed by highly correlated ab initio methods and vibrational modulation effects have been studied by a nonrigid invertor Hamiltonian. The effect of small amplitude vibrations perpendicular to the inversion motion has been taken into account by an adiabatic model. The results are in close agreement with experiment, and can be interpreted quite straightforwardly in terms of the interplay between the potential energy and the property hypersurfaces. This allows a more dynamically based analysis of hyperfine coupling constants extensible to large, nonrigid radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unraveling the entropy role in olefin polymerization catalysis. [Display omitted] • Modelling of unimolecular versus bimolecular competing reactions: the main problems. • Benchmarking to validate the main approaches to entropy calculation. • DFT reactions mechanisms compared with experimental results. • A general and powerful computational tool for the "catalyst design" to control and predict the molecular mass of the resulting polymers. Olefin polymerization catalyzed by Group 4 transition metals is studied here as test case to reveal the entropy effects when bimolecular and unimolecular reactions are computed for processes occurring in solution. Catalytic systems characterized by different ligand frameworks, metal, and growing polymeric chain for which experimental data are available have been selected in order to validate the main approaches to entropy calculation. Applying the "standard" protocol results in a strong disagreement with the experimental results and the methods introducing a direct correction of the translational entropy term based on a single experimental parameter emerge as the most reliable. The general and powerful computational tool achieved in this study can represent a further step towards the "catalyst design" to control and predict the molecular mass of the resulting polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction and interpretation of structural properties are the starting points for a deep understanding of thermochemistry, kinetics, and spectroscopic signatures of molecular systems. To give an example, detailed knowledge of the conformational behavior of the main building blocks of biomolecules in the gas phase (i.e., without the perturbing effect of the environment) is a mandatory prerequisite toward the understanding of the role played by different interactions in determining the biological activity in terms of structure-activity relationships. The first step to take is an unambiguous definition of molecular structure. We address the so-called Born-Oppenheimer equilibrium structure, which is defined in a rigorous manner and isotopically independent, and the target accuracy. For the latter, we aim at so-called "spectroscopic" accuracy, which implies uncertainties of a few milliangstroms for bond lengths and smaller than a tenth of degree for angles. If on one side the continuous enhancements of the experimental techniques give access to new and unprecedented spectroscopic determinations, on the other side they require increasing efforts for an unbiased interpretation and analysis. Among the pieces of information, accurate molecular structures play a particularly important role. Indeed, there is a strong relationship between the experimental outcome and the electronic structure of the system. Spectroscopic techniques, in particular those exploited in the gas phase, are therefore accurate and reliable sources for structural information. However, it is seldom straightforward to derive molecular structures directly from the experimental information. Indeed, even in the favorable case of investigations in the gas phase, vibrational effects are always present, and disentangling their contributions requires collection of information for all vibrational modes, a nearly impossible task. To overcome these limitations, joint theory-spectroscopy strategies can be identified, which are referred to as "top-down" and "bottom-up". The first approach, denoted as the semiexperimental approach, relies on extracting from experimental outcomes the equilibrium structure by using quantum-chemical computations to recover vibrational effects. The bottom-up approach consists in verifying the computed equilibrium geometry by means of a comparison between calculated and experimental spectroscopic parameters that probe structural characteristics. In this contribution, we try to review the most important challenges in accurate molecular structure determinations, with particular emphasis on the "solution" provided by a joint theoretical-experimental approach and on the current state of the art. Starting from the illustration of different strategies, we proceed by addressing the increasing complexity in the derivation of equilibrium geometries: we start from the construction of a database of accurate structures, we then face the problem of extending the dimension of the systems amenable to accurate structural determinations, and finally we move to the challenge of understanding the nature of intermolecular interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of collective transport is strongly influenced by the quality of offered service. One of the overriding factors that affect the modal shift process is the quality of transport systems. To increase the attractiveness of collective transport services and therefore reduce the use of cars, authorities in collaboration with transport companies should take steps to ensure a high level of service quality in the public transport system. The provided quality is the level of quality achieved on daily basis and measured by the customer/user point of view. This research aims to relate service quality perceived by the user to measurements of two environmental indicators, that is, vibration, in reference to which the acceleration transmitted to the body by the vehicle motion and by its vibration will be measured, and noise, in reference to which the Equivalent Sound Pressure Level--Leq (A)--will be measured. Finally, a Comfort Index (CI) (rail) is specified, calibrated, and validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows the results of a study conducted on five different categories of vehicles in a specific test site. The aim was to investigate how the effect of the test site discontinuity determines variations of comfort related to the increase in speed and to the five selected road vehicles of different classes. Measurements were obtained by combining data relating to vibrations in the three reference axes, detected through a vibration dosimeter (VIB-008), and geolocation data (latitude, longitude, and speed) identified by the GPS inside a smartphone. This procedure, through the synchronization between dosimeter and GPS location, has been helpful in postprocessing to eliminate any measurement anomalies generated by the operator. After the survey campaign it was determined that a formulation allows defining a Comfort Index (CI) depending on velocity and five vehicles of different classes. This study showed that the presence of speed bumps, in the test site investigated, appears to be uncomfortable even at speeds