Abstract
The question of electron localization in isolated molecules and mixed-valence vs. averaged-valence structure is examined both from purely electronic and from vibronic viewpoints. Generally, a four-site model, in which two sites encompass a localization region in the molecule, is useful; the variation of the distance between the two sites in each region provides the vibronic coupling to localize the electrons. In a simple Hückel picture, we derive a closed-form perturbation-theoretic criterion for the stability ot the localized (distorted) geometry; it is favored except for excessively polar structures. Adding the elastic energy of the framework increases the stability of the delocalized (averaged-valence or undistorted) geometry relative to the localized one. We present a diabatic coordinate curve-crossing analysis of the intramolecular electron-transfer problem, which permits straightforward classification of mixed-valent states and transfer processes. The vibronic picture leading to localization is quite similar to that employed in the pseudo-Jahn-Teller effect.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3265-3271 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of the American Chemical Society |
Volume | 103 |
Issue number | 12 |
Publication status | Published - 1981 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemistry(all)