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Title: Simplified continuum solvent model with a smooth cavity based on volumetric data

Journal Article · · Journal of Chemical Physics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4900838· OSTI ID:22415310
 [1];  [1]
  1. Freiburger Materialforschungszentrum, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, D-79104 Freiburg (Germany)

We present a continuum solvent model (CSM) with a smooth cavity for the application in grid-based electronic structure methods. The cavity is identified with the inherently smooth distribution function of a binary mixture at infinite dilution. We obtain a cavity model based on atomic van der Waals radii and one free parameter controlling the overall size. This single parameter is sufficient to adequately reproduce experimental partial molar volumes. The CSM based on this cavity is of similar accuracy in the prediction of aqueous solvation Gibbs energies of small neutral molecules and ions as other CSMs with a smooth cavity. We apply the model to systems in non-aqueous solution, i.e., spiropyran/merocyanin energetics, a proton transfer reaction in dimethyl sulfoxide, and the electrostatic screening of charged gold clusters in an ionic liquid.

OSTI ID:
22415310
Journal Information:
Journal of Chemical Physics, Vol. 141, Issue 17; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0021-9606
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English