On the HCN – HNC Energy Difference
The value for the HCN → HNC 0 K isomerization energy has been investigated by combining state-of-the-art electronic structure methods with the Active Thermochemical Tables (ATcT) approach. The directly computed energy difference between HCN and HNC at the HEAT-456QP level of theory is 5236 ± 50 cm–1. This is substantially lower (by ~470 cm–1 or ~1.3 kcal/mol) than the recently proposed high-level multireference configuration interaction value of 5705 ± 20 cm–1 of Barber et al. (Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc.2014, 437, 1828–1835). The discrepancy was analyzed by the ATcT approach, using several distinct steps, which (a) independently corroborated the current single-reference HEAT-456QP result, (b) independently found that the recent multireference-based value is highly unlikely to be correct within its originally stated uncertainty, and (c) produced a recommended value of 5212 ± 30 cm–1 for the HCN → HNC isomerization energy at 0 K, based on all currently available knowledge. The ATcT standard enthalpies of formation at 0 and 298 K for HCN, HNC, and their cations and anions are also presented.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science - Office of Basic Energy Sciences - Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division; Robert A. Welch Foundation
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 1392005
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Physical Chemistry. A, Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, and General Theory, Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry. A, Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, and General Theory Journal Issue: 44 Vol. 119; ISSN 1089-5639
- Publisher:
- American Chemical Society
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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