well below those required by the Highway Code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared spectroscopy is a widely used technique to characterize protein structures and protein mediated processes. While the amide I band provides information on proteins' secondary structure, amino acid side chains are used as infrared probes for the investigation of protein reactions and local properties. In this paper, we use a hybrid quantum mechanical/classical molecular dynamical approach based on the perturbed matrix method to compute the infrared band due to the C=O stretching mode of amide-containing side chains. We calculate, at first, the infrared band of zwitterionic glutamine in water and obtain results in very good agreement with the experimental data. Then, we compute the signal arising from glutamine side chains in a microcrystal of the yeast prion Sup35-derived peptide, GNNQQNY, with a fibrillar structure. The infrared bands obtained by selective isotopic labeling of the two glutamine residues, Q4 and Q5, of each peptide were experimentally used to investigate the local hydration in the fibrillar microcrystal. The experimental spectra of the two glutamine residues, which experience different hydration environments, feature different spectral signals that are well reproduced by the corresponding calculated spectra. In addition, the analysis of the simulated spectra clarifies the molecular origin of the experimentally observed spectroscopic differences that arise from the different local electric field experienced by the two glutamine residues, which is, in turn, determined by a different hydrogen bonding pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cost-effective, robust and reliable computational strategy is applied to simulate peak positions and band shapes of UV–Vis spectra together with the dye colours perceived by human eyes. The features of our virtual multifrequency spectrometer (VMS) relevant to this topic are sketched with special focus on the selection of density functional, vibronic model and solvent description. Furthermore, the new VMS-draw graphical user interface is employed for user-friendly pre- and post-processing of the computed data. The family of indigo dyes is used as case study in view of their continued use in the field of cultural heritage, together with new promising applications for photonics and sustainable energy. After assessment of different simplified models employed in previous studies, the role of several substituents and of dimerization in tuning the colour and spectral features are analysed in detail by means of both accurate computations and interpretative models. The results are in remarkable agreement with experiment and allow to rationalize the behaviour of this class of dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conspectus: For many years, scientists suspected that the interstellar medium was too hostile for organic species and that only a few simple molecules could be formed under such extreme conditions. However, the detection of approximately 180 molecules in interstellar or circumstellar environments in recent decades has changed this view dramatically. A rich chemistry has emerged, and relatively complex molecules such as C60 and C70 are formed. Recently, researchers have also detected complex organic and potentially prebiotic molecules, such as amino acids, in meteorites and in other space environments. Those discoveries have further stimulated the debate on the origin of the building blocks of life in the universe. Many efforts continue to focus on the physical, chemical, and astrophysical processes by which prebiotic molecules can be formed in the interstellar dust and dispersed to Earth or to other planets. Spectroscopic techniques, which are widely used to infer information about molecular structure and dynamics, play a crucial role in the investigation of planetary atmosphere and the interstellar medium. Increasingly these astrochemical investigations are assisted by quantum-mechanical calculations of structures as well as spectroscopic and thermodynamic properties, such as transition frequencies and reaction enthalpies, to guide and support observations, line assignments, and data analysis in these new and chemically complicated situations. However, it has proved challenging to extend accurate quantum-chemical computational approaches to larger systems because of the unfavorable scaling with the number of degrees of freedom (both electronic and nuclear). In this Account, we show that it is now possible to compute physicochemical properties of building blocks of biomolecules with an accuracy rivaling that of the most sophisticated experimental techniques, and we summarize specific contributions from our groups. As a test case, we present the underlying computational machinery through the investigation of oxirane. We describe how we determine the molecular structure and then how we characterize the rotational and IR spectra, the most important issues for a correct theoretical description and a proper comparison with experiment. Next, we analyze the spectroscopic properties of representative building blocks of DNA bases (uracil and pyrimidine) and of proteins (glycine and glycine dipeptide analogue). Solvation, surface chemistry (dust fraction, adsorption, desorption), and inter- and intramolecular interactions, such as self-organization and self-interaction, are important molecular processes for understanding astrochemistry. Using the specific cases of uracil dimers and glycine adsorbed on silicon grains, we also illustrate approaches in which we treat different regions, interactions, or effects at different levels of sophistication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Computational spectroscopy has recently evolved from a field reserved for specialists toward a general tool allowing interpretations and analyses of experimental results. However, the current practice of providing tables of transitions for rigid geometries, possibly tuned by phenomenological broadening, is by far too naive. In order to improve this situation in the last few years we have been developing a general, robust, and user-friendly virtual spectrometer (VS) able to complement experimental studies for complex systems in condensed phases. The VS is based on flexible graphical pre- and postprocessing tools interfaced with general number-crunching software. This last tool is rooted in several electronic structure methodologies (DFT, TD-DFT, post-Hartree-Fock), powerful discrete/continuum models for describing environmental effects, and general vibrational and vibronic models. These last topics are the main focus of this work, which sketches our latest developments related to effective inclusion of anharmonic contributions, together with time-independent and/or time-dependent descriptions of vibronic transitions including Franck-Condon, Herzberg-Teller, and Duschinsky effects. Some test cases are described in some detail with the aim of showing the role of different effects in ruling vibrational (VCD) and electronic (ECD, CPL) chiral spectroscopies. Chirality 26:228-240, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]