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Theoretical investigation of Li and Be atom complexes with H/sub 2/O

Journal Article · · J. Chem. Phys.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5886699

The structures, energetics, and vibrational frequencies of the Li--OH/sub 2/ and Be--OH/sub 2/ complexes have been examined by ab initio molecular orbital methods including the effects of electron correlation by Moller--Plesset perturbation theory. Previous studies, at the Hartree--Fock level, indicated the existence of only a very weak van der Waals-type complex between Be and H/sub 2/O, while the Li--OH/sub 2/ complex was strongly bound (10--11 kcal/mol) at this level. In contrast, we find that, when correlation effects are included, the Be interaction with H/sub 2/O is quite similar to that of Li with H/sub 2/O. The Be--OH/sub 2/ complex is predicted to be nonplanar and significantly bound with a short Be--O distance of 1.736 A and a dissociation energy of 5.53 kcal/mol. The Li--OH/sub 2/ complex at the correlation energy level is nonplanar with a Li--O bond distance of 1.90 A and a dissociation energy of 13.77 kcal/mol. Calculated shifts in the vibrational frequencies of H/sub 2/O in Li--OH/sub 2/ at the correlated level are in good agreement with the experimental values, whereas Hartree--Fock level frequency shifts are in disagreement.

Research Organization:
Chemical Technology Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
5886699
Journal Information:
J. Chem. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 82:9; ISSN JCPSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English