A Bond-Energy/Bond-Order and Populations Relationship

A density-matrix adaptation of the Hückel method to weak covalent networks

The coupled-monomers model is built as an adaptation of the Hückel MO theory based on a self-consistent density-matrix formalism. The distinguishing feature of the model is its reliance on variable bond and Coulomb integrals that depend on the elements of the density matrix: the bond orders and partial charges, respectively. Here the model is used to describe electron reactivity in weak covalent networks Xn±, where X is a closed-shell monomer. Viewing the electron as the simplest chemical reagent, the model provides insight into charge sharing and localisation in chains of such identical monomers. Data-driven modelling improves the results by training the model to experimental or ab initio data. Among key outcomes is the prediction that the charge in Xn± clusters tends to localise on a few (2-3) monomers. This is confirmed by the properties of several known cluster families, including Hen+, Arn+, (glyoxal)n-, and (biacetyl)n-. Since this prediction is obtained in a purely coherent covalent regime without any thermal excitation, it implies that charge localisation does not require non-covalent perturbations (such as solvation), decoherence, or free-energy effects. Instead, charge localisation is an intrinsic feature of weak covalent networks arising from their geometry relaxation and is ultimately attributed to the correlation between covalent bond orders and equilibrium bond integrals.

Initial Decomposition of DATB Induced by an External Electric Field

1,3-Diamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (DATB), a nitro aromatic explosive with excellent properties, can be detonated by an electric field. Using first-principles calculation, we have investigated the initial decomposition of DATB under an electric field. In the realm of electric fields, the rotation of the nitro group around the benzene ring will cause deformation of the DATB structure. Furthermore, when an electric field is applied along the [100] or [001] direction, the C4-N10/C2-N8 bonds initiate decomposition due to electron excitation. On the contrary, the electric field along the [010] direction has a weak influence on DATB. These, together with electronic structures and infrared spectroscopy, give us a visual perspective of the energy transfer and the decomposition caused by C-N bond breaking.

Quantum Alchemy Based Bonding Trends and Their Link to Hammett's Equation and Pauling's Electronegativity Model

We present an intuitive and general analytical approximation estimating the energy of covalent single and double bonds between participating atoms in terms of their respective nuclear charges with just three parameters, [E_AB ≈ a - bZ_AZ_B + c(Z_A^7/3 + Z_B^7/3) ]. The functional form of our expression models an alchemical atomic energy decomposition between participating atoms A and B. After calibration, reasonably accurate bond dissociation energy estimates are obtained for hydrogen-saturated diatomics composed of p-block elements coming from the same row 2 ≤ n ≤ 4 in the periodic table. Corresponding changes in bond dissociation energies due to substitution of atom B by C can be obtained via simple formulas. While being of different functional form and origin, our model is as simple and accurate as Pauling's well-known electronegativity model. Analysis indicates that the model's response in covalent bonding to variation in nuclear charge is near-linear, which is consistent with Hammett's equation.